Ladakh (meaning "land of high mountain passes") is a mountainous region in North India. Leh, the main city is situated at 3500m above sea level nestled in the great Himalayan, Karakoram, Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. Ladakh is known for remote mountain beauty, studded with monasteries and stupas. Ladakh is often referred as "Little Tibet" due to its geographical proximity and strong links to Tibetan culture. Leh is at 3500m above sea level so acclimatization can get difficult because of high altitude. It is advisable to spend at least two days to acclimatize before you set out for your adventures. Drink plenty of water or other fluids such as soup, tea and juice. Ladakh is a rain shadow region of the Himalayas, the annual average rainfall in Leh is 100 mm. In summer, temperature reaches 25°C and it drops down to -15°C in winter. The high passes are closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Offbeat Ladakh with Adventure
12 Nights/13 Days
Tour Name: Offbeat Ladakh With Adventure
Destinations: Leh – Monasteries - Sham Valley - Tsomoriri Lake - Tsokar Lake - Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake – Leh
Duration: 12 Nights & 13 Days
Arrival Leh by morning flight and transfer to the hotel. After welcome drink take a complete rest for acclimatization to the height altitude of Leh (3500 meters). In the late afternoon drive to the city for an orientation walk in the markets‚ followed by a visit to Shanti Stupa‚ Leh palace. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 02: Leh – Excursions to Monasteries
breakfast we visit Spituk Monastery, Built in 15th century during the reign of Grags ‘bum-lde, these new Gelug-pa monastery was built like fortress on the summit of crags and also visit Hall Of Fame near Leh is worth a visit for every citizen. It is a glorious museum constructed by Indian army.
After Lunch we take a sightseeing tour visiting Sankar Gompa, located at a distance of approximately 3 km from the town of Leh, Leh Palace is one of the most captivating architectural ruins that attract the attention of the tourists almost immediately with its majestic setting at the edge of the Namgyal hill and overlooking the town and at once looks like a reminiscent of Lhasa’s Potala Palace.
Day 03: Leh (Excursion To Monasteries) Enroute Rafting on Indus River
After an early breakfast we checkout from Hotel and Drive towards Leh – Kargil Highway, Starting our day with Rafting down the Indus from Phey To Nimoo: Second or third grade rafting starts from Phey around 12 Kms. from Leh towards Srinagar. Around 4 Kms. of fast and thrilling rafting has beautiful land scenery. The rafting finishes at Nimoo the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers. Perhaps this stretch is one of the most popular stretch as it is not too harsh and good for beginners.
After Completing rafting at Nimoo continue with our jourmey to Sham Valley. 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. After visiting the Monastery you continue your drive along the River Indus to or Uletokpo or Tingmosgang enroute visiting Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. After visiting above places we drive further and check in at our camp / hotel for overnight stay.
Day 04: In Tingmosgang to Sham Valley)
After an early breakfast, breakfast we opt for any of the following sightseeing opportunities offered by Tingmosgang to the Palace 15 minutes walk, Tserkarmo 4 km, Khatsa Gonpa 10 Km, Tia village and Nunnery 8 Km. The Camp / hotel is in a rural ethnic village, run by a Ladakhi traditional family, where you witness traditional family house, Ladakhi food, the hotel is sprawled over a vast area of apricot and apple groves rendering a relaxed and rejuvenating atmosphere for your holidays.
Day 05: Sham Valley To Leh Via Lamayuru (158 Kms / 05 – 06 Hrs)
After breakfast you drive to the 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery enroute visiting the mesmerizing 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 Alchi you proceed to Basgo, which lies astride the road to Leh. The jagged skyline of the ruins of the 15th century capital of Ladakh dominates the village of Basgo. Finally you arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at your Hotel.
Day 06: Leh – Chumathang – Tsomoriri (240 Kms / 06 – 07 Hrs)
After an early breakfast In the morning leave for Tsomoriri Lake enroute visiting Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School & further 5 Kms Driving through a picturesque landscape we reach Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries we drive further towards Chumathang, which is famous for medical hot spring and people visit to this place for medical bath. From here a short drive will take you to Mahey bridge, the main checking point to enter to this new area. On the way visit Sumdah village and another 55 kms drive will take you to Tsomoriri.
The Tsomoriri Lake is located at 14,000 ft. near a 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 kms wide and 28 kms long. Upon arrival we check in at our camp for two nights.
Day 07: Tsomoriri to Tsokar (80 Kms / 3 hrs)
In the morning 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. Late we check out from our hotel / Camp and drive to Tsokar, The nomadic people Changpas are most outstanding feature of this area. They can be seen moving from one place to other 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 season. 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 civilizing influences. Even towards the fag end of the twenty first century, they belong to a primitive pre-historic age, The Drive is scenic and Tsokar lake is one of the best. Upon arrival in Tsokar you check in at our pre-arranged Camp for overnight stay.
Day 08: Tsokar – Tanglangla – Leh (153 Kms / 6 Hrs)
After a leisurly breakfast we checkout from our camp and drive to Leh enroute visiting Hemis Monastery, The largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Leh.
Day 09: Leh–Nubra Valley Via Khardung La 18,390 Ft. (120 Kms / 4 – 5 Hrs)
After 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 Overnight stay. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.
Day 10: Nubra Valley – Leh (120 Kms / 4 – 5 Hrs)
After an early breakfast we check out from the Camp and drive to Hunder where you have opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snow capped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road are rocky mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains. On the return stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley.
Later we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon via Khardungla Top. On arrival at Leh you will check in to your Hotel. In the afternoon you can rest and relax.
Day 11: Leh To Pangong Lake (140 kms / 4 – 5 Hrs – One Way)
After an early breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through 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). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the “Indo China Border”. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival we check in at our Camp Near Pangong lake. Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.
Day 12: Pangong Lake To Leh (140 Kms / 6 Hrs)
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight.
In the evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Day 13: Depart Leh (Fly Out)
Ensures a punctual Transfer and our driver will take you to the airport for onward destination.
TOUR END..!!
- Assistance upon arrival at Leh.
- Traditional welcome in the Hotel with Welcome Drink (Hot Tea / Coffee / Kahwa) on arrival
- 12 Nights’ Accommodation twin/double sharing basis as per the Itinerary
- Meal Plan - 12 Breakfast & 12 Dinner
- Return airport and round trip transfers along with all sightseeing tours by Non-Ac Innova | Tempo Traveller as per the itinerary
- Wild Life fees & Red Cross fee
- All toll taxes/Parking fee/Driver allowance
- Ladakh Entry Fee
- Inner Line Permit for Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake
- GST (5%)
- Any Airfare or Train
- Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices included”.
- The Services of Vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary
- Guide fee, Camera fee & any monument Entrances
- Medical & Travel insurance
- Any changes you may choose to make during your tour
- Additional costs due to flight cancellation, road blocks etc
