Ladakh Fixed Departure itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVE DELHI
Welcome to India- a country where hospitality is a way of life ; to a culture steeped in tradition, a land where history lives in music and dance. You will be received at the airport in a traditional manner with garlands and proceed to your hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 2 DELHI LEH BY FLIGHT
Early morning, we will transfer you to domestic airport to board flight to Leh. (Leh is the the largest town of Ladakh with an area of 45110 Sq Km. The district is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West, China in the north and eastern part, and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pradesh in South East. Leh stands accessible, surrounded by the majesty of the Himalayan enclave. The experience can best be described as a peek into the delights that make up this ancient trade route).
Shikhar TravelsRepresentative would receive you at Leh Airport and take you to your hotel. Relax by the courtyard upon arrival. While you enjoy your cup of tea, the room keys will be handed over to you. Afternoon spend the day for high altitude acclimatisation by visit to Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 3 HEMIS, SHEY & THIKSEY
After breakfast day excursion to Hamis, Shey and Thiksey. HEMIS (45 KMS. SOUTH OF LEH) Built on a green hillside surrounded by spectacular mountains, Hemis is the biggest and the most important monastery in Ladakh. Hemis is the headquarter of the Drukpa order and all the monasteries throughout Ladakh are administered by it. This wealthiest monastery contains gold statues and stupas decorated with precious stones and many priceless old Thankas.
THIKSEY (25 KMS SOUTH OF LEH) Thiksey,one of the most imposing monasteries belonging to the 15th century, stands on a crag overlooking the flood plain on the east bank of the Indus. The monastery belongs to Gelugpa order (Yellow sect).There is a 15m high Buddha figure at the entrance of the new temple. The layout of the monastery complex resembles the Potala palace in Lhasa. SHEY (15 KMS SOUTH OF LEH) On the East bank of the Indus river lies the beautiful Shey Monastery. Up to the 16th century it was the royal palace. There is a 17.5 m high blue haired Maitreya Buddha of copper, brass gilded and studded with precious gemstones.
Return to your hotel by the later part of the afternoon. Evening you can walk down to the nearest market on your own or spend some time at leisure. Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 4 VISIT PANGONG LAKE
After breakfast day excursion of Pangong Lke. The Pangong Lake or “lake of the great hollow” lies about 160 km to the north-east of Leh across the chang la pass and is considered as the largest lake in Asia. The water is clearer though salty. It is believed that these waters must have been fresh at some ancient age. The mountain ranges at the pangong’s north-western extremity are of lime stones which seem to affect its water.
DAY 5 LEH - LAMAYURU - ALCHI
Today, we will take you to Alchi (Around 76 Kilometers west of Leh. it is one of the most beautiful villages in Ladakh and an ideal place to get a feel for Ladakhi village life. Apart from its blissful tranquillity, Alchi has some of the subcontinent's most impressive collections of Indo-Tibetan artwork).
Our first visit would be Monastery of Lamayuru: 125 kms from Leh.Dating back to the 10th century and belongs to Kargyu Pa sect (Red Hat Sect), Lamayuru is not only the most scenic of all Ladakh monastries, but also distinctly different from most others. The extreme aridity of Ladahk gives this temple complex the appearance of being built on the moon. Situated atop a beautifully eroded crag, this historic monastery has a fairy tale quality to it. The monastery is officially called 'Yung-dung Tharpa Ling' (a place of freedom). The Gompa houses an impressive image of the 11 headed and 1000 eyed Chendezing, the God of compassion. Afterwards you will drive back to Alchi. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 6 ALCHI - LEH
Morning after a relaxed breakfast, pay a visi to Alchi Monastery (The village of Alchi is famous for existence of Alchi Gompa- one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh mainly known for its wall paintings which date back almost a thousand years. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo and situated in the middle of the village with elaborat pillars, priceless frescos and the extremely beautiful Buddhist wall paintings of 10th century, this world famous temple resembles the influence of Indian Buddhism rather then Tibeten Buddhism). Post lunch drive back to Leh. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
DAY 7 LEH DELHI - EVENING DEPARTURE
Morning after an early breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport to board the flight to Delhi.
Tour Highlight
Price on request.
