Duration : 29 Days /
28 Nights
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Chandigarh - Kullu - Manali
- Jispa - Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Likir (Drive) - Yangtang - Hemis Shukpachen
- Tingmosgam Trek - Uletokpo - Lamayuru - Ridzong - Alchi - Khardung La - Deskit
- Hunder - Panamik - Chumathang - Tsomoriri - Puga - Tsokar - Tanglangla - Takhot
& Chemrey Gompa
Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives
welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce
the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.Welcome to India, or as we
say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for
giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Day 02: Delhi / Chandigarh (Kalka Shatabdi - 0740 / 1100 Hours) Chandigarh
/ Kullu
Morning transfer to the train station to board your train to Chandigarh. Meeting
and assistance upon arrival and we will drive to Kullu.Upon arrival check in
to Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure .
Day 03: Kullu / Manali
Following a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Manali.Upon arrival check into
your hotel.
Day is at leisure for your independent activities. Chill out and wander around
town. Adjust to a new pace of life and the sound of auto-rickshaws. Explore
New Manali for a more Indian feel, take in the market, the tangle of backstreets
or go for a gentle walk in the hills.
Day 04: Manali
Proceed on a tour of Manali. The place has many attractions but the chief
centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI
TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered
Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols.
This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from
the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex
which was built in 1533 A.D.
Day 05: Manali / Jispa
We start with an awesome ascent, following the Beas River gently upwards through
one village after another. Drive along lush and green surroundings, a motley
collection of tea stalls and restaurants provide ample opportunity for our
first Indian dhaba experience. We're now about to enter Buddhist Himalaya.
The road becomes rougher and the landscape takes on epic proportions - wet
misty clouds lift to reveal grand peaks and deep river-filled valleys.
Day 06: Jispa / Leh
Another exciting day ! A double-whammy of two passes begins with the 21 hairpin
bends of the infamous Gata Loops. The road continues to wind up to Nakeela
La , before a fast and furious descent to the improbably named Whisky Nullah.
We ride over the second highest pass before Leh, Lachlung La - at 5060m. Then
it's downhill to Pang, along a road that plunges through a dramatic gorge,
overlooked by bizarre, wind-sculpted rock formations.
After a short climb out of Pang, we emerge onto the brink of the Moray Plains,
a 40km plateau cradled by massive peaks on either side. The plains are one
area where nomads gather, searching out the best grazing for their yak, sprinkled
like pepper grains in the distance.
A gentle, 16km ride from here leads us to the highest pass between Manali
and Leh - Taglang La, a lofty 5328m. The weather is often unpredictable at
this altitude, so we'll stop just long enough for a snack and to spin the
prayer wheels of the Buddhist shrine. Ahead lies one switchback after another.
Entering Ladakh, the valleys quickly become fertile once more. Tibetan-style
houses appear all around and huge white stupas - meringue shaped representations
of Buddha - guard the road like giant chess pieces. The gorge here is particularly
impressive, flanked by fingers of rock, coloured by minerals.
We continue the descent through the valley on silky asphalt. At the junction
town of Upshi we meet the mighty Indus River, which will lead us to Leh.On arrival the advice is to lie down for a day, until your body catches up
with the altitude
Day 07: Leh
Day is at leisure. Late in the afternoon, you may gently stroll out to visit
Leh's wide street bazaar that runs east-west. Together with the labyrinth
of adjoining side streets and alleys, the bazaar is the center of business
and shopping -- particularly for visitors who find the plethora of antiques
(and not-antiques) shops worth checking out. The bazaar is an incredible example
of traditional Ladakhi lifestyles. Watch out for the pavement vegetable sellers
and the traditional homes that exist on top of the stores which sell only
the very basic provisions.
Day 08: Leh / Shey / Thiksey / Hemis / Leh
This morning we proceed on a guided tour of Shey, which is a small town in
comparison to Leh. Shey Palace was built in early 17th century AD by Deldan
Namgyal as a memorial for his father, Singay Namgyal. The palace houses a
three storey copper statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Overlooking the Shey palace
are the ruins of the fort built by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Spalgigon.
Shey also has a very large scattering of stupas all across its landscape
From here we drive to Thiksey Gompa (monastery), it is located 17 km on the
main highway from Leh in the direction of Manali. The present day monastery
founded by Paldan Sherab, overlooking the village below, was not the original
location. It was originally built at Stakmo. This monastery hosts the festival
of Thiksey Gustor.
Later we drive to Hemis Gompa (monastery) which is the most important and the
richest Gompa in the whole of Ladakh and is dedicated to Guru Padama Sambhava
the great Indian teacher & philosopher. This monastery located among the
beautiful landscape of the Hemis National Park was founded in 1630 AD. It is
located at a distance of 45km from Leh and is one of the most popular monasteries
visited by travelers. It is also famous across the world for the Hemis Festival
hosted by it. Evening we drive back to our hotel in Leh
Day 09: Leh
Day is at leisure for independent activities.
Day 10: Leh / Likir (Drive) / Yangtang (4/5 Hrs Trek)
Following a leisurely breakfast we drive to Uletokpo Visiting the Likir Monastery
on the way. The journey itself through spell bounding scenes of natural beauty
is worth the effort. Snow capped Himalayas dot the background while craggy
dusty mountain ranges and the swiftly flowing Indus river as well as patches
of farm make up for the fascinating foreground.
At Nimu we witness the magical confluence of the two main rivers of the region
- Indus & Zanskar.Another interesting aspect of our journey would be the
opportunity to travel past several Ladakhi Villages where time has stood still.
We will walk into these villages and experience traditional Ladakhi Villages,
lifestyles and occupations.
We make a brief stop at the Likir Monastery that houses many gigantic clay statue
of Buddha in various forms. The primary attraction is, however, their 1000-year
old wall painting which make a visit more than worthwhile. After visiting the
monastery, we commence our trek as we walk past Likir village leaving behind
the last houses. We enter an arid terrain, and, start ascending towards a small
pass PobeLa, arriving at Sumdo village where we cross the river and leaving
Sumdo on the right side, continue in the valley for about an hour and finally
reach at the summit of the CharastseLa.
Day 11: Yangtang - Hemis Shukpachen (3/4 Hrs Trek)
Proceed to Wulle valley, (very close - 15 minutes only), then ascend for one
hour to SermanchanLa and then descend towards Hemis Shukpachen a big village.
Here Cedar is found in plenty, hence the name of the village. There is a beautiful
gompa (Monastery) here.
Day 12: Hemis Shukpachen - Tingmosgam Trek 3/4 Hrs Trek - Uletokpo
After crossing the village, there is flat land, then, a steep descent. Keeping
to the right side climb a steep slope to the summit of the Meptekla. It is
2 Hrs. hike from Hemis Shukpachen. Descend for half an hour and you are in
Ang village. Continue walking towards to Tingmosgam, It is the richest fruit
valley in Ladakh - Apricots, Apples, Nuts are in plenty. The houses here are
beautiful and unique. From here we will be driven to Uleytokpo.
Upon arrival at lunch time we check into tented accommodation at Uleytokpo.
This place is heaven on earth ! the accommodation here are lovely fixed camps
run by a Ladakhi family. The tents have attached toilets and beds, and are set
amidst apricot orchards. The place is right in the lap of nature and you would
very much enjoy the feel of the breeze, the scent of flowers, delightful nature
walks, views of the snow capped Himalayas and the gentling rolling sound of
the Indus river. If you are a bird lover there are great possibilities of viewing
a variety of birds. Just 4 kms away is Ridzong, the most isolated monastery
of all the monastery of Ladakh. One can still find the small caves where Lamas
used to meditate for years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except
for an one feet square outlet window from where they accept the one time meal
of the day. Also close by is a nunnery. Food and clothing besides shelter is
provided to the Nuns.
There are a few very old retired Nuns. A visit here shows us the day to day
living of the Nuns, as well as the trainings they receive here and also an opportunity
to witness the performance of the evening prayers. Overnight in Tents
Day 13: Uletokpo / Lamayuru / Uletokpo
A half day excursion through paradise as we visit Lamayuru. Every twist and
turn brings to you new vistas of natural beauty. But, wait till you get to the
'Lamayuru Moonland'. We look down on this landscape which appears to be a dusty
surface of the Moon itself with craters & hills . The snow rising in the
backdrop of this sandy script reminds you that you are in Ladakh. The landscape
around Lamayuru monastery is one of most spectacular things one could see on
earth.
Lamayuru monastery popularly known as, "Yangdrung Gomp" is situated
126 km west of Leh, on the Leh - Srinagar highway. In ancient times there was
a huge lake in this place. The great saint Nyimagung, made a prophesy saying:
" May a monastery be founded in this place" and he then offered a
votive water offering to all the naga serpent spirits who were the guardians
of that place. The grains of that corn that formed part of this offering were
carried by the waves of different places along the cliff side by the edge of
the lake and when they had become mixed with the earth they sprouted forth as
corn in the shape of a swastika. At the time when a monastery was later founded
there it was called Yangdrung "swastika". In the 11th century the
mahasiddha Naropa came to this place and the cave where he resided and meditated
is still to be seen today. Then Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator came and built
many temples and stupas and so the teachings of the Kadampa School came to flourish
greatly there. Thereafter, for many years the monastery was administered by
the Red Hats order of the Tibetan Buddhism., but later it was taken over by
Digungpa order. Then the rituals and observances of the Digung Kargud School
were introduced and the monastery received the name of Yangdrung Tharpaling.
We return to Uletokpo by lunch time.
Afternoon is at leisure for nature walks . Alternatively, your 24x7 guide would
be happy to walk you to the neighbouring Mangyu village (3hrs). This would be
another opportunity to witness traditional Ladakhi country life unchanged from
time immemorial. We will interact with locals and also learn more about Ladakhi
living. Overnight at Tented Accommodations
Day 14: Uletokpo/ Ridzong/ Uletokpo
Just 4 kms away is Ridzong, the most isolated monastery of all the monastery
of Ladakh. One can still find the small caves where Lamas used to meditate for
years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except for an one feet square
outlet window from where they accept the one time meal of the day. Also close
by is a nunnery. Food and clothing besides shelter is provided to the Nuns.
There are a few very old retired Nuns. A visit here shows us the day to day
living of the Nuns, as well as the trainings they receive here and also an opportunity
to witness the performance of the evening prayers.Overnight at Tented Accommodations
Day 15: Uletokpo / Alchi / Leh
After breakfast we drive back to Leh Visiting Alchi on the way.
The village of Alchi in lower Ladakh is to be considered one of the most
important cultural sites throughout the Himalayas. Consisting of four separate
hamlets, the village contains numerous historic monuments of different ages
and in various states of repair, the oldest and most famous of which is a
monastic complex. The 1,000-year-old three-storied Himalayan temple, with
its unique murals and iconography, is a fragile wooden structure. Confirmed
a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this is one of only four surviving monasteries
of the 108 founded by the Great Translator, Lotsava Rinchen bZangpo in the
later 10 th and early 11 th century. The temple preserves some of the finest
examples of Kashmiri art of the period
Following the tour of Alchi, we continue drive to Leh and get there by lunch
time. Upon arrival, transfer to your Hotel Spic n Span. The afternoon is at
leisure and you may wish to walk into the bustling bazaar or catch up with your
reading and postcards.This evening we are invited to a typical Ladakhi home
for high tea and interaction with different members of the Ladakhi family. The
kitchen is the heart of the Ladakhi house. These are people for whom food is
so central it forms the basis of their all-purpose greeting, "Julay",
an economical word used for hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Its literal
translation is "good digestion"; it reflects their philosophy that
if you have good digestion, you have everything.
Day 16: Leh - Spituk & Phyang Monastery Tour
Phyang Monastery of Ladakh is situated at a distance of approximately 40 km
to the west of the Leh town. It belongs to the Red Hat Sect of Buddhism. The
site where the monastery now stands was once a part of the numerous monastic
properties, offered during the time of Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial to Chosje
Damma Kunga. The hill of Phyang served as the venue of a monastery, known
as Tashi Chozong, established in the year 1515.
Another attraction of Phyang Gompa is its 900 years old museum. Its rich collection
boasts of numerous idols, thankas, Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian firearms and
weapons, etc. Spituk Gompa of Ladakh dates back to the 11th century. It owes
its inception to Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od. Od-de led
to the establishment of a monastic community at this place. A three-chapel monastery,
Spituk is located at a distance of approximately 8 km from the town of Leh.
The Dukhang (main temple) also has a high throne at its far end, reserved for
the Dalai Lama. The door beside this central throne leads to dark old chapel.
The central images inside the chapel are those of Tsong-kha-pa, his two chief
disciples and of the Buddha. Overnight at Hotel
Day 17: Leh / Khardung La / Deskit / Hunder
Today we travel north from Leh over the highest motorable road and the Khardungla
Pass (5570m), to the Nubra Valley which is little visited, as it is inaccessible
for all but a couple of months in the year, its high passes closed by the
winter snows. In comparison to the Indus valley which is cooler the Nubra
is a comparatively warm valley where walnut, apricot, apple and mulberry trees
grow and yak, sheep and goats graze in small forests and along the river Shyok.
The journey brings us excellent view of great Karakoram Range.
In the ancient times the fertile Nubra Valley formed a part of the overland
route between Tibet and Turkestan. Once dotted with garlands of camel and
yak caravans, this Silk Route glen is also known as the 'Valley of Flowers'
of Ladakh, and is amongst the greenest valleys in the region, .During early
summer, Nubra is clad in endless bushes of yellow and pink wild roses, and
once the valley is through with the season of roses around August, a carpet
of wild lavender lies gently on it.
On our way we visit the Diskit Village which is amongst the larger villages
in the region, and home to the 350 year-old Diskit Gompa - the oldest, and
the largest monastery in the Nubra Valley . We will also find time to walk
along the Nubra village. The people are amazingly friendly inspite of their
lack of material disposition. Their traditional lifestyles and homes give
you the feel of a Living Museum.
We reach Hunder Village through a gorgeous stretch of sand dunes. This is where
we will camp tonight. The main attractions in this area are the Bactarian Double
Humped Camels. This is the ancient Silk route and these animals were abandoned
by the traders. Successive generations have procreated over centuries. This
evening we enjoy camel ride over the Sand Dunes. This is a high mountain desert
country with fertile dots of land in between. Sand dunes eclipse the mountains;
rock and snow capped mountains rising majestically against a pastel landscape.
Truly a soul stirring experience where you experience communion with nature.
We end the day in absolute peace with ourselves. It is so simple to celebrate
the mountains, sun the moon, water, stars and sky - this feeling of presence
of a creator that has managed to create such beauty and wonder.Overnight at
Tented Accommodations
Day 18: Hunder
Day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight at Tented Accommodations
Day 19: Hunder / Panamik / Hunder
This morning we will spend some time exploring the village. Hunder is a quaint
and beautiful village, maze-like in its formation, winding paths bathed in
dappled sunlight, branches forming tunnels. The Ladakhi people are creative
in the way they devise for water to enter homes and fields in turn, with tenderly
cared for gardens and fruit orchards. The houses are thatched, built with
mud-dried.
The people are so hospitable and look on curiously, smiling. They radiate joy,
with their rosy sun burnt cheeks, wide smiles and eyes speaking volumes about
the depth of character and humane goodness they exude. They are humble, joyous
and childlike, with a palpable dignity. It would hit you to realize how material
culture and luxury do not provide happiness. Today we continue to explore the
Nubra Valley and the quaint villages that dot the landscape. Sumur is one such
village where we interact with the people and also visit the citadel of their
faith - The Samtanling Gompa which is definitely worth a visit, and houses a
fine collection of idols, frescos and tangkhas (painted and embroidered scrolls).
Continue a short way away to Panamik which used to be a busy centre being the
last major settlement before the caravans entered into the mountains of Karakoram.
Today, Panamik is a sleepy village, its inhabitants quietly going about their
work in the fields. On the mountainside above the village, hot water bubbles
out of the earth in thermal springs, reputed to have therapeutic qualities.
Across the river, clinging to the mountains, are a few trees rooted among the
rocks surrounding the tiny Ensa gompa. Late afternoon, drive back to Hunder
Overnight at Tented Accommodations
Day 20: Hunder / Leh
Morning we retreat back to Leh. Upon arrival transfer to your Hotel. Rest of
the day is at leisure for your independent activities. This is the day to catch
up on your shopping. Think about people who are in your thoughts and who 'deserve'
souvenirs from this magical destination. Overnight at Hotel .
Day 21: Leh - Stakana & Matho Gompa
Stakna Monastery of Leh Ladakh owes its inception to Chosje Jamyang Palkar,
the great scholar saint of Bhutan. It formed a part of the many religious
estates offered by the Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial to the saint, around 1580
AD.
Lama Dugpa Dorje founded the Matho Gompa of Ladakh in the 16th century. It is
situated on the opposite bank of the River Indus, at a distance of approximately
26 km to the southeast of Leh town. Matho is the only gompa of Ladakh that belongs
to the Saskya order of Tibetan Buddhism. The oracle of the monastery is a priest,
who resides in the monastery itself. Also situated near the monastery, are a
number of sacred shrines, of which one is dedicated to the guardian deities.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 22: Leh - Chumathang
This morning, drive to Chumathang , which is famous for medical hot spring and
people visit to this place for medical bath. From here a short drive will take
you to Maha bridge, the main checking point to enter to this new area.Overnight
In Tents
Day 23: Leh - Tsomoriri
In the morning leave for Tsomoriri. On the way visit Sumdah village and another
55 kms drive will take you to Tsomoriri. The Tsomoriri Lake is the breeding
ground for numerous species of birds, like the bar headed goose, crested grebe,
the Brahmini duck (ruddy sheldrake) and the brown-headed gull. The Tsomorir
Lake is 8 kms wide and 28 kms long. Overnight In Tents
Day 24: Tsomoriri
In the morning visit Korzok village. In the afternoon visit around the Lake.
Overnight In Tents
Day 25: Tsomoriri - Puga - Tsokar
In the morning, drive to Mahe village. The village is famous for the scene of
shooting fountain and white clouds hanging upon. Drive to Puga valley, which
is famous for Butan gas. Then visit Tsokar via Polokongka pass, which is at
an altitude of 4090 mts. You can also visit Thugke gompa.Overnight In Tents
Day 26: Tsomoriri - Tanglangla - Leh
Following breakfast, Continue driving towards Leh via Tanglangla pass, which
is at a height of 5350 mts and is the second highest motorable pass in the world.
We will have opportunities to stop on the way and enjoy the amazing scenery.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 27: Leh - Takhot & Chemrey Gompa
Following breakfast, proceed on a tour of Takthok Monastery & Chemrey
Monastery.
Takthok Monastery of Ladakh is situated in Sakti Village. The site where the
monastery is now situated, once served as the meditation cave of Mahasidhas
"Kunga Phuntsog". The name Takthok literally means 'rock-roof'. The
monastery was so named, as both its roof as well as walls are made up of rock.
Tak Thok belongs to the Nying-ma-pa sect of Buddhism, also known as the Old
Order, and serves as the residence of approximately 55 lamas. It is the probably
the only Gompa in Ladakh that follows this order. On the right of the central
courtyard, lies the Dukhang or the main assembly hall. Murals of guardian divinities
adorn the verandah entrance to the Dukhang. There is a throne inside the Dukhang,
reserved solely for the Dalai Lama. Also inside the Dukhang, are the statues
of Maitreya (the Future Buddha or Buddha of Compassion), Padmasambhava and Dorje
Takposal (a manifestation of Padmasambhava). Takthok Monastery also houses the
Kandshur, the 108 volumes of Buddha's teachings.
From here, we continue to Chemrey Gompa. Clinging like a swallow's nest to the
sides of a shay conical hill, the magnificent Gompa of Chemrey sees very few
visitors because of its location - tucked up the side valley that runs from
Karu, below Hemis. Founded in 1664 as a memorial to King Sengge Namgyal, the
monastery is staffed by a dwindling community of around twenty Drugpa monks
and their young novices. Its set of ancient Tibetan texts whose title pages
are illuminated with opulent gold and silver calligraphy. Upstairs in the revamped
Guru-La-Khang, reached via several flights of rickety wooden steps, sits a giant
brass statue of Padmasambhava (founder of the Nyingmapa school), swatched in
silk brocade and encrusted with semi precious stones.Overnight at Hotel
Day 28: Leh / Delhi (9W 610 - 0735 / 0850 Hours)
Transfer in time to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Meeting and assistance
upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family : This evening,
we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening
is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well
as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.Overnight at Hotel.
Day 29: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to International airport to connect your inward flight back home.
