Leh is a beautiful barren desert situated at 3,505 meters above sea level in lap of the Great Himalayas. Leh is the main tourist gateway; it’s the largest town in the Ladakh region. It is ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure freaks. The main highlights includes the breathtaking landscaping, the enchanting rives, snowcapped mountains complimenting the blue sky, time stopping silence of the desert, temperature below zero and Ladakh festival, in short nature's untouched beauty and incredibly attractive. Leh has so many monuments, monasteries, great options for trekking and mountaineering, river rafting, horse riding and polo.
Arrive Delhi by flight. On arrival you will be welcomed by our local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Early morning, transfer to airport to board the flight for Leh. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at rest and to acclimatize to rarefied air of this remote region ensconced in the high Himalayan plateau. Leh, the capital of Ladakh region, is a city famous for its panoramic beauty. The Himalayas provide a lovely backdrop to this city that is as eclectic in its cultural influences as it is pious in its traditional religious observances. So don't be surprised to see hotels, markets and vibrant restaurants existing in the same street as monasteries and religious shrines. The people are simple and friendly, and what your accommodation lacks in luxury will be made up to you in terms of hospitality.
Morning guided city tour of Leh Leh Palace - Locally known as Lhachen Palkhar, was built by Singey Namgiyal in 1600. This nine-storied palace was built in three years. Mani Sermo:This "yellow stupa" built by Rinchen Zangpo, is unique in its beauty and majesty. Red Chapel - Three stories in height, the Red Chapel was built by King Taksa Bumlde in the 13th century. It has statues of Avalokteshwara and Majushri, deities of Buddhist mythology - Afternoon visit the Shanti Stupa, inaugurated in 1983 by H.H. Dalai Lama, the peace Pagoda, whose sides are decorated with gilt panels depicting episodes from the life of Buddha, Visit Sankar Monastry nestled amid the shimmering coppices & terraced fields of Barley. The Gompa (Monastery in local language), contains a formidable collection of miniature statues of pure gold and ancient paintings (called Thangkas) also done with gold.
Morning visit Hemis Monastry - the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. At any given time, there are at least a 150 lamas living in it. Hemis is especially renowned for a huge painting of the Buddha, which is displayed to the public once in 11 years. Head westwards to Thiksey monastery, near Leh, is considered to be an architectural wonder. The Shey monastery has a huge gold-plated copper statue of the Buddha. Alchi, Likir and Lamayuru are amongst the oldest gompas of Ladakh, also visit Shey the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Return to Leh.
Morning drive for Alchi west of Leh, south of the village of Saspol. Arrive and check into Uletokpo camp, followed with lunch. After lunch, we drive back to visit Alchi village & visit the monastery of Alchi. Driving past on the nearby Srinagar-Leh highway, you'd never guess that this is one of the most significant historical sites in Asia. Alchi's large temple complex founded in the 11th century is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centre in Ladakh and a jewel of monastic skill, Overnight in camp.
Morning drive westward to Lamayuru. We visit the Lamayuru Monastery, around 125 kms west of Leh, you pass through several villages especially the Moon land type features. In Lamayuru, there is a monastery too, which belongs to Drigunp an Order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is remarkably built on a rock. It is one of the most spectacularly picturesque gompas Afternoon explore Lamayuru village on foot, and then drive to Uletokpo camp. Overnight in camp.
Early morning visit Ridzong Monastery. The track to Ridzong leaves the main road along the Indus at Uletokpo, between Saspol and Nyurla and follow the valley of a tributary stream, leave the vehicle and set on foot a kilometer up the valley to Ridzong Monastery. Ridzong is the only Nunnery Monastery in Ladakh. We descend, to drive back to campsite, and have breakfast. Drive to Leh, en-route visit the Likir Monastery, around 53 kms west of Leh, which belongs to Gelukspa Order. Set up on a hill top of a low hill, it was re-founded in the 15th century by the Gelupa Sect (Yellow Sect). After that we continue to Leh and on arrival check-in at hotel.
Morning drive to Saboo village to get acquainted with the village life of Ladakh. You can see the old and traditional lifestyle of the people of Ladakh. It would be very interesting to meet and gain knowledge about the custom and culture from the old age people of Ladakh. Here you can taste the famous Gur or Yak Butter Tea. After enjoying the Butter tea will return to Leh. Evening free to explore the local market of foot.
Morning visit the Stok Palace, the former residence of the Royal family of Ladakh. The Stok Palace Museum stands across the Indus River, in the palace of the (erstwhile) royal family of Ladakh. Also visit the museum which is a small museum, just a few rooms, in which the family's heirlooms and relics are displayed, a poignant evocation of Ladakh's vanished past as an independent kingdom. Ladakh well known as SOS Village. Also visit Tibetan Handicraft Centre / Tibetan school and return to Leh.
Drive to KhardungLa (5620 metres) the highest motor able road in the world. Khardungla is an all weather road is maintained by the Indian Army as its vital link to the Nubra valley, well known for apricots, the fast flowing Shyok River and also the double humped Bactrian camel. From the top of the Khardungla Pass one can have a panoramic view of some of the peaks in the region. Return to Leh. Afternoon is at leisure.
Morning departure transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to your hotel. P.M. Combined city tour of New and Old Delhi. Old Delhi and The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort, a rickshaw ride through busy and historical Chandni Chowk is some experience; visit the Jama Masjid (the mosque). We continue with the tour and visit Raj Ghat (The place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated) and Shanti Vana. We make our way towards New Delhi and drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidents Palace and one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys) visit The India Gate: a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers, Qutab Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of Return to hotel for night stay.
A.M. visit Lotus Temple and Akshardham temple in Delhi. Afternoon at leisure.
After breakfast drive to Agra (05hrs drive) Arrive by noon and check into hotel. P.M. visit Taj Mahal – A white marble Tomb building 1631 – 1648 in Agra, seat of the Mughal Empire by Shah Jahan for his wife, Arjuman Banu Begum, the monument sums up many of the formal themes that have played through Islamic architecture. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men labored for over 17 years to build this memorial continue visit to AGRA FORT- Fort built in red sandstone with its magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and the beautiful gardens. This is where Emperor Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest by his third son Aurangzeb and spent the last year of his life viewing the Taj Mahal from across the river Jamuna. Night stay in Agra.
Breakfast at hotel. Take an excursion to old and deserted town of Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city of yesteryears. A phantom city. A red sand stone city of yesteryears. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. Its walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to a great visionary and builder. The heart of the palace complex however, is very much alive. Post lunch drive back to Delhi. Arrive by evening, dinner and transfer to airport.
