Duration: 8 days
Accomodations: Hotel
Best time: May - October
Grade: Easy

INTRODUCTION
The capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the state, Srinagar is famous for its canals, houseboats and Mughal gardens. Srinagar is located in the picturesque Kashmir valley and one of the most beautiful cities in India in terms of natural splendor. A place where it's very easy to spend a few hours simply wandering - particularly along the old city streets near the Jhelum river. Srinagar is a unique city because of its lakes - the Dal, Nagin and Anchar. The River Jhelum also flows through a part of the city. The weather of Srinagar may be generally described as alpine. The tourist attractions of Srinagar are mainly related to natural beauty like lakes, gardens, etc. Other than that, there are some shrines that form the tourist attractions of Srinagar. Majestic ice capped mountains, verdant woods, lively rivers and placid lakes form the landscape of the state. After this visit and a beautiful view of Srinagar you will then drive to Kargil, which is approximately 230 kms away. Kargil is a Muslim dominated district and remains merely a stopover for the buses and taxis plying between Padum, Leh and Srinagar. A small market in the town has a few tiny places to eat and dozens of hotels that offer accommodation and food to travelers. There are also some ancient giant Buddhist rocks sculptures within Kargil which you can visit if time permits. On your arrival to Leh, one of the most beautiful places on earth, dotted with stupas and crumbling Mudbrick houses, the old town is dominated by a dagger of a steep rocky ridge. Leh is a place that’s all too easy to fall in love with – but take things very easy on arrival as the altitude requires a few days acclimatization before you can safely start enjoying the areas of adventure activities. After reaching Leh, embark on a spiritual exploration of the monastic treasures of Ladakh. We will be driving through picturesque landscapes along the River Indus. 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 PangongTso.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SRINAGAR Arrive in Srinagar and check in at the houseboat. In the evening enjoy a shikara ride on the sparkling waters of Dal Lake. Watch the enticing view of the lake, the Himalayas and their snowcapped peaks. Visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh after that. Overnight at (houseboat).

DAY 2: SRINAGAR - KARGIL Leave early in the morning and drive through the densely forested Sonamarg and cross Zoji La Pass. Travel across Drass and visit the Kargil War Memorial there. View the infamous peaks of Tiger Hill, situated on the banks of river Suru, in the middle of Srinagar and Leh. Reach Kargil by evening. Overnight in Kargil.(hotel)

DAY 3: KARGIL TO LEH After breakfast drive towards Leh over the barren terrain via Namik-La and Fotu-La Passes. En route visit the giant Maitreya at Mulbekh, the lunar landscapes, and Lamayuru, which has the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Drive on to Leh. En route, visit Alchi and witness the beautiful Sangam of Zanskar and Indus rivers near Nimu. Overnight in Leh.(hotel)

DAY 4: INDUS VALLEY MONASTERY TOUR Today you will visit the oldest capital of Ladakh, Shey Palace, driving past the summer residence of Dalai Lama. Before reaching Shey, we come across many carved rock statues that date back to the eighth century BC. Visit the Thiksey Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh. Witness a number of temples with grand historical statues, the exquisite thankas and the Maitreya Statue of Buddha inside the monastery. After that, pay a visit to the wonderful Hemis Monastery. Spend your day amidst the spiritual peace of the place. Overnight in Leh. (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. Witness the spectacular view around Chang La. Watch the mesmerizing vistas with the changing hues of the water of the lovely lake. After spending some time at Pangong you will then drive back to Leh. Overnight at (hotel).

DAY 6: LEH - NUBRA VALLEY To arrive at the Nubra valley you will be passing over the Khardung La (18,380ft/5569m), the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass, the road descends down a spectacular gorge through the Kardung village. In the evening, you will be driven to Diskit and Hunder Monastery. Further down the river you will head towards the scenic village of Hunder, where you will find pleasant sand dunes and the two-humped Bactrian camel. Camel Safaris are always exciting to try out. Overnight in Nubra.(hotel)

DAY 7 : NUBRA VALLEY TO LEH In the morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive back to Leh passing Khardung La. Stop at the hotel for lunch. For the rest of the day relax and indulge in leisure activities or take a walking tour. Explore Leh market and the cafes on your own. Overnight in Leh.(hotel)

DAY 8: FLY BACK Fly back to Delhi or take a road trip back to Srinagar.

LAND COST: on request

COST INCLUDES:

COST EXCLUDES:

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