Ladakh is situated on the northernmost tip of India, sandwiched between the Karakoram and the Himalayas. It is one of the most popular areas for tourists and yet also among the few less explored regions in India. It's believed that Buddhism penetrated to Tibet from India via Ladakh Himalayas. The influence of Buddhism can also be seen in the capital of Ladakh, Leh. During winter, the region sometimes becomes inaccessible due the thick layer of snow. Enjoy the brightly painted monasteries, wall tapestries, handmade crafts and the peculiar fragrance of Ladakh.
For our Extended Ladakh tour, we fly from Delhi to Leh. From Leh, we make excursions to various regions and landscapes of Ladakh including Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Alchi, Kargil, and Tsomoriri Lake. Finally, we conclude the tour with a return flight from Leh to Delhi.
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrival in Delhi, pickup and transfer to your hotel by a Adventure Geo Treks Representative. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 02: Delhi to Leh (3520m/11,545 ft)
Upon our arrival at the Leh Airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Adventure Geo Treks who will take us to our hotel. We check in to the hotel for a complete day of rest to become properly acclimatized wherein welcome tea and coffee will be served by the hotel. In the evening, we will take a walking tour to the Leh Market and Shanti Stupa. Overnight in Leh.
DAY 03: Leh to Nubra Valley (5,578 m/18,380 feet): 120 Km, 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we leave the hotel at 08:30 am and drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (highest drivable road in the world, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Deskit by Afternoon. Rest of the day we are free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel safari in sand dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village. Overnight in Nubra.
DAY 04: Nubra Valley to Leh: 120 Km, 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by the same route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Upon arrival at Leh, we visit Shey, Thikshey and Leh Palace. Overnight in Leh.
DAY 05: Leh to Pangong Lake (4420 m/14500 ft) 150 Km, 4-5 hours
After early breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft., the third highest drivableroad in the world. At noon, we arrive at Pangong, the highest salt water lake in the World, shared both by India and China. Enjoy the beauty of the fascinating high-altitude Pangong Lake while appreciating its changing colors. Overnight at Pongong Lake(Camp).
DAY 06: Pangong Lake to Alchi: 200 Km, 5-6 hours
After breakfast at camp, we leave camp and drive to Alchi and en-route visit Basgo Palace, Liker Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill. Arrive at Alchi by afternoon. Visit Alchi monastery and spend rest of the day free to explore Alchi village. Overnight in Alchi.
DAY 07: Alchi to Kargil 160 Km, 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we leave for Kargil and en-route we visit Moon Landscape, Lamayuru (oldest monastery in Ladakh) and Giant Maitreya Buddha at Mulbekh. We arrive in Kargil by evening and have dinner. Overnight in Kargil.
Kargil: Kargil is a quiet town now, but previously Kargil once served as an important trade and transit centre in the Pan-Asian trade network. Numerous caravans carrying exotic merchandise comprising silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea, poppy, ivory, etc. transited in the town on their way to and from China, Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir. The old bazaar displayed a variety of Central Asian and Tibetan commodities even after the cessation of the Central Asian trade in 1949 till these were exhausted about two decades back. Similarly, the ancient trade route passing through the township was lined with several caravanserais. Now, travelers of numerous nationalities have replaced traders of the past, and Kargil has regained its importance as a center of travel-related activities.
DAY 08: Kargil to Padum: 250 Km, 7-8 hours
Early morning after breakfast, we drive to Padum (Zanskar). On the way, we can admire the magnificent view of Nun Kun Peak and Dran Drung Glacier and visit Rangdum Monastery. We reach Padum by evening and spend the night.
DAY 09: Padum
After breakfast, we leave for sightseeing of Karsha, Stongdey and Sani then get back to Padum by evening. Overnight in Padum.
DAY 10: Padum to Kargil: 250 Km, 7-8 hours
After breakfast, go back to Kargil by same route via Penzi La Passs. Overnight Hotel in Kargil.
DAY 11: Kargil to Leh: 230 Km
After breakfast, leave back to Leh by same route. Reach Leh by evening. Overnight Hotel in Leh.
DAY 12: Leh to Chumthang to Tsomoriri Lake: 240 Km, 7-8 hours
In the morning, we drive to Tsomoriri passing Chumathang (Hot Spring) along the Indus River then arrive at Tsomoriri at 4pm. Afterwards, we take a walk around the lake to enjoy the scenic beauty. Overnight at Tso-Moriri Lake (Camp).
DAY 13: Tsomoriri to Sumdo to Leh: 235 Km
After a leisurely breakfast, we walk around the lake and drive back to Leh passing Puga (Sulphur Mine), Tsokar Lake, Tanglang La Pass (17,585ft) and Rumtse. On the way, we visit Hemis Monastery, Shey Palace, and Thiksey Monastery. Overnight in Leh.
DAY 14: Leh
Today we spend the whole day leisurely. We can stroll around the market places of Leh for some time or just rest and relax throughout the day in our hotel. If we are interested in souvenirs from Ladakh, we can buy them in Leh. Overnight in Leh.
DAY 15: Leh to Delhi
Our trip to Ladakh and Leh comes to an end today. A representative from Adventure Geo Treks will take us to the airport for our flight to Delhi and you will be picked up at the Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 16: The final day a representative of Adventure Geo Treks will transfer you to airport for departure OR if you have time you will be offered optional tours around Delhi.
