Cultural Ladakh

CULTURAL & MONASTIC TOUR OF LADAKH

This is an amazing tour that provides an opportunity to discover ancient Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist culture in different regions of Ladakh. This tour provides unparalleled opportunity for breath-taking views, which are way beyond our imagination. Besides visiting ancient Monasteries we are also presented with a Kaleidoscope of scenery, which changes as we travel from place to place. Apart from its majestic scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Ladakh is also known for its warm hospitality and in order to experience that you are invited to a local meal with one of the local families in Saboo, a village just 20 minutes drive from Leh. This short trip to Saboo provides us an opportunity to experience a village life in Ladakh. A major attraction in any Ladakhi home is highly decorative kitchen.

Day 1: New Delhi/Leh by air (9W 609 Dep 05:45 Arr. 07:00 hrs)/(IC431Dep 06:00 Arr. 07:15 hrs).

Early this morning after a quick cup of tea/coffee you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Leh. This one-hour flight from the Indian capital to Ladakh’s capital will be something that you might remember for the rest of your life. Assistance on arrival and transferred to your hotel. There will be no activity on your first day of arrival as it is recommend for tourists to relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable them to get acclimatized to rarefied oxygen level in this high-altitude region ensconced in the high Himalayan plateau. Overnight at the hotel in Leh

Day 2: Leh - Tour of Thiksey, Hemis Monastery and Shey Palace (45km).

Morning visit the witness prayers with chants at Thiksey Monastery – where early morning the monks gather in the assembly hall known as “Dukhang” in local language for prayers. The prayer ceremony begins between 0600 – 0700 hrs after the ceremony you will visit the Monastery then followed by a hot breakfast at Thiksey Monastery Restaurant, and then continue with your visit to Hemis, en-route a photo stop can be arranged to capture the rays of the morning sun. Hemis Monastery situated 45 kilometers 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 followed by a visit to Shey Palace the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Overnight at the hotel in Leh. (HEMIS festival can be visited in the month of May/June every Year)

Day 3: Leh(Visit Shankar,Shanti Stupa, StokPalace, Choglamsar Mahaboddhi center&Saboo village).

Morning a guided tour to Sankar Monastery, Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda built on a hill-lock. Your visit to the pagoda will time in such a way that you will enjoy a spectacular and panoramic view of the sun-drenched Indus Valley before the sunset. Than driven to visit Stok village situated at the foot of Stok ranges, we will visit the Stok Palace, former residence of the Royal family of Ladakh. The Palace consists of formidable collection of the family’s heirlooms and relics are displayed, a poignant evocation of Ladakh’s vanished past as an independent kingdom. We will then visit Choglamsar Village, which is the largest settlement of Tibetan refugee in Ladakh. Afternoon drive to Saboo village, twenty minutes drive from Choglamsar situated on the old caravan route to Nubra Valley. Here we will have lunch with a local family and visit the traditional Kitchen after lunch you will be taken on a introductory tour of Saboo village on foot.Driven back to Leh. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 4: Leh - Likir - Alchi OR Uleytokpo (3250 mtrs). 80km

Morning depart for Alchi, en route visit to Likir Monastery. In the afternoon we drive to visit Alchi Monastery founded in the 11th century followed by a walk to witness the village life along Alchi village. Overnight at Alchi Resort OR Optional to stay at Uleytokpo in Uleytokpo Camp.
(Option:one can have white water rafting enroute. From Phey to Nimmo).

Day 5: Alchi - Lamayuru (3460 mtrs) - Leh. (110km)

Early in the morning, we visit the Ridzong Nunnery, the only Nunnery in Ladakh then continue to drive to visit Lamayuru Monastery is the most spectacularly picturesque monastery in central Ladakh.After exploring the Lamayuru Monastery, we will continue to drive back to Leh. Afternoon free for a visit of ancient bazaar and alleys of Leh town to catch up with last minute shopping Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 6: Leh/New Delhi by air (9W 610 Dep 07:40 Arr. 08:55 hrs)/(CD 432 Dep 10:50 Arr. 12:05 hrs)

Today you will be woken up early in the morning, after a hot cup of tea/coffee you will be driven to the airport to connect your flight to New Delhi, this will be your last opportunity catch the spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to City OR Next destination.

{Recommended} EXTENSION A: TOUR TO NUBRA VALLEY

The NUBRA means “LDUMRA” (the valley of flowers). The average altitude of valley is about 1000 feet from the sea level. It is largely drained by Siachen & Shayok River. Till partition Nubra valley was one of the trade center, ancient famous silk route passing through this area for Chinese. This part of ladakh is a mixture of sand dunes and rivers. Hunder Famous for The Becatarian Camels (shaggy double Hump camel) for camel safari. The road journey to nubra valley leads through Khardong La Pass (one of the highest motor-able road in the world) at 18,390 feet. Reaching to PANAMIK a hot spring & Lobonetso Lake one should make unusual experience of surroundings of this valley.

Day 6: Leh-Kyagar(3152 meters)via Khardong la(5570 meters) 144 km Average time 4/ 5hrs.

Morning we depart towards Northwards across the Khardong La the highest motorable road in the world, after a brief halt at the pass, we continue our drive to a different landscape. We arrive at the village of Kyagar in Nubra Valley, check-in hotel. Afternoon we drive or walk up to visit Samstanling Monastery. Overnight at Yarab Tso hotel in- Kyagar

Day 7: Kyagar - Deskit - Hundar - Kyagar. ( 135km)

After early breakfast we drive to Hundar village, this is the most amazing drive along the sand dunes and the Shyok River, which are very rare to see a combination of a river and the sand dunes. Upon arrival at Hundar, we visit the Double Hump Camel Breeding Center. This camel is the principal animal of inner Asia used especially on the Northern part of the route beyond Karakoram Pass. This is followed by a Camel ride on for a stretch of 7 kilometers to Deskit village, which is the largest village in Nubra Valley. It is also the headquarters of the present administrative setup of Nubra valley. We also visit the Deskit Monastery, which is situated on a hilltop and offers a grand view of the Nubra Valley towards the North. We then drive downhill to visit the Deskit Village followed by hot lunch. Later in the afternoon, we drive back to Kyagar.
Overnight at Yarab Tso at Kyagar.

Day 8: Kyagar - Panamik village to Leh (110km)

Early this morning, we drive to Panamik village to visit the Hot Sulphur Spring & Lobonetso Lake. After our visit, we drive back to Leh . Enroute Lunch. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 9: Leh/New Delhi by air (9W 610 Dep 07:40 Arr. 08:55 hrs)/(CD 432 Dep 10:50 Arr. 12:05 hrs)

Today you will be woken up early in the morning, after a hot cup of tea/coffee you will be driven to the airport to connect your flight to New Delhi, this will be your last opportunity catch the spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer City OR Next destination.

{Recommended} EXTENSION B: TOUR TO PANG GONG LAKE JEEP SAFARI, WILD LIFE & THE NOMADS

Pang gong Lake, is the largest and an extraordinary lake situated at an altitude of 4300 meters, it is reached after crossing the Chang la pass (5320 meters) and driving along the dusty track. The Pangong lake is long and narrow basin with only six to seven kilometers broad its widest point, the length of One hundred and thirty kilometers extending as far across to the border of Tibet. The lake is surrounded by snowy mountains mirrored in its crystalline waters shimmering in an amazing range of blues and greens. It was also a very important trade route to central Asia, as caravans arrived frequently at Leh from Tibet. During our stay we have an opportunity to meet and interact with the inhabited nomadic Chang-pa’s herds people who graze their flocks of pashmina goats, Sheeps and Yaks and cultivate a scanty crop of barley to collect enough stock for the winter on this high altitude pasture land. For the naturalist the area is rich in wildlife.

Day 6: Leh - Tangtse (3900 meters) Lukung -154 km

Morning drive on the highway, along the bank of Indus river, connecting Leh to Manali. We travel through lush green fields, monasteries, schools etc. Sakti villages, Sakti is the last village before we pass over Chang La pass (5320 meters) to the Pang gong lake.We pass through Durbuk and Tangtse villages known as the “abode of Chisul warriors” we take a brief halt to visit the Lotsawa temple. Upon arrival, we establish our camp on the green pasture land at Lukung. Rest and relax or visit the surrounding.Overnight at Lukung village in tented camps.

Day 7: Lukung - Pang gong lake (4080 meters) Lukung. (120km)

Morning drive to visit Pangong Lake with picnic lunch, and gets an opportunity to mingle with nomadic Chang-pa, with herd of Yaks all along the bank of the Lake. For the naturalist it serves the best as we frequently encounter with numerous migratory birds to name the few- like Tibetan Raven, the Red billed Chough, the Bacterian Magpie, the Snow-Cock and the Chukor. Overnight at Lukung village in tented camp. (Note: No permission to pitch tents on bank of Pang gong Lake).

Day 7: Lukung - Pang gong lake (4080 meters) Lukung. (120km)

Morning drive to visit Pangong Lake with picnic lunch, and gets an opportunity to mingle with nomadic Chang-pa, with herd of Yaks all along the bank of the Lake. For the naturalist it serves the best as we frequently encounter with numerous migratory birds to name the few- like Tibetan Raven, the Red billed Chough, the Bacterian Magpie, the Snow-Cock and the Chukor. Overnight at Lukung village in tented camp. (Note: No permission to pitch tents on bank of Pang gong Lake).

Day 8: Lukung / Chemrey Village

Early this morning, before we continue our drive back towards Chemrey village, we visit early in the morning to view the crystal clear lake when the sun shines on the horizon early in the morning. After our final visit we return to our campsite for breakfast and then continue our drive towards Leh taking the same route and crossing the Chang La pass. On reaching Chemrey village, we set our campsite inorder to visit the important monasteries along the banks of the River Indus. Rest of the day we explore the Chemrey village. Overnight in Chemrey village in tented camp

Day 9: Chemrey/ Leh.

Morning we drive to visit Chemrey monastery. Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Day free to explore Leh city. Overnight at the hotel in Leh

Day 10: Leh/New Delhi by air (9W 610 Dep 07:40 Arr. 08:55 hrs)/(CD 432 Dep 10:50 Arr. 12:05 hrs)

Today you will be woken up early in the morning, after a hot cup of tea/coffee you will be driven to the airport to connect your flight to New Delhi, this will be your last opportunity catch the spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to City OR Next destination.

{Recommended} EXTENSION C: TOUR TO TSOMORIRI LAKE

On this trip we would venture out in the wilderness of Ladakh and commence our adventurous journey by visiting a brackish lake, Tso Moriri. Drive to Tso Moriri is along the banks of Indus River with a night halt at Chumathang village. At Chumathang you will visit hot springs and the local family to get a glimpse of lifestyle of the remote village life Ladakh. Next day we continue our drive with a brief stop-over at Thatsang Karu Lake (4360 meters). Make-shift tents of Changpas or local nomadic tribe dot the banks of the lake. Changpas are often found flocking herds of pashmina goats, sheeps, yak. As we approach closer to the Lake valley widens and gives a spectacular view of the turquoise colored lake we drive along the bank of the lake to reach our camping ground. We spend two days exploring the surrounding lake and the nearby Korzok village. For the naturalist the area is rich in wild animals, including marmots, kyang(Tibetan wild ass), red foxes, Himalayan Whessel and the generally shy snow leopard. You might come across some migratory birds such as Black-necked crane, Tibetan Snowcock, Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar Patridge, Tibetan Patridge, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Brown-headed Gull, Redbilled Chough and many more.

Day 6: Leh-Chumathang Village (3950 meters). 140km. Average Time 4/5 hours.

Early morning we depart for Chumathang village – famous for hot sulpher spring. Upon arrival, we set our camps and rest of the day we visit the site of hot sulphur spring and the surrounding village. Overnight in tented camp at Chumathang village.

Day 7: Chumathang village - Tsomoriri Lake (4520 meters). 85km. Average Time 3/4 hours.

Early morning drive to Tsomoriri lake, taking a brief halt at Thatsang Karu Lake (4,620 meters) to see the lifestyle of the Nomadic-Changpas. Overnight in tented camp along the Tsomoriri Lake.

Day 8: Tsomoriri Lake (Excn. Korzok village).

Today we have an opportunity to explore the surrounding. For naturalist it’s an paradise as its also a home for the migratory birds, which flock during the summer season. We also visit the nearby Korzok village and the monastery to see the lifestyle. Overnight in tented camp along the Tsomoriri Lake.

Day 9: Tsomoriri Lake - Leh.

Morning depart for Leh Enroute visit of Tsokar lake, catching up with all beauty of the landscape. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 10: Leh/New Delhi by air (9W 610 Dep 07:40 Arr. 08:55 hrs)/(CD 432 Dep 10:50 Arr. 12:05 hrs)

Today you will be woken up early in the morning, after a hot cup of tea/coffee you will be driven to the airport to connect your flight to New Delhi, this will be your last opportunity catch the spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to City OR Next destination.

General Information

High altitude sickness: Guests traveling by air are cautioned that on arrival you are requested to take a complete rest for first 24 hours upon arrival. Any kind of physical exertion is to be avoided. Smoking and drinking of alcohol should be avoided until you are fully acclimatized.

Health: If in case of any problem with high altitude, Leh hospital (Sonam Norbu Memorial Hospital) is fully equipped and staffed with a team of specialist to take care of any eventuality.
Foreign nationals are required to carry passports & Photo with them at all times while in (Ladakh) India.
You are requested to retain your Encashment Certificate while changing foreign currency at hotel or bank.

Safety Deposits: There are no safety lockers available in any of the hotels in Leh. It can be arranged with coordination with the hotel management to arrange a locker in State Bank of India. And you must not leave any valuables outside, though its safe in hotel, but as a precautionary measure.

Foreign Exchange: The State Bank of India has foreign exchange facilities at Leh and Kargil. The Leh branch also operates an extension counter at the Tourist Information Center.Just above Leh vegetable market. Few hotels in Leh are also licensed to deal in foreign exchange.

Communication: Both in Leh, Nubra valley and Kargil towns have worldwide direct dial telephone facility, besides a General post office and a central telegraph office.

Water: All the foreign guests are advised to avoid drinking water from the taps; you are only advised to drink bottled water (Mineral water) while you are in Leh infact all over India. Bottled water can be made available in your hotel and also out in the market area and while purchasing the bottled water, you are advised to check the seal. During our treks the water is boiled and filtered and then served to you for your safety.

Due to security reasons, you are not allowed carry batteries in your hand luggage during our flights. Please ensure you remove your batteries from your camera, calculators or any other gadgets.

You are not allowed to carry any hand luggage, except for your passport. You are requested to pack everything into your checked – in luggage.

You need to fill out a Restricted Area Permit form before going to some parts of Ladakh, such as Nubra valley, Tsomo riri, Pangong Lake, Dah-Hanu etc & same can be approved by Mayor office of the city.

The flight timings shown are subject to change at short notice. The exact flight timings will be given to you well in advance.

Climate and Clothing:
Tourist season in Leh begins from May to end of October and during this course of time the days are pretty warm even hot due to the desert effect of the barren landscape, evenings can become chilly, requiring additional clothing.

It is therefore advisable to keep a pullover and / an anorak handy.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes with strong rubber or synthetic soles for grip.
Carry 3 to 4 pairs of woolen socks and one pair made of cotton for use at lower altitude.
A wide-brimmed hat or a sunshade cap is essential to protect eyes from sunglare.
The Sleeping Bag, important items of trekking gear.
Sun glasses, very necessary to protect eyes from the sun, especially on ice or snow.
A sturdy ruck – sack of medium size with large pockets outside.
If all gear is to be carried on a mule during trekking, please do keep a spare sack to carry with yourself, while walking during the day, you may want to carry smaller articles that you may need at short notice.
Torch or Flashlight should be lightweight along with spare battery and bulb.
Multi purpose Swiss Knife

Toiletries and First – aid Kit:
One should not worry unduly about sickness. It is possible that you will never need medicine for yourself while trekking; and you would emerge fitter and healthier than before. However it is still necessary to carry a compact medical kit, which can be obtained from a chemist in Leh town or can be carried from your home. Few suggested toiletries should include:
Lip Salve, Moisturizers and Sun cream, Water purifying tablets, Medicines for high altitude sickness

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