Ladakh with Alchi, Nubra and Pangong

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 edge 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 also has 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

After breakfast 05 hours (135 kms.) drive to Nubra valley on the way we 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 to Nubra. Upon arrival transfer to the Guest house or Homestay. In the Nubra valley we visit the famous monastery of Diskit, which rises directly above a rock face and crosses several small villages to immerse in the life of the locals. Later we come near to the river side where if someone interested can enjoy the camel ride.
Nubra valley is famous for its orchards and also known as the orchard of Ladakh or the valley of flowers, beautiful riverscape where one can see the sand dunes or one can say cold desert, Mongolian camel and eye-catching monasteries. Surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan ranges, Nubra valley lies sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir.
In winter the whole valley transformed into the landscape of the moon therefore it also called Moonland and in summer a lush green valley.
The valley is predominantly Buddhist and boasts of several centres of Buddhist learning. Ensa, Samstemling, Diskit and Hunder monastery are famous Buddhist monasteries.
The Mongolian camels which were left by the traders came from Mongolia when they were injured as Nubra valley was the major stopover on the ancient Silk Route, Nubra is still important as it is a major trade centre for woolen textiles made of Pashmina wool and horticultural crops. Locals produce fruits like apples, walnuts, apricots, almonds and staple crops like wheat, barley, etc.
Meals – B, D
Overnight at the Guest House or Homestay

A long day today. 05 hours drive bring us to this turquoise lake Pangong. We drive to Pangong Lake via Shyok Village crossing Durbuk and Tangste. The landscape on the way to Pangong is spectacular.
Pangong Lake 40 miles in length and nearly 2-4 miles in width is the world’s highest brackish lake at 4230 meters above sea level which makes it world highest saltwater lake. The name is driven form the Tibetan word “Pangong Tso- high grassland lake”. What strikes the eye in the first view of this lake is the lovely color of its water, especially towards evening, which is of the richest deep blue over the whole expanse, at morning time, it is of a lighter a very brilliant color. The water of the lake is so clear that it changes the colour with the time.
Upon arrival transfer to the camp and later explores the scenic beautiful Pangong lake and its surroundings.
Meals – B, D
Overnight camping

After breakfast we drive 04 to 05 hours to Leh. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel or Guest house. Rest of the day is free for independent activities.
Meals – B, D
Overnight at the Hotel or Guest house

Our services end by giving the departure transfer from the hotel to the Airport.