Day 01: Arrive in Leh
Arrive at Leh airport by morning flight from Delhi. This flight is one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 02: In Leh
After breakfast full day sightseeing to the massive
Tibetan Buddhist Gompas of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. A few kilometers up the
Indus is Shey, the ancient capital, with its palaces, temples, and vibrantly
colored murals, cleaned and restored in the mid 1980’s. Later we drive to visit
the fortress styled monastery of Thiksey. Afterwards, we drive to visit the
Hemis monastery. This monastery is known to be the most famous and rich
Buddhist temple in the entire region. The Murals and frescoes here date back to
17th century. After we explore the sacred monastery, we drive back
to our hotel in Leh. In the evening, we will spend some time roaming around the
markets. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 03: Leh to Pangong
After early breakfast drive for a visit of Pangong
Lake via Chang La pass. The drive takes you through spectacular, amazing
scenery, with breathtaking views of the snow covered Himalayas. The Lake is the
highest (4267M) salt-water lake in the world, situated along the India / China
border. It is about 130 Km long and 5-6 Km wide. The Chang - chenmo range
surrounding it from the north provide a spectacular backdrop to the blue and
green expanse of its brackish water. Later drive back to Leh. Overnight Hotel.
Day 04: Leh to Alchi & Lamayuru
Today we drive on the Indus river route to visit
the lovely oasis of Alchi situated in the outer Zanskar region. As we drive
past colorful villages and hill side monasteries the journey will get more
interesting. We cross the bridge and arrive at Alchi a bit early in the
afternoon. We spend the time exploring the small village. One of the
interesting aspects of this village is its monastery. Mainly known for its wall
paintings of the 11th century, the monastery was built by the great translator
"Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo". The wall paintings in Alchi Monastery are
some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh and reflect artistic and
spiritual details of both Buddhism and Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir.
Later as we wrap up our Alchi visit, we drive to visit the Lamayuru monastery.
The Indian scholar Mahasiddhacarya Naropa founded Lamayuru monastery in the
11th century (allegedly on the site of a dried-up lake) after spending many
years meditating, Lamayuru is the one of the largest and also one of the oldest
gompa in Ladakh with a population of around 150 permament monks resident. After
we explore this beautiful monastery we will head back to Leh. Overnight in
hotel.
Day 05: Leh to Khardungla & Stok Palace
After breakfast proceed for an unforgettable drive
to the top of the world's highest motor able mountain pass Khardungla, at a
height of about 18,300 Ft Enjoy unbelievable but true spectacular views of the
Himalayas. Return by lunch. After lunch proceed to visit Stok Palace. The
palace is home to the erstwhile Ladakhi royal family and houses an immense
treasure of cultural and traditional artifacts. Later we will drive back to the
hotel for our overnight stay.
Day 06: Departure
After breakfast drive back to the airport for your flight
to any onward destination.