Destination: Himachal +Ladakh
Type: Culture
Duration: 8N/9D
Best Time: June-Sep
Grade: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 5602m (18380ft)
Requisite group size: Minimum 04 Pax | Maximum 08 Pax
Overview
It’s not just a typical tour, it’s a real journey for wandering in the Himalayas and exploring in its true style. Youthful experience for adventure travelers who like to explore the inside of region’s remote and breathtaking high altitude landscapes, Ladakh remains an ideal getaway for them. The forces of nature have conspired to render a magical realist landscape of extremes, desert and blue waters, burning sun and freezing winds, glaciers and sand dunes across the valley. Tibetan-style traditions and culture remain apparent.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Manali
On arrival day at Manali you will be checked in to a Hotel. Relax, check your bag if you have missed on any item for the tour, you will have ample time to buy it in the local market. You can also explore Manali Bazzar and go on an evening walk around the mall road, and come back for an overnight stay at the Hotel. In the evening we will have a brief Introduction and briefing session.
Day 02: Manali-Rohtang Pass-Koksar-Keylong (120 Kms)
Next morning, we will depart from Manali early in the morning. Our first halt is at Marhi. Green slopes, beautiful landscape offering extensive views of the valley and snow-capped mountains await us. We proceed to Rohtang Pass, situated at an altitude of 3790 m. Being one of the highest road points and gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley, the pass is very popular with visitors. Pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snow from November to May end. Just like Rohtang, visitors can see similar high altitude topography, forest of Birch, Fir and Spurce. Once we cross the Rohtang Pass, we drive into the barren Himalayas with completely different landscape. Khoksar is the first village and gateway into Lahaul. We reach Keylong for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Keylong- Jispa-Sarchu-Leh (350 Kms)
We start early in the morning from Keylong and reach Jispa in half an hour. This beautiful spot is 22 km away from Keylong and 4 km ahead of Ghemur. The village is situated at the junction of two nullahs with the main river Bhaga. Jispa has a very large dry river-bed, a rarity in Lahaul. Jispa is a new tourism centre coming up with the monasteries of Yarji and Photang, where his Holiness the Dalai Lama gave the Kal Chakra sermon a few years back to the Buddhists all over the world. The mountaineering Institute of Manali has a sub-centre here for adventure tourism.
Darcha is situated at the junction of Yotche Nullah and the Zangskar chhu which takes off from the Shinkun La. Both the nullahs meet with the main river Bhaga at this place. The valley broadens out from Darcha. The altitude of Darcha is about 3500 m, which makes it an ideal basecamp for acclimatization. Darcha is the jumping-off point for treks to Padum over three mountian passes Shinkun La, Baralacha La and Phirtse La, and mountaineering expeditions to Leh and peaks of Chandra Bhaga series. However, no tourist bungalow or rest house facilities are available on either side of the nullahs. A police checkpost is also there.
Darcha is the last village where one can see sparse growth of trees. You will see not even a single tree on either side of the highway beyond Darcha. Landscapes start looking desolate and absolutely barren.
Sarchu is the last inhabited point in Himachal Pradesh on the Manali-Leh route, which is regarded as one of the highest highways in the world. The journey goes through Nakeela and Lachung La at 16,617 ft and you reach Pang by afternoon. Lunch break at Pang. After crossing More Plains, stretched across 42 km between moutains on both sides, and Tanglang La – the second highest motorable road in the world at a height of 17,585 ft – we reach Upshi. From here, we drive upstream on the Indus River on the road passing through villages with terraced fields and neat whitewashed houses to reach Leh.Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 04: Tour of Hemis, Thiksey, Shey Monastery and around Leh.
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45 km west of Leh. Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, we drive back on the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hilllock with formidable views of the Indus Valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and its Dukhang assembly hall, which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that, we continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace – the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh, and 3 Idiots school campus. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.
Day 05: Tour of Khardung La (18832 ft), Nubra Valley, Hundur Sand Dunes ( 130 Kms)
After Breakfast, we drive for 120 km (4/5 hrs) to reach Nubra Valley via Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380 ft. The journey to Khardung La is an amazing experince with amazing views of Stok mountains as we reach great elevation while driving on a gradual gradient. After reaching the top, we sip a cup of hot tea at the army canteen and quickly visit the sovereign shop.
Then the road descends toward Khardung village. We are in Nubra Valley now. Hereon, we drive along the Shyok River to reach Diskit, which is the headquarters of Nubra. We cover another 8 km to reach Hundur famous for sand dunes and rare bactrian camels. Overnight stay in a guesthouse/hotel.
Day 06: Diskit- Monastery-Leh (130 Kms)
After breakfast, we visit 515-year-old Diskit Monastery and drive back to Leh on the same route, crossing Khardung La. We reach Leh by evening and spend some time to explore Leh market. Overnight stay at a hotel here.
Day 07: Tour of Pangong Lake (150 km)
After early breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. which is the 3rd highest motor able road in the world. Pangong Tso is the highest land locked lake and the highest salt water lake in the world, shared by two countries: India and China. The lake is one beautiful sight to behold in your memories for life time. The colour of the lake goes dark blue in the evening and has a wonderful contrast with the adjoining mountains that give a golden yellow tinge.You will appreciate the changing colors as the evening progresses. Enjoy this moment as you are going to miss it for life.Overnight stay at camp.
Day 08: Pangong Lake to Leh (150 Kms)
Next morning, we drive back to Leh and spend evening exploring Leh market. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh. Time to bid farewell.
Day 09: Depart From Leh
You can depart from Leh by flight to Delhi, or by road though Srinagar or back to Manali. We can help you in arranging the transport and stay.
Inclusions
Assistance upon arrival and departure
Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per itinerary listed above or similar
Daily breakfast,Lunch, Dinner ( packed lunch will be provided during long day trips)
Return airport transfer along with all sightseeing in non-AC Innova Xylo or equivalent jeep.
Inner line permits to restricted areas
Environmental fee
All taxes
Exclusion
Airfares, items of any personal nature such as drinks etc.
Extra hotel nights due to flight cancellations, extra expenses incurred due to mishandled luggage,
Insurance
Personal expenses or optional tours/extra meals ordered
Tips
Laundry
Phone Calls
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of due to bad weather,ill health,roadblocks &/or any factors beyond contro
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