Activities

ITINERARY

Day1 ARRIVAL AT LEH Arrival at Leh, followed by meeting our executive at the airport who will accompany you to the hotel at the Leh.Rest of the day is for relaxing and acclimatising to the altitude of Leh.In the evening, visit the Leh Palace, the former Palace of the king of Leh. The palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 16th century.After Leh Palace, visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Market which are two of the most famous tourist attractions in Leh.Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day2 LEH MONASTERIES EXCURSION Enjoy the lavish breakfast at the hotel after which the caravan departs for Spituk Monastery.Spituk Monastery was built in the 15th century by Grags ‘bum-lde. Situated 8km from Leh, the monastery is said to be blessed by Arhat Nyimagung. Spituk monastery is of prime religious importance in Leh.From Monastery, travel to Hall of Fame, which was built by Indian Army. The museum is located on the Leh-Kargil highway and is dedicated to soldier who lay down their lives during the Indo-Pak Kargil war of 1999.After Lunch at Leh, depart for Sankar Gompa which is just 2km from Leh. Belonging to Gelukpa sect of Buddhism, the monastery is believed to be a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery, sharing the same Lama.Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day3 LEH TO SHAM VALLEY After a stupendous breakfast at the hotel in Leh, depart for Sham Valley en route Leh-Kargil Highway.The first stop for the day is Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, which has a very fascinating origin story. It is said that during the construction of the highway, authorities came across a boulder which was between the proposed Highway. Despite multiple efforts to remove the boulder, it didn’t move even an inch. The boulder is believed to have the imprints of Guru Nanak, after which the Gurudwara was constructed around it.A short 4 km drive from the Gurudwara takes us to the famous Magnetic Hill. An optical illusion creates a sense that the road is going uphill but if you leave your vehicle, it will go downhill on its own, despite the road appearing to be going uphill.From there, we drive further to Likir which is famous for the Likir Monastery. The monastery is situated on a hill in the Likir valley. The picturesque Likir Monastery is a major religious and cultural centre for the locals. While driving up to the monastery, you will be greeted by the colossal gilded image of the future Bodhisattva.En route Tingmosgang, visit the Rizong Monastery. For those who wish to visit the monastery, can climb up the hill to reach the entry gate of the monastery.From Rizong Monastery, drive to Tingmosgang campsite for dinner and overnight stay.

Day4 SHAM VALLEY TO LEH VIA LAMAYURU After a lavish breakfast at the campsite, drive to Lamayuru Monastery.En route, Lamayuru Monastery, stop at Moon Landscapes, which resembles the Lunar landscape, hence, getting the name of Moon Landscapes.From Moon Landscapes, drive to Lamayuru Monastery. Lamayuru Monastery is an 11th-century monastery which once consisted of five gigantic buildings. Although just one building has survived, Lamayuru Monastery is still one of the biggest monasteries in the region.From Lamayuru Monastery, drive to Alchi Gompa. The Alchi Gompa complex comprises 4 settlements, each dating to a different period. One of the oldest and most famous monasteries of the region, Alchi Gompa is administered by the Likir Monastery.From Alchi, the caravan proceeds to Bagso, which exhibits the ruins of the 15th century capital of Ladakh.Drive back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day5 LEH After a lavish breakfast at the hotel, depart for monastery exploration tour.The first destination on the list is Chemdey, which is home to Chemdey/Chemrey. Belonging to Drugpa monastic order, the monastery is more than 400 years old. Located in the foothills, the monastery is a sight to behold.From Chemdey we drive to Sakti village to visit Tak-Thok Monastery. Located 46 km Leh, the name of the picturesque monastery roughly translates to “rock roof” because of its rocky roof. Established in the 16th century, the monastery is an important cultural and centre for the locals.The next destination for the day is Hemis Gompa, which is one of the oldest and biggest monasteries in Leh. Existing before the 11th century, the monastery was re-established in 1672 by King Sengge Namgyal.From Hemis, we drive to Thiksey Monastery. Located 19 km from Leh, the monastery resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Associated with the Gulag sect of Buddhism, Thiksey is the largest monasteries in the region.From Thiksey, drive to Shey Palace. Shey was the ancient summer capital of Ladakh and the palace served as a retreat for the king of Ladakh. Although only the ruins remain of the palace, one can still witness the grandeur of the Shey Palace.Drive back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day6 LEH Enjoy the lip-smacking breakfast at the hotel after which the caravan would depart for Monastery Tour.The first destination for the day is Matho Monastery. Nestled on the banks of Indus river, the monastery was built in 16th century by Lama Tugpa Dorja. Located on the opposite of Thiksey Monastery, it is the only monastery belonging to Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.From Matho, drive to Staknam which is a small monastery comprising some private apartments.From Staknam, drive to Mahabodhi. Mahabodhi is the only centre in Ladakh to conduct Dharma Talks and meditation programmes.Drive to Stok Palace and monastery which is located on the opposite side of Tsangpo River. Famous for its annual ritual dance-mask festival, the monastery also attracts many tourists.Drive back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day7 DEPART LEH After a stupendous breakfast at the hotel, depart for Leh Airport, marking an end to the Monastery Tour.sulekha holidays thanks you for your patronage.