Highlights
Leh is the administrative capital of Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It
is a wonderful town built on a hillside amid rocky hills. It is a part of the greater desert but
still is full of orchards, groves, gardens, poplars, willows, apples, apricots and large melons.
Monasteries are abundant. The place is historically very rich and significant, as it was once
the commercial nerve centre of Central Asia. The palaces, monasteries, other areas are very much
interesting.
Tourism in Leh began late in 1974, but became instantly a popular tourist destination, as
largenumber of tourists visits this part of the world for its beautiful landscape, culture,
tradition, history and environment. The region is also a powerful station for adventure tourism
like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing and river rafting. Leh-Ladakh is a part of the
international tourist map and it attracts a large number of local as well as foreign tourists
annually.
The greatest charm of town is its palace, which although ruined now, still
dominates the place. This Royal palace known as Leh-Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal. It
consists of nine storeys; the royal family lived in the upper floors. The palace is now empty
and crumbling as the royal family moved to Stok Palace some 10 miles away. However the crumbling
palace holds its charm and still attracts and pleases a great number of visitors. This majestic
palace when built was envied by the neighbouring countries.
Itinerary
On Arrival you will be transferred to the House boat, evening 30 minsShikara ride on the lake. Overnight stay at the houseboat,Today enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Srinagar.
Sonamarg - the Meadow of Gold Depart from Srinagar as per road opening timings. The drive to Sonamarg is another spectacular facet of country side in Kashmir in Sindh Valley. The Sindhu Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir. Drive to Kargil the road passes through the panoramic village reach Sonamarg (2740 Mtrs). After Sonamarg most rough road and wet Zojila pass 3527 Mtrs (Gateway of Ladakh). Continue drive towards Drass (The second coldest inhibited place in the world). Another two and half hours drive will take us to Kargil (2710 Mtrs) which has got its importance after opening the Ladakh for tourists in 1974. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Depart from Kargilafter early Breakfast, en-route visiting the monastery of Mulbekh, Lamayuru&Moonlandscape passing through Namkila&Fatula Passes, The highest pass on the Srinagar- Leh road and proceed for Sightseeing of 1000 year old Alchi monastery the only Gompa in Ladakh region on flat ground. Thereafter proceed to the Indus &Zanskar river Sangam, drive along the Indus river visiting, Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and Magnetic Hill (where the cars defy gravity), and further on to Leh Hall of Fame (which has a museum of the Kargil War memorabilia) Overnight stay at the Hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45km west of Leh; Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back taking the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill-lock with formidable views of the Indus valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and is also known for its (Dukhang) assembly hall which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books, stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that we continue to drive through series of Buddhist stupa (chortens) to visit Shey Palace the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. 3 Idiots School Campus SindhuDarshan visit. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Drive 120 Kms 4/5hrs After early breakfast drive to Nubra valley via Khardongla Pass (18,380ft) the world’s highest motorable road and gateway to Siachen Glacier, the views from the top of the pass are amazing. Visit Deskit Monastery (118kms) founded by Lama SherabZangpo in 1420 A.D. Check inn at camp or hotel and after that we will visit Hundar village (7kms from Deskit) and Double-Humped Bactrian Camel Safari in sand dunes at Hundar.Dinner and overnight at Hotel/Camp in Nubra.
After breakfast at hotel we drive to next destination pangong lake via Shyok and onto Tang Tse and Spangmik ( Pangong). It’s a short cut and it's a beautiful route. The road follows the Shyok river, and climbs up a mountain before finally descending into Shayok village. It took us less than an hour to reach Shayok, and we were delighted at the sight of the rather big village surrounded by barren mountains, the entire setting being very picturesque. Afternoon we reach at Pangong Lake and enjoy your day at Pangong Lake. Overnight stay at camp.
After breakfast drive to Leh. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Leh.
On time departure transfer to Leh airport.