Ladakh Tour - India

Tour Duration: 08 Nights/ 09Days

Tour Destination: Delhi – Leh - Nubra Valley -Pangong Lake

Ladakh Tour covers some of the best destinations of Ladakh region in North India. Ladakh is a high-altitude desert is nestled in the transitional zone between Indian Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. It has an amazing blend of dramatic geography, pristine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the "Land of High Passes", the landscape here boasts of vast mountain ranges, deep valleys, and barren plateaus. The region’s striking natural beauty is further enriched by a vibrant Buddhist culture that adds depth to its untamed appeal. Because of the similarities in landscape and culture it is often referred as the

The Leh Valley, the heart of Ladakh, is dotted with ancient monasteries like the iconic Thiksey Monastery, known for its grandeur and serenity. The historic Leh Palace offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley, while the bustling Leh Market provides a glimpse into the region’s cultural vibrancy.

The Lower Indus Valley boasts architectural marvels like Alchi Monastery, renowned for its exquisite frescoes, and the impressive Basgo Fort. This area is rich in history and artistry, making it a cultural treasure trove. Places like confluence of Zankar and Indus Rivers and Magnetic Hills add to scenic landscapes of the region.

In the Nubra Valley, one can see the lush landscapes in contrast with the arid surroundings. A visit to the sand dunes at Hunder, see the Bactrian camel, and explore the revered Diskit Monastery, home to a towering Maitreya Buddha statue adds to the experience.

Also, explore the Changthang Plateau and get mesmerized by Pangong Lake. Shimmering blue waters, changing hues with sunlight and surreal surroundings make it an unmissable highlight of Ladakh.

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi

Day 02 – Fly to Leh with rest of the day free for acclimatization

Day 03 – Sightseeing tour of Leh town visiting Leh Palace and museum, Shanti Stupa. Also, explore vibrant Leh market.

Day 04 - Full day monastery tour visiting important monasteries around Leh (i.e. Hemis, Thiksey, Shey monasteries). Also visit picturesque Stok village.

Day 05 – Full day excursion to lower Indus Valley visiting Alchi monastery, Likir Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (a Sikh shrine). Also, stop at confluence of India and Zankar river at Nimu and Magnetic Hill en route.

Day 06 – Morning drive along on of the highest motorable roads in the world to Nubra Valley (125 Km), stopping by en route at Khardung-la (17,852 ft.) one of the highland passes in the world. Afternoon explore sand dunes at Hunder, visit 14th century Diskit Monastery which boasts of a 32 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha).

Day 07 – Morning drive to Pangong Lake (192 Km), one of the most scenic locales of Ladakh.

Day 08 – Morning (before breakfast), explore the scenic surroundings of the lake. Later in the morning drive to Leh (160 Km) stopping by en route at Chang-la pass (17688 Ft.) another high altitude passes in world.

Day 09 – Fly to Delhi and connect international flight

Day 01 – Arrival Delhi
Met by our representative upon arrival at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 – Delhi to Leh
Early morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Leh.

Arrive Leh – meet and transfer to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure for acclimatization.
Located at an altitude of 11500ft, Leh the capital of Ladakh is a fascinating place and lifeline of the region. An oasis in the middle of the mountain desert, the saddle of Buddhist culture, it used to be an important trade center of the Silk Route. Towering mountains reaching the sky dotted with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, rhythmic chants of the monks, sounds of drums and symbols coming from these monasteries and smiling faces are how one can describe Leh in a few words.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 – Leh
Morning at leisure and free for acclimatization.

Afternoon proceed on a tour of Leh town visiting Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Market.

Leh Palace – This 17th-century nine-story palace overlooking Leh town is an excellent example of medieval Tibetan architecture. Built with stone, wood, and mud bricks, blending harmoniously with the rugged Himalayan terrain, it served as the royal palace of the Namgyal dynasty till the mid-19th century. A part of the palace today has been turned into a museum showcasing Ladakh’s rich history and culture in the form of artifacts, royal jewelry, and thangkas over 450 years old.

Shanti Stupa – Located atop a hill in Chanspa village, this stupa was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, it symbolizes world peace and commemorates 2,500 years of Buddhism. The architecture of this stupa features a two-level structure with a dome housing Buddha relics and intricate carvings depicting Buddha’s life. The site offers a bird-eye view of Leh town.

Leh Market – A bustling market place showcases Ladakh's vibrant culture and heritage. A lively atmosphere here is marked by shops selling traditional Ladakhi handicrafts, pashmina shawls, prayer flags, and Tibetan jewelry etc. The Leh market is not just a shopping hub but also a cultural experience reflecting Ladakh’s unique charm and traditions.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 – Leh
Morning, proceed on a full-day tour visiting some of the important monasteries around Leh. Visit Hemis, Thiksey, Shey Place, and Stok Village. Lunch will be at a local home at Stok.

Hemis Gompa – Located 45 km southeast of Leh town, Hemis monastery is the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism (most of the other Drukpa monasteries in the region are the branch of Hemis). It was built during the early 17th century with the blessing of Lama Stagtsang Raspa (Shambunatha), by the famous Namgyal dynasty king Singe Namgyal. The architecture of this monastery features grand courtyards, intricately painted walls, and a massive assembly hall. A part of the monastery is turned into a museum housing ancient statues, thangkas, and relics. The annual Hemis Festival, celebrating Guru Padmasambhava, is renowned for its vibrant mask dances and unfurling of 20 feet high Thanka painting depicting Guru Padmasambhava in all his glory, with intricate details.
Thiksey Monastery – Located at a serene surrounding 18 km southeast of Leh town, Thiksey Gompa is an impressive structure rising tier upon tier blending nicely with the topography on a hill above the village. A mix of Tibetan and traditional Ladakhi architecture, the monastery has a beautiful 30-meter-tall gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha. Belonging to Gelugpa or the yellow hat sect, it is an important cultural and spiritual center in the region. The monastery also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.

Shey Palace and Monastery – Once the summer capital, this 17th-century monastery 15 km southeast of Leh town is a historic gem. Built by Deldan Namgyal in 1633 AD in memory of his father King Singee Namgyal, the architecture of this monastery is a blend of Tibetan and Ladakhi styles. The palace features multi-tiered structures using sun-dried mud bricks, flat rooftops, and wooden balconies. The palace offers an expansive view of the Indus Valley. However, the highlight of the visit here is the 39-foot gold-plated copper statue of Lord Buddha.

Stok Village - Nestled in the lap of the Stok Kangri mountains, Stok is a quaint village known for its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Stok is a traditional Ladakhi village that offers a glimpse into rural life in the region.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 – Leh
Early morning, proceed on an excursion to the Lower Indus Valley Region visiting Alchi stopping by en route at Nimu, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Likir, and Alchi monastery. Total driving distance in this tour is (140 Km).

Nimu – A picturesque locale in Leh-Kargil road, one can see the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers here. Surrounded by rugged mountains where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers flow beneath creating a breathtaking landscape. One can see two different colors of the water, while
Indus River often appears turquoise or light green, Zanskar River showcases a muddy brown hue.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – According to legend that Guru Nanak the first Sikh guru came here to meditate when he visited Ladakh in 6th century. A shrine is built here in his honor and it symbolizes peace, spiritual strength, and divine protection.

Magnetic Hill – An optic illusion where one feels that vehicles are rolling up defying gravity, Magnetic Hill is another feather to the cap of the region adding a surprise element.

Likir Monastery – Set on a scenic landscape this monastery is one the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Established in the 11th century and belonging to Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Its interiors feature ancient thangkas, manuscripts, and statues, offering a glimpse into Ladakh's spiritual heritage. A 23-meter-tall golden majestic statue of Maitreya Buddha dominates the serene landscape here.

Alchi Monastery – A treasure trove of Buddhist art and culture, this 10th-century monastery is Ladakh’s one of the most significant spiritual sites. Lie in the flat terrain along the bank of the Indus (unlike other monasteries that perch on the hilltops), it showcases a fusion of Indo-Tibetan art and Kashmiri influences reflecting cultural exchanges of the time. The monastery is famous for its well-preserved frescoes, murals, and wood carvings. It also houses old and intricate statues of Buddha.

Return to the hotel by evening.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 – Leh to Nubra Valley
Morning drive to Nubra Valley (approx. 125 Km.) stopping by en route at the Khardung-la (Pass) at 17,852 ft.

Khardung-la (Pass) – Situated at 17,852 ft above the sea level, 39 km. north of Leh, Khardung-la is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. It offers a bird 's-eye view of the Indus Valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar on one end and Nubra Valley on the other.

Arrive Nubra and check in at the hotel.

Lies to the north of Leh Valley at an altitude of 3,050 meters the landscape of Nubra Valley is defined by Ladakh mountain ranges on one side and the Karakoram mountains on the other offering a unique mix of high desert terrain with sand dunes and lush green areas along the riverbanks.
Afternoon, explore Nubra Valley visiting the sand dunes and Diskit Monastery.

Sand Dunes - located in Hunder village in Nubra Valley sand dunes offer a unique desert landscape amidst snow-capped mountains. Known for their striking beauty, the dunes are famous for double-humped camel also called Bactrian camel rides.

Diskit Monastery – Located at Diskit village, this 14th-century monastery is the largest monastery in Nubra Valley. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism the monastery is known for its Tibetan-style architecture, featuring prayer halls, stupas, and intricately carved wooden structures. A massive 32 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha overlooking the valley installed in the monastery complex is one of the highlights of the visit here.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 – Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Morning, drive to Pangong Lake (192 Km). This drive takes you through one of Ladakh’s dramatic landscapes. A long part of the journey one sees the Shyok River flowing alongside the road in serene beauty, and the striking mountain ranges. You'll also spot remote Ladakhi villages perfect for a quick break. In all this drive encapsulates Ladakh's raw, untouched charm.

Arrive Pangong and check in at your accommodation with rest of the day at leisure to enjoy surreal surroundings of Pangong.

Pangong Lake – Located at an altitude of 14,000 feet (4225 mt) in the eastern Ladakh region, Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso is a breathtaking high-altitude lake. Renowned for its changing hues, the lake stretches over 134 kilometers in length and about 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Fed by glacial melt it spans the borders of India and China, with approximately 60% of the lake lying in China.

Overnight at hotel.
 
Day 08 – Pangong to Leh
After spending the morning exploring the lake area, drive to Leh stopping by en route Chang-la pass (17688 Ft.) en route. The journey takes you through the picturesque Changthang Plateau, a remote area inhabited by nomadic herders, passing through remote villages and Chang-la (17688 Ft.) one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

Arrive Leh and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 – Leh to Delhi and Depart
In time transfer to Leh airport to board the flight to Delhi