Ladakh customized itinerary  for 8N/9D

Day 01. Leh Arrival.

 On arrival, we receive and transfer you to the hotel. Acclimatize for the day, this is very crucial so that your body gets acclimatize to the sudden change in altitude. Our representative will visit you again in the evening to ensure that the family is doing perfectly fine. Overnight Hotel

Day 2 Leh Local/Shey/Thiksay/Indus Valley. 90 Kms approx/full day.

You begin the day by visiting Sindhu Darshan about 7 km from Leh on the bank of historical Indus river and then to Shey where you visit the Drukpa school populary called 3 idiot schools by tourists as part of the bollywood cult film was shot here. Later you visit Thiksay monastery, which is one of the most vibrant and active monasteries in the region built as a replica of the La potala in Lhasa. It dates back to the 16th century and is part of the Gelug-pa Sect. It is headed by successive reincarnations of the Khanpo Rimpoche. The monastery is 12 storied and painted in deep shades of red, ochre and white. It has evolved around a central courtyard with buildings surrounding it from three sides. At one extreme lies the main dukhang, which houses numerous racks containing religious texts. Behind the main alter lies a small chamber that contains images of revered deities.

We visit the Stok palace Mueseum where you are taken through the memory lane of erstwhile royals of Ladakh and their lifestyle.

Drive back to Leh and visit the Leh palace and after that experience the sunset over Leh town from the Shanti Stupa atop village Changspa. Drive back to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Leh/Nubra Valley(148 Kms/6 hrs) Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. 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. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level.

Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at our Camp in Hunder relax and get refreshed. In the evening we drive to Hunder where you have opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high-altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road are Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance, can be seen snow-capped mountains.  Dinner and overnight at the Camp. (Pack lunch will be served this day)

Day 04. Nubra Valley to Turtuk and back. 80 Kms/2-3 hours,One way.

After breakfast drive towards Turtuk border village that sits on the crossroad of Himalayan and Karakoram ranges overlooking the Shyok river is home to the people of Balti tribe with its unique culture and tradition. Baltis are also known for their sumptuous cuisine. The village was used to be under Pakistani occupation until 1971 when India won it back in a fierce war fought against the Pakistani army. Atop the village you also get a view of Pakistani side of the border. Almost every family is divided and some of the relatives now reside on the other side of the border. You would get some of your best shots here in Turutk. The place is also known for quality apricots and sword dance which they perform on important occasions and marriages. As someone rightly said that “only smiles are sweeter than apricot in Turtuk”.

Drive back to your Hotel in Hunder. Overnight at Hunder.

Day5- Nubra Valley to to Pangong Lake via Shayok Valley. 150 Kms/5-6hours.

After an early breakfast leave for Pangong Lake via Changla pass, second highest pass (15000 ft approx.). Enroute visit Sindhu Darshan about 7 km from Leh on the bank of historical Indus river and then to Shey where you visit the Drukpa school populary called 3 idiot schools by tourists as part of the bollywood cult film was shot here.

 Later you visit Thiksay monastery, which is one of the most vibrant and active monasteries in the region built as a replica of the La potala in Lhasa. It dates back to the 16th century and is part of the Gelug-pa Sect. It is headed by successive reincarnations of the Khanpo Rimpoche. The monastery is 12 storied and painted in deep shades of red, ochre and white. It has evolved around a central courtyard with buildings surrounding it from three sides. At one extreme lies the main dukhang, which houses numerous racks containing religious texts. Behind the main alter lies a small chamber that contains images of revered deities.

Reach  Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). The lake is bisected by the international border between India and China. The lake became a rage with Indian tourists after Amir shot the climax of his film 3 idiot and Ladakh became a destination overnight. On a sunny day the reflection of the sky makes the color of lake look turquoise blue in contrast with the earthy mountains to make pictures look unreal and surreal. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the camp near lake.

Day 06. Pangong Lake to Tsomoriri. 220 Kms/8-9 hours. After breakfast, drive to Tsomori Lake which is at an altitude of 14,836 ft. Tsomoriri lake is the largest of the high altitude lakes that is entirely within India, about 26 kms  in length and  5 kms wide. The drive to Tsomoriri is one of the scenic and pristine part of ladakh with lots of wildlife around and expanse landscapes. At night one can clearly see the milky way in the region. The village forms the backdrop of the lake with people grazing their domestic animals in the nearby fields.

Overnight at Tsomoriri.

Day 07. Tsomoriri to Leh via Tsokar  200 Kms/8-9 hours.

After breakfast we drive towards Leh via Tsokar lake. The lake which is the only non-saline water body in the region and because of this very reason the surrounding of the lake is a breeding ground for large number of birds some of whom migrate from other end of the globe to this lake. One may spot colonies of grebes and brown-headed gulls, strip geese, rust geese and terns. One of the most endangered bird the black-necked cranes and Tibetan grouse are relatively common in the area. Tsokar is true a heaven for birds lover. Marmots, Wild ass or kiang, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan wolves and foxes can also be seen in the area. Yak which is a lifeline for the nomads are kept by the Changpas or nomads of the region along with horses that once used to be the backbone for the economy of the area.  You can also observe the life of nomads and locals in the nearby villages.

Continue drive to Leh via Tanglangla, Rumste,Upshi, Karoo before finally arriving the town. You can pay homage at Karzok Monastery before starting your return Trip. Overnight at Leh.

Day 8: Sight Seeing Sham Valley upto Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers

After early breakfast move towards Sham valley, en-route visit Hall of Fame which is an army managed memorabilia on the indian army and its soldiers, Pather Sahib Gurudwara, Magnetic hill, Confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers (good for photography) .

Evening drive back to Leh and you are free at your own leisure to explore the town or just relax at the Hotel,

Overnight in Hotel.

Day9-Departure- Get early drop back to the airport for flight back home.