Take a 10 Nights 11 days trip to Ladakh. You start from an Altitude of about 10,500 feet and go up to 18,500 ft. During this epic journey of 1200km, you will be passing through breathtaking landscapes of Kasmir, along with exquisite monasteries, Stupas, and Palaces will captivate your attention.
The trip gradually descends to 5,500 feet at Srinagar the capital of Kashmir where you can explore the Dal lake by Shikara & the famous Mughal Gardens. Enroute to Srinagar one can also explore Kargil which is know for the 1999 Indo Pak War.
Arrive at Kushok Bakula Airport – Leh, situated at 3500m altitude, met by our representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Leh town which is only at 5 to 7 km. On arrival at the hotel enjoy your welcome drink and then proceed to check in to your rooms and take full-day at rest to acclimatize yourself completely to the high altitudes of Ladakh which is a must.
On this day you will be asked to provide a photocopy of Indian Government issued Photo ID Proof (Aadhar card preferred) or Passport copy for foreign nationals of all individuals to get the Inner Line Permits (ILP). The cost for this is already included in the package and no need to pay anything additional for the same.
The morning is free after breakfast to get acclimatize to Leh altitude. Evening around 4:30 pm visit Shanti Stupa, Leh palace and local Market which offers the best things to buy from Leh town. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
The Shanthi Stupa as the name suggest it is dome-shaped building erected as a Buddhist shrine which is the “symbol of peace”. It is one of the forms of Peace Pagoda built in Ladakh. It is constructed at an altitude of approx. of 11800 ft (3608 mts), at 5 Km from the Leh town by a group of Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhist.
Leh Palace also referred as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar’ is a royal palace located in the picturesque Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. It was designed in line with the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The palace is a nine-storied architecture and was built for the Royal Family of Ladakh. The view of the Leh town from Leh palace is amazing during the evening.
The day is to explore the north-eastern part of Leh – the Nubra Valley. It is located at about 150Kms and an altitude of about 10000 ft. To visit the Nubra valley one must cross the worlds highest motorable road – the Khardung La Pass and one can expect the valley in about 6-7Hrs of time.
The Khardung La Pass is at an altitude of at an altitude of 18,379 ft (5,602m) and so far, the world’s highest motorable world. One should be careful not to stay at this place for more than 30 mins and it may lead to Acute mountain sickness.
The Diskit is the capital of Nubra Valley and host the Diskit Monastery. The monastery is at the edge of the mountain and hence have amazing valley views from the top.
Leh is an ultimate cold desert of the Himalayas and this can be defined by the dunes. It is also the only place in India where one can find double humped camel. Enjoy your camel ride before we proceed further.
Any trip to any destination is incomplete unless one enjoys the local culture and with Explarience Tours and travels we always offer the cultural show as complimentary. The show is usually in the evenings and each session would last for about 30 mins with 5 variants of the songs.
Check in to your camps and enjoy a pleasant dinner & overnight stay.
Since Nubra valley is at lower altitude we suggest you enjoy your bon Fire at Nubra Valley.
After an early breakfast we check out from the Camp and drive to Hunder where you have opportunity to ride Quad bikes. We usually recommend this to do it in the morning as one can take nice videos and Photos during this time of the day.
After your quad bikes if we have missed any of the sightseeing in the previous day we will cover them up today and head to Leh for an overnight journey.
One can opt to few optional spots such as Sumur, Panamik or Turtuk Village.
The Sumur is a 45min drive from Diskit and is located the Samstanling Monastery. One can be here early in the morning to see the monks performing their morning prayers and if you are lucky then you may receive their blessings.
If you opt to visit Panamik then we suggest you to check out the camps early and take the morning bathe at the hot Sulphur springs of Panamik. It is also the last destination where tourist can access post which are located the Siachen Glaciers.
Turtuk is a small village located on the banks of the Shyok river and was a part of Pakistan till 1971 and is now the last outpost of India. Turtuk is one of the gateways to the Siachen Glacier
Early morning full day excursion to Pangong Lake 135 km / 4400m east of Leh crossing Changla Pass 17500ft and driving via Durbuk and Tangtse villages. On a normal day one can consider about 5 hrs. to reach the Lake. The following are the noticeable places to be sighted during this journey.
This is a small temple maintained by the great soldiers of India. It is believed that there existed a baba here and the temple is in maintained in memories.
The Chang La pass is at an altitude of 17,590 ft (5,360 m). It is claimed to be the world’s second highest motorable road in the world. This is the gateway of the Changthang Plateau situated in the Himalayas.
The Pangong Tso Lake means a “High Grassland Lake” located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. The lake is situated at an altitude of 14,270 ft (4,350m). It is the highest salt-water lake in the world and the view, so the lakes are amazing. It is believed the lake changes its color 4 – 5 times a day.
One can visit Shooting Point (3 Idiots movie shoot) and View point (panoramic view view of the lake) of the lake for some selfies before you check in at the camps for your overnight stay.
Wake up early in the morning to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Pangong Lake under the fresh morning rays. Post breakfast set off for a drive back Leh. You will reach Leh by the afternoon; you can spend the rest of the time in the local markets of the city.
Enroute the following are the places of interest.
The Druk White Lotus School of Leh is popularly know as 3 idiot school after the famous movie 3 Idiot was shoot here. The visitors can access the school only under the observation of the guide.
The Shey palace was built in 1655 on the hills of Shey village at an altitude of 11,204 ft (3415m). Shey village is located to the south of Leh. The Shey monastery was built within the palace complex on the instructions of Deldon Namgyal, in the memory of his late father, Singay Namgyal. Inside the Shey monastery reside the Shakyamuni Buddha.
The Thiksey monastery is largest monastery located in central Ladakh about 19Km away from Leh town and at 11,000 ft (3900m). it is also called as “Mini Potala”.
Early morning full day leave for Kargil. Kargil is located at a lower altitude than Leh and is at about 220km. It will be a complete day tour and one can explore a lot of sightseeing such as listed below.
Alchi Monastery is a Buddhist monastery, known for its monastic complex of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District. It is located about 65Km away from Leh towards the Srinagar Leh Highway. It is located at the banks of Indus river and at an altitude of 10,170 feet. You can spin the wheels of fortune and make a wish happiness for everyone.
The Sangam is the confluence of the Indus and the Zanskar river which meet at this point. You can click some photos from the top to see the difference in the color of the water from each river. You may opt for rafting here at your own cost if not included already included in the package.
The Magnetic hill is located between Leh and Alchi on the Srinagar Leh Highway. It’s place where you can see the natural demonstration of gravity where the cars are pulled against the inclined road and appears to be rolling back a steep which we would call as an optical illusion. We suggest you carry a ball to see it by yourself.
Gurdwara Shri Pathar Sahib is situated on the Srinagar-Leh Road, 25kms before the Leh. It is very beautiful, and it was created after the famous incident occurred when the demon lived nearby planned to kill Guruji and throwed stone (Pathar) at him during his worship to almighty and the stone turned into a wax. This made the demon realize himself that almighty is the ultimate power.
Arrive hotel in Kargil for dinner and overnight.
Hall of fame alone need about 90mins at least and hence we recommend this to be completed on the previous evening only.
Lamayuru or Yuru Monastery is in Lamayuru village, Leh district, India. It is situated 125km away from Leh on the Srinagar-Leh highway 15Km near Fotu La at a height of 3,510 meters (11,520 ft). it is the oldest monastery existing in Ladakh.
Early departure for Srinagar driving through Drass (famous as the second coldest inhabited place in the world) and crossing the Zoji-la Pass (11,500-ft. / 3,505 m) to reach hill station of Sonamarg from where it’s smooth driving through the beautiful Kashmir countryside to reach Srinagar.
Overnight in hotel at Srinagar.
Note: We will visit any places which we had not covered up during Srinagar to Kargil journey.
After a long hopping journey, one can relax after the breakfast at your house boat or at hotel based at the booking. The unwind cool summer breeze, alpine scenery and romantic houseboats which make you feel a true Kashmir experience. Later we will go for the following sightseeing.
Dal Lake is one of the famous lakes of Kashmir & was a popular destination for Hindi movies. The shore line of the Lake is about 18kms and is known for romantic houseboats. You can enjoy the Shikara ride (own expense) at Dal Lake for a calm and soothing experience; you could avail the ride on a direct payment basis.
Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal Garden & is the second Largest garden in the Kashmir Valley. Located on the bank of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop
The Shalimar Bagh is also called the crown of Srinagar was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan, in 1619. It is liked through a channel to Dal Lake and it is the largest garden of Kashmir.
Later visit the handloom center famous to produce Pashmina and Shahtoosh shawls and world-famous carpets. After a day of exploration, enjoy a comfortable stay at the hotel in Srinagar. Please note that entry tickets for monuments or any other sightseeing points are not included.
Then visit the Shankaracharya Temple, located on a hillock it renders beautiful panoramic views of the entire city and the famous Dal Lake and River Jhelum.
Return back to hotel for your dinner and overnight stay.
After your morning breakfast check out for the hotel and drop will be provided at the Srinagar Airport for your onward journey.