Ladakh Fixed Departure - 5N

Arrive Leh and transfer to the hotel. Full day for complete rest for acclimatization to the high altitude of Leh. Later in the evening visit Shanti Stupa.

LADAKH means land of high mountain passes, well known for its rugged terrain & beautiful landscapes. Often described as ‘Little Tibet’, Ladakh is a magical destination with a fascinating cultural mix of Tibetan Buddhists and Shia Muslims. This high-altitude desert region, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, offers a myriad of tourist attractions including the atmospheric town of Leh, the region’s capital; and the Indus Valley, which has the largest concentration of medieval monasteries, perched up on rocky hilltops.

SHANTI STUPA is a Buddhist white domes stupa on a Hiltop in Chanspa.  Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura.  This stupa holds relics of the Buddha at its base enshrined by 14th Dalai Lama.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, drive to Sham valley and you'll be awestruck with the sight of the massive Buddha statues, Indus & Zanskar River Sangam, drive along the Indus River visiting Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and Hall of Fame.

HALL OF FAME constructed by Indian Army in memory of Indian Soldiers who laid down their lives defending the motherland in the Indo-Pak wars. Here, you can see the various kinds of weapons used in the Kargil war, along with the various arms and ammunition captured by the Indian Army during the war. Various kinds of apparel and amenities used by the Indian Army in the Siachen region have also been displayed. It also displays the history, culture and other associated facts with Ladakh.

GURUDWARA PATTHAR SAHIB was constructed in memory and honour of Guru Nanak. This place of worship is associated with a very important event in the history of the Sikh religion. It is popularly believed that during 1515-18 when Guru Nanak was returning to Punjab via Srinagar, after travelling to Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet, he had rested at this place. When he reached Leh, he sat here to meditate. While here, Guru Nanak vanquished a demon who was trying to crush him with a boulder. However, the boulder that the demon rolled down turned soft and melted and instead of hitting him, and took on Guru Nanak's shape.

MAGNETIC HILL is defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the Gurudwara Patthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill that’s the Believe it or not of Ladakh!

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Hundar by Afternoon. Rest of the day free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hundar Village. One can go for camel rides (own cost).

NUBRA also known as DUMRA which means valley of flowers. It’s a tri armed valley cut by NURBA River (SIACHAN River) & SHYOK River (Tributary of Indus River).  Nubra is a high altitude cold desert with rare precipitation and scan vegetation.  The region lies in North Eastern part of Ladakh bordering Baltistan & Chinese Turkestan in north, Aksai Chin plateau & Tibet in east.

DESKIT GOMPA was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks are residing in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thiksey Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar.

HUNDAR is one of villages in Nubra Valley famous for its sand dunes & Bactrian Camels. These camels are easily recognizable due to their 2 humps.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Nubra Valley.

Have early breakfast and proceed to Pangong via Shayok, retrace the route down for Pangong Lake through Shayok 17,350 ft., it is the Third Highest Motorable Road in the world. Arrive Pangong and enjoy the beauty of the lake on the Banks of Pangong Lake. Pangong lake is a gem of the Ladakh region. This 140-kilometre-long salt lake is located at an altitude of 4,250 metres, 30% of the lake is in India whereas the other part is in Tibet. This Himalayan wetland reserve is an important breeding site for migratory birds.

After visit drive to Leh and drive through Chang La Pass which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world at an altitude of 5,360 metres above sea level.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast proceed to visit Hemis monastery, Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery. After visit of monasteries proceed to visit 3 Idiots School Campus along with Sindhu Darshan.

HEMIS MONASTERY is 40 Kms from Leh, it is the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh. This Himalayan Buddhists monastery belongs to DRUKPA Lineage and are among one of oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Its origin dates back to before 11th century. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held here in summer. The festival is in honor of Guru Padma Sambhava’s birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Singge Namgyal, an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal Dynasty for the royalty favored the Drugpa sect, which is managed the monastery. It is divided into two, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall (Dukhang) is also used as “green room” by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The verandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist “Wheel Of Life” (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters, besides the prayer wheel.                 

SHEY MONASTERY & SHEY PALACE complex are located on hillock. It was the summer capital of Ladakh and contains huge Shakayamuni Buddha Statue. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.

THIKSEY MONASTERY is 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. This Tibetan style monastery was affiliated with GELUG sect of Tibetan Buddhism. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are extremely beautiful and pleasing.

SINDHU GHAT at Choglamsar village at the bank of River Indus has been inaugurated on the 1st of June 2001 by Hon’ble Minister for Home Shri L. K. Advani. Every year Sindhu festival is held on this bank of river, forges bonds of unity between communities. The festival is an ideal opportunity for travellers from all over the country and the world to visit this wonderful region and to savour its rugged beauty and charm.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

Morning transfer to airport to board flight back to your destination.