Grand tour of Ladakh

Arrival in Leh

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Hotel standard Check-in 14:00 pm / Check-out 12:00 pm.

We recommend half a day of relaxation to acclimatise.

Leh Market: – The market is divided into several small paths and streets, with sections dedicated to clothes, artefacts, spices, food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. One of the best things that Leh Main Market is famous for is its woollen garments. Due to the cold climate, the people of Leh have a culture of making hand-woven woollen clothes, which have now become popular local products from Ladakh.

Overnight in Leh.

Leh

After breakfast.

Visit Shanti Stupa: – Shanti Stupa is also known as Vishwa Shanti Stupa. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The impressive stupa is made of marble and there are brilliantly intricate statues of Lord Buddha here.

Leh Palace: – The roof of Leh Palace offers beautiful views of the Ladakh region and Stok Kangri. With huge wooden walls and balconies, it is a fine example of medieval Tibetan architecture and boasts nine floors.

Chemrey Monastery: – Chemrey Gompa in the Indus River Valley is a Buddhist monastery built in 1664 in the Leh district of Ladakh in northern India. It is located 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) north of Hemis Monastery.

Stakna Monastery: – Known as Tiger Nose due to its resemblance, Stakna is a small monastery in Leh founded by the Bhutanese scholar and saint Chosje Jamyang Palkar in 1580. The monastery is located on the left bank of the Indus River and offers splendid views over the valley.

Matho Monastery: – The history of Matho Monastery states that it was founded in the 15th century by Lama Dugpa Dorje. The gompa belongs to the Sakya Order and houses thangkas dating back 400-600 years.

Free time to explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Leh.

Leh-Khardung La-Diskit-Hunder (125 Km, 3 Hours and 35 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Hunder.

En route, we visit Khardung La Pass.

Khardung La Pass: – Khardung La Pass is a gateway to some of the most enchanting and unexplored landscapes. This famous mountain pass is very popular among adventurers and regular tourists alike

Diskit: – Dating back to the 14th century, this monastery is considered the largest and oldest monastery in the Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the most prominent attraction of the monastery is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue at the top, which was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Maitreya Buddha: – The 32-metre-high statue of Maitreya Buddha faces the Shyok River. This statue was built recently with 8 kg of gold donated by the head of the Gompa and was sanctified by the Dalai Lama on 24 July 2010. It is said that this statue was built to protect the village from wars and promote peace in the world.

Upon arrival in Hunder, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Hunder.

Hunder-Samstanling-Panamik-Ensa-Nubra Valley-Hunder (Return 173 Km, 4 Hours and 40 Minutes)

After breakfast, the day begins.

Samstanling: – Located in Sumlur village in the Nubra Valley region, Samstanling Monastery was founded 140 years ago in 1841 by Lama Tsultim Nima. The monastery is located 124 km from Leh and serves more than 50 monks with their daily needs.

Panamik: – Panamik Hot Water Spring is located at an altitude of 10,442 feet above sea level. The spring water contains a high amount of sulphur and is considered beneficial for treating rheumatism and other ailments.

Ensa: – Ensa Monastery, otherwise known as Ensa Gompa, is located in the vicinity of Panamik village. Travellers must visit this 250-year-old monastery as it is considered one of the major attractions of Nubra Valley.

Nubra Valley: – Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan ranges, Nubra Valley is located between Tibet and Kashmir. The view of the valley is picturesque and breathtaking. During winter, the whole valley looks like a lunar landscape (which is why it is called Moonland), while in summer it is full of greenery.

Return to Hunder, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Hunder.

Hunder-Shyok-Pangong (277 Km, 6 Hours and 50 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Pangong.

Along the way, we visit Shyok (Altitude 3700 m).

Start the day by following the same route towards Leh until reaching Khalsar. From Agyam Bridge, we will take the left road that leads to the villages of Shyok and Durbuk. The route is less frequently used for commuting, so you will not find heavy traffic on most days.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Pangong.

Pangong-Tsomoriri (180 Km, 7 Hours) (Half Board with Dinner)

After breakfast, departure for Tsomoriri.

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake and then continue east. This is a new route recently opened to tourists. Drive along Pangong Lake, passing through the villages of Man, Mirak, and Chushul (which is only 80 km from the Chinese border and is famous for the memorial of Major Shaitan Singh, who sacrificed his life in the Sino-Indian War of 1962, and where the Chinese and Indian Army flag meeting is held every year). We also drive to Tsaga and Loma Curve, and once you reach Mahe, turn left and continue driving until you reach Tsomoriri.

Overnight stay in Tsomoriri.

Tsomoriri-Leh (240 Km, 7 Hours) (Half Board with Dinner)

After breakfast, depart for Leh.

Puga: – Puga Valley is located in the Changthang Valley in the south-eastern part of Ladakh, about 22 km from the Salt Lake Valley. It is a region of great importance known for its natural beauty and geothermal activities. Puga is also visited for its hot sulphur springs.

Tsokar Lake: – Tso Kar or Tsokar is a salt lake known for its size and depth, located in the Rupshu Plateau and valley in the southern part of Ladakh, India. It is also recognised as India’s 42nd Ramsar site.

Along the way, stop at Tanglang La Pass, the second highest motorable pass in the world at 5,350 m.

Overnight stay in Leh.

Leh-Hemis-Thiksey-Shey-Stok-Leh

After breakfast

Visit Hemis: – Among the richest monasteries in India, Hemis Monastery is renowned for its collection of ancient artefacts, including a copper Buddha figure, gold and silver stupas, and more. Sacred thangkas, murals, and other objects can be seen throughout the monastery.

Thiksey: – Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelug or Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also known for its annual Gustor festival held in the month of October/November, where a fair is organised at the base of the monastery and villagers from all over Ladakh come to barter, exchange items, and socialise.

Shey: – It is home to the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh. Shey Monastery is located within the Shey Palace complex. The original palace, now in ruins, was built near the village of Shey by Lhachen Palgyigon, king of Ladakh (then called Maryul), in the 10th century.

Stok: – Situated on the banks of the Indus River on the outskirts of the city, the Stok Palace is a magnificent three-storeyed structure. Still the summer residence of the Ladakh royal family, around 12 of its 80 rooms are still functional.

Arrival in Leh, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Leh.

Leh-Basgo-Alchi-Likir-Uleytokpo (125 Km, 2 Hours and 45 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure to Uleytokpo.

En route visit Basgo: – Although the monastery was built for the Namgyal rulers in 1680, Basgo itself was incorporated in the early days of Ladakh and is often mentioned in the Chronicles of Ladakh when it was a political and cultural centre.

Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: – Situated on the outskirts of Leh on the Leh-Kargil road, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built in memory and honour of Guru Nanak. This place of worship is associated with a very important event in the history of the Sikh religion.

Magnetic Hill: – Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill located near Leh in Ladakh, India. The layout of the area and the surrounding slopes create the optical illusion of a hill. The hilly road is actually a downhill road. Objects and cars on the road may appear to roll uphill, defying gravity, when in reality they are rolling downhill.

Likir: – Likir Monastery was first built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. It currently houses a 25-foot (7.6 m) tall gold-covered Buddha statue. It is occupied by monks of the Gelukpa order and is located 52 km from Leh.

Upon arrival in Uleytokpo, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Uleytokpo.

Uleytokpo-Kargil (91 Km, 3 Hours and 10 Minutes)

After breakfast.

Rizong: – Known to be a haven for meditation, Rizong Monastery overlooks the Indus Valley. The monastery has special significance for Tibetan Buddhists as Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated in the caves around Rizong.

Lamayuru: – Lamayuru is known for its monastery and its “lunar landscape”, popularly promoted for tourists. The landscape is certainly stunning with its extraordinarily strange geological formations. Lamayuru Monastery is ancient and built in this spectacular lunar landscape.

Hunderman Village: – Hunderman is a small village located about 10 km upstream from the town of Kargil. It is said to be the last village in Indian territory situated very close to the Indo-Pak border. Like many border villages, Hunderman found itself in the crossfire during the wars fought between the two nations.

Overnight stay in Kargil.

Kargil-Zanskar (249 Km, 5 Hours and 55 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Zanskar.

En route visit Pibiting Monastery: – The monastery is believed to have been built in the 2nd century by Kanishka, a powerful king of the Kushan Empire. It offers panoramic views of natural beauty and is surrounded by a serene and peaceful environment. The surroundings are perfect for hiking and photography. Padum has established itself as an important trekking destination.

Karsha Monastery: – It is the largest monastery in Zanskar, with a community of 120 monks. Karsha sits above the bubbling Stod River in the Padum Valley. In the 11th century, the famous interpreter Phagspa Sherab established part of the Gelugpa order here. The whitewashed quarters rise dramatically above the mountainside village.

Overnight stay in Zanskar.

Zanskar

After breakfast

Visit Zanskar Valley: – Located in Kargil district, east of Ladakh (about 105 km), lies the enchanting Zanskar Valley. Pronounced locally as Zahar or Zangskar, it is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range, which is part of the Tethys Himalayas.

Zangla Fort or Palace: – Zangla is one of the most unique places to visit in Zanskar and is worth stopping at during your Padum and Karsha tour.

Stongdey Monastery: – The Tshogs-Khang is one of the seven temples and is adorned with magnificent portraits of deities. The temple art is set against a black background with gold borders. One of the most famous shrines is Gon Khang, the shrine of guardian deities.

Sani Monastery and Lake: – Sani Monastery is believed to be one of the oldest gompas in the Ladakh region. Sani is also a place of interest for historians and archaeologists because of the ancient Kanika Stupa located inside the monastery.

Bardan Monastery: – The Bardan Monastery of Lungnak Valley, 12 kilometres from Padum, is perched on a steep cliff. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Drogpa order in Zanskar. It was founded in the early 17th century by Deba Gyatso. A large Dukhang meeting hall is located inside Bardan Gompa.

Overnight stay in Zanskar.

Zanskar-Kargil (249 Km, 5 Hours and 55 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Kargil.

En route visit Zongkhul Monastery: – Zongkhul Monastery is built on a rock wall with two caves in the Stod Valley, and from a distance it looks like a swallow’s nest on the rock face of Ating Valley.

Parkachik Glacier: – Huge sheets of ice occasionally break off from the 90-metre-high front face of Nun Kun and fall into the Suru River, offering a spectacular view of the massive icefall.

Upon arrival in Kargil, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kargil.

Kargil

After breakfast, depart for Dras.

Dras: – Dras was formerly known as Hem-Bas. From 1846 to 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state in India, where Dras was part of the Kargil Tehsil of the Ladakh Wazarat. Later, the region witnessed the British era. In 1947-48, Pakistan’s Gilgit Scouts invaded the Kargil area but failed to occupy it. Once again, it came into prominence during the Kargil War in 1999, when the Pakistan Army’s invasion led to a full-fledged war with India.

Tiger Hill View Point: – Tiger Hill rose to fame during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. It is a mountain in the Drass-Kargil area of Ladakh, India. At an altitude of 5,307 metres, it is one of the highest peaks in the region.

The Kargil/Drass War Memorial: – The Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Dras War Memorial, is a war memorial built by the Indian Army in Dras town near Kargil town in the Kargil district of Ladakh, India, to commemorate the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan.

Overnight stay in Kargil.

Kargil – Leh (140 Km, 4 Hours and 50 Minutes)

After breakfast, depart for Leh.

En route visit Shargole Cave Monastery: – Shargole Cave Monastery is located about 31 km from Kargil and is an architectural marvel. As we approached the village, we could see from afar a white structure attached to a yellowish-brown hill.

Mulbekh Monastery: – There are many things about Mulbekh Monastery that make it a popular tourist attraction in Kargil, one of which is its location. Another attraction is the 30-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha carved into a huge stone slab.

Alchi Monastery: – The history of Alchi Monastery states that it was created by the famous scholar-translator Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century. However, inscriptions preserved in the monuments attribute its creation to a Tibetan nobleman, Kal-dan Shes-rab, later in the 11th century.

Overnight stay in Leh.