Leisures at Leh Ladakh 5 Nights

Arrive at Leh airport. This flight is one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! Leh is located at 3500 m above sea level and some people can feel discomfort due to rarefied air at this high altitude. This is why it is mandatory to acclimatise fully before beginning any sightseeing or exploration in Leh. This magnificent destination is framed by the Himalayan ranges and offer stunning vistas of barren landscapes that are a photographer’s delight. The stark land is dotted with beautiful monasteries and stupas. Bustling old towns with their markets, souvenir shops and cafes are delightful to explore.

Late in the afternoon, you will drive to the city for a short orientation walk through the busy market. You will also visit the Shanti Stupa, which was built by a Japanese Buddhist in 1991 as a part of the Peace Pagoda mission. This stunning white stupa holds the holy relics of the Buddha and is a great place to meditate and soak in the beauty of the surrounding. Return to the hotel after the visit.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive downstream along River Indus on the Leh - Kargil Highway. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Hall of Fame - a museum constructed by Indian Army in honour and memory of the fallen soldiers in the different wars fought in this region. It is a chilling testimony of the brave heroes who defend the nation, and a must-visit for every Indian.

Next, you will visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, constructed in 1517 in memory of Guru Nanak Devji at an altitude of 3600 m above sea level. It is located about 25 km from Leh and has many interesting stories attached to it. Visit this sacred site and listen to the anecdotes before moving on to the famous Magnetic Hill that defy the laws of gravity.

On your way to the Magnetic Hill, stop and marvel at the famous confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers. It is a fascinating place where you can see the two colours of the rivers merge into one. Next, you will proceed to the Alchi Gompa. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and they date back to the 11th century. It is one of the oldest Buddhist learning centres in this region and has exquisite artwork, wooden carvings and Buddhist statues within its complex.

You will visit Likir Monastery on your way back to Leh from Alchi. The most popular attraction of this 11th century gompa is the 25 feet gold-covered statue of Lord Buddha. It also offers spectacular views of the surroundings. The structure that you see today is not the original one built in 11th century but the one that was re-built in 18th century as restoration following a devastating fire.

Drive back to your hotel in Leh after a full day of sightseeing tour.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Nubra Valley. Your drive through breathtaking mountains also passes over Khardung La, located at a height of 18390 feet / 5602 metres above sea level. This is the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass you can get an unbroken view of the Indus valley all they way to the majestic peaks of the Zanskar range in the south and the giant sentinel-like ridges of Saser Massif in the north.

Continue your journey to Nubra Valley nestled between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. It is also known as “Ldumra” or “Valley of Flowers” and was once a prosperous centre on the trans-Himalayan Silk Route. This quaint valley and its settlements are located at an average height of 10000 feet above sea level. Cheerful prayer flags fluttering high on the hills, Buddhist monasteries and fields of barley greet you as you enter Nubra Valley. Proceed to check-in to your hotel / camp.

Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. You can walk around the tiny villages near your hotel / camp to get a glimpse of the lives of local people.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel / camp in Nubra Valley.

After an early breakfast at the hotel / camp, you will check out & drive towards Hunder past an area of sand dunes and get aquinted with the famous Bactrian camels. This small population of shaggy double-humped animals, which in the old days, were used as pack animals on the Central Asian trade routes are now used as riding animals in the high deserts. While returning we visit the charming valley of Deskit- the tiny capital of Nubra. The capital is marked by a single file of shops that are put up on the main road.

From Deskit we will drive towards Pangong Lake. The drive will take you via Agham and Shyok Valley. Your journey will take you through rough patches of roads with tough driving conditions. However, the unparalleled views that await you on your journey makes it all worth the pains.

After you have traversed the adventurous part of the drive, you will arrive at the Pangong lake in the evening and proceed to check in to your hotel / camp.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel / camp in Pangong.

After breakfast at the hotel / camp, the morning is at leisure when you can explore the ethereal beauty of the Pangong Lake. After you have spent enough time to admire its otherworldly splendour, you will drive back to Leh via the Changla Pass. The Changla Pass is located at a height of 5848 metres above sea level and offers stunning views of the valley below. You will also stop en-route at the Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and Druk Padma Karpo School (Rancho’s school from 3 Idiots).

The Hemis Gumpa or Monastery is both the biggest and most important monastery in Ladakh. It is highly revered by Buddhists from around the world. The famous Hemis Festival is held at this monastery. It also houses impressive gold statues and stupas bedecked with precious stones.

The Thiksey Monastery is another spectacular monastery that you will see on your way to Leh. This tiered monastery is a sight to behold and is a classic example of traditional Buddhist architecture. The complex is impressive in both size and structure. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Drive 5 kms along the picturesque landscape to reach Shey Palace or Shey Monastery which was the ancient capital of Ladakh. The complex is also built in tiers and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. The gilded statue of Buddha as Shakyamuni is the main attraction of this monastery / palace. There are also many murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha within the monastery.

Last stop on your way to Leh is the Druk Padma Karpo School which was made famous as Rancho’s school in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. This unique centre of learning focuses on education and construction that can adapt to constant change. This award-winning school is a great place to learn about different sustainable means that the building employs to run itself.

After the visit, continue to Leh and check-in to your hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

Have your breakfast at hotel & later pack your bags, as today we have to check out from the hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for boarding your return flight to Delhi. Bid adieu to the magical land of Ladakh with fond memories of picture-perfect sceneries & breathtaking architecture.

Above Itinerary is just indicative, do not consider it as a Final Schedule. It can be changed or swapped or rerouted.

Date & Time of Tours can be changed by Local Agent / Tour Operator.

Any Driving distance mentioned in the itinerary is tentative, actual time may vary depending on traffic condition and various other factors beyond our control.