SECRETS OF HIMALAYAS LADAKH WITH ZANSKAR TOUR-11 NIGHTS 12 DAYS
WHISPERS OF SECRETS OF HIMALAYAS LADAKH WITH ZANSKAR TOUR Ladakh is a well-hidden secret of Himalayas that it has managed to preserve over centuries. The scintillating landscapes, the breath-taking mountains and never-ending roads are just the appetisers as far as the Ladakh with Zanskar tour is considered. Ladakh isn’t just about its mesmerising scenic landscapes, rather it’s a blend of nature and culture. The centuries-old Ladakhi villages nestled in the most remote locations on Earth gives you the sense of the grandeur of nature and how tiny we humans are on the face of the Earth. Leh-Ladakh is not your everyday hill stations, Ladakh is an experience, an exploration trip. From no village in sight for hours to traversing across some of the most picturesque roads, Ladakh gives you a sense of calm amidst all the chaos. The Zanskar valley in Ladakh is one of the most remote destinations and every day in Zanskar is a battle of survival. Although, amidst all the difficulties, Zanskar is a blessing in disguise for you. The centuries-old monasteries combined with the warm hospitality of locals provide you with an insight into the Hindu-Buddhist traditions and cultures. Ladakh with Zanskar tour will open up your mind and rejuvenate your soul while taking you across some of the most serene locations in India. A 12N/13D Ladakh with Zanskar tour is what you need to shed off the steam. Walking in the vastness of mountains amidst the enchanting sounds of Buddhist prayers will make your Ladakh tour an affair to remember for a lifetime.
Activities
ITINERARY
Day1 ARRIVE LEH Arrive at Leh airport where our executive would welcome you and accompany you to the hotel. Check-in and acclimatise. Rest of the day is for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery.Evening visit to the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and Leh Market. Leh Palace was the former palace of the king of Leh. Shanti Stupa is a mesmerising Buddhist Monastery.Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day2 LEH MONASTERY TOUR Breakfast at the hotel after which we will depart for the exploration of Indus Valley monasteries.The first monastery would be Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Existed before the 11th century, the monastery was re-established in 1672 by Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal.The next monastery is Thiksey Monastery which is an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the Thiksey village.Shey Palace is the next destination on the list. Located on a hillock in Shey. Shey was the former summer capital in Leh.The last two destinations on the list are the Rancho School of 3 Idiots and the Sindhu Ghat, located on the Indus River.Drive back to Leh for the dinner and the overnight stay at the hotel.
Day3 LEH – SHAM VALLEY (90 KMS/4 HRS) Early morning breakfast at the hotel after which we will leave for today’s sightseeing tour of Leh, along the Leh-Kargil highway.The first destination for the day is Gurudwara Patthar Sahib which is nestled deep in the Himalayas. Guru Nanak is revered amidst Buddhists too and the stone placed in the Gurudwara is believed to be placed by gods. Despite many efforts, nobody could move it.A 4 km drive would take us to the famous Magnetic hill which defies the laws of gravity.A further drive from the Magnetic hill you will come across the confluence of Indus and Zanskar river.The next famous tourist destination is the Likir Monastery which is one of the most active monasteries in Ladakh region. Upon your drive to the monastery, you will witness the newly installed colossal gilded image of the future Bodhisattva who will walk on the Earth againThe final destination for the day would be Ridzong Monastery, en route Tingmosgang. You can climb up to the monastery for a spectacular view of the region.Drive further to the hotel or the camp. Dinner and overnight served at the hotel/camp.
Day4 SHAM VALLEY – KARGIL VIA LAMAYURU (145 KMS/5 HRS) The morning starts with a lip-smacking breakfast after which we will begin with our today’s exploration.The first destination for the day is the famous 11th century Lamayuru Monastery. Located on the top of hills, the ancient Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is believed to be one of the oldest in the region.The next and the most awaited destination is Moon Landscape. The reason for the name is the landscape of the region resembles that of the lunar landscape.Drive to the Kargil over Fatu-la which is the highest pass on the mesmerising Srinagar-Leh Highway.Upon arrival in Kargil, check in at the hotel and dinner would be served at the hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day5 KARGIL – RANGDUM (130KMS/6 HRS) Breakfast would be served at the hotel after which we will continue with our Ladakh tour.Drive to Rangdum. Rangdum village is situated between Kargil and Padum. An elliptical expanded plateau, one side of the village offers scenic colourful hills and the other side are glaciers and rocky mountains.Explore the monasteries in Rangdum village and explore the village. Rest of day is for relaxing and resting.Stay in the hotel at Rangdum village and dinner would be served at the hotel with an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day6 RANGDUM – PADUM VIA SURU VALLEY (130 KMS/5 HRS) Breakfast would be served at the hotel after which the caravan leaves for Padum.Enroute Padum, explore the Sani Monastery. One of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh, it is believed that the monastery was built in parts with each part dating back to different centuries.Upon arrival at Padum, check in at the hotel. Padum is the capital of the former kingdom of Zanskar. Padum is modern-day administrative headquarters of the Zanskar region. With a population of 1500, Padum is one of the most populated regions of Zanskar.Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day7 PADUM EXCURSION The breakfast would be served at the hotel after which we will leave for the sightseeing tour of Karsha and Bardan.Upon arriving at Karsha village in Zanskar region, visit the Karsha Monastery. Seen from far, the picturesque monastery lies on top of a rising mountainside.The next destination on today’s itinerary is Bardan Gompa which is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery in Bardan region. Belonging to the Dugpa-Kargyud monastic order, Bardan Gompa is believed to be the first established monastery of this sect.Return back to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day8 PADUM EXCURSION Early breakfast at lunch followed by a drive to Stongde and Zangla.The first destination is Stongdey monastery, 18km north of Padum. The second largest monastic establishment in Zanskar, Stongdey monastery is associated with Tibetan Yogi Marpa.From Stongdey we drive to Zangla, reaching the Zangla Palace. Located deep in the Himalayan mountains, Zangla Palace which is also a monastery, Zangla was ruled by a titular king who died a few years ago.Return back to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day9 PADUM - RANGDUM Early breakfast at the campsite in Padum.Drive to Rangdum.Overnight stay and dinner at camp in Rangdum
Day10 RANGDUM - KARGIL Breakfast at the Rangdum campsite after which we will drive to Kargil.Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kargil.
Day11 KARGIL - LEH Breakfast at the hotel after which we will depart for today’s excursion of Ladakh with Zanskar Tour.The first destination for the day is Mulbek. Situated 200 metres above the road, the set of two gompas, Mulbek monastery in an important heritage spot in Kargil region.Proceed to Alchi village to explore the Alchi Monastery. It is also known as a monastic complex of temples. Out of all the temples, Alchi monastery is believed to the oldest of allFrom Alchi, you proceed to Basgo en route Leh. Basgo exhibits the ruins of 15th century capital of Ladakh. You can also explore the Basgo monastery which is of great cultural importance to people of Leh. Drive back to LehDinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day12 LEH DEPART Breakfast at the hotel after which we will depart for the airport, marking an end to the memorable Ladakh with Zanskar Tour. Tour & Services Ends.