Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi international airport.
Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a Great Empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered over are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which in an impressive sense of magnificence are memorials not of a single city but of supplanted nations.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2 Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla
Morning transfer to railway station to board train Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh leaving Delhi at 0720 Hrs & arriving Chandigarh at 1100 Hrs…
You will be met on arrival at railway station and drive by car to Shimla. Free time in this Hill Station town.
Overnight in Eastbourne hotel or similar
Day 3 Shimla – Sarahan (185 Kms/7-8 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Sarahan. The former Capital of Bushahar Empire, Sarahan is a wonderful little village located amidst lush green and beautiful surroundings of Deodar forests. Visit the historical Bhimakali temple, having an unusual architecture and wealth of carvings, a fine example of Hindu-Buddhist architecture. Deep down in the alley flows the river Sutlej and across lies the scenic snow-clad Shrikhand Peak , overnight stay at Sarahan.
Day 4 Sarahan – Sangla (98 Kms/ 4 – 5 hrs)
After breakfast, we move on from Sarahan, delving deeper into the breathtaking, secret world of the Kinnaur and Spiti Valleys . Ride on to Wangtu and further to Kar Cham and move down to right to Sangla, a picturesque little village with a small population, famous for its trout fishing possibilities. Situated on the slope with houses rising one above the other, and the Kinner-Kailash Peak towering behind, Sangla is also known for the impressive and historical Kamru Fort, which has now been dedicated to the Kamakshi Temple . Over night at Sangla.
Day 5 Sangla -Kalpa
Around 10 AM Leave Sangla For Kalpa, 51km. 2Hrs. Via Karcham, Powari. En-route cross Powari and proceed to Recong Peo (7 Km). Both places have the most stupendous settings in all of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy a spectacular view of the mighty Kinnaur Kailash Mountain Ranges from anywhere up the road. Located at an altitude of 2,670m, Kalpa is also famous for good quality Chilgoza, Dinner and overnight in hotel at Kalpa.
Day 6 Kalpa – Tabo (163 Kms/ 7 – 8 hrs)
After an early morning breakfast, start riding on Sutlej Bed and in the surrounding lush green forest. Drive 18 km from Powari to Ribba. This region is also known for the famous Kinnaur apples, grapes and the alcohol distilled from grapes. There are a number of bridges you will cross en-route. Then drive to Ribba to Puh (40Km) while riding on the paved road on the Bank of the Sutlej River , known as the Indo-Tibetan road. In northwest direction one can distinctly see some snow-covered peaks in the Pin Valley Range (subject to clear weather). After crossing the cantonment of the Puh, come out of the Gorge of Khab (another 11 Km). Khab is the point where two rivers, Tabo and Sutlej merge, producing the resounding sound. Navigate the hairpin bends and ride ahead for 24 km on paved road till Yangthang. Descend to Yangthang, considered as the ideal entry point in the Land of Lamas . From Yangthang the road condition also deteriorates to unpaved in between some loose mud and mountain river crossing till Chango (3,658 m). From Chango drive another 8 Km in arid landscape till Sumdo, Another 9 Km drive in the plateau area, takes you to Hoorling and from here 24 Km ride ends up in Tabo. Visit Tabo Gompa (temple). Founded in 996 AD, the Gompa has some of the best-preserved examples of Indo-Tibetan art remaining in the world, Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 7 Tabo – Kaza (102 Km)
In the morning, leave for Kaza (3,600 meters), at about 47 Km from Tabo and then to Kibber, 18Km up, Visit the scenic Kibber Village (4,025m) and the famous Ki-Monastery (4,116m). enroute visit Dhankar and lahlung Monastery.Though the distance to Ki is not much, but you have to ascend a height of more than 1,000 M on a difficult road. Ki is the oldest and largest Gompa in Spiti having a spectacular location. Later, ride down to Rangrik and then into the barren landscape in a gorge for next 30 Km to Hanse (3,950m) clinging to the road cliffs and the unpaved stretch of roads with not many villages falling en-route. Then, ride further 20Km to arrive at Losar (4,079m), Dinner and overnight at Hotel Spiti Sarai.
Day 8 Kaza – Jispa (201 Km)
Enjoy an early morning ride up to Kunzum Pass (4,551 m) & then proceed to visit the picturesquely beautiful Chandratal Lake (4,270m), about 12 Km from the Pass. Spend some time and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the surroundings around the lake, Thereafter, drive to Batal- Chatru – Gramphoo and then to Jispa. Have your lunch en-route. Later, proceed to Jispa, Dinner and overnight in the hotel at Ibex.
Day 9 Jispa – Sarchu (110 Km)
After breakfast, drive to sarchu and proceed through the hairpin bends entering into the Higher Himalayan Range . After reaching the top of the gorge, drive straight to Himmatnagar Cantonment. It is again an unpaved stretch of the Patseo & ZinZing Bar hairpins bends, as you get closer to Suraj Tal. Then, proceed to Baralacha La (4,883m). Later, descend down to arrive at Bharatpur. Enjoy your packed lunch and enter to the gorge of Sarchu. Come out of the gorge after crossing the bridge and enter the Sarchu Plateau (4,100m). Here you can enjoy a cool and refreshing breeze, soothing your body and nerves, Dinner and overnight in tents at Sarchu.
Day 10 Sarchu – Leh (246 Km)
Today, you will enjoy a long but pleasurable ride. Ride in the plateau area for next 30 Km with a good speed but be cautious of the bad patches en-route. Ascend the road bends of Gata Loops early in the morning to beat the uphill traffic and scale the height of Takh (3,950m) and then it is a downhill. Cross over the low-lying road in the stream and ascend uphill again to the height of Lachung La Pass (5,060m) about 54 km from Sarchu. Then, drive downhill for 25 km till you hit the base of bridge before Pang (4,630m). Ensure to cross over Pang before 12.00 noon as traffic is not allowed in afternoon. Later, cross Tanglang La (75km from Pang) and another 30 km to Rumtse. Thereafter, proceed further to Leh, the saddle of Buddhist Culture, Dinner and overnight in the hotel in Leh.
Day 11 Leh – Nubra Via Khardungla Pass (140 Kms / 5 – 6 hrs)
Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the World Highest Motorable road (5602 Mts) Khardungla pass. Arrive Nubra and proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy the camel ride (On Own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries and check in at Deluxe Camp. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the camp.
khardungla pass: The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardung La pass (The highest Motorable road in the world) 18,390 ft. around 39 Kms. Away from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at higher altitude than Deskit and other villages.
DESKIT village: Deskit is the main village of headquarter of Nubra valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop. Spectacular view of the valley can be seen form the monastery.
DESKIT GOMPA: Deskit Gompa was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks are residing in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thikse Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar.
hundar village: Hundar is a beautiful village to stay with lot of trees and you will really enjoy your stay at Hundar. It has a small monastery and ruined fort above the village. The walk or Camel Safari (Double Hump bacterian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes for two hours is wonderful (on own).
Day 12 Nubra – Leh
Morning after Breakfast proceed for Leh, once again driving via Khardungla pass the World Highest Motorable road. Evening explore Leh bazaar for souvenir, visit Leh Jokhang or Leh Mosque by foot. Overnight at the hotel.
Jokhang: the Ladakh Buddhist Association in 1957 built the small Gonpa opposite to SBI and known as Jokhang in the main bazaar, which is open throughout the day for visitors. The Gonpa contains statue of Joyo Rinpoche (crowned Buddha).
LEH MOSQUE: The Jama Masjid of Leh was built in 1666-67 AD under an agreement between Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and Ladakhi ruler Deldan Namgyal. Initialy, the architecture of the mosque bore Tibetan, Central Asian and Ladakhi style. In recent years it has been reconstructed and given a new look with minarets and domes.
Day 13 Monastery tour and Sindhu Darshan (90 Kms round trip)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Thiksey village, visit Thiksey monastery and drive to Shey Village to visit Shey Palace and Gompa. Continue drive to Hemis monastery to visit one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh. Later on the way back to Leh get down at the Sindhu Ghat for Sindhu Darshan and walk along the river. After spending some time at the river come back to Hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Leh.
THIKSEY GOMPA: 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.
SHEY PALACE AND GOMPA: Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.
HEMIS GOMPA: 40 Kms from Leh, it is the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held here in summer. The festival is in honor of Guru Padma Sambhava’s birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Singge Namgyal, an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal Dynasty for the royalty favored the Drugpa sect, which is managed the monastery. It is divided into two, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall (Dukhang) is also used as “green room” by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The verandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist “Wheel Of Life” (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters, besides the prayer wheel.
SINDHU GHAT: The Sindhu Ghat at Choglamsar village at the bank of River Indus has been inaugurated on the 1st of June 2001 by Hon’ble Minister for Home Shri L. K. Advani. Every year Sindhu festival is held on this bank of river, forges bonds of unity between communities. The festival is an ideal opportunity for travelers from all over the country and the world to visit this wonderful region and to savour its rugged beauty and charm.
Day 14 Leh – Alchi (70 Kms round trip)
Morning after breakfast drive to Alchi. Enroute visit, Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Confluence of Zanskar and Indus river. Arrive Alchi and visit Alchi Monastery. Dinner and overnight at hotel / camp in Alchi.
MAGNETIC HILL : Defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the Gurdwara Shri Patthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill that’s the Believe it or not of Ladakh!
GURDWARA SHRI PATTHAR SAHIB: The Shrine known as Gurdwara Patthar sahib is situated about 25 kms. Short of Leh town on the Leh-Srinagar road. Built in the everlasting memory of Shri Guru Nanak Deve Ji the great prophet who sanctified the place by his sacred visit during the year 1517 while on his second missionary tour (2nd Udassi 1515-1518). The Guru reached here via Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet Yarkand and Leh after having spiritual discourses with the sidhas at Mount Sumer (Central Himalayas). On the hill features across the road, there used to live a wicked demon that terrorized the people of the area. Their miseries multiplied day by day. As their miseries became unbearable they prayed for divine help. It is said that the Great Guru heard their woes and came to their rescue. The Guru settled down on the bank of the river flowing nearby. The people sought for help and the Guru blessed the people and became very popular in the area. The locals called him as Nanak Lama. The Demon got enraged and started making plans to kill Guru Nanak. One morning, when the Guru was sitting in meditation, he rolled down a big boulder from the hilltop with the aim of killing the Guru. But on the very touch of Guru’s body, the solid rock melted like wax and Guru’s back got embedded on it like a cushion. The Guru kept on sitting in meditation undisturbed. Thinking that the Guru must have been killed, the demon came down but was taken aback on seeing the Guru in meditation, undisturbed. With a rage of anger he tried to push the rock with his right foot but the rock had already became like wax his foot also got embedded into it. On this , he realized his folly and powerlessness as compared to the spiritual power of the Great Guru. He fell on the feet of Guru and humbly prayed to be pardoned. The Guru advised him to get rid of his wickedness and lead the life of a nobel person, in the service of humanity. This changed the life style of demon and he started serving the people. The Guru there after continued his Holy journey towards Srinagar and Kashmir via Kargil.
The boulder having imprint of the Guru’s back is lying in the Gurdwara to this day.
CONFLENCE OF THE ZANSKAR & INDUS : On way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wed-lock! In seasons they have different colors and flow and wildness.
ALCHI GOMPA: 70 Kms from Leh, on the banks of the Indus, is the Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attractions. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Liker monastery. This is the only monastery amongst 34 monasteries, which is not located on a hilltop.
LADAKH HALL OF FAME : The Hall of Fame is a glorious museum constructed by the Indian Army. It is worth a visit for every citizen. You can see the memorabilia, eminent defense personalities with biographies, images and weapons used during the Kargil and other key strategic battles fought in Ladakh. And belongings of the enemy soldiers found at war site. All the martyr and the gallantry awards…
“Here’s something that you will be proud of our defense personnel who sacrificed themselves so that we could live in peace.”
Day 15 Alchi – Lamayuru – Leh. (180 Kms round trip)
Early morning drive to Lamayuru. Lamayuru is famous for its ancient monastery and the surrounding landscape which closely resembles the surface of moon. This is where Ladakh gets its name ‘The Moonland’. Later visit the Rizong monastery and Chulichan nunnery and drive back to Leh. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Leh.
LAMAYURU GOMPA: The oldest holy site in Ladakh, it was a bon shrine prior to the advent of Buddhism. Also known as Yung Drung (Swastika) it is sited on a high promontory overlooking the village and valley. For sheer spectacle value no other Gompa can match Lamayuru.
RIDZONG GOMPA: Rizong is the most isolated monastery of all the monastery of Ladakh. There is no entry fee in this monastery, you can offer whatever you can. Rizong Gompa is known as the paradise for Meditation. Guru Padma Sambhava is believed to meditated here for years. One can still find the small caves where Lamas used to meditate for years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except for an one feet square outlet window from where they accept the one time meal of the day.
CHULICHAN: Chulichan, the nunnery is around one and half Kms. Below the Rizong monastery; around 20 Nuns resides at Chulichan. They provide food and cloths to the monks and perform morning and evening prayers.
Day 16 Leh – Delhi
Transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Delhi.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 17 Leave Delhi
Transfer to the airport for departure flight
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