Panoramic Ladakh

DAY 1:

Arrival at Leh + Evening Sightseeing

• Arrive at Leh Kushok Bakula Airport (This must be 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 met by our representative and transfer to Hotel for check-in. Complete day for rest and leisure to acclimatize to the higher altitude. In the evening, visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market.
• Leh Palace: Located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill, Leh palace is also known as Lhachen Palkhar. The former palace of the royal family of Leh, it was erected in the 17th century. The place was one of the tallest structures with 9 storyes during its heydays. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in Leh.
• Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is situated at a height of 4267 meters overlooking the Leh city, it gives a panaoromic view of surrounding snow capped mountains. Situated at a distance of about 5 km drive able road from the Leh city or one can reach here by climbing 500 steps . The location of Shanti Stupa is such that it is visible from all over Leh city. It is built as a two level structure, a flight of stairs leads to the first level where a Dharmchakra (as in white strip of Indian national flag) with two deer on each side, features a central image of Lord Buddha in golden colour sitting on a platform turning the Dharmchakra wheel, the second level depicting the birth of Buddha, defeating of devils in meditation and death of Buddha along with many small images of meditating Buddha, all embossed in vibrant colours.
• Market: The main market of Leh is a Street market with many lanes and bylanes, all of which have small shops selling a variety of products. One can find everything here from shoes to clothes and woolen wear as well as jewelry. Also, carpets, shawls, and souvenirs are available here. The Tibetan Refugee Market is also set up here which sells locks with unique carvings, artifacts, and souvenirs. The market also sells sonorous bowls prepared by a combination of nine metals like cymbals, decorative brass and copper trumpets. It's hard to communicate with local shopkeepers since they sometimes do not understand your language. However, bargaining is essential in a market like this. Otherwise, one may end up paying more for products sold here.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.

NOTE: All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

DAY 2:

Full Day Excursion to Monasteries

• After breakfast, we proceed to visit Indus Valley Monasteries starting with Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, 3 Idiots Rancho School & Sindhu Ghat.
• Hemis Gompa: Hemis Monastery, 40 kms towards the south-east of the main city of Leh, is the largest as well as the most well-known monastery (Gompa) in Ladakh. This monastery was built by under the reigns of the King Singge Namgyal, in 1672 AD. This monastery plays host to an annual festival that is held in the month of June, which is also a major tourist attraction. This colorful day-long festival is called Hemis Tsechu which is also a state holiday. The monastery has beautiful paintings and a statue of Lord Buddha, which are the highlights too.
• Thiksey Monastery: Thikse Gompa is around 19 kms to the East of the main city of Leh. The architecture of the largest monastery in central region of Ladakh, is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This 12-storey building complex consists of a number of things related to Buddhist art such as Thangka paintings, statues, stupas, swords, and so on. The building also has a nunnery. A major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970. The statue of future Lord Buddha in this temple of 49 feet high, which is also the largest in the region.
• Shey Palace: Shey palace is located near Leh city. The palace is comes under archaeological survey of India and mostly ruins now. It was constructed in 1650 by the king Deldan Namgyal of Ladakh which was used as a summer retreat. The palace has the largest CHANGCHUP (Chorten stupa) in Ladakh, the top of which is made of pure gold. Later on, king also constructed Shey monastery in the memory of his father. The Royal palace and monastery built in sixteenth centrury A.D. enshrines the DU-KHANG with the copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha rising to a height of three storeys. Later on the royal family of Ladakh shifted to Stok Palace in 1834. The three storeyed palace has 7.5 meters statue of seated Sakyamuni Buddha made of from copper and brass plated with gold silver and studded with gems and precious stones.
• 3 Idiots Rancho School: This school became famous after the Aamir Khan's movie Three Idiots. The name of this school is Druk Padma Karpo School , this is also known as Druk White Lotus school. The clean and eco friendly structures of the school are designed to withstand seismic disturbances. This school was conferred one of the most beautiful schools in the world by BBC London in the year 2016. On arrival here you will be taken inside the campus with a guide and can visit different parts of the school. You are not allowed to disturb students or take any photographs of them. There is a café and one souvenir shop available inside the campus. Minimum time required is 15 to 20 minutes to visit this beautiful school campus.
• Sindhu Ghat: Sindhu Ghat is a river bank near Shey Monastery in Leh. Located 10 Km upstream the Indus river, it originates from the Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash in Tibet. The scenic landscape of this attraction near Leh seems surreal. The barren mountains, rocky terrain, and river traversing the region is a sight to behold. Visit this ghat during the Sindhu Darshan Festival in June to experience the cultural extravaganza that Leh has to offer.
• After visiting the above places we drive back to Leh. Evening is at Leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight at the Hotel.

NOTE: All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

DAY 3:

Half Day Excursion to Khardungla Top

• After breakfast, we drive to Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road in The World) at 5,602 Mtrs. / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. The views from the top of the pass are amazing.
• Later return to the hotel on time for lunch. In the afternoon, you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
• Overnight at hotel in Leh.

NOTE: Not suggested unless 2 days are completed in Leh for Acclimatizing.

DAY 4:

Day Excursion to Pangong Lake

• After an early breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass (5486 Mtrs). The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session.
• The Chang La (also known as Changla) is one of the highest mountain roads of the country. The pass, guarded and maintained by the Indian Army (due its proximity to Chinese border), is covered with snow throughout the year. This road is usually open all year, but it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. The Changla Pass is the main gateway for the Changthang Plateau situated in the Himalayas. The pass is located on the 134 km-long (83 mi) road between the Pangong Lake and Leh. Road closures can be frequent.
• Later, we drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of it's running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world.
• After spending some time at Pangong, we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.

NOTE: Not suggested unless 2 days are completed in Leh for Acclimatizing.

DAY 5:

Departure from Leh

We thank you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination with a lifetime memory.

INCLUSIONS:

Leh 4 nights

Stay for 4 nights at WH Lharisa Resort or similar

• 1 x DELUXE ROOM (Breakfast and Dinner)
• Inner Line Permit - Wildlife & Environment Fees
• Transfer from Airport to Hotel + Evening Sightseeing - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio
• Full Day Sightseeing (Hemis Gompa, Thikshey Monastry, Shey Palace, Sindhu Ghat, 3 Idiots Rancho School) - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio
• Half Day Excursion to Khardungla Top - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio
• Full Day Excursion to Pangong Lake - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio
• Transfer from Hotel to Airport - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio

EXCUSIONS:

• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
• Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of the itinerary
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Breakfast, lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
• Any international and/or domestic flights, unless explicitly mentioned as an inclusion
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Tips for services and experiences
• Read useful information and terms for more on what is included and excluded