With its ancient monasteries, astonishing palaces and other marvellous monuments, Ladakh has become a major tourist attraction in the recent past. Despite its challenging geographical and weather conditions, hordes of tourists come here every year. Over time, it has also built an image of being a paradise for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. This exciting 8-day itinerary offers you a great opportunity to familiarise with the culture and traditions of the local people.

The tour also gives you ample time for souvenir shopping and exploring local markets. Visit Leh Palace, which is the former royal residence of Ladakh and the picturesque white-domed Shanti Stupa on the first day of the trip. The following morning, explore the popular attractions of Sham Valley, and en route stop at the Hall of Fame museum. The latter is a memorial, built and maintained by the Indian Army, to honour the martyrs of the Indo-Pak wars. Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Likir gompa and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers are some other attractions of the valley that you will explore.

Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri – serene lakes at altitudes of over 14000 feet. On a good day, various species of birds can be seen around these lakes. Enjoy driving on Khardung La and Tanglang La – two famous high-altitude roads in the region. Travelling on these passes is quite an experience in itself owing to the views they offer.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh | Local Sightseeing
On arrival at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel for some relaxation. Rest here for some time, and prepare yourself for an evening jaunt. The first stop on the excursion will be the widely known Leh Palace. Constructed in the 17th century as the royal residency of Ladakh, this 9-storey building overlooks the city of Leh.

Next, enjoy a sense of calm at Shanti Stupa – a beautiful white-domed monument in the outskirts of the city. Thereafter, the trip will take you to the local market, where you can appreciate the craftsmanship of artists and buy gifts for friends and family. Post sightseeing, transfer back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02: Leh – Sham Region – Leh
Following breakfast, leave for the Sham region to witness the incredible attractions located here. While driving towards Alchi Monastery, visit Likir gompa en route. The 11th century Likir Monastery features an approximately 75-feet tall statue of Maitreya, and it is home to nearly 120 monks. Alchi Monastery features the main assembly hall or Dukhang, and a unique temple, known as Sumtseg.

You will also visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib on this day of the tour. Learn about the interesting history of the place as you pay homage to Guru Nanak Dev – to whom it is dedicated. Later, travel to the Hall of Fame museum, also called memorial for war heroes. It is a 2-storey building, featuring a souvenir shop, and it also displays artefacts of the Indo-Pak wars. Witness the mesmerising view of the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. This scene is breathtaking, and it provides a great opportunity for travellers to take pictures. Later, return to the hotel in Leh for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Post breakfast, leave for Pangong Tso through Chang La. At an altitude of over 17000 feet, the pass is the main gateway to the Changthang Plateau and Pangong Tso. On reaching the destination, admire the untamed beauty and serenity of the place. Colonies of ruddy shelducks and bar-headed geese can be seen in the vicinity of the waterbody in summers. During the winter season, the water of the lake freezes and a gala festival of ice skating is organised on it. Later, drive back to Leh for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Leh to Nubra Valley
After a leisurely breakfast, drive towards the mesmerising Nubra Valley. The famous Khardung La is the only way that leads to it. While travelling through the pass, witness the enchanting views of the snow-covered peaks of the Zanskar Range, and the Saser Mountains in the north.

The valley makes for an interesting sight with an astonishing mix of high mountains, sand dunes, some greenery and a narrow stream flowing through. Post lunch ride on the backs of Bactrian camels on sand dunes between Diskit and Hunder. The sight of camels in this part of the world may surprise travellers, but it is quite common for the local people. Thereafter, transfer to your lodging in the Nubra Valley for an overnight stay.

Day 05: Nubra Valley to Leh
After breakfast explore Diskit Monastery, which belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th century site is among the oldest and largest in the valley. Home to more than 100 monks, the gompa features an over 100-feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. After paying respect to the deity, drive back to Leh by crossing Khardung La again. On reaching Leh, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 06: Leh to Tso Moriri
After breakfast, drive towards Tso Moriri, passing through the Changthang Plateau. You might get a chance to see the nomads of the region and learn about their culture. On reaching the lake, appreciate the regional avifauna that includes some endangered species like black-necked cranes. The overnight stay is organised at Korzok village, which is just a short walk from the lake.

Day 07: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Tanglang La – Leh
Post breakfast, leave for Leh, passing through Puga, a sulphur mine, and the lake of Tso Kar. The waterbody supports numerous species of birds, which include rust and strip geese, and brown-headed gulls. Also on the way to the city, drive through Tanglang La, another high mountain pass of Ladakh. On reaching Leh, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 08: Departure from Leh
In the early hours of the day, transfer to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport to catch the flight for your onward journey.