The Ultimate Ladakh Experience: Desert, Monasteries & Lakes

After breakfast, you drive downstream along the River Indus on the Leh - Kargil Highway. Enroute visiting Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas, A drive of another 4 km took us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity & further Driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar Rivers, Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery, Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up to the monastery a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh. After visiting the Monastery you continue your drive along the River Indus to theTingmosgang enroute to visit Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those who wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. After visiting the above places we drive further and check in at our camp/hotel for an overnight stay.

Post breakfast you drive to the 11th Century Lamayuru Monasteryen route visiting the mesmerising Moon Landscapes (you will believe why the name of this area is Moonland. Exactly the same formations of Land are visible as on the moon), Lamayuru is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. On your return drive to Leh you first visit the Alchi Gompa. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century. After visiting Alchi we drive back to Leh. Finally, you arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at your Hotel.

In the morning leave for Tsomoriri Lake towards Chumathang, which is famous for medical hot springs and people visit to this place for a medical bath. From here a short drive will take you to MaheyBridge, the main checking point to enter this new area. On the way visit Sumdah village and another 55 km drive will take you to Tsomoriri.The Tsomoriri Lake is located at 14,000 ft. near the small village of Korzok. Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese boarder, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes, Tsomoriri Lake is also 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 km wide and 28 km long. Upon arrival, we check in at our camp/hotel for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, we check out from our camp and visit Korzok village with its houses and its Gompa appearing like a mirage. The few barley fields at Korzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world. Later we drive to Tsokar, The nomadic people Changpas are the most outstanding feature of this area. They can be seen moving from one place to another grazing herds of goats, sheep and yaks. Changpas pass their days with their animals and move with their flocks, their only wealth from pasture to pasture according to changing seasons. Their flocks, their yaks and goat’s hair furnish the raw material of which they make their ropes, their clothes and shoes. All day long men and women are busy milking, churning the milk into butter, making ropes, weaving mats and other fabrics. These people have been completely beyond the pale of all civilising influences. Even towards the fag end of the twenty first century, they belong to a primitive pre-historic age, The Drive is scenic and TsokarLake is one of the best. And after spending some time we proceed further to Leh. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Leh.

Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the Valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level.

Upon arrival in Nubra, we check in at our Camp / Hotel in Hunder for an overnight stay. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world. A visit to a Ladakhi home can be arranged. Overnight Stay at the Camp or Hotel.

After an early breakfast, we check out from Camp or hotel and drive towards Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. On the return stop at Diskit which is the headquarters town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Later we drive towards Pangong Tsovia Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic!  Later after crossing this adventurous part, we drive further towards Durbuk &Tangtse for Pangong you pass through a few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Upon arrival, we check in at our Camp/Hotel Near Pangong Lake (Spangmik Village). Dinner &overnight at the Hotel

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake and later we drive back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrsenroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. And further to Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village and another 5 Km driving through a picturesque landscape we reach to Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School. Drive further to Leh. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Leh Airport for your onward journey. SaimanHolidays thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the Airport to catch the flight.