With its amazing scenery and landforms, Ladakh is a destination that has been attracting visitors from all around the globe. It is one of the few places on the earth that have not been influenced by the civilisation events of the world. On this trip, meet the local people, and get to know their traditions and culture. You might also see the nomads of the area, and learn about their lives, struggles and how they survive. Not only you visit some of the most famous monasteries of the region, but other attractions like Sindhu Ghat and the school, seen in the popular Bollywood movie – 3 Idiots.

The ideal time to visit Ladakh is between the months of May and September when the weather is pleasant. But, if you love snowfall, then visit it from December to March. The place is filled with narrow passes including two of the highest motorable roads in the world. A drive through these will surely give an adrenaline rush to anyone. The astonishing beauty of Ladakh is a feast for the eyes. Its mountains, covered with snow, or the monasteries atop hills are some things to capture with your camera. The 17th century Leh Palace, the mesmerising Pangong Tso and Gurdwara Pathar Sahib are few of the places that you will visit while on a trip here. You will get enough time to capture memories in your cameras and for souvenir shopping at the local market.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh | Local Sightseeing
On arrival at Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, meet our representative and drive to the hotel for check-in. Post refreshments, visit the Leh Palace, a 9-storey building built during the reign of King Sengge Namgyal; and Shanti Stupa, a beautiful white structure surrounded by barren, yet enchanting mountains. Following a trip to the local market, return to the hotel for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 02: Sightseeing in and around Leh
This leg of the tour includes visits to some of the most amazing monasteries of Indus Valley. Start with a tour of the extravagant Hemis Monastery, situated about 40 km from Leh. Next on the list of the sites to be visited is the photogenic Thiksey Monastery. Here, see the religious texts, incredible paintings and idols of deities like Maitreya, Tara, Manjusri, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara.

Also during the trip, visit the Shey Palace, which houses an approximately 40-feet tall idol of Lord Buddha. Apart from it, the establishment also has wall paintings of learned monks. Later, visit Sindhu Ghat – a site located on the banks of the Indus River that has open sandstone pavilions to sit, relax and see distant mountains. Complete the tour with a visit to the school featured in the movie, 3 Idiots. Thereafter, drive back to the hotel, and if there is still some time left, then visit the local market on your own. Later, have dinner and enjoy a good night’s sleep at the hotel.

Day 03: Leh to Pangong Tso (14270 feet/approx. 5 hours) | Pangong Tso to Leh
Post an early breakfast, leave for Pangong Tso – a high altitude freshwater lake. En route, cross Chang La – a narrow road between mountains.

The pass is only open between the months of May and October as during the rest of the year it is all covered with snow. A further ahead from the pass reach the stunning Pangong Tso after passing through a few more villages of the Changthang Plateau. It is one of the biggest lakes situated at such a great height. The turquoise water of the lake freezes during winter, allowing for an ice skating festival to be organised. You might remember this natural wonder from the various movies it has been featured in including the famous 3 Idiots. After spending some time here, drive back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 04: Leh to Sham Valley | Sham Valley to Leh
Post breakfast drive downstream along the river Indus on National Highway 1D towards Sham Valley. The first attraction we reach is the Hall of Fame, a museum built and maintained by the Indian Army in the memory of the martyrs. The next stop on the journey is Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, constructed to celebrate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to the Ladakh region. A short drive from the revered Sikh site will take you to the Magnetic Hill, which is said to defy the laws of gravity and pull vehicles uphill towards itself. Some more driving will get you to the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers.

In the end, drive back to Leh, visiting Spituk Monastery en route, where a 5-headed and 6-armed golden statue of a goddess is housed. After paying homage to the deity, return to the hotel in Leh for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05: Leh to Khardung La (18390 feet) | Khardung La to Leh
Following morning meal, drive to Khardung La, among the highest motorable roads in the world. From here, the peaks of the Zanskar Range are visible in the south, and the Saser Kangri Mountains will be seen in the north. Return to the hotel for lunch and in the evening, choose to relax or visit the local stores for some shopping. Thereafter, enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Departure from Leh
After check-out from the hotel, transfer to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport to board your onward flight.