Fly To Leh (11400 ft)
Scenic Flight to Ladakh:
● The flight to Ladakh is absolutely scenic. Arrive in Leh on Day 1 as per your preference, and we will pick you up from the airport.
● From the air, you will get a bird-eye view of the entire city and the layers of snow-clad mountains.
Welcome to Leh:
● As you land at the Leh airport, which is also one of the highest airports in the world, you will feel a drop in temperature.
● Collect your bags and check in to your hotels. The TGE organizer will be at the hotel to welcome you.
Acclimatization Day:
● Today is extremely important for acclimatization. Try to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid exertion.
● In the evening, we will take you to witness a beautiful sunset at Leh Palace and Namgyal Monastery (Tsemo).
● The colorful flags fluttering in the air and the panoramic view of the entire city from Namgyal Monastery are not to be missed.
Stay Hydrated:
● Drink plenty of fluids during the day to help with acclimatization and prepare yourself for the upcoming adventure.
● Note: If you arrive early in the morning, breakfast can be arranged at the hotel itself at an additional cost of INR 150 Rs. The buffet breakfast time is between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Post that, you can order from the menu.
May this day mark the beginning of your Ladakh adventure! 🏔✈🌄
Leh Sightseeing
● Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant capital of Ladakh—Leh. This day is all about exploring the city beauty, culture, and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Let us dive into the details:
Morning at Shanti Stupa:
● Start your morning by visiting Shanti Stupa, a symbol of peace. Perched on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains.
Drive on Srinagar-Leh Highway:
● Next, we will take you for a drive on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Along the way:
● Seek blessings at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
● Experience the intriguing Magnetic Hill illusion.
● Witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
● Visit the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to brave Indian soldiers who defended the motherland during Indo-Pak wars.
Evening in Leh Market:
● Return to Leh in the evening and spend quality time exploring the local market.
● For dinner, we recommend trying local cuisines and visiting famous cafes in the market.
● Do not miss out on souvenirs from local shops.
● May this day be filled with cultural exploration and memorable experiences! 🏔🕌
Leh to Hunder (Nubra Valley) via Khardung La & Diskit Monastery (125 km, 6 hrs)
Post Breakfast Departure:
● After breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin your journey to Nubra Valley through Khardung La, one of the world highest motorable roads at 17,580 feet above sea level.
● Fun fact: The highest pass is Umling La, which passes through the Umlingla Top in the Ladakh region at a height of over 19,300 feet.
Khardung La Pass:
● At Khardung La Pass, the snow-capped peaks and mountain views are breathtaking. This mountain pass holds strategic significance as it enables supplies to the Siachen Glacier.
● En route, visit Diskit Monastery, founded in the 14th century. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries.
Adventure Lovers Thrill:
● For adventure lovers, there is the thrill of ATV rides at the high-altitude sand dunes of Nubra Valley (at your own expense).
Arrival in Hunder:
● Reach Hunder in the evening. The village of Hunder is like an oasis amidst the cold desert of Nubra Valley.
● The gorgeous silver sand dunes, located at an altitude of 4,000 meters, are bounded by snow-capped mountains.
● Hunder is home to Bactrian Camels and lies on the ancient Silk Route—an important international trade route.
Accommodation:
● For the night, we have arranged accommodation in a Boutique Farmstay.
● May your night in Hunder be filled with the magic of the desert and the whispers of ancient trade routes. 🏔🐫
Hunder to Turtuk and back to Hunder (85 km, 2 hrs one side)
Turtuk Exploration:
● Today, we embark on a day trip to Turtuk after an early breakfast. Turtuk is located approximately 80 km from Hunder and takes about 3 hours to reach.
● Turtuk is the last village to which travel permits are issued for tourists in Nubra Valley. Situated at an altitude of 9,846 feet, it is inhabited by the Balti people of Tibetan descent.
Turtuk Fascinating History:
● The beautiful village of Turtuk is located at the edge of the Shyok Valley, which is part of Nubra Valley.
● Until 1971, Turtuk was part of Baltistan, which was under the control of Pakistan. The elders share an interesting story—how one day they went to bed in Pakistan and woke up as part of India.
● To enter Turtuk, you have to cross a wooden bridge over a river, surrounded by apricot trees. This village is certainly one of the most beautiful and colorful villages on our route.
Lunch with a Local Family:
● We have arranged lunch at the home of a local family. Experience Balti cuisine along with some interesting conversations with them.
Optional Activity: Diskit Monastery:
● If possible, we will arrange a visit to Diskit Monastery to attend the morning prayer.
● May your day in Turtuk be filled with cultural immersion and fascinating stories! 🏔🌸🍽
Hunder to Pangong Tso (170 km, 5 hrs)
Early Start for Pangong Lake:
● Today, we start early for the most awaited part of the trip—the beautiful Pangong Lake.
● The road from Hunder to Pangong Tso (Tso means “lake” in Tibetan) takes about 5 hours and goes alongside the River Shyok until Shyok village.
Magnificence of Pangong Lake:
● Pangong Lake is situated at a height of 14,270 feet above sea level and is said to be one of the highest saline water lakes in the world.
● Lying almost on the Indo-Chinese border, part of it falls in India, while the other part is in China.
● The beauty of the lake has made it a cinematic backdrop for the popular movie 3 Idiots. In fact, there is a 3 Idiots Point in the area, where the famous yellow scooter from the movie climax is stationed.
● The lake is about 5 km wide at its broadest point and approximately 134 km in length.
Birds and Fish in Pangong Tso:
● The Pangong Tso Lake is a breeding ground for different types of birds, including migratory ones.
● During summer, the bar-headed goose and Brahminy Ducks are commonly spotted.
● Fish such as False Osman and Kunar Snow Trout are found in the lake.
Night at a Beautiful Cottage Stay:
● Tonight, we spend the night at a beautiful cottage stay beside the lake.
● Those interested can venture out at night to see the sky lit by uncountable stars and, of course, the Milky Way.
● May your night by Pangong Lake be filled with celestial wonders and dreams. 🏔✨
Pangong Tso to Leh via Chang La
Breakfast and Departure:
● After breakfast, we bid farewell to the mesmerizing Pangong Tso and head back to Leh via the offbeat route of Chang La.
● Buckle up for a bumpy road journey as we traverse through scenic landscapes.
En Route Monasteries:
Along the way, we visit two significant monasteries:
● Thiksey Monastery: Perched on a hilltop, this monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
● Shey Monastery: Explore the ancient murals and artifacts within its walls.
● Optionally, take a short detour to Hemis Monastery if interested.
Last Evening in Leh:
● Spend your last evening in Leh, wandering through the bustling market.
● Shop for souvenirs to take back home for your near and dear ones.
Farewell Dinner:
● End our memorable trip with an amazing dinner, cherishing new memories, friendships, and stories.
● May this evening be a beautiful culmination of your Ladakh adventure! 🏔🌟
Fly Out of Leh
Farewell to Ladakh:
● It is already time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and this magical land.
● We will drop you at your preferred departure time to the airport for your flight out of Leh.
Breakfast Timing:
● Please note that breakfast will be provided only in the assigned time of 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM.
● May your journey back home be filled with memories of Ladakh is beauty and warmth! ✈