Best of Ladakh
Covered : Leh - Tsomoriri Lake - Tsokar Lake - Stok - Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake - LehExotic Ladakh region is one of the most popular destinations of India that attracts nature lovers, spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts from all around. Amazing Ladakh Tour with Pangong is a meticulously-planned 9- day tour of Ladakh that offers the best of sights and sounds of the place. Explore the mesmerizing Himalayan landscape of Ladakh and visit its prime attractions. Some of the highlights of the itinerary include visits to the enchanting lakes of Tsomoiri and Pangong, camel ride to explore Nubra valley, driving past Khardung La and Magnetic Hill, visit to the popular monasteries of the region. The itinerary acquaints you with the tradition and culture of Ladakh while you explore its topography.
Day 1: Delhi - Leh
On arriving at the Kushok Bakula airport in Leh, meet our tour representative who helps you with an assisted transfer to a luxury hotel. After completing the check-in formalities, you are free to spend the day as per your own liking. You can explore the nearby surroundings on your own. However, it is advisable that you relax for a day in the room and allow yourself to get acclimatized with the high altitudes. The beautiful capital of Ladakh, Leh is an enchanting town. It houses several historical monuments and Buddhist monasteries that are its main tourist attractions too. The scenery is extremely mesmerizing too. Leh stands at an altitude of 11, 562 feet, above the sea level.
Stay overnight in Leh.
Day 2: Leh
On day 2, get all set for exploring the prime tourist attractions of Leh. Proceed towards west of Leh in early morning hours. The first visit of the day is to Alchi Monastery, around 70 km from Leh, placed on the left banks of River Indus. Also known as Alchi Choskhor, this religious spot is quite famous for its wonderful miniature paintings, dedicated to Lord Buddha. This monastery and temple complex was erected between 958 and 1055 and consists of five temples. From here, move on to the Magentic hill or gravity hill, near the confluence of River Zanskar and River Indus. It lies on Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway and is around 30 km from Leh. This road looks like an uphill slope. Leave out your car on the slope, out of gear and it will appear that your car is rolling up-hill, in a manner that a magnet is attracting your car towards itself.
Thereafter, while returning to your hotel, halt at the Military Hall of Fame. Built and maintained by the Indian Army, this is a museum dedicated to war heroes who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-Pak war. Museum cum war memorial, it consists of a number of displayed items including seized weapons of Pakistani Army, photographs and memorabilia of soldiers.
Stay overnight.
Day 3: Leh - Tsomoriri Lake
Start your day early that is scheduled for a visit to the enchanting Tsomoriri Lake that is located at a distance of around 220 km from Leh. This beautiful lake is placed at an altitude of 4200 m above the sea level. The road from Leh to the Lake runs along River Indus right into the Rupshu valley. You also drive past the Mahe Bridge and Chumathang hot springs. As you arrive at the Lake, check-in at the nearby camps. Now you are free to explore the enchanting surroundings near the lake's banks. The shores of Tsomoriri Lake is a famous breeding ground for around thousands of migratory birds such as Brahmini Duck and Black Naked Cranes. A visit to this high altitude lake is pure magic and an unforgettable experience. Soak-in the serenity spread all around.
Stay overnight in camp.
Day 4: Tsomoriri Lake - Tsokar Lake - Stok
On the 4th day, have your breakfast and get ready to move towards the Tsokar Lake, another very popular lake of the region. Placed at a distance of 45 km northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake, Tso-Kar is small yet an enchanting lake. This salt water lake, it is also known as White Lake because of salt deposit on the shores of the Lake. On reaching the Lake, enjoy bird watching where you can spot beautiful colorful birds like bar-headed geese, black necked cranes, Brahmni ducks and great crested grebe. You may also spot snow foxes and Kiangs or wild asses. Admire the beautiful views of the nature.
The road from Tso Moriri to Rsokar is a visual treat; you can make a stop at the Puga Geo-thermal gas springs. The next halt is to the nomadic Rebo tents, placed on the Polo-Kongka pass.
Enjoy some memorable moments here. Thereafter, you next stop at an old monastery in Thukje village. This monastery is placed on a hilltop and offers nice views. When you proceed, you also drive past Tanglangla pass, at an altitude of 5300 m.
In the evening, you finally arrive at Stok, the site of highest mountain of Ladakh, Stok Kangri and Stok Palace. Check-into a hotel. If time and energy permits, you can explore Stok Palace, an architectural delight, constructed in the year 1825.
Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 5: Stok - Nubra Valley
Leave your beds early today and begin driving to the exotic Nubra Valley, a beautiful tri-armed valley, placed at an altitude of 3048 m above the sea level. While driving from Stok to Nubra, you drive past Khardung La, touted as the highest motorable pass in the world. It is also known as the 'gateway to Shyok and Nubra valleys'. If you wish, you can stop here for making the moments memorable and click photographs here. Continue to Nubra Valley. On arrival, check-in at the camp/hotel and relax for some time. Thereafter, explore the beautiful sand dunes of Nubra while riding on the backs of Double humped camel, found only here in the valley. Admire the beautiful scenery.
Later on, visit the world-popular Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley's largest and oldest surviving monastery. This monastery is home to a 100 ft tall Maitreya Buddha statue. Perched on a hilltop, this Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery also features a huge prayer hall and a huge drum.
Back to the luxury hotel/camp for overnight stay.
Day 6: Nubra - Leh
Begin day 6 of your journey, by visiting Samstanling Monastery, post breakfast. Established around 140 years ago by Lama Tsultim Nima, this monastery is home to 50 monks. This monastery has a wonderful architecture with traditional colors of gold, red ocher and white. The hall of the monastery has paintings of Lord Buddha.
After this spiritual visit, start driving back to Leh. On the way, enjoy lunch. Evening arrival in Leh. Check-in at the hotel. The evening is at leisure, you can visit the local market to indulge in shopping. You can get your hands on some great stuff including prayer wheels, Pashmina shawls, Handwoven rugs, Thangka paintings, woolen clothes, Buddhist masks and more.
Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
Day 7: Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
On day 7, you would proceed to the beautiful Pangong Lake, around 135 km from the Leh town. The day starts early. Drive towards the Lake driving past Changla pass, lying at an altitude of 17500 feet above the sea level. You would drive past Tangtse and Durbuk villages. If you wish you can stop for a few photographs. Afternoon arrival at Pangong Lake; setup your camps here. The Lake shot to fame when it featured in the end scene of Bollywood blockbuster, 3 Idiots. Placed at an altitude of 4350 m above the sea level, this deep blue-colored lake has enchanting surroundings. This lake is the largest brackish water lake in Asia. In the evening, enjoy a leisure walk on the shores of the lake and enjoy bird watching. Later, you can visit Spangmik, a nomadic village near the Lake.
Overnight stay in camps.
Day 8: Pangong – Leh
It is advisable to start your day early. The natural view around the Pangong Lake is an extremely mesmerizing one. When the rays of rising sun fall on the placid waters of the Lake and the snow-clad, they create a beautiful sight, which should be not be missed. Do not forget to click photographs of this enchanting view. After enjoying breakfast amidst the lap of nature, drive to Leh. Upon reaching Leh, check-into a luxury hotel. The rest of the day is free. You can relax in your room or visit the local market to shop for souvenirs.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 9: Leh - Delhi
On the last day of the tour, after breakfast, get an assisted transfer to Kushok Bakula airport to board the flight for Delhi.
