Day 1 Arrival Delhi In 1803 AD Delhi became a dominion of the British Kingdom and in 1911 the city was acknowledged as the capital of India. The city is located on the banks of Yamuna River which makes its croplands fertile. On arrival into IGI Delhi airport, you will be met by our Office Assistant, holding a name placard followed by transfer to your hotel. Since your arrival is late at night, check-in to your hotel and catch up on jetlag. Hotel: Imperial
Day 2 Delhi After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Delhi at 0930 hours which includes the city
Day 3 Delhi
Day 4 Leh This morning, you can still take it easy for further acclimatization and then go out for a half day sightseeing only after lunch. You will be taken by a Ladakhi guide to see two local sites and walk in Leh's main bazaar: Shanti Stupa - Dominating Leh from a high, rocky ridge, this gigantic white spired pudding of a stupa was built in 1991 by Japanese monks to promote world peace. You can circumambulate to canned mantras and meditate in the Buddha Hall, but the greatest attraction is the stunning view over Leh. Ideally, make the breathless 15-minute climb when golden afternoon light still illuminates the city but the steps up from Changspa are already bathed in cooling shadow. Shey monastery, 15 Km south of Leh was constructed by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Palgyigon and of successive kings. Around 12 ft Shakyamuni Buddha's statue made by copper guilt is the largest in the region, built by Deldan Namgyal in 1633 is a funerary memorial to his father, King Singee Namgyal. There is another statue of the Buddha three-story in height at Dresthang down the castle. Stone carving and many chortens are scattered around the Dresthang Gompa. This evening visit a local home in the village for a culinary class and home-cooked meal. Interact with the host family and learn about the Ladakhi lifestyle. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 Leh After breakfast, check out and do a short drive to Likir where you visit the monastery atop a hill, upstream of the village. Here you meet the trek staff and mules and thereafter commence trek to Yangthang. The trail passes over a small pass of Phobe La (3550 meters) and Charatse La (3650 meters). Arrive Yangthang and camp near the stream. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Private Trekking Camp
Day 6 Yangthang After breakfast, gear up for the day ahead. You walk alongside the river and trees amidst the gorge to the Rizong Monastery, which is isolated at the back of a natural amphitheater and has three main rooms to visit, two with large Buddhas and third with a large stupa. After visiting the gompa, you ascend gradually to the Shushut pass (4000 m). From the pass, you will have a view of Hemis Shukpachan as well as surrounding peaks. An easy descent towards your camp at Hemis Shukpachan takes a couple of hours. It is one of the major villages of Sham, and the name of the village is derived from the conifers (shukpa cedar or juniper). Visit the village for photography and interaction with the locals. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Private Trekking Camp
Day 7 Hemischukpachen -Thimsgam by trek (4 hours) From Hemis Shukpachan post breakfast, you go onto a flat ground as far as ill-defined pass alongside the Chortens (stupas). A steep descent will lead you to the right side of the mountains and climb steadily on the slope towards the Mebtak La (3720 m). After a short rest and enjoy the view from the pass, you head down to the village of Ang. From Ang, you head towards the south on the dusty jeep road to the village of Thimsgam Thimsgam, is well famed for its monastery, and is perhaps the most affluent village in the Sham valley for its apricots, apples, nuts and beautiful houses. Here you meet your transport followed by a drive to visit the famous and ancient Lamayuru Monastery - the oldest monastery of Ladakh. Thereafter, proceed onwards to Alchi Village for an overnight stay, with a visit to the village for photography. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Hotel: Zimskhang Holiday Home
Day 8 Alchi After breakfast, depart for Nubra Valley via the Khardung La pass. This is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, passing over the Khardung la pass at a height of 5602 m. The road begins from Leh itself and winds its way up to reach the Khardung La. The views from here are magnificent and take in the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. After this, you descend to Shyok Valley in Nubra. From the hamlet of Khalsar, which is at the far end of Shyok Valley the trail divides, one heading up along the Nubra River to the Siachen Glacier and the other to the villages of Bogdang and Turtuk, which were once a part of erstwhile Baltistan, now a part of Indian-administrated Kashmir. On arrival in the valley, proceed to your resort for check-in. Later visit Hunder village and take a brief Bactrian camel ride. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner Hotel: Lchang Nang Retreat
Day 9 Nubra Valley After breakfast, we visit the Samstanling Monastery in Sumur. The picturesque village of Sumur is a charming spot in Ladakh. Calm and peaceful is what this village is all about and giving it an added beauty is the Samstanling Monastery. Set amidst scenic mountains and greens Samstanling is a popular monastery which showcases the traditional touch with shades of gold, red and white. It houses about 50 monks. Afternoon free for independent activities. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10 Nubra Valley After breakfast, check out and drive to Pangong Tso. Made famous by the Hindi blockbuster '3 idiots' Pangong lake is mesmerizing. The lake is washed in surreal palates of blue. The stark beauty and the serenity remain long after you have left the lakeside. Thereafter, drive to Tangste (14 km away) where you check-in to your fixed camp for the night with the evening at leisure. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner Accommodation: Fixed camp
Day 11 Tangtse After breakfast, check out by 0900 hours and drive to Leh, visiting Thiksey monastery en route. Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and part of the Gelukpa order The 12-story monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues; Thangkha, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings, there are sacred shrines and many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Rinpoche acts as in charge of the monastery. The main prayer hall has a 15-meter-high-seated Buddha figure. In the afternoon, visit the Leh office of the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust India (weekdays during office hours only). Interact with the staff and learn about the good work being done by them in partnership with the local communities to preserve this beautiful mammal. Thereafter proceed to your hotel in Stok Village, for the night. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Hotel: Stok Palace/Grand Dragon/Druk
Day 12 Leh Enjoy the colorful Ladakh festival which is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh spread over 4 days. The activities include archery competitions, polo matches, masked dances from the monasteries and dances by cultural troupes from the villages. There is also a grand procession/parade with musicians, dancers and cultural troupes. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13 Leh Continue to enjoy a second day of the Ladakh festival and imbibe in the color and dance and music of this amazing landscape. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 14 Leh Early morning, you will be transferred to the Leh airport, for your flight to Delhi. You will be met on arrival at Delhi airport and transferred to your hotel Imperial, where rooms are reserved for day use. This evening/night you will be transferred to the International airport to board on your flight. Note - Check-in for International flights starts 3 hours prior to departure. Meals: Packed breakfast
