Ladakh Odyssey

Duration : 16 Days

Destination : Delhi - Leh - Alchi - Lamayuru - Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake - Tsomorari

About Ladakh Odyssey:

Ladakh or 'Little Tibet' as it is known is one of the most remote areas of India, lying to the north of the Himalayas on the Tibetan Plateau to the south of the Karakorams. Ladakh has a rich cultural and religious heritage as can be seen from the centuries old monasteries, some of them built on sheer cliff and still functioning actively. In this cultural odyssey, we travel through the ancient kingdom of Ladakh, soaking in the beauty of its captivating landscape, visiting monasteries, villages, palaces and humble homes, meeting people from all walks of life and understanding their way of life and culture - a journey that will truly make you want to return - such is the mesmerizing effects of the hospitable people in this enchanting Buddhist land called Ladakh.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met by office representative and transferred to hotel. Rest of day is free to relax and recover from flight. Stay overnight in Delhi at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi / Leh (By Flight)

We transfer you to the domestic terminal for the spectacular early morning flight over the Himalaya to Leh. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m), with only a gentle orientation walk of the town planned. Stay overnight in Leh at hotel.

Day 3: In Leh

Today there is a sightseeing tour to three of the major gompas (monasteries) in the area. We first drive to Shey, a former Royal Palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350 year old copper and gold statue of the Buddha. From Shey we drive to Tikse, where we visit the monastery - perched on top of a hill - its red and white buildings can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. Next we drive to Hemis, which lies tucked away up a side valley. Once the largest and richest of all monasteries its huge prayer hall is of particular interest. Overnight at hotel

Day 4: In Leh

Today we will have an acclimatisation walk round the Leh Valley. Set above Leh on the Namgyal Hill, are the ruins of the Old Royal Palace. From here a winding path takes us to the Tsemo Monastery from where we are rewarded for our efforts by magnificent views of the whole of Leh and its surrounding villages. Descending round the back of the palace we walk via Sankar to the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda. This huge stupa overlooks Leh and we have stunning views of the town and the Stok range of mountains across the valley. Overnight at hotel

Day 5: Leh - Alchi

We leave Leh this morning following the Indus River westwards. We pass Basgo where an ancient ruined fortress is built atop the wind eroded cliffs. We turn off the main road to visit the monastery at Likir, a beautiful building, reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. From here we drive to Yangtang village from where there is the option to walk to Ridzong monastery, set hidden in a valley. After Ridzong we rejoin the Indus again, which we follow to Saspol. Just after the village we cross this mighty river and drive to Alchi, a pretty village set in a grove of apricot trees. Stay overnight in Alchi at hotel

Day 6: Alchi - Lamayuru - Alchi

The main attraction in Alchi is the monastery, which is the most important cultural site in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, it is a treasure trove of early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite different from the Tibetan art found in Ladakh's other monasteries. It was founded by Rinchen Zangpo who was said to have built 108 temples in Ladakh and is responsible for reviving interest in Buddhism at that time. After breakfast we make an excursion to Lamayuru. The drive takes us through some of the most spectacular scenery in Ladakh. The monastery is set on top of a beautifully eroded crag, complete with rock caves and pinnacles and has an almost fairytale quality as it stands over the village below. We have time to explore the monastery and the village before driving back to Alchi. Overnight at hotel

Day 7: Alchi - Leh

After breakfast we drive back to Leh visiting Basgo Fort en route. The rest of the afternoon is free for individual exploration. The old town and the local bazaar are well worth a visit. Stay overnight in Leh at hotel

Day 8: Leh - Nubra Valley

After early breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley 125 km via the world famous Khardungla Pass 18360 ft. It is the highest motor-able road in the world. Arrive and check-in at the Camp in Nubra. Afternoon visit Samstanling & Panamic Hot springs. Stay overnight in Nubra Valley at deluxe camp.

Day 9: In Nubra Valley

Full day to explore the Nubra valley, visit silver sand dunes near Hunder village and enjoy a double humped Camel safari (Optional) followed by visit to Diskit monastery & Hunder villages. Take picnic lunch for the day. Overnight at deluxe camp

Day 10: Nubra Valley - Leh

Early morning visit the small Yarabtso Lake, leisure breakfast and drive back to Leh via Khardungla pass. Stay overnight in Leh at hotel

Day 11: Leh - Pangong Lake

Early morning drive towards the Pangong Lake, 130km long expansive magical Lake at 4267m, through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. it is the third highest motor-able road in the world. Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh, most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road crosses the villages of Shey and Gya and traverses the Changla pass. Road down from Changla Pass leads through Tangste and other smaller villages, crossing river called Pagal Naala or "The Crazy Stream". Arrive at Pangong, it is the highest salt water Lake in the World, shared by two countries India & China. Enjoy the beauty of the lake on the Banks of Pangong while appreciating the changing Colors and fascinating high altitude of the Lake. Stay overnight before Pangong Lake at deluxe camp.

Day 12: Pangong - Leh

After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Leh by the same road we travelled yesterday. Stay overnight in Leh at hotel.

Day 13: Leh - Tsomorari

Early morning after breakfast, drive to Tsomorari Lake, this place is paradise for the bird watchers. The lake is located to the Southeast of Leh in Eastern Ladakh, at a road distance of 215 kilometres (134 mi) can be reached in a seven-hour drive from Leh, most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. Tsomoriri or Lake Moriri in the Changthang (literal meaning, northern plains) area is a High Altitude Lake with an altitude of 4,595 m (15,075 ft) in Ladakh, India and is the largest of the High Altitude Lakes in the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region, entirely within India. The Korzok Monastery, on the western bank of the lake is 400 years old and attracts tourists and Buddhist pilgrims. Stay overnight in Tsomortari at deluxe tents.

Day 14: Tsomorari - Leh

After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Leh by the same road we travelled yesterday. Stay overnight in Leh at hotel.

Day 15: Leh-Delhi (By Flight)

We fly from Leh to Delhi. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing in Delhi. There is a chance that the flight to Delhi could be cancelled and that we would then attempt to fly tomorrow.

Day 16: Depart Delhi

After breakfast, we transfer you to International Airport for your flight back to home.