Fascinating Ladakh

Duration : 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destinations : Delhi - Shimla - Naggar - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh

Day 01: Delhi-Shimla

Arrive Shimla. Upon arrival transfer from airport to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Shimla visiting, Tara Devi Temple - situated 8 km from Shimla are two temples dedicated to Mata Tara Devi and lord Shiva. The military dairy farm and Shimla boy-scout head quarters are also located near by.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02:Shimla-Naggar

Drive to Naggar. On arrival check-in at:camp.
Overnight at Camp.

Day 03:Naggar- Manali

Drive to Manali. On arrival check-in at: hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04:Manali –Jispa

Drive to Jispa (145 kms / 7 - 8 hrs) This high altitude road beyond the great Himalayan range, connects the densely fertile and green Kullu valley to the stark barren region of Ladakh. The drive starts at Manali slowly winding up mountain roads till Rohtang Pass at 3,950 Mts. which connects the Kullu to the Lahaul valley. On entering the Lahaul valley we see a distinct change with the Hindu influence being replaced with the Buddhist religion. We reach Jispa by late afternoon.
Overnight in deluxe tents.

Day 05:Jispa-Sarchu

Leisurely start to drive over the scenic Baralacha Pass (4880 Mts.). Plenty of stops to capture the scenic grandeur of this majestic landscape dotted with snow capped peaks and high altitude lakes. After crossing the pass drop down to the vast Sarchu plains at an altitude of 4200 Mts. (80 KMS/4 HRS)
Overnight in deluxe tents.

Day06:Sarchu-Leh

Drive to Leh. On arrival check-in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07:Leh

Full day visit of Shanti Stupa, Sankar, Leh Palace.
Sankar Gompa: A relatively modern monastery, it is closely associated with the Spituk monastery and serves as the residence of the head priest - Kushak Bakula. A number of gold icons are to be found here.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08:Leh

Full day visit of Shey, Thiksey, Taktak, Chimde.
Thikshy Monastery: It is situated on a hill top. There are several temples and wall paintings of Buddha. Close by is the summer palace of the old raja of Leh. This monastery is 800 years old, Silver and Gold statues are seen in it. Shey Monastery: This monastery has a 7.5m copper statue of Buddha plated with gold, the largest of its kind.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 09:Leh

Visit Hemis, Stakna, Matho.
Hemis Gompa: 40 kms from Leh, built in 1630, is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. It is not visible from the road as it is located in a side valley. Hemis has the largest thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 year. It celebrates a colourful Hemis festival on June 24th and 25th attended by people from all over the provinces who come to join in the celebrated mask dances. Matho Monastery: situated on the opposite bank of the Indus across Thiksey, Matho was established in the first half of the 16th century AD and has valuable collection of very old and beautiful Thankhas, some in the form of Mandalas. Its annual festival of Oracles in early march is an important event in Ladakhi religious calendar.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 10:Leh

Visit Stok, Spituk, Phiyang. Stok Monastery: The Palace of the banished royal family, Stok has a museum which displays fabulous period costumes and jewellery of the royalty along with exquisite Thankas representing the life style of Sakya Muni. Interesting historical objects like coins, armour, weapons, precious jade and porcelain too can be seen here. Spituk
Monastery : stands on a hillock 8 km from Leh. The proud possessions of this shrine are a number of intriguing Thankas. Higher up the hill is a chamber housing a statue of Goddess Kali with her face covered: it is unveiled once a year.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 11:Leh

Alchi was built in the 11th century. Its sheltered position in the Indus valley, off the main trails to Leh, is probably the major reason why it survived wars and abandonment to the elements. It is the best surviving example of the era and is notable because it was built down in a valley instead of on a hilltop or mountainside. Rinchen Zangpo under the patronage of a local Tibetan King was responsible for founding Alchi. The Tibetans, ability to construct and decorate the temples, consequently artists and monks from Kashmir and northwest India were employed, resulting in a typically Indo Buddhist style.
At the same time as Spituk and Thiksey, Likir is recognised as the foremost Delugpa monastery in Ladakh region. It is found near saspol on the Srinagar - Leh road. It houses a great deal of gigantic clay statues of the Buddha in various forms, the primary attraction of this monastery is its 1000 year old wall paintings which make a visit more than worth while.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 12:Leh-Next destination

Departure transfer to the Leh airport.