Description

Day  01: Arrival in Srinagar

Our trip starts when you arrive in Srinagar, the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This day is for acclimatisation, leisure, and final preparations for the trip. Rest well.

Day 02: Srinagar to Kargil Via Sonmarg (202 Kms, 7 Hrs)

After breakfast check out from Srinagar hotel and drive to Kargil via Sonamarg, One of the most beautiful drives from Srinagar to Leh. In Sonamarg, one can take a pony ride (optional) to Thajiwas Glacier, where snow remains around the year. Visit Namika-la (3,697 Mts.), Mulbekh, where there is a Chamba statue carved out of a single rock approximately 50 ft. high, over Fatu-la (4,087 Mts.), which is the highest pass on Leh – Srinagar road and visit Lamayuru monastery which is the unique and oldest monastery in Ladakh. Visit Kargil war museum, Minimarg, Zoji’la (3033 Mts). After viewing a fascinating view of granite colour soil rocks, drive down through kangaroo curves to Kargil. Overnight at Kargil.

Day 03: Kargil to Leh (217 Kms, 7.30 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Shey / Leh to visit Lamayuru, which belongs to the Drigung Kagyu sect of Buddhism, often known as the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The oldest structure in Lamayuru is the Singey Lhakhang, built by the founder of Alchi Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th century. After visiting Lamayuru, we proceed to Alchi monastery, famous for its 1000-year-old wall paintings and frescos, en route covering Drass. Overnight stay at Shey / Leh.

Day 04: Leh local sightseeing.

Leh sightseeing today, we spend the day exploring the vibrant capital of Ladakh; Shey / Leh is a powerhouse of beauty and culture. The market and the streets hustle and bustle with tourists and locals alike. The local cuisine is lip-smacking, and dozens of monasteries and ancient temples can be explored. Roaming around the city and nearby will help you acclimate to the weather and high altitude. We will take you for a drive on the Srinagar-Leh highway, where you can seek the blessing of Guru Nanak Dev at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, find the illusion of a magnetic hill for yourself and witness the confluence of Indus and Zanskar. We will also be visiting the Hall of Fame, a museum constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives defending the motherland in the Indo-Pak wars. The Hall of Fame museum is located on the Leh-Kargil Road, about 4km from Leh. On the way, cover Spituk Monastery, Leh Palace, and Shanti Stupa & followed by a visit to Leh local market in the second half. Overnight at Shey / Leh.

Day 05: Shey / Leh to Hundar via Khardungla pass(125 kms, 6 hrs)

Shey / Leh to Hunder (125km, 6 hrs) Today, post breakfast, we check out of the hotel & start our journey to Nubra Valley through Khardungla Pass, which is amongst the world’s highest motorable roads at 17,582 feet above sea level (highest pass is Umling La, passing through Umlingla Top in Ladakh region at a height of over 19,300 feet). At Khardungla Pass, the snow-capped peaks and the mountain views are incredible. Gateway to the remote Nubra and Shyok valleys, the mountain pass holds a strategic significance as it enables supplies to the Siachen Glacier. Arrive at Hunder by Afternoon. Later we explore the Diskit Monastery, founded in the 14th Century and one of the largest of the Buddhist Monasteries. The village of Hunder is situated like an oasis amidst the cold desert of the Nubra Valley. The gorgeous silver dunes are located at an altitude of 4000m and are bounded by snow-capped mountains. It is home to Bactrian Camels. Hunder lies on the ancient Silk Route, once an important international trade route. Today, it is one of the most strategic points located close as it is to the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battleground between India and Pakistan. Enjoy the exciting sports activities in Nubra Valley in the afternoon. Overnight stay at our homestay/tent/hotel in  Hunder / Deskit.

Day -06 :Hunder / Deskit to Pangong Tso (165 kms, 6 hrs)

Hunder / Deskit to Pangong Tso Today, we start early for the most awaited part of the trip, the beautiful Pangong Lake. The road from Hunder to Pangong Tso (Tso means Lake in Tibetan) takes about 6 hours and goes alongside the River Shyok till Shyok village. You can also recreate some of the moments from your favourite Bollywood movies like 3-idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan and enjoy the place in Bollywood style. Pangong Lake is situated at a height of 14,270 ft above sea level and is said to be one of the highest saline water lakes in the world. Lying almost on the Indo-Chinese border, a part of it falls in India, while the other is in China. The beauty of the lake is such that it has been a cinematic backdrop for the famous movie 3 Idiots. There is a 3 Idiots Point in the area, where the famous yellow scooter from the movie’s climax is stationed. The lake is about 5 km wide at its broadest point and about 134 km long. The Pangong Tso Lake is a breeding ground for different types of birds, including migratory ones. During the summer, the bar-headed goose and Brahminy Ducks are commonly spotted. Overnight stay at Pangong tent/camp.

Day -07: Pangong Tso to Shey / Leh via Chang-La pass(220 kms, 7 hrs)

Pangong Tso to Shey / Leh After sunrise, we enjoy breakfast at camp with a view and check out. Today, we drive back to Shey / Leh. Pangong to Leh is approx. 220 km and takes 7 hrs.  As you return to Shey / Leh, take a small stopover at the Chang-la Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. You can also visit the Chang-la Cafe on the Changla Pass. Visit the Changla Baba Temple on top, after which the pass got its name and is believed to be the guardian of the people visiting Chang La. Reach Shey / Leh by afternoon, check into the hotel and relax, or you can spend the evening at local market to buy souvenirs for your near & dear ones, visiting some fantastic cafes or roaming around the colourful market at your own cost.

Day -08: Departure from Shey / Leh

Fly out of Shey / Leh. It’s already time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and this magical land. After breakfast, we will drop you off at the airport for your flight out of Leh.