Highlands of Ladakh With Hemis Festival
Ladakh, often called Little Tibet for its Tibetan Buddhist heritage, boasts awe-inspiring, moon-like landscapes shaped by wind and water. Amidst rugged terrain and vibrant monasteries, its joyful people and rich traditions promise an unforgettable journey through breathtaking beauty. Its cham dance festivals are a sight to behold.
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel close to the airport.
Day 2: Delhi – Leh – Ulley Topko (10,000 feet)
Early Morning take a spectacular flight over high mountains to Leh. On arrival, drive to Ulley Topko for two nights. Rest of the day at leisure to acclimatize to the high altitude of Ulley Topko.
Day 3: Ulley Topko
Morning visit the isolated Rizong Monastery. Later admire the 1000 year old murals & arts of Alchi. Drive on to Mangyu Monastery through a spectacular gorge. This will be a great day showcasing Ladakh's rich Buddhist heritage.
Day 4: Ulley Topko – Dha Hanu
Drive to the Aryan villages of Dha and Hanu. Enroute stop at Scurbuchan village and monastery. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular cultural program organized by the local villagers. Admire the special culture of these very distinct community.
Day 5: Da Hanu – Kargil
Drive to Kargil passing through Sanachey village of Aryans. Cross Hamboting La pass(13,300 feet). Take a short hike to the ancient 7th century Maitreya Buddha. After checking in, explore Kargil’s markets.
Day 6: Kargil – Rangdum (13,000 feet)
Drive to Rangdum, passing through the villages of spectacular Suru Valley. Stop to view the ancient Skermanrste, the 7th AD Buddhist rock carvings. Have a great view of Mt Nun(23,500feet) and Mt Kun(23,200feet). Sunset views of Rangdum Monastery.
Day 7: Rangdum – Padum (10,000 Feet)
Early morning watch the sunrise over Mt Kun. Later visit of Rangdum Gompa. Stop & admire the spectacular sight of Drang Drang Glacier. Continue on towards Padum. Visit Sani Gompa on the way.
Day 8: Padum
Morning visit Karsha Monastery which is a site of Kalachakra initiation by Dalai Lama. Also visit Zangla fort and Village and if lucky get to interact with the Royal family members. Sunset from Stongdey gompa overlooking the Padum valley.
Day 9: Padum – Phuktal – Padum
Morning drive to the charming village of Purne. Start a 2 hour hike to the spectacularly situated Phuktal Monastery. Return hike to our cars and visit villages like Cha etc. Return back to Padum in the late afternoon.
Day 10: Padum – Leh (11,500 feet)
Morning drive through the spectacular Zanskar gorge. Almost the entire road is built by drilling through the rocks of this famous gorge. Most of the drive is along Zanskar river. Arrive in Leh. Visit of the Leh market in the evening.
Day 11: Leh
Morning drive to Hemis monastery to witness the spectacular festival. Afternoon visit of Shey Palace.
Day 12: Leh
Early morning visit of Thiksey monastery to witness the call to prayers and chanting of the monks. Later take a short hike in the Stok Gorge. Visit of Stok Palace. Also visit
Day 13: Leh – Tsomoriri (15,000 feet)
Morning drive to Tsomoriri. Admire the spectacular turquoise blue lake as we arrive. Later drive out to the area where many changpa nomads spend their summer grazing their pashmina goats.
Day 14: Tsomoriri – Leh
Drive to Leh enroute visiting Tsokar Lake. If lucky, we may see the rarest of the rare black necked cranes. We could also see some changpa nomads here too. Cross the high Tanglang la pass before we arrive back at Leh.
Day 15: Leh – Delhi & Depart Delhi
Morning fly to Delhi. Transfer to the airport hotel. After a farewell dinner, transfer to the airport to your onward flight.