Departure Mid-June, July & August
Ladakh is like nowhere else you have ever seen–a high altitude desert cut off from the world for many months of the year, keeping its people and wildlife removed from the modern age. Ladakh is home to the confluence of the Indus and the Zanskar, which carry stories from an ancient past. Lamas have made their homes in these Himalayas, a multitude of monasteries, which dot this land. Visit “moonscape” and Lamayuru. Cross the World’s highest motor able road into the remote Nubra Valley. Explore the White Sand Dunes. Discover Nubra Valley is your chance to deeply breathe the fresh air as you trek through a land filled with spirit.
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
You will be met at the Delhi Airport by our representative and driven to your accommodation.
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 the Radisson (1 night)
Day 2 – Delhi – Leh: Flight & Drive to Nimmu (40 kms / 1 hour)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Leh. You will be met at the airport and driven to Nimmu Village.
The village of Nimmu is close to the Indus River (1 km), the Zanskar River (2 km), and the monasteries of Phyang, Likir and Alchi (between 30 minutes – 1 hour drive). Today is the day to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh. Post lunch you may walk around the house and explore the village. Overnight at Nimmu House (2 nights)
Day 3 – Excursion to Lamayuru “Moonland” (160 kms round trip)
Morning after breakfast visit Confluence of Zanskar and Indus River (Sangam) and drive to Likir (25 Kms / 30 Min.) monastery. After visiting Likir proceed to Alchi (15 kms / 20 Min.) visit Alchi Choeskor and continue drive to Lamayuru. Have lunch at local restaurant and visit the monastery and the surrounding area which resembles to the surface of moon. Later drive back to Nimmu. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Nimmu House.
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.
Likir Gompa: Founded in the 11th century and rededicated to a different monastic order in the 15th century, its earlier Gompa was destroyed in a fire. The present Gompa dated back to the 18th century. Skilled craftsmen producing excellent Thankas, earthen pots and carved wooden folding stools, live here in the village. Majestically situated, Likir commands a spectacular view. A magnificent giant Jupiter tree, one of the few survivors of its species, stands in the courtyard.
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.
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.
Day 4 – Nimmu – Leh (40 kms) Thiksey and Hemis
After breakfast checkout from Nimmu House and drive to Leh. Check in at your accommodation.
After settling in, drive to Thiksey Gompa belonging to Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect, located on top of a hill is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh. It is a 12-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. One of the main points of interest is the Maitreya (future Buddha) Temple which is installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in 1970. A 15 meters (49 feet) high statue of Maitreya, the largest such statue in Ladakh, covering two storys of the building is defied in the monastery.
After visiting Thiksey we shall drive to Hemis which is the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh
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. After visiting the monastery and the museum we will drive to Matho for picnic lunch. After lunch we drive back to Leh or for the more energetic one there is an optional 1.5 miles / 1 hr hike to Gotsang gompa. The trail to Gotsang hugs a babbling stream in the middle of a narrow valley. The golden autumn colored trees hug the stream and glow brightly in the afternoon sun. This is very inspiring and relaxing simultaneously.
Drive back to Leh for free time to relax or explore as you wish. Dinner and overnight stay at Saboo Resorts (2 nights)
Day 5 – Day Trekking in Hemis National Park
After breakfast in the morning drive to Hemis National Park. Zinchen is the last stop that the vehicles can go. We will get out here and start our walk inside the National Park. In the evening come back to the same place and drive back to Leh. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Hemis National Park: is located around 40 km southeast of Leh, it takes its name from the world famous Buddhist Gompa situated here. The National Park is situated at the bank of river Indus and includes the catchments areas of Markha, Sumdah, and Rumbak streams. Hemis National Park is a high altitude protected area created in 1981 in the eastern part of the cold desert of Ladakh for the conservation and protection of its unique flora and fauna. It covers an area of 600 sq. kms in the Markha and Rumbak valleys. The terrain surrounding the park is rocky and the thin soil cover supports a poor vegetative growth. Dry alpine pastures are present in sheltered locations and the grass growth is relatively rapid during the summer season after the snow melts from the region.
Nature & Wildlife Attractions: Dry forests of juniper, birch and fir are found in the region. Also present are the alpine grasslands and scrublands. There are many rare and endangered animal species found in the cold desert area that are also found in the Hemis national park, known to be the home of an interesting assemblage of cold desert fauna. Amongst these are the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Kiang, Ibex, Serow and Tibetan Antelope. Amongst the bird population found in the Hemis National Park are the snow, snow partridge and golden oriole.
Day 6 – Leh – Nubra Via Khardungla Pass (120 Kms / 06 hrs)
Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the world’s highest motor able road, Khardungla Ppass. Arrive in Nubra by noon and check in at Hotel / Camp. Evening at leisure.
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. from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at a higher altitude than Deskit and other villages. Overnight at Desert Himalaya Resort (Luxury Tents) (2 nights)
Day 7 – Nubra
Morning after breakfast proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy thea camel ride (On Own). Visit Hunder and Deskit monasteries. Evening trek to Samstaling Monestry. Overnight at the hotel / camp.
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 Bactrian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes for two hours is wonderful (On Own).
Samstanling Gompa: Samstanling Monastery was founded by Lama Tsultrim Nima and Monastic community was introduced as Rezong Gompa. About 50-60 monks are residing at this 132 years old monastery.
NOTE: The Gompa has some strict rules and regulations.
-Women are not allowed in the monastery after sunset and before sunrise.
-No smoking is allowed (not even bringing cigarettes packets) in the monastery.
-Alcohol and non-veg. Food are strictly prohibited.
-Do not enter in sleeveless shirts and Pants.
Day 8 – Nubra – Leh
Morning after Breakfast proceed for Leh, once again driving via Khardungla pass the World highest motor able road. Evening explore Leh bazaar for souvenirs, visit Leh Jokhang or Leh Mosque by foot.
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.
Overnight at Grand Dragon (1 night)
Day 9 – Leh – Delhi – Depart Delhi
You are driven to the Leh airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi connect with your flight home bound or to an onward destination.
CALL NOW to BOOK 415-331-3791
Cost from $1695.00 per person, twin share
Single supplement $750.00
