When you include Nubra Valley for sightseeing in Ladakh, you get a marvellous venture. Your sojourn in the picturesque and enchanting region of Ladakh will begin once you reach Leh – a splendid city here. While sightseeing in the city, visit the symbol of peace, Shanti Stupa; and the historic Leh Palace. Later, shop for souvenirs at local shops before heading out to Sham Valley the following morning. On the way, see a combination of religious, natural and commemorative sites. En route the valley, visit Alchi and Likir monasteries or gompas, the Sikh gurdwara of Pathar Sahib, Zanskar-Indus confluence and the Hall of Fame museum.

After another night stay in Leh, travel to the valley of the Nubra River via Khardung La. In the valley, ride on the backs of bactrian camels on sand dunes between Hunder and Diskit. On the way back to the city, visit Diskit Monastery and in the morning, set out for an unforgettable camping experience near Pangong Tso. Visit Shey Palace and Thiksey gompa en route Leh from the lake. End the trip by catching your onward flight from the city the ensuing morning.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh | City Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, transfer to the hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, head out to explore Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Built atop a hill, the 9-storey main building of Leh Palace dominates the skyline of the city. The palace houses a museum where jewellery, crowns and ceremonial dresses are displayed.

Shanti Stupa – an interpretation of Buddhist monks from Japan and Ladakh – is a symbol of world peace. The two circular platforms of the stupa feature numerous Buddhist symbols and pictorial representation of Lord Buddha. In the evening, take a trip through the local markets, and buy peculiar items produced in the region. Thereafter, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02: Leh to Sham Valley | Sham Valley to Leh
Following breakfast, set out on an incredible spiritual sightseeing venture in Sham Valley. On the trip, explore the gompas of Alchi and Likir, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, the Hall of Fame museum, and the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers.

The three most significant buildings inside the premises of Alchi gompa are the main assembly hall, a temple of Manjusri and the Sumtseg. Paintings of mandalas, a statue of Vairocana, an idol of Goddess Tara and the intricately carved wooden exterior of the Sumtseg are the highlights of the gompa. Inside Likir Monastery are statues of Maitreya, Lord Buddha, Je Tsongkhapa, Amitabha, and drawings of mandalas. The main attractions of the establishment is a gilded sculpture of Maitreya and an 11-headed and 1000-armed idol of Avalokitesvara.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is one of the most revered Sikh sites in the country. It is said to house a large boulder, which a demon supposedly threw at Guru Nanak Dev. The Hall of Fame museum is run by the Indian Army, and it pays homage to the search and rescue efforts of soldiers in various battles. Its exhibition includes an anti-aircraft gun, rocket launchers, 81 mm mortars, machine guns and portraits of martyrs.

See the silty water of the Zanskar River flowing into the relatively clearer Indus River, and notice how they mix completely a little further from the actual point of confluence. Thereafter, return to Leh for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Leh to Nubra Valley
Post breakfast, begin a road journey to the enchanting Nubra Valley. On the way, cross Khardung La – among the highest drivable roads in the world. On arrival in the valley, relish a delicious lunch, and thereafter ride on the backs of the twin-humped Bactrian camels between the town of Diskit and the village of Hunder. When you see the grainy and white sand dunes along the river from atop these animals, you may realise why Ladakh is categorised as a desert. After the camel ride, transfer to your lodging for a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 04: Visit to Diskit Monastery | Nubra Valley to Leh
Following breakfast, travel to Diskit gompa, and see its assembly hall, which features a statue of Maitreya and paintings of several deities. The monastery is also said to house the severed head and hands of a demon, which was killed near the site. Later, drive back to Leh, crossing Khardung La en route. On reaching the city, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 05: Leh to Pangong Tso | Pangong Tso to Leh
Relish breakfast at the hotel, and then set out on a scenic drive towards Pangong Tso – a high altitude saltwater lake. The blue skies and the barren mountains are reflected beautifully in it. On reaching the area, transfer to the campsite and spend the rest of the day exploring the surroundings. End the experience with an amazing overnight stay in tents.

Day 06: Pangong Tso to Leh | En route Visits to Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery
Wake up to a spellbinding sunrise over the lake and mountains, and thereafter relish a delicious breakfast. En route Leh, stop to explore Shey Palace, a monastery founded in the mid-17th century. Its highlight is an enormous sculpture of Lord Buddha, and images of his disciples and other learned monks.

Also, visit Thiksey gompa, built at the behest of Je Tsongkhapa – the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Besides an approximately 50-feet high Maitreya statue, the monastery also has paintings of the Tibetan Calendar, Manjusri, Avalokitesvara, Padmasambhava and Mahakala. On arriving in Leh, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Departure from Leh
Post checking-out from the hotel, travel to the city airport and catch the flight for your onward journey.