Ladakh Cultural Tour

Leh Monasteries

After breakfast we leave on a full day tour of the monasteries around Leh and visit  Shankar, Spituk and Phyang monasteries. Later in the afternoon we walk around Leh town and visit Leh Market, Leh Palace ruins, Leh Gompa & Shanti Stupa.
Overnight Hotel - Leh.

Leh

Excursion to Shey, Thiksey, Hemis

Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue.

Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa founded in 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyall.

Hemis is one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh.The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world.

Later in the evening we drive back to hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Leh

Leh - Lamayuru (124 km / 4 hrs) - Alchi (50 km/2 hr)

After breakfast some time at leisure and then we drive to Alchi Visit Lamayuru Monastery and back to Alchi. Lamayuru Monastery is one of the most popular and magnificent monasteries of Ladakh. It is known to be the oldest monestic establishment in Ladakh and was founded by Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century. This Monastery is located amidst the massive mountains. The spectacular setting of this Monastery and its renowned collection of carpets, thangkas and frescoes has been attracting many people all over the world over a long time. We will also be part of the prayer ceremony inside the prayer hall among the monks. It is a very soothing and spiritual experience to be there among these warm and friendly monks. Further drive towards Alchi (50 km from Lamayuru). Just before Alchi we drive across the mighty River Indus over the bridge and reach Ladakh's most loved Alchi Monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike other monasteries, which are usually on a cliff top or cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level and is nestled in the shade of a garden.
Overnight Hotel - Alchi

Alchi - Likir - Basgo - Leh (124 km / 4 hr)

After breakfast we drive to Likir (16 km) and visit Likir Monastery, situated atop a windy cliff overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. It was founded in the 12th Century although the present construction dates back to the 18th century as the original one was destroyed by fire. In its courtyard is a yellow colored 3 storey high mammoth statue of the Buddha, which was constructed by a resident monk. The top floor has an impressive museum containing old thangkas and weapons used many centuries back.

From Likir we drive 9 km to   Basgo. It was an important centre in the old days, having been the capital of lower Ladakh when the kingdom was divided in the 15th & 16th centuries. We visit the ruins of the Royal Palace at Basgo, Ser Zung Temple, which is known for its great frescoes and finally the temple with an enormous gold and copper statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Later we drive to Leh (3521 m), capital of Ladakh and check-in the Hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel - Leh.

Leh - Khardungla - Leh (85Kms.)

After breakfast take a full day excursion to Khardongla pass, highest motorable pass in the 5602Mtrs & been recorded in Guinness Book of World Records. At the top enjoy the nature beauty of snow capped mountain. In the evening drive back to the Leh.
Overnight Hotel - Leh (B, L, D)

Leh - Pangong Lake - Leh (290Kms)

Leave early morning with packed breakfast & lunch to Pangong Lake, Ascend Changla Pass (5486 m), enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the Pass. After crossing the Pass we reach Tsoltak, known for its yaks. Arrive Durbuk, from there a short drive to the western shore of the Pangong lake. Enjoy the landscape in the backdrop of the Lake. This famous blue & brackish Lake is 5-6 Km wide & over 144 Km long with 2/3rd of it running the other side of INDO-TIBETAN BORDER & 1/3rd in India. One rarely feels so close to nature & the scenery is unforgettable. Late afternoon drive back to Leh.
Overnight Hotel - Leh (B, L, D)

Leh - Indus Valley Monasteries

After breakfast proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. Start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha, with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then visit Thiksey Monastery (Gompa), an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa, founded in the year 1630 by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal. Hemis is one of the largest & richest monasteries of Ladakh. Later visit the Stok Palace, the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museum that has a rich collection of Ancient Ladakhi artefacts including old Thangkas, precious stones, arms & armoury, the Queen's necklace & crown of the King of Ladakh among others.

The two-day festival of monastic dance in July/August has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha & responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world.
Overnight Hotel - Leh (B, L D)

Leh - Delhi (Flt: 9W-610 / 0735 hrs - 850 hrs)

Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi.

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.