The Land of High Passes, Ladakh. It is a place where the landscape changes dramatically; it is truly astonishing to see the mountains, snow, cold desert, alpine meadows and lakes at a short distance from each other. Tourism in Ladakh is an absolute delight for nature lovers as well as adventurers. Adorned with the lofty barren mountains, Ladakh is home to some of the highest motorable passes like Khardung La, Marsimik La, Chang La and alpine lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Ladakh is majorly popular amongst the adventurers who feel welcomed by the number of adrenaline rushing activities offered here. The Ladakh is amongst the top trekking destinations in India with amazing and unmatched treks like the popular Frozen River Trek / Chadar Trek, also has opportunities for mountaineering, motor biking, mountain biking, white water rafting and many more. Adding to its exceptional beauty are the ancient Buddhist monasteries that are mostly nestled in the mountains and are thousands of years old.
Arrival at Chandigarh Airport and drive for Manali. Enroute visit Kullu – the Valley of God. Manali: at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station situated at a height of 2050 m (6398 ft.) in the Himalayas. It is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. A staging point for a number of treks and sports such as white-water rafting, Rohtang pass which is main attraction near Manali. Arrive at Manali and check in the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Manali.
Today morning after breakfast check out from Manali hotel and drive for Sarchu - Earlier known for its significance as the old Silk Route. It is as yet a top most loved destination for traders of Himalayas, itinerant clans and adventure seekers. Sarchu is of great importance mainly due to its location on the Leh-Manali highway. It also resembles Ladakh with its barren splendor. En-Route visit to Atal Tunnel, Keylong, Jispa. We will also cross a small lake Suraj Tal, a place called Zing Zing Bar later another highest pass "Baralacha La" 4890 mtr. Overnight stay in Sarchu Camp.
Today morning breakfast drive for Leh. En-route cross Ghata Loops (21 pins) Pang, Moore plains- the most beautiful road in the world, and Tanglang La (the second-highest pass). On arrival check in into hotel. Leh is known for its stunning scenic locales, Buddhist temples and pristine environment. Due to the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism, Leh is also known as Little Tibet or the Land of Lamas. On arrival check in into hotel. Later if health permit you, you will be taken to Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Leh Palace and Leh Market. Overnight at leh hotel.
After breakfast, have a full day city tour to sham valley, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam point, Rafting point, Spituk Monastery. Hall of Fame is a must visit for every patriotic Indian. It has been built by Indian army in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil war. Gurudwara Patthar Sahib located at a distance of 40 kms from Leh, was constructed in 1571, in memory of Guru Nanak to commemorate his visit to this region. Magnetic Hill is the place where you will see your car, with its engine turned off, move upwards on a steep slope. It almost sounds unbelievable. In the evening come back to Leh. The Sangam is the place called Nimu where the Zanskar River and Indus rivers merge At Sangam you can enjoy the view of confluence of two rivers (Indus& Zanskar River). Sham Valley in Ladakh is one place that always comes highly recommended for local sightseeing around Leh. Also known as 'Apricot valley', it is home to some of the remotest villages in Ladakh. Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Spituk village. Spituk Gompa is known for its giant Kali statue. The Spituk Monastery was built in the 11th century by. Overnight at Stay overnight at Leh.
Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the World Highest Motorable road (5602 Mts) Khardungla pass. Arrive Nubra and proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy the camel ride (at your own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Deskit monasteries and check in at Deluxe Camp/Hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight Dinner & Stay.
KHARDUNGLA PASS: The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardung La pass (The highest Motorable road in the world) 18,390 ft. around 39 Kms. Away from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at higher altitude than Deskit and other villages.
DESKIT GOMPA: 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 Thikse Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar. Deskit is the main village of headquarter of Nubra valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop. Spectacular view of the valley can be seen form the monastery.
HUNDAR VILLAGE: Hundar is a beautiful village to stay with lot of trees and you will really enjoy your stay at Hundar. It has a small monastery and ruined fort above the village. The walk or Camel Safari (Double Hump bacterian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes is wonderful (at your own).
MAITREYA BUDDHA: The 108 feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha is located just below the Diskit monastery, at an altitude of 10,308 feet, 15 kilometers northwest off the Khalsar-Panakil route, right at the edge of the desert in the Nubra Valley.
After Breakfast drive to Turtuk, after sightseeing drive to Nubra , Stay at Hotel.
Turtuk is a village in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located in the Nubra tehsil, 205 km from the Leh town, on the banks of the Shyok River. Turtuk gram panchayat is the northernmost village of India. Turtuk was under Pakistan's control until 1971, after which India gained control of this strategic area. It is predominantly a Muslim village, and residents speak languages including Balti, Ladakhi and Urdu. Turtuk is the last outpost in India after which the Pakistan-controlled Gilgit-Baltistan begins. Turtuk is one of the gateways to the Siachen Glacier.
Definitely a highlight of your tour, today involves an adventurous drive with a constantly scenic trip to the magnificent Pangong Lake. A must see destination for your time in Ladakh, Pangong Lake has been made famous by the 'Three Idiots' movie and more than half of the lake marks the separation border of India and China. The appearance of the water is said to change color at every angle of the sun - which makes for some amazing photographs so don’t forget your camera (and spare batteries!) Overnight stay in Pangong.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel & commence drive to Tsomoriri Lake. Tsomoriri Lake is breeding grounds for numerous species of birds and other wildlife, chief among them are the bar headed goose, found in great numbers, crested grebe, the Brahmini duck (ruddy sheldrake) and the brown headed gull, Wild ass, Tibetan mastiff , and many more. The Lake is 8 Kms. Wide and 28 Kms long with colours and shades of nature overwhelming you . Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Tsomoriri.
After breakfast drive Leh via visit Tsokar Lake, a salt lake system in the Rupsho plateau which is home of the Changa nomads and support many rare wild life species. After sightseeing of the area take the Manali-Leh road to return to Leh. Arrive hotel in Leh for dinner and overnight.
TSOKAR : Tsokar Lake is approximately 45 kms northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake at a height of 4485 m. It is also called "White Lake" because of salt deposited around it. Since these are all drainage basins with no outlet their water is brackish. The water of Tsokar is so salty that salt is procured from its banks and sold all over Ladakh and Kashmir by the Rupsu Chang. Tsokar is partly fade by a channel from a smaller fresh water lake. All the lakes are breeding grounds for a variety of birds among them the bar-headed goose, the great crested grebe, the brahmin duck and the brown headed gull.
Today morning after an early breakfast, depart to the airport for onward destination.
Cities
Leh, NUBRA VALLEY, Pangong, Tso moriri
Cities
Kargil, Leh, NUBRA VALLEY, Pangong, Tsomoriri