Highlights of Ladakh - Budget

• Arrive at Leh Kushok Bakula Airport (This must be one of the Most Sensational Flights in the World. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif).
• Upon arrival, you will met by our representative and transfer to Hotel for check-in. Complete day for rest and leisure to acclimatize to the higher altitude. In the evening, visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market.
• Leh Palace: Located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill, Leh palace is also known as Lhachen Palkhar. The former palace of the royal family of Leh, it was erected in the 17th century. The place was one of the tallest structures with 9 storyes during its heydays. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in Leh.
• Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is situated at a height of 4267 meters overlooking the Leh city, it gives a panaoromic view of surrounding snow capped mountains. Situated at a distance of about 5 km drive able road from the Leh city or one can reach here by climbing 500 steps . The location of Shanti Stupa is such that it is visible from all over Leh city. It is built as a two level structure, a flight of stairs leads to the first level where a Dharmchakra (as in white strip of Indian national flag) with two deer on each side, features a central image of Lord Buddha in golden colour sitting on a platform turning the Dharmchakra wheel, the second level depicting the birth of Buddha, defeating of devils in meditation and death of Buddha along with many small images of meditating Buddha, all embossed in vibrant colours.
• Leh Market: The main market of Leh is a Street market with many lanes and bylanes, all of which have small shops selling a variety of products. One can find everything here from shoes to clothes and woolen wear as well as jewelry. Also, carpets, shawls, and souvenirs are available here. The Tibetan Refugee Market is also set up here which sells locks with unique carvings, artifacts, and souvenirs. The market also sells sonorous bowls prepared by a combination of nine metals like cymbals, decorative brass and copper trumpets. It's hard to communicate with local shopkeepers since they sometimes do not understand your language. However, bargaining is essential in a market like this. Otherwise, one may end up paying more for products sold here.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Leh and hit the road to Sham Valley (75 kms/4 hrs). Start to drive downstream along river Indus on Leh - Kargil Highway. Enroute visit Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence of the two rivers of Indus (Sangam).
• Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame, located near the Leh Airfield, is a museum constructed as well as maintained by the Indian Army in the memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives during the Indo-Pak wars. It is also termed as a memorial for the war heroes. This building consists of two floors. While on the ground floor, there is information about the brave soldiers and a souvenir shop but on the first floor, there are artifacts of various wars (mainly Kargil war) such as the weapons used during the war and some important documents, related to the same. There is another section dedicated to the Siachen glacier.
• Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: Situated 25 miles from Leh in Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib stands at the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion and the first guru, is believed to have vanquished a demon. Though the region is predominantly Buddhist, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is also worshiped and venerated by Buddhists. Tibetan Buddhists venerate Guru Nanak as Guru Gompka Maharaj and as Nanak Lama.
• Magnetic Hill: The popular Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is said to be a gravity hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. The hill lies at a distance of 30 km from the town of Leh, at an elevation of around 14,000 feet above sea level. To the eastern side of the hill flows the Sindhu River, originating in Tibet and is an almost essential stopover for all those who travel to Ladakh. An optical illusion or actuality, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has mysterious magnetic properties that draw tourists from across the globe.
• Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River: Nimmu is a beautiful valley that marks the confluence of the Indus River and Zanskar River. The Indus River drains the dry and deserted terrains of Ladakh's landlocked valley and serves as its lifeline. Zanskar, on the other hand, is a tributary of this river and merges into it from the north-eastern direction. On its way to the meeting point, the river passes through the spectacular Zanskar Gorge, which is a dream destination for trekkers.
• Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery & Ridzong Monastery.
• Likir Monastry: Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa, is located in a village named Saspol, approximately 52 km (32 miles) west of Leh. This is a monastery of Gelugpa monastic order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built by Lama Duwang Chosje, under the command of the fifth King of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo. The complex of the monastery houses a number of shrines. Presently, there are 120 Buddhist monks.
• Ridzong Monastery: Rizong (or Rhizong) gompa, Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Buddhist monastery is also called the Yuma Changchubling in Ladakh, India. It is situated at the top of a rocky side valley on the north side of the Indus, to the west of Alchi on the way to Lamayuru. It was established in 1831 by Lama Tsultim Nima under the Gelukpa order, at Ri-rdzong. There are 40 monks in the monastery. The monastery is also called "the paradise for meditation" and is noted for its extremely strict rules and standards.
• After visiting above places we drive further and check in at our camp / hotel for overnight stay.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After breakfast, check-out from the camp and we drive to Kargil enroute visting Dha-Hanu (located 163 Kms north west of Leh town). The village settlements of Dha and Hanu are placed on the meeting points of Indus and Shyok Rivers in the Kargil region. Famed as the 'Land of Aryans', these villages are home to the Brokpa or Drokpa community of Ladakh. The Brokpas have made around 5 villages their home but the tourists are permitted to visit only villages- Dha and Hanu. After visiting Dha Hanu we proceed further to Batalik which has a different culture and visiting there you’ll feel good too. Batalik, one of the most famous war front zones fought by the Indian soldiers in 1999 with Pakistan.
• Dha-Hanu: The villages of Dha and Hanu are situated at a distance of approximately 163 km to the northwest of the town of Leh. In this area, you will find a number of villages. However, tourists are allowed to visit the villages of Dah and Hanu only. Being situated on a lower altitude, these villages experience a climate that is a little warmer than that of Leh. One of the major attractions of Dha & Hanu is a chance to have a glimpse into the life of the Drokpa community.
• Finally, we further drive to Kargil and check-in at our pre-arranged Hotel or Camp for overnight stay.

• After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and hit the road to Leh. On your way, visit the monasteries of Mulbekh and Lamayuru.
• Mulbekh Monastry: Mulbekh Monastery or Mulbekh Gompa is said to consist of two gompas, one Drukpa and one Gelugpa Buddhist monastery in the Zanskar region in the state of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. The double gompas are dramatically situated at the very top of a crag 200 metres (656 ft) above the road. They were connected with the nearby palace of Rajah kalon of Mulbekh below. They may be reached by a steep footpath winding up from behind.
• Lamayuru Monastry: Located at Lamayuru Leh district, this is the famous Buddhist monastery at a height of 11520 ft. This splendid monastery is considered as one of the fascinating places that one must visit. Lamayuru monastery is a place where many legends were associated with. In the earlier days, this huge construction was a collection of five gigantic building out of which only one survives now. But still, this remains the largest monastery and houses near about 150 Buddhist monks permanently, in earlier days the number was 400.
• You will also be passing through Namkila Pass and Fatula Pass, the highest mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh road. Fotu La pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway of the Himalayan Zanskar Range stands at a height of of 13,478ft (4,108m) above the sea level. This mountain pass is referred to as the highest point on the highway, going beyond the well-known Zoji La. The drive through the pass is a beautiful journey where you can stop to get an amazing view of the snow-clad mountain ranges. Along with Namika La, the Fotu La is one of two high mountain passes between the regions of Leh and Kargil.
• Continue to drive towards Leh. En route, also visit 1000 year-old Alchi monastery, Likir Monastery, Sangam of the Rivers of Indus & Zanskar Rivers.
• Alchi Monastry: Alchi Monastery is a group of ancient Buddhist shrines that together form one of the most important religious centres in Ladakh. This gompa attributes its establishment to the legendary translator Rinchen Zangpo, who built it in AD 1000 by bringing 32 wood carvers and sculptors from Kashmir. The monastic complex consists of several temples and chortens, which belong to different time periods. Some of the oldest existing wall paintings of Ladakh are preserved in this monastery. The mural of 1000 Buddhas forms the highlight of the ancient artworks displayed here. Imposing statues of Lord Buddha and other deities are present in this shrine. These idols have beautiful wooden carvings and artworks, which can be compared to the artistic style of the Baroque period.
• Likir Monastry: Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa, is located in a village named Saspol , approximately 52 km (32 miles)west of Leh. This is a monastery of Gelugpa monastic order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built by Lama Duwang Chosje, under the command of the fifth King of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo. The complex of the monastery houses a number of shrines. Presently, there are 120 Buddhist monks.
• Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River: Nimmu is a beautiful valley that marks the confluence of the Indus River and Zanskar River. The Indus River drains the dry and deserted terrains of Ladakh's landlocked valley and serves as its lifeline. Zanskar, on the other hand, is a tributary of this river and merges into it from the north-eastern direction. On its way to the meeting point, the river passes through the spectacular Zanskar Gorge, which is a dream destination for trekkers.
• On your drive along Indus River, visit famous Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame.
• Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: Situated 25 miles from Leh in Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib stands at the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion and the first guru, is believed to have vanquished a demon. Though the region is predominantly Buddhist, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is also worshipped and venerated by Buddhists. Tibetan Buddhists venerate Guru Nanak as Guru Gompka Maharaj and as Nanak Lama.
• Magnetic Hill: The popular Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is said to be a gravity hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. The hill lies at a distance of 30 km from the town of Leh, at an elevation of around 14,000 feet above sea level. To the eastern side of the hill flows the Sindhu River, originating in Tibet and is an almost essential stopover for all those who travel to Ladakh. An optical illusion or actuality, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has mysterious magnetic properties that draw tourists from across the globe.
• Hall of Fame:The Hall of Fame, located near the Leh Airfiled, is a museum constructed as well as maintained by the Indian Army in the memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives during the Indo-Pak wars. It is also termed as a memorial for the war heros. This building consists of two floors. While on the ground floor, there is information about the brave soldiers as and a souvenir shop but on the first floor, there are artifacts of various wars (mainly Kargil war) such as the weapons used during the war and some important documents, related to the same. There is another section dedicated to the Siachen glacier.
• Upon arrival in Leh, check-in and get comfortable. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and leave for Tsomoriri Lake enroute visiting Shey Palace (optional - in case already visited), 3 Idiots Rancho School (optional - in case already visited) & Thiksey (optional - in case already visited).
• We drive further towards Chumathang, which is famous for medical hot spring and people visit to this place for a medical bath. From here, a short drive will take you to Mahey Bridge, the main checking point to enter to this new area.
• On the way visit, Sumdah village and another 55 kms drive will take you to Tsomoriri Lake is located at 14,000 ft. near a small village of Korzok. Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese border, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes, Tsomoriri Lake is also the breeding ground for numerous species of birds, like the bar headed goose, crested grebe, the Brahmini duck (ruddy Sheldrake) and the brown-headed gull. The Tsomorir Lake is 8 kms wide and 28 kms long.
• Upon arrival we check in at our camp for overnight stay.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After an early breakfast today, we check-out from our camp in Tsomoriri and hit the road to Leh. On your way, visit Korzok Village (4572 m), one of India's highest permanent villages. The houses and Gompas in Korzok appear before you like a mirage. You also get a great view of Tsomoriri Lake from the monastery here. The few barley fields at Korzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world.
• Later, we drive to Tsokar Lake. Tsokar Lake is approximately 45 km northwest of Tsomoriri Lake at a height of 4,485 m. it is also known as 'White Lake' because of the salt deposited around it. The salt around Tsokar Lake is collected by the Changpas (local nomads) and used as barter to obtain goods from other parts of Ladakh. Tsokar is also excellent for high altitude bird watching The Changpas are most outstanding feature of this area. They can be seen living a life removed from civilizing influences - moving from one place to other grazing herds of goats, sheep and yaks. Go through and explore second highest motorable pass in the world Tanglang La (17,582 ft) on your way to Leh.
• Upon arrival in Leh, check-in and get comfortable. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and we drive to the 'valley of flowers' Nubra Valley (120 kms/4-5 hrs). After you hit the road, your journey to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (5602 mts, 18,390 ft, 39 km from Leh) - the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass, one can expect stunning views of Indus valley and the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and the giants of the Saser massif to the north. Nubra Valley is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas.
• Upon arrival in Nubra, check in to your hotel/camp in Hunder. In the evening, take a walk around the tiny villages to get an idea of the way locals live. A visit to a Ladakhi home can also be arranged (subjected to availbality at extra cost if applicable). Overnight stay at camp / Hotel.

• After an early breakfast, we check-out from the camp/hotel and drive to Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) (at your own cost) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snow capped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road is Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains.
• On the return, stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley.
• Diskit monastery also known as Diskit Gompa is situated in the Nubra valley of Ladakh. This Buddhist center is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. The Diskit monastery was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. The prime attraction of the Diskit monastery is 100 foot high Maitreya Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the holy Dalai Lama. From the top of the Gompa, where the divine statue is settled, one can have a panoramic view of the Nubra valley.
• Later we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon via Khardungla Top. On arrival at Leh you will check in to your Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

• After an early breakfast, we drive towards Changla Pass. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong, you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m).
• This famous blue brackish lake of Pangong is 5/6 kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the "Indo China Border". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival, we check-in at our Camp near Pangong lake. Overnight stay at the Camp.

• After a morning of leisure and relaxation exploring the beauty of Pangong Lake, hit the road to Leh. Tibetan for 'high grassland lake' Pangong Tso is one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. You may recognize its timeless beauty from its feature in Bollywood film 3 IDIOTS (2009). This disputed territory and saline water lake is in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. At the first glimpse of the azure, tranquil waters and shaky lakeshore, it is hard to imagine that the lake sprawls over an such an expansive area.
• On your way to Leh, visit Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Rancho School & Shey Palace.
• Hemis Gompa: Hemis Monastery, 40 kms towards the south-east of the main city of Leh is the largest as well as the most well-known monastery (Gompa) in Ladakh. This monastery was built by under the reigns of the King Singge Namgyal, in 1672 AD. This monastery plays host to an annual festival that is held in the month of which is also a major tourist attraction. This colorful day-long festival is called Hemis Tsechu which is also a state holiday. The monastery has beautiful paintings and a statue of Lord Buddha, which are the highlights too.
• Thiksey Monastery: Thikse Gompa is around 19 kms to the East of the main city of Leh. The architecture of the largest monastery in central region of Ladakh, is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This 12-storey building complex consists of a number of things related to Buddhist art such as Thangka paintings, statues, stupas, swords, and so on. The building also has a nunnery. A major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970. The statue of future Lord Buddha in this temple of 49 feet high, which is also the largest in the region.
• Shey Palace: Shey palace is located near Leh city. The palace is comes under archeological survey of India and mostly ruins now. It was constructed in 1650 by the king Deldan Namgyal of Ladakh which was used as a summer retreat. The palace has the largest CHANGCHUP (Chorten stupa) in Ladakh, the top of which is made of pure gold. Later on, king also constructed Shey monastery in the memory of his father. The Royal palace and monastery built in sixteenth centrury A.D. enshrines the DU-KHANG with the copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha rising to a height of three storeyed. Later on the royal family of Ladakh shifted to Stok Palace in 1834. The three stored palace has 7.5 meters statue of seated Sakyamuni Buddha made of from copper and brass plated with gold silver and studded with gems and precious stones.3 Idiots
• Rancho School: This school became famous after the Aamir Khan's movie Three Idiots. The name of this school is Druk Padma Karpo School , this is also known as Druk White Lotus school. The clean and eco friendly structures of the school is designed to withstand seismic disturbances. This school was conferred on of the most beautiful schools in the world by BBC London in the year 2016. On arrival here you will be taken inside the campus with a guide and can visit different parts of the school. You are not allowed to disturb students or take any photographs of them. There is a café and one souvenir shop available inside the campus. Minimum time required is 15 to 20 minutes to visit this beautiful school campus.
• Drive further to Leh and check in to hotel at Leh for overnight stay.
• All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

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