Overview
A short programme for those who want to see Ladakh but do not have enough time. No need for worries,as this programme is short but sweet and has much to see in and around Leh. . The tour takes us to one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh “Alchi and Likir”. Later it takes us to the world’s highest motorable road – Kardungla pass.
Highlights:
- Visiting famous sites of Leh
- Heritage Monastery of Alchi
- One of the oldest Monastery of Likir
- Visit Kardung la (5360 meters) the world’s highest motorable road
Itinerary
Arrive Leh. Leh is situated at an altitude of 3500 meters, passing over the Himalayan barrier.. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activities and for acclimatization. In the afternoon we will make a visit to Shanti Stupa.
Meal – D
Overnight at the Guest House or Hotel.
We spend one more day in Leh and surroundings, as it is essential for proper acclimatization before leaving on the trek. Today we visit to Leh Palace, Thiske Monastery and Shey Palace.
Leh Palace: The Leh palace has been described as a miniature version of Lahasa’sPotala Palace. It was built in the mid-16th century, the palace was partly in ruins by the 19th century. It has nine storeys, slopping buttresses and projecting wooden balconies. The town below it is dazzling in the morning sun and ghostly at night. Built by king Singe-namgyal and stil owned by the royal family, it is now unoccupied – they live in the Palace at Stock. A part of the palace is a museum. Like the LahasaPotala Palace it has numerous rooms, steps and narrow passages lined with old thangkas, paintings and arms. The central prayer room (not in use), usually locked but opened on request, has religious texts lining the walls. There are many painted scrolls, murals and old manuscripts in the ruined palace.
Shey Palace: 15 km east of Leh, the ruined palace of Shey sits on a knife edged with the main Indus Valley road running along its base. The flat valley floor near the palace has scores of Stupas. Inside a temple near the road is two-story image of Buddha. Another temple contains a Buddha that was gilded in bronze by eight Newari craftsmen from Nepal.
Thiksey: 19 km southeast of Leh, this is the most architecturally impressive Gompa of Ladakh, situated on a splendid hill-top perch. This is the 12-storeyed, 800 years old monastery. There are ten temples, around 50-60 Lamas and few nuns (called Chomos) live here. The treasure of this monastery is a gold and silver statue of Buddha, ancient swords, Tankhas and Tantric wall paintings. There is also a huge brass pillar, which came from Tibet, engraved with Buddha’s sayings.
Later in the afternoon explore the beautiful market of Leh.
Meals – B, D
Overnight at the Guest house or Hotel
Today we will make a day trip to Likir and Alchi Monastery. Approx 01 hour drive brings us to Likhir.
The Likir Monastery or gompa belongs to Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism is one of the oldest and well managed monastery in Ladakh. It is believed that this monastery was built in 11th century. Once it was destroyed by fire and in 18th century was rebuilt. This monastery is the home of 75 feet statue of Buddha. The monastery was built like a fort so that it offered a safe house to local inhabitants during the war. Monk’s quarters are perched above the Fields and the temple compound and the assembly hall are located above the monks’ residence.
After exploring Likir we drive 30 minutes to another bewitching monastery “Alchi”
Alchi another one of the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Alchi Monastery is fundamentally a monastic complex situated in Alchi Village. The complex has four separate settlements with monuments dating back to different times. The eye-catching paintings in Alchi Monastery are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh.
Alchi Monastery has three temples that have a long history of attracting tourists due to their interesting and elaborated carvings and the age-old statue of Buddha. Besides the enthralling beauty it has also historical and cultural importance.Alchi is one of the very few places where one can actually get a chance to peep into the cells of monk to know how they live there.
Later drive back to Leh.
Meals – B, D
Overnight at the Hotel or Guest house
Another day trip to Kardungla. We drive approx 01 hour to Kardungla pass the highest motorable pass of the world – Khardung-La (5.360 m) we spend some time here to take some breathtaking pictures. Later drive back to Leh.
Meal – B, D
Overnight at the Hotel or Guest house
Our services end by giving the departure transfer from the hotel to the Airport.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Accomodation on double sharing as per
- programme.
- Services starts from the pick up at Leh
- airport and finishes at dropping at Leh
- airport.
- Meals as shown above in the programme.
- Experienced Guide if required.
- Our professional Charges.
Exclusions:
- Meals which are not shown in the above
- mentioned programme.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Any kind of Insurance.
- Anything not specifically mentioned
- under the head Inclusions.
- • Expenses caused by factors beyond our
- control like rail and flight delays,
- roadblocks, natural calamities, vehicle
- mal-functions, political disturbances etc.
- • We shall not be responsible for any delays
- & alterations in the programme or
- expenses incurred – directly or indirectly –
- due to natural hazards, flight cancellations,
- weather, sickness, landslides, political
- closures (Strike, Hartal, Bandh) or any
- untoward incidents
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trip
We shall charge only the services which are paid and non-refundable and our professional charges on the actual basis. This means we will pay you nearly 90% of the payment and if you want to adjust your payment for the next trip then it will be adjusted. But also note that the balance payment for the future tour shall be paid by the client.
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trip
We will refund you 70% of the payment and if you want to adjust your payment for the next trip then it will be adjusted. But also note that the balance payment for the future tour shall be paid by the client.
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trip
We will refund you 50% of the payment and if you want to adjust your payment for the next trip then it will be adjusted. But also note that the balance payment for the future tour shall be paid by the client.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trip
It will be calculated and hence the refund is initiated.
