LEH LADAKH KARGIL

Arrive at Leh – a largest city and the capital of Kingdom of Ladakh. This region is known for its high passes, dramatic mountains and beautiful landscapes hence, called as paradise on earth. On arrival free time to get acclimatized to this high-altitude destination also referred as cold desert of India.

Explore the city of Leh. Visit Shanti Stupa – peace seat of Japanese Buddhists, inaugurated by Dalai Lama and Hall of Fame War Museum (Subject to Operation). Ladakh Palace – Built by 16th century ruler Sengge Namgyal, which was badly damaged during Kashmir – Ladakh war. View of old town, Zanskar mountains and Spituk Gompa (Gokhang). Enjoy Folk dance in the evening (subject to operation).

Morning we drive to Nubra Valley also called as Dumra, lies in the north of Leh. It is accessible over the Khardung la pass, one of the highest motor-able roads in the world at the height of 5359 m. From Khardung-la we drive to Diskit Monastery – the oldest and largest Gompa in Nubra valley famous for its beautiful architecture and intricate frescos and wall paintings. Also visit Future Buddha – – A 108 feet statue of Lord Buddha. Pass by the Shyok River and arrive at Nubra Valley, know for its pristine natural beauty, stunning lakes, apricot orchards and lovely surroundings. This spectacular valley is also known for the Bactrian camels and Quad biking, if time permits you can enjoy these activities on your own at an additional cost.

Today we do excursion to Turtuk Village. The landscape, culture, language, clothing, and even the physical features of people change quite drastically crossing over into Turtuk, technically entering Baltistan region. It is the Indian-administered part of Baltistan region. In 1971 war Indian army captured this village and it is the last village in Ladakh near LOC. It is also one of the gateways to the Siachen Glacier. In the evening return back to Nubra Valley.

Travel to Pangong Tso – the most popular lake in Ladakh region, as it is situated on high altitude and it keeps changing colour from shades of blue to green. The brackish water of this lake has very low micro-vegetation and has no aquatic life. The lake acts as an important breeding ground for a variety of birds including a number of migratory birds. The lake water stretches for more than 100 kms from China, Tibet to India. Overnight at Pangong.

Morning we proceed to Leh. On arrival visit Shey Palace – which was used as a summer retreat by the kings of Ladakh, the Indus river, Hemis Gompa and Rancho School (Subject to Operation).

Visit Magnetic hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Indus Zaskar sangam followed by visit to Moon land.. Further drive to Alchi Gompa. It bears the name of Alchi from the language of pre-Tibetan Dardic inhabitants. The Alchi Chos-khor consists of unique paintings, which may be attributed from the mid to late 11th century and was constructed by the famous translator Rin-chen bzang po. The paintings are characterized according to the Tabo and Tholing. At the entrance gate, light stupas are constructed and are known as Kakini choten. Arrive in Kargil.

Visit Kargil war museum at Drass (Subject to operation) – second coldest inhabited place in the world. Drive to Leh over Namika-la (3,697 Mts.), Mulbekh where there is a Chamba statue carved out of a single rock approximately 50 ft. high, over Fatu-la (4,087 Mts.) which is the highest pass on Leh – Srinagar road and visit Lamayuru monastery which is the unique and oldest monastery in Ladakh. After viewing fascinating view of granite colour soil rocks. Arrive in Leh.

Board the flight to your hometown. Tour Concludes.