A jaunt, such as this, takes you on a journey through the high passes, enchanting lakes and to the popular attractions of Ladakh. This 13-day excursion through the northernmost part of India will leave no feature of the awe-inspiring place untouched, and its mesmerising beauty unseen. You will visit some incredible monasteries, locally called Gompas. This tour includes visits to the Buddhist monasteries of Spituk, Sankar, Likir and Rizong. Also, take a trip through two of the highest roads in the world – Chang La and Khardung La. Both of these mountain passes offer breathtaking views of the snow-bound peaks.

Enjoy the thrill and adventure of white water rafting on a stretch of the Indus River between Phey and Nimoo. Grade 2+ rapids of the stream will give adrenaline rush to everyone. Pay your respect to the martyrs of the Indo-Pak wars at the Hall of Fame – a museum, built and maintained by the Indian Army. It has a collection of articles and equipment used by them. Experience the serenity of Tso Kar and Pangong Tso lakes, situated at altitude of over 14000 feet. The views from these landforms are not only a treat for eyes, but they also rejuvenate your senses.

The trip says adventure, and that is what you get by staying in camps around lakes and in the Nubra Valley. Explore the beauty of the region and see the amazing species of flora found here. You will be awestruck after witnessing Bactrian camels in this part of the world. What else is offered on this trip is a ride on their backs. If you are an adventure lover and want to know about the attractions, landscapes and traditions of Ladakh, then this is the venture for you.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh
On arrival at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. After check-in at the hotel, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and then relax. In the evening, a trip to some popular attractions of Leh is scheduled. This includes a visit to the famous Leh Palace, built in the 17th century during the reign of King Sengge Namgyal. Travellers because of its magnificent architecture frequently visit this place.

Follow it with a trip to the Shanti Stupa, an incredible white-domed monument built by Ladakhi and Japanese monks to encourage peace. The last visit of the day will be to the local market, where you can admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the local artists. In the evening, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02: Sightseeing around Leh
This is going to be an eventful section of the excursion as during it you visit some old monasteries and other attractions of the area. The first place you visit is the Spituk Monastery, established in the 11th century. It has an enormous statue of Goddess Kali, and is home to over 100 monks. Next, visit the Hall of Fame, a museum devoted to the soldiers, who lost their lives in the Indo-Pak wars.

After lunch, continue the excursion with a visit to Sankar gompa, a relatively new monastery. The site has a statue of Avalokitesvara, paintings of mandalas and ritualistic drums. In the evening, drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Rafting and Sightseeing
After an early breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive on National Highway 1D. On this day, you will be experiencing the thrill of river rafting. Paddle from Phey to Nimoo on the Indus River, and conquer several Grade 2+ rapids. This stretch of the stream is quite popular among beginners and intermediary rafters as it is not too difficult to row on, but yet it offers enough excitement.

After rafting, dry yourself and then continue the venture by driving towards Likir gompa. Built in the 11th century, the monastery belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, drive towards the villages of Uletokpo or Tingmosgang, visiting Rizong gompa en route. The gompa was built in 1831 by the great Lama Tsultrim Nima. Thereafter, check-in at the lodging for a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Tingmosgang
After breakfast, you can visit numerous attractions of this historical place, including Tingmosgang, Tserkarmo and Khatsa gompas. The Castle of Tingmosgang, constructed during the reign of Gragpa Bum, the ruler of Sham Valley; is also close by.

Day 05: Sightseeing in Sham Valley | Sham Valley to Leh
Post breakfast, drive to Lamayuru Monastery, and visit the enchanting landscape, often known as Moonland on the way. While driving back to Leh after exploring the monastery, visit Alchi gompa that dates back to the 11th century. Here, see idols of numerous deities, wall paintings and the intricate carvings on the wooden exterior of the Sumtseg Temple. After arriving in Leh, transfer to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 06: Leh to Tso Moriri
After breakfast, drive towards Tso Moriri, visiting a few famous attractions en route. The list includes Shey Palace, where images and statues of numerous deities and learned teachers are worth seeing. Another attraction to be visited as part of this tour is the school of Rancho, the lead character of the blockbuster movie 3 Idiots.

Also, see the wall paintings and idols of Padmasambhava, Mahakala, Avalokitesvara, Goddess Tara, Lord Buddha and Manjusri at Thiksey gompa. Later, drive towards Chumathang, which is famous for its therapeutic hot springs. Passing through the Mahey Bridge, and after visiting Sumdah village en route, arrive at Tso Moriri.

At an altitude of about 15075 feet, the turquoise waters of the lake, surrounded by giant mountains, make unforgettable scenery. Numerous species of birds like black-necked cranes, brown-headed gulls and ferruginous pochards may be seen in and around the lake. On arrival at the site, witness its beauty and later check-in at your lodging for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Tso Moriri to Tso Kar
In the morning, a quick trip to the scenic Korzok village, with Korzok Monastery as its biggest attraction, will be organised. After exploring Korzok, return to your lodging and check-out.

Thereafter, leave for Tso Kar – a high-altitude lake – popular among tourists for its expansiveness and natural beauty. Here, you may also be able to see nomads, practising their daily tasks. On arrival at the lake, check-in at your pre-arranged campsite for an overnight stay.

Day 08: Tso Kar Lake to Leh
Post breakfast, leave your campsite and drive to Leh. On arrival in the city, check-in at the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 09: Leh to Nubra Valley
After a fresh morning meal, drive towards the scenic Nubra Valley. Travelling through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, enjoy the mesmerising beauty of the Indus Valley, and enchanting views of the Zanskar Range and Saser mountain peaks.

Originally known as Ldumra, meaning ‘the valley of flowers’, Nubra Valley is situated between the Karakoram and Ladakh Ranges. On arrival in the valley, check-in at your lodging for an overnight stay. In the evening, you can choose to explore the local villages and learn about the lives of the inhabitants on your own.

Day 10: Nubra Valley to Leh
Post breakfast, leave the campsite and drive to Hunder. The opportunity to ride on the back of double-humped camel in this part of the world may surprise you, but you are in for a treat. These animals have been amusing travellers with rides amidst snow-capped mountains of the Ladakh region for a long time.

While driving back to Leh, stop at Diskit and stroll through its market for some souvenir shopping. The Diskit Monastery, founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, is the main attraction of the town. After spending some leisure time here, drive back to Leh via Khardung La. On arrival at Leh, check-in at the hotel and enjoy a peaceful sleep.

Day 11: Leh to Pangong Tso Lake
Post breakfast drive towards Pangong Tso via Chang La. Travelling on the pass witness the amazing views of the surrounding mountain peaks. You will have enough time to preserve these moments with a quick photo session.

Passing through a few small villages of the Changthang Plateau, reach Pangong Tso. Situated at a height of over 14000 feet, the approximately 134 km long lake stretches from India to Tibet. You may be visiting the place for the first time, but you might have seen it in Bollywood movies like 3 Idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. On arrival here, retire in your campsite, which is close to the lake, for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12: Pangong Tso to Leh
Wake up amidst the beautiful scenery of the place, and after freshen-up explore the area. While driving back to Leh, pay a visit to the centuries-old Hemis Gompa. After spending some time here, continue your journey towards Leh. On reaching the city check-in to the hotel for an overnight stay. You can choose to spend your evening relaxing at the hotel or by doing some last minute shopping at the local market.

Day 13: Departure from Leh
After check-out, travel to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport and catch your onward flight.