Ladakh with 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 for the day, free of 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 , as it is essential for proper acclimatization before leaving on the trek. Today we visit Leh Palace, Thiske Monastery and Shey Palace.
Leh Palace: The Leh palace has been described as a miniature version of Lahasa’sPotalaPalace.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. From 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 a two-story statue 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 a 12-storeyed, 800 years old monastery. There are ten temples, around 50-60 Lamas and few nuns (called Chomos)who 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 we explore the beautiful market of Leh.
Meals – B, D
Overnight at the Guest house or Hotel

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.
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 a 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 transforms into a 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.
Upon arrival transfer to the Guest house or Homestay.
Meals – B, D
Overnight at the Guest House or Homestay

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 those who interested can enjoy the camel ride or can lexplore the dunes by walking.
Diskit Monastery, also known as DiskitGompa is the largest and the oldest surviving monastery in Nubra Valley. The Gompa was founded in 14th century by ChangzemTserabZangpo, a founder of Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh. The Monastery is situated on a clifftop above Shayok River.
There is a statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha) in the prayer hall along with various images of fierce protector deities and it also possesses Tibetan and Mongolian texts. The main attraction of Diskit Monastery is a gigantic ,32 metre, Maitreya statue of Lord Buddha on its top which was inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama. The Gompa offers stunning views of Nubra valley from its top where statue of Buddha is also mounted. The monastery also runs a school for the Tibetan children in the region with the help of Tibet Support Group, a social organization.
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, during morning time, it is of a lighter shade of torquise. 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, L,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.