Lakes of Ladakh with Kargil and Alchi

8 Days

Overview

A beautifully crafted program with two most beautiful high altitude lakes of Ladakh, Pangong Lake and Tso moriri. The tour starts from Leh and goes some of the renowned sites of Ladakh which starts from Kargil which says the saga of successful mission of Indian army. Visiting Lamayuru, Alchi and Likir monastery the one of oldest monastery of Ladakh. As the tour comes to its end the drive takes to the beautiful lakes of Ladakh – Pangaong and Tso moriri. And also drive to one of the highest motorable pass Chan la (5360 meters).

Highlights

  • Visiting famous sites of Leh
  • Heritage Monastery Alchi
  • One of the oldest monastery Likir Monastery
  • Kargil – Glorification of Indian Army
  • Chang La (5360 meters) – one of the highest motorable pass
  • The turquoise Pangong lake
  • The mesmerising Tso Miriri lake

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.
Overnight at the Guest House or Hotel.
Meal – D

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. 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 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.
Overnight at the Guest house or Hotel
Meals – B, D

Today we drive to Kargil which is nearly 04 to 05 hours enroute visiting the famous Lamayuru monastery. The drive is very facinating as we dive alongwith the Indus river roadside .The landscape will spellbound you with its beuaty. It will take nearly 02 hours to Lamayuru.
Lamayuru is a small hamet which is the home of one of the oldest and largest Gompa in Ladakh. There is tale about this place was a lake which later dried up. Dated back to 11th century Lamayuru belongs to Kagyu sect, according to the historian it was initially the foremost Bon Monastery of Ladakh its name means sauwastika and is a popular symbol in Bon for “eternity “. Originally, the monastery had five buildings, though now only the central building exists, and is a home to 150 monks.
After visiting Lamayuru drive another 02 to 03 hours to Kargil. Upon arrival transfer to the guest house.
Kargil came into the limelight after the Kargil war between India and Pakisthan.
Overnight at the Guest house
Meals – B, D

Today we drive back to Leh on the way visiting Alchi and Likir monasteries.
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. Beside 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.
After exploring Alchi we drive 30 minutes to another bewitching monastery “Likir”
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.
Later drive back to Leh.
Overnight at the Hotel or Guest house
Meals – B, D

After breakfast 05 hours drive to Pangong Lake. The drive is very fascinating on the Manali – Leh highway. The drive takes us through two valleys .The first drive is along with Indus valley and the second drive continues to the one of the highest motorable pass – Chang la (5360 meters) and then we enter into the Shyok River valley. The whole drive keeps you in an awe with its unparallel beauty and jaw dropping sceneries. Upon arrival transfer to our fixed camp and later explore the beautiful Pangong lake
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’s highest saltwater lake. The name is driven form the Tibetan word “Pangong Tso- high grassland lake”. What strikes the eye in coming first in 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.
Lake and its surroundings.
Overnight camping
Meals – B, D

Anoter day of another mesmerizing lake Tso Moriri which is 05 hours drive.
Tso moriri tranquilized at an altitude of 4522 meters, Tso moriri is a brakish lake which is formed by several springs and snowmelt that drain into it from surrounding mountains, is one of the most mesmerising and scared lake of ladakh. The only highest lake that comes under the Indian territory. The lake is 3 to 7 km wide at its broadest point and about 19 km in length.
Tso moriri lake is the inhabitant of the Chang-pa, a nomadic tribe. For their livelihood they deepand on livestock herding and grow barley in well known highest fields on the planet.
Tso Moriri is a haven for several species of animals and birds and the common ones are Tibetan gazelle, great Tibetan sheep and the Tibetan wild ass. Other mammals include Himalayan marmots, three species of mouse hares, hares and voles. The high slopes are the habitat of snow leopard, Tibetan wolf and red fox. The lake is famous for the birds it shelters. Its location makes it an important migratory rest point for an estimated 40 species of birds from six families. The lake is renowned for being the only breeding point in India for the bar-headed goose as well as for the globally threatened black-necked crane.
Overnight Camping
Meals – B, D

06 hours drive back to Leh. Upon arrival transfer to Hotel or Guest house. Rest of the day free for independent activities.
Overnight at Hotel or Guesthouse
Meals – B

Day 8 :
Depart Leh

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

Inclusion / Exclusion

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.

FAQs

How to reach Leh, Ladakh?

The best way to reach Leh is by flights. There are many direct flights operate from Delhi, Chandigarh Srinagar etc. By road there are two possibilities one is from Manali and second one is from Srinagar which will be 474 km and 434 Km respectively.

Is there any Oxygen problem in Leh?

Leh is situated at an altitude of 3500mteres so if someone is travelling from flight must take a rest of 02 days in and around Leh. It is advisable to give yourself enough time to acclimatize before engaging in any physical activity.

What kind of clothes we should bring during the Ladakh trip?

T-shirts and shorts are good clothing options during the daytime but as the sunsets the climate gets chilly and one requires a jacket and pullover. If you are travelling above 4000 meters l, you need warm woolen clothes. Rain and snowfall can take place in June and July and if you are travelling in this season then you should carry windcheaters and raincoats.

Are there Laundry Services Available?

Yes laundry service is available in Leh only. You can get it in the market as well as in the hotel where you are staying.

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.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Lakes of Ladakh with Kargil and Alchi

Trip Info

  • 08 days
  • Chang la (5360 meters)
  • May to Mid October
  • Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Leh India. In Leh, the summers are comfortable, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are freezing, snowy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -16°C to 23°C and is rarely below -21°C or above 26°C.
  • As shown in program