Duration: 6 days in Ladakh
Accomodations: Hotel
Best time: April - Dec
Grade: Easy

INTRODUCTION
Sandwiched in-between the Himalayan ranges of the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, otherwise known as 'Little Tibet'. Previously a major halting post on the caravan route through Asia, this Buddhist land is more culturally akin to Tibet than the lowlands further south. The beautiful multi-colored desert landscapes are arid and dotted with small villages inhabited by rugged-looking people of Tibetan heritage. Leh town is a fascinating city surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, verdant farmland, sprawling monasteries, ancient palaces and countless discoveries alluring visitors worldwide. After strolling through Leh and the Indus valley, on this journey you will make the trip to the Kardungla at 17,550ft, the world’s highest motorable road, that will take you into the beautiful valley of Nubra. A drive through the remote and mysterious landscape of Changthang reveals its pride, the Pangong Tso. This saltwater lake is iridescent blue/green in summer but completely frozen in winter.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN LEH Our representative will assist you at the Airport on arrival. Get aboard the waiting vehicle and transfer to the hotel and check-in. Today, the full day is for rest and leisure to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Overnight at (hotel).

DAY 2: FULL DAY EXCURSION After breakfast you will drive towards Kargil road and start your sightseeing with the Hall of Fame near Leh, which is worth a visit. It is a museum constructed by the Indian army. Next visit Kali Mata Temple and Spituk Gompa of Ladakh, which dates back to the 11th century. A three chapel monastery, Spituk is located at a distance of approximately 8 km from the town of Leh. Gurudwara Patthar Sahib is nestled deep in the Himalayas. A drive of another 4 km takes us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked in neutral gear on this metallic road, the vehicle slides up! Driving through a picturesque landscape we reach the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River 4 km before Nimmu village. Drive back to Leh. Overnight at (hotel)

DAY 3: LEH TO NUBRA VALLEY After breakfast you will drive to the Nubra valley over Khardung-la, on the highest motorable road in the world at (18,380ft/5569m). Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. In the afternoon visit Hunder Monastery. Hunder is one of the remote villages in the Ladakh district of India's northernmost State of Jammu and Kashmir. Lying close to the border between India and Pakistan in the north-western part of Ladakh, the village of Hunder comprises settlers that include Ladakhis and Tibetans. You can visit the sand dunes here to enjoy a camel safari. Overnight stay at Nubra (hotel/camp).

DAY 4: NUBRA VALLEY TO LEH After breakfast, visit the Diskit Monastery en route to Leh. This Diskit Gompa dates back to the 14th century and owes its inception to Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong-kha-pa. At the heart of Diskit Monastery is an elevated cupola, which stands adorned with a beautiful fresco that illustrates the Tashilhunpo Gompa of Tibet. There are a number of shrines inside the monastery's complex, like Kangyu-lang, etc. Also, hundreds of Mongolian and Tibetan texts have found their store house inside these temples. Diskit Gompa has quite an interesting legend attached to it. It is believed that a Mongol demon once lived here and was considered to be a sworn enemy of Buddhism. Overnight at (hotel).

DAY 5: EXCURSION TO PANGONG TSO LAKE After an early breakfast leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass (17586/5360 m) Pangong Lake, situated at (14,000 ft ) is a long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometres at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. A few years back the government decided to open it for tourists, though the lake and its surrounding area is under army surveillance. Hot lunch will be served at Pangong. After spending some time at Pangong you will then drive back to Leh. Overnight at (hotel).

DAY 6: FLY BACK

LAND COST: on request

COST INCLUDES:

COST EXCLUDES:

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