| Tour Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days |
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A journey to Nubra Valley north of Leh is special for several reasons. First it is accessed by the highest motor able road in the world traversing the stunning Kardung La at the thin air of 5600m above sea level with views of the Saser Spur, the easternmost outcrop of the Karakoram further north and the Zanskar range and the principal chain of the Himalayas to the south. This valley once constituted the last staging ground for the caravan trade with Central Asia. Here started the route taken by the trade caravans, and Panamik, the last village on this circuit, today a sleepy outpost but at that time a busy center, the last major settlement before the caravans plunged into the mountains of the Karakoram and the Kun-Lun on their way to Yarkand, Kashgar and other parts of Chinese Turkestan and Tibet. Today a reminder of this bygone era is the small population of Bactrian camels. |
Day
- 01
Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi you are met by our company’s executive at the arrival lounge of the International airport and transferred to your hotel. |
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Day
- 02
Fly Delhi To Leh
Early morning departure from Delhi on the spectacular flight to Leh. You are met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to acclimatize to the high altitude and rarefied air. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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Day
- 03
Leh
After breakfast visit the Oracle of Sabu. This old lady has supernatural powers to prophesize. She goes into a trance after chanting special mantras and then predicts the future of an individual or community.
In the afternoon visit Leh, a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars. The spectacular eight-storey Leh Palace looming above, overlooking the town, was built in the 16th century, about the same time as the Potala in Lhasa which it resembles.
The stroll through the town is followed by a visit to Sankar gompa (Buddhist monestary), about 2 km from the market. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. |
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Day
- 04
Leh - Excursion To Alchi & Likir
Morning drive to Alchi for approx. 3 hours drive. Visit Likir Gompa (monastery), established around the 15th century and early in its history, became responsible for the oversight of Alchi gompa, to which it has posted lamas up to the present day. Likir belongs to the yellow-hat sect of Buddhism and currently houses about 120 lamas. The gompa school has about 30 pupils who learn three languages besides Ladakhi: Hindi and English.
Proceed to Alchi Gompa, located near the small village of Saspol. It is one of the earliest monasteries built in Ladakh, dating from the 11th century. Evening back to the hotel for overnight stay. |
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Day
- 05
Ladakh Sarai To Diskit Over Khardung La - 7 Hours
From Khardung La descend to the village of Khardung and drive through starkly beautiful country to the Check Post at Khalsar where permits have to be registered. From here turn left from the Shyok river and drive for 23 km over a narrow steep road to the campsite at Diskit.
The Nubra Valley lies north of Leh and is accessible over the Khardung la (18,380 feet/5,600 m), one of the highest motor able roads in the world. The Nubra Valley was on the caravan route from Leh to Kashgar via the Sasir and Karakoram passes. Apart from unparalleled trekking opportunities, the valley houses several Buddhist monasteries such as Sumur and the 350 year-old Diskit gompa, famous for its murals. Overnight camping at Hunder. |
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Day
- 06
Diskit - Sumur
Early in the morning walk up to Diskit monastery to witness the Morning Prayer ceremony. Return to the camp for breakfast after which drive 7 kms to visit Hundar gompa. Explore the village which has some beautiful old houses.
Drive down towards the Shyok river across an extremely rough and rocky stretch of flat ground. Cross the river over a bridge and arrive at the first village of Tirith. The scenery however, is spectacular, with the snow capped Karakoram mountains in the background. The weather being much warmer in Nubra in comparison to the Indus valley, the vegetation is thicker, with a variety of trees and flowers. Nubra is also known for its two humped Bactrian camel which is found in these parts. Visit the 150 years old Samsthanling gompa at Sumur. Walk half an hour from the gompa to Tegar village where there is another small gompa.
Walk through the village and explore its beautiful surroundings near the jungle and a small lake. Overnight camping at Hunder. |
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Day
- 07
Sumur To Stok Via Khardung La - 6 Hours
Retrace the route to the Ladakh hotel via Khalsar and the Khardung La. |
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Day
- 08
Leh - Visit Shey & Thikse
Morning visit Shey and Thikse. Day reserve for visit the market for shopping. Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day
- 09
Fly Leh To Delhi
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Delhi. Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel. Late morning leave for full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi visiting Jamia Masjid, enjoy rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and 400 years old Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Crematory of Mahatma Gandhi, Birla Temple, Parliament House, Presidential House, India Gate, Government buildings & Humayun’s Tomb. Overnight at hotel. |
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Day
- 10
Transfer To International Airport
You will be transferred to International airport for homewards journey. |
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