Duration: 6 days
Accomodations: Hotel
Best time: March - December
Grade: Easy

INTRODUCTION
A land that until recently was virtually a lost world; this privately guided Ladakh tour will reveal a stunning former Himalayan kingdom also known as the ‘Little Tibet’, where an ancient Buddhist culture is deeply ingrained and the striking landscapes once played host to the cloak and dagger diplomacy of the Great Game. Located high up in the Himalaya, Ladakh is a spectacular land of jagged mountains, shimmering lakes, arid plains, picturesque Buddhist monasteries, and fluttering prayer flags. This serene Himalayan region is cut off by snowfall for much of the year and was once on an important branch on the ancient Silk Road. The tour begins with a night in Delhi, then boards a scenic flight to Leh, the Ladakhi capital, where you will acclimatise prior to setting off on a high-altitude adventure that combines the Indus and Nubra valleys with the perfect blue waters of Pangong Lake. While journeying across the ‘Roof of the World’, unforgettable experiences will include attending early morning prayers at Thiksey monastery, hoisting prayer flags at Khardung La pass (one of the highest motorable passes in the world), riding Bactrian camels across the ‘Desert in the Sky’, and hiking along the banks of the rushing Shyok River. There will also be the opportunity to absorb the frontier-like atmosphere in bustling Leh Bazaar. A summer holiday in Ladakh is an incredible and almost matchless Himalayan experience.

ITINERARY

DAY: 1 ARRIVE IN LEH A short scenic flight will bring you to Leh. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to guest house and your atmospheric traditional Ladakhi house. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimatize to Ladakh’s high altitude. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk around old town. Overnight at (hotel).

DAY 2: MAGNETIC HILL, SANGAM, BASGO FORT AND ALCHI Begin your day with a stop at Magnetic hill, Sangam then visit the 16th-century mud-brick fortress of Basgo Gompa, which is perched atop a hillock and offers stunning views of the surrounding villages. Next, visit the three Maitreya temples, which are dedicated to the ‘Buddha of the future’ and observe monks offering prayers, before proceeding to explore the almost forgotten Saspol Cave Temples. Then, after lunch at Saspol village, continue to the 10th-century Alchi monastery, which has one of the finest collections of Buddhist murals in Ladakh. Return to Leh. Overnight at (hotel).

DAY 3: THIKSEY MONASTERY, PANGONG LAKE Set off early this morning to Thiksey, one of the grandest monasteries in Ladakh, to observe the mystical dawn prayer ceremony and listen to the younger monks reciting sacred Buddhist texts to the accompaniment of cymbals. Next, visit the monastery’s prayer hall filled with handwritten religious texts, scrolls and brightly painted images of Buddha and Tara. Then, continue via the Chang-La Pass (17586/5386m) to the stunningly beautiful Pangong Tso Lake, regarded as one of the largest high-altitude lakes in all of Asia. Complete the day’s sightseeing with a lazy walk along the edge of the Pangong Tso Lake at sunset. Overnight at (hotel/camp).

DAY 4: ARRIVE NUBRA VALLEY Rise early to watch the ever-changing colours of the shimmering blue Pangong Tso Lake. Then, a scenic drive along the Shyok River or via the Wari La Pass will bring you to the village of Teggar in the picturesque Nubra Valley. Later this afternoon, visit to the Sand Dunes and take in the glorious views as the sun sets over the high-altitude desert. Overnight at (hotel/camp).

DAY 5: HUNDER VILLAGE, BACTRIAN CAMEL SAFARI – LEH Set off this morning to Hunder and enjoy an inspiring trek in the footsteps of ancient Silk Route caravans. This is an easy trail along the shimmering Shyok River and the beautiful Hunder Gorge and offers magnificent views of the Saser Kangri Peak (7,672 m). Conclude your day’s exploration with a short camel safari across the sand dunes, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any visit to Hunder. Return to Leh via the breathtaking ascent up to the Khardung La Pass, which at (18380ft/ 5569m)is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. At Khardung La, enjoy a short yak ride and hoist colourful prayer flags for happiness, prosperity. Overnight at Leh (hotel).

DAY 6: FLY TO DELHI Bid farewell to Ladakh and fly to Delhi.

LAND COST: on request

COST INCLUDES:

COST EXCLUDES:

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