Classic Ladakh Cultural Tour
Classic Ladakh Cultural Tour (6 Nights / 7 Days)
Day 1: Arrive in Leh (3501m)
Upon arrival at Leh Airport (3500 m), our tour representative will greet you. Assistance will be provided for your transfer to the hotel. This day is designated for rest and acclimatization to the elevated altitudes of Ladakh, which is essential prior to embarking on any excursions in the region. In the evening, take a stroll to the local market to experience its vibrancy and visit the Shanti Stupa. Overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Day 2: Leh to Lamayuru (3510m) – 152kms
Following breakfast, depart for Lamayuru, making a stop at the Magnetic Hill en route. Visit the Likir Monastery, also referred to as Lu-Khyil Gompa, which was commissioned by the 5th king of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo, and founded by Lama Duwang Chosje in 1065. This monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, explore Alchi Temple, celebrated as the oldest center of Buddhist scholarship; Alchi Gompa is one of the most beautifully constructed monasteries in Ladakh. Situated 70 kilometers west of Leh along the banks of the Indus River, it is the largest and most renowned of the gompas established by the Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th century. Continue your journey to witness the stunning moon-like landscapes and visit Lamayuru Monastery, known as Tharpa Ling, meaning ‘place of freedom. ‘ Arahat Nimagon sanctified the location, and Mahasiddha Naropa established the monastery in the 11th century, making Lamayuru one of the most ancient monasteries in Ladakh.
(Optional) Weather permitting, prepare for an exhilarating river rafting experience on the Zanskar River. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Lamayuru to Leh (3501m) – 130kms
After breakfast, drive back to Leh, stopping at Rizong. According to local lore, Guru Padmasambhava and other lamas meditated in the caves around Rizong in solitude, subsisting on two meals a day while avoiding contact with the outside world. Before the monastery was constructed in 1831, Lama Tsultim Nima established a hermitage at the site to educate monks about Buddhism. Visit the Chulichan Nunnery (Chomoling), situated within the monastery complex, where a few nuns, referred to as Chomos, reside and engage in worship at the temple. Previously, they performed tasks such as milking, spinning wool, and procuring oil for the temple lamps. On the return journey, stop at Sangam, the confluence of two rivers. Arrive in Leh by evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley (3040m) via Khardung La (5400m) – 135kms
Commence the day by preparing for a journey to the Nubra Valley, acclaimed as one of the foremost tourist attractions in Ladakh. The distinctive topography has earned it the moniker ‘desert in the sky. ‘ Traverse the Kharzongla, the highest motorable road globally, and relish the breathtaking vistas of the seemingly infinite snow-laden mountain ranges surrounding Kharzongla. Proceed to Nubra Valley and, following lunch, embark on an exploration of the region, beginning with the Diskyid Monastery positioned atop a hill, which affords a panoramic perspective of Nubra Valley. This monastery is the most ancient and largest within Nubra Valley and is associated with the Gelugpa sect, established in the 14th century by Changsem Sherab Zangpo. Next, we journey to Hunder, renowned for its sandy dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels. Overnight accommodation will be provided at Camp.
Day 5: Nubra Valley-Shayok-Pangong (4251m) 150kms
(Please note, during July and August, the Shayok road may occasionally be impeded due to elevated water levels in the river)
In the morning, after breakfast, enjoy some leisure time before setting off to Pangong via the Shayok route. The evening is free at Pangong Lake, where you can appreciate the lake’s transforming colors during sunset. Pangong is recognized as the highest saltwater lake in the world, shared by Ladakh and Tibet. The surroundings of the lake are exceedingly captivating and tranquil, allowing for birdwatching along the shores of Pangong. A visit to the nearby local village will provide insights into the regional culture. Overnight accommodation will be at Camp.
Day 6: Pangong-Changla (5301m)-Leh 160kms
Initiate the day early, before dawn. The captivating sunrise over the lake and the changing hues of the lake is an awe-inspiring sight that you would want to immortalize on camera. Marvel at the blessed panorama. After breakfast, proceed to Leh via Changla; visit Thiksey Monastery, established in 1433 by Palden Sherab. This sanctuary is regarded as the most exquisite monastery in Ladakh, majestically overlooking the valley and housing a remarkable assembly of approximately 80 monks.
The Hemis Monastery, founded by the first incarnation Stagtsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage. The monastery boasts an impressive collection of ancient relics, including a copper-gilt idol of Lord Buddha and gold and silver stupas. It is distinguished as both the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, along with Shey, constructed in the 17th century by King Deldan Namgyal. Overnight accommodation will be at the hotel.
Day 7: Leh – Delhi
In the early morning, transfer to the airport to board the flight homeward, concluding the tour with cherished memories.
