DAY

PLACES OF VISITS………..

HOTELS

Day 1

Arrive Delhi.Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Vishal Residency or similar

Day 2

Delhi - Srinagar
Meet upon arrival and transfer to Deluxe Houseboats. Late afternoon Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting floating and Vegetable gardens etc. Also witness walnut woodcarving and papier machie making demonstration. Dinner overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.

House Boat

Day 3

Srinagar
Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) built by Asif Khan brother in law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. And Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. The distance from Srinagar to the said gardens is about 12 and 15 kms respectively. Enroute visit carpet-weaving factory. Dinner overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.

House Boat

Day 4

Srinagar - Gulmarg
Drive to Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) 2730 Mts. above sea level. The distance of 60 kms will be covered in about 2 hrs. Gulmarg has one of the best Ski slopes in the world and highest golf course of the world with 18 holes. One can also have the view of Nanga Parbhat if weather permits. The view enroute from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is fascinating. One can also have a short trek upto Khilangmarg which can be covered in about 3 to 4 hrs. Chair Lifts for mountain ride are also available. Lunch will be carried from the Houseboat. Dinner overnight in Hotel at Gulmarg.

Hill Top

Day 5

Gulmarg
Free for individual activities. Dinner overnight in hotel at Gulmarg.

Hill Top

Day 6

Gulmarg - Pahalgam
Leave Gulmarg after early breakfast and drive to Pahalgam ( Valley of Shepherds ) via Srinagar . Drive through Saffron fields, visit Awantipura ruins (1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King Awantiwareman). Drive through the pine forest and along Lidder River . The total distance of about 140 kms will be covered in about 4 hrs. On arrival in Pahalgam, transfer to Hotel. Lunch, Dinner and overnight in Hotel at Pahalgam.

Hotel Pine & Peak.

Day 7

Pahalgam - Srinagar
Drive back to Srinagar from Pahalgam and transfer to deluxe Houseboats Dinner overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.

House Boat

Day 8

Srinagar - Sonamarg
Full day excursion to Sonamarg by cars. The distance of about 83 kms will be covered about 2-½ hrs. Sonamarg lies in Sindh Valley streamed with flowers and surrounded by mountains. Sonamarg is also the base for some interesting treks to the high altitude of Himalayan Lake . Drive back from Sonamarg and transfer to Deluxe Houseboats for dinner and overnight stay.

House Boat

Day 9

Srinagar -Leh (3505m)

Early morning transfer to. Leh is at an altitude of 3505 meters and you can expect to feel the effects of the rarefied atmosphere. Rest of the day in the hotel for proper acclimatising.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

City Palace or similar

Day 10

Leh:

Local sightseeing visit to Shankar, Stok, Stakna

SANKAR GONPA

The Sankar Gonpa is a relatively new Gonpa located in the town. It belongs to the Gelukpa School of Tibetan Buddhism. It is closely associated with Spituk monastry and is the residence of the head priest - Kushak Bakula.

STOK PALACE & MUSEUM

At 10 kilometers from Leh is a palace built in the year 1825 by King Tshespal Namgyal which is the present residence of the local Royal Family. The Palace was built after Zorawar Singh's annexation of Ladakh. The royal family resides here since Ladakh lost to Zorawar Singh. A part of the Palace has been converted into a museum, which displays fabulous period customs and jewellery of the Royalty along with exquisite artefacts representing the life of Sakya Muni. Historical objects like coins, seals, armour, etc can also be seen.

STAKNA MONASTERY

25 kilometers south of Leh lies Stakna Monastery founded during the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal in 1580 by saint Chosje Jamyang Palkhar. This belongs to the Drukpa Kargyud sect of Buddhism and houses some beautiful paintings and statues.

Return back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay.

City Palace or similar

Day 11

Leh

Full day sightseeing visit to Thiksey and Shey.

17 kilometers from Leh is Thiskey Monastery, perhaps the most beautiful of all the Monasteries in Ladakh. It belongs to the Gelukpa order. Sherab Zangpo first built the Gonpa at Stakmo. Later the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, Paldan Sherab, founded the Thiskey Gonpa on a hilltop to the north of Indus River . The Thiskey festival (Thiskey Gustor) is held in the month of October- November. Around 80 Monks resides here at present. Dukhang Karmo is a huge long assembly hall, which consists of the image of Shakyamuni and Maitriya Buddha statues. Chamkhang at the top near the courtyard contains the three storey Maitriya Buddha's statue, constructed in recent years. Dukhang at the top, consists of thousand armed Avaloketesvara, Shakyamuni Buddha and Bodhisattavas, Gonkhang contains the statues of Vajra Bhairava, Mahakala & Dharmakaya, the goddess Paldan Lhamo and Cham-sring.

Around 15 kilometers from south of Leh is Shey. It was the seat of power of the first King of Ladakh, Lhachen Spalgigon, who constructed the hill top fortress. It is dotted with Chortens (stupas) and is under the patronage of Thiksey Monastery.

King Deldan Namgyal built Shey Palace in the beginning of the 17th century AD. The main image in the monastery is the three-storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, made of copper guilt, which was made by Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only of its kind in the region. Dresthang Gonpa near the palace was built during the reign of King Singay Namgyal, with a three-storey statue of Buddha. The Rock-carved statue of five Buddha can be seen below the palace on the roadside, which was probably carved during the reign of Singay Namgyal.

In the evening, we will visit Shanti Stupa, located on the hilltop over looking the Leh town; to have a beautiful sun set view of the town.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

City Palace or similar.

Day 12

Leh. Hemis Festival

Hemis is the wealthiest, best known and biggest of all the Monasteries in Ladakh. At 45 kilometers from Leh, Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso built Hemis in 1630 during the reign of King Sengge Namgyal. The main attraction of the temple is its summer festival called the Hemis Festival held annually to honor Guru Padmasandhava's birth anniversary and also it unfurls the Thanka, which is the largest in Ladakh, once in 12 years ( Next is on 2016).

City Palace or similar.

Day 13

Leh. Hemis Festival

Full day a the festival.

City Palace or similar.

Day 14

Leh: Excursion to Pangong Tso

The Pangong Lake is 160 km from Leh with spectacular view colorful mountains and Changla pass. The scenic view of colourful mountains throughout the journey makes your trip memorable.

The drive begins with photogenic view of Thiksey monastery and village, famous for its architectural similarities with Potala palace of Lhasa . Beyond this village, you will drive towards Changla pass with a long and easy ascent through it's winding roads through the village of Shakti . We will cross many small villages before we reach Pangong Lake . The lake is dramatic, surrounded by colorful mountains and its reflection makes the lake beautiful. The color of the lake changes into different colors throughout the day.

After spending time in this special wonder, we will return back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay.

City Palace or similar.

Day 15

Leh - Likir. Trek to Yangthang. (3600m 05 hours)

After breakfast we will drive to reach Likir. After visiting the Likir Monastery, we will start our trek to Yangthang. Gradual climb to a small pass, the Pobela (3550m) to reach the green village of Sumdo . From Sumdo it is a long climb to reach Charatsela (3650m) from where the trail descend gradually to reach the village of Yangthang . Overnight at the camp.

Local rest house or camps.

Day 16

Yangtang - Ridzong (3400m 04 hours) and return.

After breakfast we will do the full day excursion to Ridzong and visit the monastery there. We take the down and gradual trail along Wuleh Tokpo and a climb of an hour to reach the monastery.

Return back to Yangtang camp.

Local rest house or camps.

Day 17

Y angtang - Hemis Shukpachen (3600m 04 hours) Over Chermentse la (3750m)

Leave for the big village of Schukpa (Cidar), 02 hours climb to reach the pass and a long descend to the village to Hemis Shukpachen. Visit the Gonpa located at the top of the village and explore the village. O/N at the camp.

Local rest house or camps.

Day 18

Hemis Shukpachen - Temisgang (3200m 04 hours) Over Maptek La (3750m)

A gradual climb initially to reach a small pass at 3710m. Steep descent and a climb on the steep slope to the summit of the Meptekla (3750m). Enjoy the view from the top. Easy descent to the beautiful village of Ang (3400m).

Another hours walk will reach you to the beautiful village of Themisgang . Evening visit the beautiful monastery of the village.

Overnight at the guesthouse (with a very impressive LADAKHI kitchen)

Local rest house or camps.

Day 19

Alchi (3505m) via Lamayuru

After breakfast drive to Lamayuru (30 kilometers). Our initial drive is through the rough road till we hit the main highway from where will drive on the Leh - Srinagar Road to Lamayuru through one of the most spectacular scenery of the moonland, the colors changing in minutes. Upon arrival in Lamayuru, visit the impressive Lamayuru monastery and the meditation center above the monastery. After our visit, we will drive to Alchi.

Alchi is a small town situated on the bank of Indus. Alchi boasts of the very different and beautiful Alchi Monastery. This temple is 1000 years old and on one of the Monastery walls, it has 1000s of miniature sized pictures of Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attention. It is no longer active religious center and is presently looked after by the monks from Likir Monastery.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Ulley Resort/Alchi Hotel.

Day 20

Alchi – Leh 70 kilometers

After breakfast we will depart for Leh.

Enjoy the beautiful drive back to Leh. Rest of the time at leisure or souvenir shopping. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

City Palace or similar.

Day 21

Nubra Valley Tour

After breakfast we will drive to the beautiful Nubra Valley .

The Nubra Valley (the valley of flowers) is situated in the north of Leh at an average altitude of about 10,000 ft. above the sea level. The journey to the valley of flowers is through Khardongla (the highest motor able road in the world at 18,380 ft.), 50 kilometers from Leh. After crossing the pass, we pass through the village of Khardong , Khalser and Diskit (the main villages of Nubra valley).

The attraction of the area includes Bactarian Camels (double hump camel) around sand dunes, Diskit & Samstanling monasteries, Khardung la Pass (18,380 ft.) and Hundar monastery.

Guest House.

Day 22

Nubra Valley Tour:

Visit different villages.

Guest House.

Day 23

Nubra Valley Tour.

Visit Local tribe villages.

Guest House.

Day 25

Drive to Leh 

Caravan Sarai or Kargil Continental

Day 26

Leh to Delhi . Arrive Delhi and midnight transfer to International Airport for Departure back to home.