Jullay Ladakh

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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 will embark on a gentle sightseeing tour. We'll begin with a visit to the serene Shanti Stupa, which offers stunning panoramic views of Leh city and the snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar mountain range. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel for relaxation and dinner.

Acclimatization at Leh Altitude (3500 Meters): We recommend you get ample rest and take it easy. Enjoy a light dinner at the hotel and drink plenty of water. Please note that some walking is required when visiting Shanti Stupa. If you feel unwell at any time, please inform the driver, and they will take you back to the hotel for rest.

After a leisurely breakfast at 9:00 AM, we will embark on a full-day sightseeing tour, exploring the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region. Today's itinerary includes visits to the 17th-century Leh Palace of the Namgyal Dynasty, the 16th-century Shey Palace, and the significant Thiksey and Hemis monasteries.

Our first stop is the 17th-century Leh Palace, built by King Jamyang Namgyal of the Namgyal Dynasty. Restored by the Archaeological Survey of India, the palace houses the King's Shrine Room and a pictorial museum. From the palace rooftop, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Leh city.

Next, we will proceed to Shey Palace, located 19 km from Leh. Built by King Jamyang Namgyal in the 16th century, the palace is renowned for its 8-foot copper statue of Lord Buddha.

Following Shey Palace, we will visit Thiksey Monastery, situated 6 km away. Upon reaching Thiksey, it will be lunch time, and we will stop for lunch at the Chamba Restaurant within the Thiksey Monastery complex. This highly regarded vegetarian restaurant features a pleasant garden seating area.

After lunch, we will explore Thiksey Monastery, the largest Gelugpa sect monastery in Ladakh. The monastery's masterpiece is the statue of Maitreya Buddha. From the monastery's rooftop, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding villages and fields along the Indus River.

Our final destination is Hemis Monastery, located 26 km from Thiksey Monastery. Built in the 17th century by King Singge Namgyal, Hemis Monastery is the largest Drukpa sect monastery in Ladakh. The monastery houses a museum and a stunning statue of Guru Padma-sambhava.

Our sightseeing concludes at Hemis Monastery, and we will return to Leh, a journey of approximately 47 km, taking about one hour. We expect to arrive back in Leh between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, allowing you time to check in and rest at your hotel.

Around 7:00 PM, you may choose to take a stroll through the vibrant Leh market. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your hotel in Leh.

Note: 

• You have the option of dining at the hotel or at a restaurant in the Leh market. For your convenience, we can pre-book a table at one of the best restaurants in the Leh market, ensuring you don't have to wait during the busy peak season.

• The sun is very strong and hot during summer in Ladakh. To protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, carry a good sunscreen. Also, carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, as water helps with acclimatization. 

Today's itinerary features an excursion to Khardungla La, one of the world's highest motorable passes. To optimize daylight and ensure a comfortable experience, we will commence with an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, followed by a prompt departure. 

The ascent to Khardungla La, a distance of 40 kilometers, is anticipated to take approximately two hours due to the challenging terrain and winding, zig-zag roads. This journey will afford participants breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape, culminating in the majestic Karakoram mountain ranges upon reaching the summit. 

Our experienced driver will strategically pause at designated scenic viewpoints, and guests are encouraged to request additional stops for personal photography as desired. We anticipate reaching the summit of Khardungla La by 11:00 AM, where a dedicated period will be allocated for photography and observation. 

The descent will commence at 12:00 PM, with an estimated arrival back in Leh between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, facilitated by the more efficient one-hour descent. To ensure seamless transitions, a reservation has been secured at a reputable restaurant in Leh, known for its excellent cuisine and service, for lunch. 

Following lunch, we will proceed to explore the Sham Valley, encompassing visits to the Hall of Fame museum and Magnetic Hill, where ATV rides are available for independent purchase, and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The day will conclude with a 30-40 minute return journey to Leh, with an estimated arrival between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, allowing for leisure time to explore the local market prior to returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest at your hotel in Leh 

Today, we embark on an unforgettable journey to Pangong Lake. To maximize our time and capture the lake's beauty in the best light, we will depart after an early breakfast at 7:00 AM. Prepare for an awe-inspiring full-day excursion to the magnificent Pangong Lake, an extraordinary journey encompassing approximately 240 kilometers round trip, leading us to the shores of this breathtaking lake situated along the Indo-China border. 

The 120-kilometer drive from Leh to Pangong Lake is estimated to take 3 to 4 hours, due to the challenging terrain and high-altitude conditions. Our route will take us across the formidable Chang-la pass, one of the world's highest motorable passes, ascending to an altitude of 17,370 feet (5,304 meters). 

The drive to Chang-la pass itself is a spectacle, offering panoramic views of the rugged Himalayan terrain and a sense of accomplishment as we conquer this high-altitude pass. We will be sure to allow time for brief stops at the pass, providing opportunities for photographs and to savor the unique atmosphere. 

We anticipate reaching Pangong Lake around 10:00 or 11:00 AM. Upon reaching Pangong Lake, you will be captivated by its mesmerizing beauty. The lake's ever-changing hues, ranging from deep blues to vibrant turquoises, against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains, create a truly unforgettable scene. We will spend ample time exploring the lake's shores, capturing its stunning vistas, and immersing ourselves in its serene ambiance. Please be aware that the high altitude and remote location may result in varying weather conditions, so it is advisable to dress in layers. To ensure you have ample time for sightseeing and to enhance your experience, we have pre-booked your lunch at one of the best restaurants located on the banks of Pangong Lake. 

We will begin our return journey to Leh at 3:00 PM. The drive back will offer a different perspective of the landscape, as the afternoon light casts a new glow on the mountains. We anticipate arriving back in Leh between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel for a well-deserved period of relaxation. You will have the option to enjoy dinner at your hotel, or to explore the culinary offerings of one of the best restaurants in Leh market. Following dinner, you will enjoy a restful overnight stay in your hotel. 

After a final breakfast, we will provide a transfer to Leh Kushok Bakula Airport. We thank you for your visit and wish you a safe journey.  

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 safety at Ladakh's high altitude, an oxygen cylinder is available in the car. Our driver is trained to assist you with its use if needed during your journey. 

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.