Leh Ladakh

You will arrive at Leh airport early in the morning. Leh and Ladakh, for long have been the explorer’s refuge and the backpacker’s haven. At the time of reorganization of districts in 1979 Ladakh was divided into Leh and Kargil. Leh and Ladakh are destinations with opportunities galore to let you explore the mystic land with soaring mountains, breathtaking valleys and enriching culture. This place is the coldest desert in the world. We have set aside this day for leisure with no planned activity. Leh being at an altitude of 11,200 ft, you are requested to take maximum rest for acclimatization. In the evening, we will go for a stroll to the nearest local market. Overnight rail Leh

Post breakfast we will leave for Nimu, an intersection where the Rivers Indus (or Sindhu) and Zanskar meet. Nimu is in the south eastern part of the Ladakh region. This place is known to host numerous rafting expeditions. On your way back we will go to the renowned “Magnetic Hill”- where you can witness the natural phenomenon of magnetism, at its best. The phenomenon of magnetic attraction at this hill baffles tourists- as one can witness vehicles moving up the steep hill at a speed of 20 km/ hour with the engines off. After this unbelievable experience, you will visit the Hall of Fame museum (Kargil war museum) in the evening. This memorial was built by the Indian Army to commemorate the 267 martyrs of the Kargil War. The Museum houses some of the major series of events of the war along with the sandstone wall engraved with the names of all Indian soldiers who sacrificed their live during the war. You will end the day with a visit to Shanti Stupa. Overnight Stay at Leh

Known to be one of the most enchanting places in Leh, the Nubra valley is situated at an altitude of 10300 ft. The Shyok River, a tributary of Indus River, meets the Nubra or Siachen River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakorum Ranges. The gorgeous landscapes, humongous mountain faces and lovely trails make a perfect picturesque view with an array of colours. This along with the musical Shyok River flowing midst the valley is an out-of-the-world experience. Leh Ladakh is a treat for motor bikers because of its magnificent landscapes and adventurous roads. En-route you will be visiting the Khardung-la pass. Every biker that visits Ladakh, halts at Khardung-la pass, which is the highest motorable road in India at 18,380 ft. Post evening tea & snack, you will head for the famous sand dunes of Ladakh in Hunder the experience the camel safari in the sand dunes. Overnight Stay at Diskit

Today, you will visit the Diskit Monastery. Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. Diskit monastery has an elevated cupola with a fresco of the Tashi Lhunpo monastery of Tibet. The historic and culturally important Tashi Lhunpo was founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama near Shigatse in Tibet. The gompa roof offers panoramic views of Nubra Valley and prayer hall of the monastery has a statue of Maitreya Buddha and several images of fierce guardian deities. Diskit monastery, it is believed, still guards the wrinkled head and hand of a Mongol demon inside a temple in the monastery. You have the entire evening to yourself to explore the exquisite Leh market. Overnight stay at Leh

The Pangong Lake is situated at an altitude of 14,500 ft. Some places, just change the way you perceive everything around you – this is just one of them! This place is right out of your fantasies and its splendour is certainly going to leave a life-long impression on your mind. The lake has a few inhabitants because of its salt level but it serves as an important breeding ground for a variety of birds including a number of migratory birds. This is the same setting, where the last scene of the movie, 3 Idiots was shot. En route you will cross yet another high altitude pass – The Chang-la pass, 17,350ft. Overnight at Pangong

You will leave for Leh and en route, you will visit the Thiksey Monastery. Leh-Ladakh is also called ‘Little Tibet’ because it is second home to numerous monks and monasteries. One of the prime highlights of the monastery 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 metres (49 ft) high statue of Maitreya, the largest such statue in Ladakh, covering two storeys of the building is deified over here. You will return to your hotel room by evening. Overnight stay at Leh

After a memorable and life changing experience in the mystic land of Leh Ladakh, you will leave for Delhi by air in the morning. Services end here. Tour Ends