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
Thikse. 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 Nubra: (230 km / 6-7 hrs drive)
We
will drive to Nubra valley in the morning, driving over the highest motored
pass in the world. The exciting journey through serpentine roads leads us to
the Khardungla Pass at an awesome height of 5550 meters. We stop at the pass to
admire and click some photographs of the fantastic view, before driving down
into the Nubra valley. The valley is situated on an old caravan route at the
confluence of the Shyok and the Nubra rivers. We drive to our fixed camp resort
and later drive to visit the charming valley, of Deskit – the tiny capital of
Nubra. The capital is marked by a single file of shops that are put up on the
main road. We will visit the DeskitGompa, perched on a rocky spur above the
village, with a commanding view of the entire valley. From Deskit we will drive
to Hunder past an area of sand dunes and get aquinted with the famous Bactrian
camels. This small population of shaggy double-humped animals, which in the old
days, were used as pack animals on the Central Asian trade routes are now used
as riding animals in the high deserts. In the late afternoon we will drive to
the camp. Overnight in camps.
Day 05: Nubra to Leh: (230 km / 6-7 hrs drive)
We
will drive back to Leh, driving on the same route and crossing the Khardungla
pass yet again. We arrive at Leh in the afternoon and settle for the day at our
hotel.
Day 06: Leh - Sarchu: (220 Kilometers / 10-11 Hrs Drive)
After
breakfast drive to Sarchu that is located beyond Jespa, the region’s main town,
the road follows the Bhaga River up towards its source. En-route we can visit
the famous monastery of Hemis. Leh is rapidly spreading in all directions from
its original position beneath the long abandoned Namgyal Palace. Overnight in
Camp.
Day 07: Sarchu -Manali: (200 Kilometers / 8-9 Hrs Drive)
We
leave today for Manali. 200 kms drive will
take approx. 8 to 9 hours to reach Manali. Check in at the hotel and overnight
stay.
Day 08: In Manali
After a leisurely breakfast, day at leisure to
acclimatize or to explore the best of Manali town. One of the most
favouratedestination for Indian tourist may be crowded with many visitors in
summer. Explore Mall Road / Hadimba Temple / Vashisth Ashram and hot spring at
the temple and post lunch check your gears and essential stuffs for your
overland drive to Delhi. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.
Day 09: Manali to Delhi: (580 Kilometers / 10-11 Hrs Drive)
After
early breakfast drive to Delhi. 580 kms
drive will take approx. 10 to 11 hours to reach Delhi. Check in at the hotel
and overnight stay.
Day 10: Delhi Departure
After
breakfast drive back to the Delhi airport for your flight to any onward
destination.