Set inside a frame of majestic mountains, the Ladakh district is a jewel in the crown of India. Awe-inspiring landscapes, endless miles of sparse terrain and wonderful lakes that make you wonder if you are still on earth; all await your visit. The land of Buddhism, serenity and magnificent gifts from nature, Ladakh should be your next travel destination. On this tour, visit the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and local shops before you set out to experience calmness in a number of Buddhist monasteries around Leh. The visits to Likir and Rizong monasteries in Sham Valley will give you an insight into the peaceful ways of Buddhism. On the way to the valley, stop at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the Magnetic Hill. One of the oldest in the region, Lamayuru Monastery is also worth a visit.

Head to Chumathang and soak in the curative waters of its hot springs. Camp near Tso Moriri, a popular tourist spot not only due to its tranquil surroundings and unspoilt beauty, but also because of the various bird species found in the area. On your way to Chumathang, visit Shey Palace, the famous school featured in 3 Idiots and Thiksey gompa. A visit to the breathtaking lake of Tso Kar will leave you spellbound, whereas at Hemis Monastery you will find immense peace. Another one of the stunning sights in Leh unfolds in the form of Pangong Tso. Enjoy a camel ride in Hunder village of the Nubra Valley, and also visit the monastery of Diskit town. End this incredible experience with a bath in the hot springs of Panamik.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh
Upon arrival at Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, spend the day at leisure.

Pay a visit to the magnificent Leh Palace in the evening. Built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, this 9-storey structure is now in ruins, and yet it has not lost its distinctive charm. Post a visit to the palace, proceed to see the world-renowned Shanti Stupa. Sitting atop a hill, this holy temple built in the quintessential Buddhist style; holds the relics of Lord Buddha.

Purchase the specialties of the region, such as pashmina shawls and handcrafted woollen clothing items, at the local market. Thereafter, enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in and around Leh
Following breakfast, head out to visit one of the most important monasteries of the Buddhist community, the one in Spituk. It was founded in the late 14th century, and it has an enormous sculpture of Goddess Kali.

Later, see the Hall of Fame museum, which primarily celebrates the role of the soldiers in maintaining peace in the area, and displays various weapons and documents. Post lunch, visit Sankar Gompa, and see the 1000-headed and 1000-armed idol of Avalokitesvara. After the venture, return to the hotel for a peaceful sleep.

Day 03: Leh to Sham Valley
After breakfast, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib – built in the memory of Guru Nanak – to celebrate his visit to the region. A further 4 km drive will take you to the Magnetic Hill, known for attracting metallic objects, such as your car. Next, pay homage at Likir Monastery, which houses scroll paintings, old manuscripts and statues of many deities.

Thereafter, move on to Rizong Monastery – constructed in the 19th century. It houses numerous shrines, all containing colourful statues, and the relics of a monk. After the tour, check-in at the hotel or camp to enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 04: Excursion to Lamayuru
Following a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey to see Lamayuru Monastery. This striking structure dates back to the 11th century and is home to around 150 monks. On the way, you will come across the amazing sight of moon landscapes. Visit this place to get an idea of how the surface of the moon looks like. Thereafter, transfer to the campsite for an overnight stay.

Day 05: Sham Valley to Leh
After having breakfast, leave the camp, head towards Alchi gompa. Located amidst heavily cultivated farms, this 11th century complex of temples holds immense historical and religious value. The next destination on the tour is the village of Basgo. It was once the capital of Ladakh, and now its ruins await you with their timeless charm. Later, arrive at Leh for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Leh – Chumathang – Tso Moriri
Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the picturesque Tso Moriri is your next destination. En route the lake, visit Shey Palace, which used to be the summer residence of King Deldan Namgyal. Also visit the school, featured in the famous movie, 3 Idiots. A further 5 km drive will take you to Thiksey gompa. It is one of the largest monasteries in central Ladakh, and it bears a resemblance to the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

Proceed towards Chumathang, a town known for its hot springs. After bathing in its healing waters, head to Sumdah village. A 55-km drive from Sumdah will finally take you to the lake. Various species of migratory birds, such as the brahminy duck, bar-headed goose and great crested grebe, can be seen around here. Upon arrival here, retire in the campsite.

Day 07: Tso Moriri to Tso Kar
In the morning, set out to explore the intriguing village of Korzok. Located at a height of about 4572 metres, it is one of the highest permanent settlements in India. This area is inhabited by the Changpa people, who untouched by modern civilisation, lead a simple and peaceful life.

Later, check-out from the hotel or camp and move towards the Tso Kar saltwater lake. The area surrounding it supports a vast variety of fauna, especially numerous species of birds. On arrival at the site, check-in at the pre-arranged campsite, and enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 08: Tso Kar – Tanglang La – Leh
Post breakfast, drive back to Leh. On the way, you will come across Hemis Monastery, a must-see tourist attraction. Surrounded by barren mountains, it is one of the largest and richest such establishments in the region. You will find a number of stupas, made of gold and silver, along with an array of other artefacts in its premises. Upon resuming the journey, cross Tanglang La, approximately 5328 metres high mountain pass. On arrival in Leh, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09: Leh to Pangong Tso
Early in the morning, relish breakfast and then head to Pangong Tso. Drive through the Chang La mountain pass, which is located at an altitude of over 5300 metres. Stop here to click some photos, and thereafter, proceed towards Tangtse village, where you can get some rest and hot tea. Post a short refreshment break, resume the journey to the lake.

Passing through some tiny villages, you will finally reach Pangong Tso. The vivid blue waterbody is most certainly a sight to behold. Extending from India to Tibet, this wonderful creation of nature is located at a height of nearly 4350 metres. On reaching its shores, transfer to the campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10: Pangong Tso to Leh
Spend the morning exploring the pristine beauty of Pangong Tso. Later, head back to Leh and check-in at the hotel for a night stay.

Day 11: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Following breakfast, set out for Nubra Valley through Khardung La; noteworthy as it is among the highest motorable roads on earth. The drive itself is memorable, with an expanse of seemingly infinite mountains running past you.

Fondly known as the valley of flowers, Nubra is the northernmost region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Once an important stop-over on the ancient Silk Route the valley is enchantingly beautiful. Upon arrival here, check-in at the campsite or hotel for an overnight stay. To allow you to have a closer look inside the uncomplicated lives of the local people, a visit to a Ladakhi home can also be arranged.

Day 12: Sightseeing in Nubra Valley
After breakfast, drive down to Hunder village to enjoy a Bactrian camel ride. An exciting venture on the back of the animal, while you enjoy the serenity of this cold desert, is truly a delight. Revel amidst captivating surroundings, with snow-clad mountains providing a treat for your eyes, as far as you look around.

On your way back, stop in the town of Diskit. Some interesting keepsakes may catch your eye while you saunter in the town market. The largest attraction here however, is the 14th century monastery that has intricate murals and frescos painted on its walls. In the afternoon, visit Panamik to take a bath in its therapeutic hot springs. The springs contain large amounts of sulphur that cures various ailments. Post the visit to Panamik, head back to the camp for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Nubra Valley to Leh
After breakfast drive back to Leh through Khardung La. Upon reaching the city, check-in at the hotel and get some rest. In the evening, check out the local market, and purchase souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. Thereafter, enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Departure from Leh
Check-out from the hotel, and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.