AMAZING LADAKH

Day 1: Arrival Ladakh by flight.

Upon arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. To aid your acclimatization to Ladakh's high altitude, the initial half-day is dedicated to rest, a crucial step to prevent altitude sickness. Enjoy a welcome with traditional Ladakhi butter tea (Gur Gur Chai) or coffee, and a nourishing lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, around 3:30 PM, we'll embark on a gentle sightseeing tour, starting with the serene Shanti Stupa, offering panoramic views of Leh. Next, we'll explore the historic Leh Palace, followed by a visit to the bustling Leh Market. After the market, we'll return to the hotel for a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay in Leh, preparing you for the adventures that lie ahead. Enjoy an overnight stay at your Leh hotel 

Day 2:  Ladakh's revered monasteries: a full-day spiritual tour  (approx. 6-7 hours, 140 km)

After a leisurely breakfast at 9:00 AM, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Indus Valley, exploring the region's rich historical and cultural heritage along the banks of the Indus River, stretching approximately 50 kilometers from Leh. The journey begins with a visit to Shey Palace, located 12 kilometers southeast of Leh, and along the route to Thiksey Monastery, you'll have the opportunity to view Racho School and Sindhu Ghat. Continue to Thiksey Monastery, the largest Gelugpa sect monastery in Ladakh, just 6 kilometers from Shey. Here, enjoy lunch at the renowned Chamba Restaurant, located within the Thiksey Monastery complex, offering a delightful culinary experience amidst the serene monastic surroundings. 

Following lunch, proceed to Hemis Monastery, the largest Drukpa sect monastery, 26 kilometers from Thiksey. Throughout the day, your guide will provide insights into the history, art, and spiritual significance of each monastery. The sightseeing tour is expected to conclude between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, allowing for a free evening to explore the vibrant Leh Market. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay in Leh. Enjoy an overnight stay at your Leh hotel 

Day 3: Explore the panoramic vistas and cultural heritage of Nubra Valley (125 km 4 – 5 hrs).

To allow for adequate rest at Ladakh's high altitude, we recommend a later start. Following a hearty breakfast between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, embark on a 120-kilometer journey from your Leh hotel to Hunder Village in the Nubra Valley. 

This itinerary provides ample time for both sightseeing and photography, even with a later departure. The route traverses Khardung La Pass, a formidable high-altitude pass reaching approximately 18,380 feet, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. A lunch break is scheduled at a restaurant in Khardung Village en-route. Continuing the journey, immerse yourself in the region's cultural heritage with a visit to the ancient Diskit Monastery and the newly consecrated 107-foot Maitreya Buddha statue, which provides a commanding panoramic view of the valley's villages. Proceeding to Hunder Village, a short 5-kilometer drive from Diskit, you will reach the sand dunes between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, a perfect time as midday temperatures are generally quite high. 

The afternoon offers a unique opportunity to experience the iconic double-humped Bactrian camels with a ride across the mesmerizing sand dunes of Hunder. As evening approaches, enjoy dinner and a tranquil overnight stay at a comfortable camp in Hunder Village, beneath the vast and starlit Nubra sky 

Enjoy an overnight stay at your Leh hotel.

Day 4: Nubra valley to Pangong Lake (160 km 6 – 7 hrs).

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at 9:00 AM, and then set off on a captivating journey to Pangong Lake via the scenic Shayok Valley. The route along the Shayok River promises enchanting views of dramatic gorges and charming villages, with ample opportunities for stunning photography. For a memorable midday meal, your guide will arrange a pleasant lunch at a reputable restaurant along the way, or, should you wish to experience local hospitality, a welcoming homestay offering authentic Ladakhi cuisine will be selected. 

You will arrive at the magnificent Pangong Lake between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, where you can settle into your comfortable deluxe cottage, located directly on the bank of Pangong Lake, and immerse yourself in its awe-inspiring beauty. Allow time for relaxation and to fully appreciate the tranquility of this remarkable location. In the early evening, a leisurely walk along the lakeshore will reveal a breathtaking sunset painting the lake in vibrant colors. 

As night falls and the stars emerge, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by an unforgettable stargazing experience beneath the clear sky. You can anticipate a truly magical night at your deluxe cottage on Pangong Lake. Enjoy an overnight stay at Pangong Lake in your pre-booked deluxe cottage. 

Day 5: Today's journey will take us back to Leh via Chang La Pass.

Awake to the radiant spectacle of sunrise over Pangong Lake, and if you desire, embark on a tranquil morning walk along its shores, capturing the serene beauty with your camera. Following a nourishing breakfast in your comfortable cottage, we'll commence our return journey to Leh between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, ascending the formidable Chang La Pass (5,360 meters). 

Prepare to be greeted by sweeping panoramas of Skati and Chemrey villages, framed by the majestic snow-laden peaks of the Zanskar range, as we descend. An enriching visit to Chemrey Monastery, a prominent Gelugpa sanctuary offering captivating views of the village below, is scheduled en route. We'll pause for a delectable lunch at a highly-regarded restaurant in Thiksey village. You can anticipate returning to your pre-booked hotel in Leh between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, affording you the opportunity to relax and reflect upon the day's remarkable experiences. Enjoy an overnight stay at your Leh hotel.

Day 6: Wishing you safe and pleasant travels as you fly home. 

This morning, after your final early breakfast, we'll arrange your transfer to Leh Kushok Bakula Airport, marking the end of your memorable Ladakh experience. 

Package Cost Inclusions:

• Welcome refreshments upon arrival.
• Accommodation on a twin/triple sharing basis.
• Meals as per the selected tour package (MAPAI or CAPAI).
• Point-to-point transportation as outlined in the itinerary.
• Environmental fees for Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

Package Cost Exclusions:

• Airfare.
• Cultural tour guide services.
• Monastery and monument entrance fees.
• Bottled mineral water, additional meals, or beverages (tea/coffee).
• Refunds for cancelled confirmed hotel bookings or unused services during the tour.
• Expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions and government-mandated strikes.

Recommendations for a Comfortable and Enjoyable Ladakh Tour

• Acclimatization: To ensure a smooth transition to Ladakh's high altitude, we strongly recommend prioritizing rest on your first day following your flight arrival.

• Altitude Adjustment: For optimal acclimatization during your first two days, we kindly advise refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Preparedness: For your peace of mind and in case of emergencies, we suggest carrying a portable first-aid oxygen cylinder throughout your tour.

Enhancing Your Ladakh Experience: Optional Activities and Personal Expenses

We understand that you may wish to personalize your Ladakh adventure with optional activities. To ensure a seamless experience, please note the following:

Bactrian Camel Ride at Hunder Sand Dunes: 

• Camel ride payments are made directly at the dunes, as pre-booking is not available. Rest assured, our guide or cab driver will be happy to assist you in coordinating with the camel owners. This is because the local camel owners and their helpers may not speak fluent English. We look forward to you enjoying this unique experience. 

Cultural Dance Performance: 

• To enhance your evening experience, we can arrange a captivating cultural dance performance before dinner. Kindly inform us in advance if you would like to include this activity in your itinerary.

Local Attire and Other Activities: 

•  Our Ladakh itineraries offer a diverse range of activities, including: Bambi Jumping, ATV bike excursions, double-humped camel rides in the Nubra Valley sand dunes, and river rafting on the Indus, Zanskar, and Shayok rivers. Cultural immersion is also facilitated through opportunities to experience traditional Ladakhi attire for photographic purposes.