The Legends of Ladakh

Duration:8 Days/7 Nights
Location Delhi – Srinagar – Kargil – Nubra – Turtuk – Nubra – Leh – Delhi

Day 01: Delhi
Arrival in Delhi. Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Srinagar Kargil (by flight)**
Arrival at Srinagar airport, transfer to Kargil (204 km). Drive towards Kargil, situated at an altitude of 9,000 feet. Sonamarg, 84 km away, also called “The Golden Meadow,” has snow-capped mountains as a backdrop against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley is abundant with trout and mahseer fish. Stop for a visit. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel – Kargil.

Day 03: Kargil Leh
Early morning departure to Lamayuru. After lunch, visit Gompa. Lamayuru, also known as “Yangdrung Gompa,” is the oldest monastery in Ladakh, located atop a hill with the village at the foot of the hill. Most of the monastery is now in ruins and was partially renovated in 1975. It is the oldest sacred site in Ladakh. Lamayuru was once a lake, and according to legend, after it was blessed by a lama, the water receded to the mountains, leaving space for the construction of the monastery. It is also known as Ladakh’s “free zone” since even criminals cannot be detained there. Now mostly in ruins, only the main hall remains, housing numerous “Tangkhas.” Later, transfer to Leh and visit the Rizong Monastery on the way. It houses both a monastery and a convent, where nuns or monks, locally known as “Chomos,” reside. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

Day 04: Leh – Nubra (155 KM ONE Way)
Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning, depart from Leh for a 3-day trip to the NUBRA VALLEY passing through Horzey and Gangles Village. The road then climbs to reach Khardungla (5602 Mts.), the highest motorable road in the world. Enjoy the panoramic views of Leh city. Visit Deskit, the headquarters of the Nubra Valley. After driving for 30 km, you will reach the Khalsar Bridge. From there, drive along the Shyok River for 20 km to reach Deskit. Historically and touristically, Deskit is famous for its 515-year-old Buddhist monastery, magnificently perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley. Continue driving from Deskit to Hunder, another 15-20 km. In Hunder, you might spot some Bactrian camels. Later, return along the same route to your camp in Sumur. Dinner and overnight at the Deluxe Camp.

Day 05: Nubra – Turtuk – Nubra
Breakfast at the Camp. Drive to Turtuk for a full-day excursion. Return to Nubra for dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 06: Leh – Nubra
Breakfast at the Camp. Return along the same route to Leh. En route, visit the Panamik hot springs and the Insta monastery. Upon arrival in Leh, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon free to explore the surroundings of Leh. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Leh
Full-day excursion to visit the monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis. Thiksey is one of the largest and most architecturally impressive gompas. There are several temples here containing images of stupas and exquisite Buddha murals. Hemis is the largest, wealthiest, and most renowned gompa in Ladakh. It also houses the largest Thanka, which is displayed once every 12 years (the next in 2016). On the way back, visit the Shey Palace, located on a hill 15 km upstream from Leh. It was once the residence of the royal family and is considered the center of power for the pre-Tibetan kings. Here you will find a 7.5-meter-high copper Buddha statue covered in gold, the largest of its kind. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

Day 08: Leh – Delhi
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Delhi.

Includes:
– Accommodation in twin/double rooms as mentioned
– Arrival/departure transfers and surface travel as per the program using 01 A/C Innova/Xylo (no air-conditioning in Leh)
– Monument and monastery entry fees
– Inner line permit for Nubra
– Ladakh environmental green fee
– All toll taxes and parking charges

Excludes:
– Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone, table drinks, etc.
– Any guide fee
– Any kind of insurance
– Airfare/internal flight
– Any joyride
– Oxygen cylinders

Important Notes:
– All passengers must arrive 02 hours before departure due to security checks at the airport.
– No hand luggage will be allowed inside the plane for security reasons. Only jewelry and laptops are permitted as hand luggage.
– Art Of Travel India Holidays reserves the right to rearrange the itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days at each destination or compromising any services.
– The vehicle used is not air-conditioned and is available for point-to-point services only, not at disposal. Customers are requested to follow the program schedule. If any service is missed due to a delay in departure, the operator will not be responsible for any refunds.
– Rates are subject to change in case of any increase in fuel/gas or local taxes imposed by the government.