BEST OF LADAKH (15 DAYS)

The tour starts with arrival into Delhi, India's sprawling capital city. We spend a full day visiting old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Mughal India and New Delhi was built much later as the imperial capital of India by the British. The next day we fly into Ladakh also known as the last `Shangri la'. Although a part of India there are no similarities between the land and the people of Ladakh from the rest of India. The facial features and physique of the Ladakhis and the clothes they wear are more akin to those of Tibet and Central Asia. The original population is from an Indo-Aryan race from down the Indus, but immigration from Tibet and marriages between Muslim traders and local Ladakhi women have resulted in inhabitants being of mixed origin. Thereby allowing it to evolve and inherit a rich mix of cultures which survives even today as a living heritage of the Western Himalayas. Ladakh, a high-altitude desert, lying in the rain shadow of the great Himalayas depends on the winter snowfall for its water supply. Although nowadays with changing climatic conditions they do have some rainfall as well.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi.
Arrive Delhi & transfer to your hotel.

Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing
After breakfast a full day tour of Old and New Delhi discovering it's ancient rich past reflected in its many old forts and monuments scattered all over this historic city. Drive through the well planned newer quarters which house the presidential palace, the parliament building and other rambling remnants from the British Raaj.

Day 03: Delhi - Leh Flight
Transfer to the domestic airport to connect early morning flight for Leh. Upon arrival transfer to Hotel. Leh the capital city of Ladakh since the 17th century was at one time a flourishing market town on the silk route to China. As Leh is located at an altitude of 3500 metres the rest of the day is free for rest and acclimatization.

Day 04: Leh Sightseeing
Visit Shanti stupa and Leh palace. Lunch out in one of the garden cafes in town. In the afternoon visit the Stok palace, given to the deposed royal family as compensation for the loss of its throne. The palace houses a museum of artifacts associated with the dynasty. Later, if you are interested you may visit a traditional Ladakhi home sharing tea in their well appointed family kitchen.

Day 05: Leh - Lamayuru - Alchi
Leave early morning for Lamayuru visiting Ladakh's oldest monastery. After lunch drive back to Khalatse crossing the bridge over the Indus river and make a detour to visit the Drokpa village of Bema, home of the unique tribe of Indo-Aryan origin that has preserved not only its racial purity, but also its language, religious practices and cultural traditions. Overnight in a lodge in Alchi

Day 06: Alchi - Leh
Visit the 11th century Alchi monastery famed for its religious wall frescoes. Continue along the Leh highway stopping en route to visit the Likir monastery situated on a hilltop. On the way also visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, revered both by the Sikhs as well as by Buddhists alike. Further on visit Phyang monastery before driving back to Leh.

Day 07: Leh
In the morning visit the Spituk Monastery located about 8kms south west of Leh perched on a small hillock and overlooking the Indus river. The most interesting aspect of Spituk, unique in all of Ladakh is the chapel of Tara with superbly crafted images of her 21 manifestations. Return in time for lunch. Afternoon is free. Overnight at hotel

Day 08: Leh - Nubra Valley
Early morning leave for Nubra valley crossing Khardong-la pass (5605m), the highest motorable pass in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of the Indus valley and Zanskar mountains from the pass. Visit Sumur village and the picturesque Samstaling monastery. Overnight in a camp near Tegar village.

Day 09: Nubra Valley - Leh
After breakfast drive to Deskit, the main village of Nubra valley. Visit the monastery that is located high up on the mountain face. Optionally, you may take a camel safari on the back of the double-humped Bactrian camels to Hundar (at extra cost and subject to prior booking only). Drive back to Leh. Overnight at your hotel

Day 10: Leh - Pangong Lake
Leave Leh after breakfast and drive over the Chang-la pass (5297m), visiting Tak-Thok the only Nyingmapa monastery of Ladakh en route. Drive on to Pangong Tso lake. Stop by this beautiful lake for a picnic lunch. Drive about 40kms to Tangtse a small village with a few shops and lodges. There is also an old gompa with inscriptions 1000 yrs old. Camp here for the night or stay in a local lodge.

Day 11: Pangong Lake - Leh
Leave Tangtse after breakfast driving back over the Chang-la pass, then take the diversion from Karu village to the well known Hemis monastery. This monastery belongs to the Brokpa order and is from the 17th century. The gompa has well preserved frescoes sharing the Kashmiri influence, a three storey statue of Padmasambhava and the largest thangka in Ladakh over 12m long. En route to Leh visit Thiksey monastery which has excellent artwork and great views of the valley and village. This Gelugpa gompa houses the two storey Maitreya Buddha in a separate temple. Visit also the Shey palace the former summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. The 12m Sakyamuni Buddha's statue made of gold plated copper is the largest in the region. Overnight at Leh.

Day 12: Leh
Fullday at leisure in Leh exploring its bazaars, visiting various handicraft showrooms, catching up on last-minute shopping etc; Lunch in one of the town's garden cafes. Evening, farewell dinner and overnight.

Day 13: Leh - Delhi flight
Transfer to Leh airport in the morning to connect flight to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to your Hotel. Rest of day free.

Day 14: Delhi
Full day at leisure in Delhi to explore or go on a shopping spree.

Day 15: Departure Transfer Transfer to the airport to connect outbound flight.