Road to Shambhal

  • Home -
  • Road to Shambhal

ROAD TO SHAMBHAL

Book Now +91 9320227777

This trip will give you an experience like a trip to Shambhala, as we start from the popular hill station Manali. This is a gorgeous national highway that sees thousands of tourists from across the country and is surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks with rich flora and fauna inside the Beas River Valley. We’ll visit the Hadimba Temple where the deity is worshiped, located within the beautiful dense Deodar forest on a hill. The Manali Sanctuary is a paradise where you can see musk deer, brown bears, and snow leopards among many animals that are kept safe here. The natural formation of Arjun Gufa is a sight to behold as it’s a favorite picnic spot, located just 5km from the Mall Road. The Jagatsukh is an ancient village that was the power center of Kullu. Today, you can walk through this old city and pass by ancient temples where legends and myths are still whispered. After a night in Manali, we move to Sarchu and cross Rohtang, Keylong, and Baralacha Passes with an exquisite view of the valley before reaching our destination. Bordering between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, spending a night in a tent in Sarchu will grant an unusual view of a vast grassland landlocked between mountains as you sleep under the starry night and wake up to nature's call. We drive up to Nakeela and Lachungla Pass as we continue our journey before temporarily stopping at Pang for lunch. We continue heading to Leh and pass by the world’s largest plateau, Sky Angchu Thang and the Indus Valley. From Leh, we’ll go on an excursion to Sham Valley, visiting the Hall of Fame that was built for the soldiers that died in the Indo-Pak wars and the Gurudwara Patthar Sahib that was built for Guru Nanak. After driving through the unique Magnetic Hill, we’ll reach the beautiful Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar River where the flow of the Zanskar River merges into the Indus. Then we’ll visit a series of monasteries, including the Spituk Monastery that was founded in 11th century, Alchi Gompa that’s considered one of the important religious centers in Ladakh, Likir Monastery, and the famous Lamayuru Monastery that was built at the altitude of over 3,500m. We’ll head into Nubra valley via Khardung La next for an excursion to Turtuk on the Pakistan border with an incredible view of Changmar Village. After a quick stop at Diskit Monastery, we’ll be at the gorgeous Pangong Lake. We make our way back to Leh and stop at Hemis Gompa, a 17th century monastery and Thiksey Monastery that’s just about 19 km from Leh. Shey Palace near Leh is an archaeological site that used to be a summer retreat and finally, the iconic 3 Idiots Rancho School will mark the end of this exciting trip.

Comments

Manali 1 Night, Sarchu 1 Night, Leh 3 Nights, Nubra Valley 2 Nights and Pangong 1 Night

Handpicked Accommodations in all 5 Places

Daily Breakfast and Dinner

Rohtang Pass and Baralacha Pass

Excursion to Sham Valley

Khardung La Pass

Turtuk Excursion

Pangong Lake

Shey Palace, Hemis Gompa and Thiksey Monastery

Inner Line Permit - Wildlife and Environment Fees

All Toll Taxes, Parking Charges and Driver's Bata Included/h4>

Comments

ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Arrival at Manali
  • Welcome to Manali. Located in the Beas River Valley, Manali is a very popular hill station flocked by tourists from across the country. Manali can be reached from the national highway that leads to the Ladakh region.
  • The snow-clad mountain peaks, rich flora and fauna, and several other prominent attractions make a trip to Manali most worthwhile. According to a legend, Manu was a sage who is believed to have recreated human life after the world was devastated after a great flood. There is an ancient temple in the old Manali village that is devoted to this sage. Some of the other popular attractions of this quaint destination include Hadimba Temple, Manali Sanctuary, Arjun Gufa and Jagatsukh. Upon reaching your hotel, check-in and get comfortable. Overnight stay at hotel in Manali.

DAY 2:

Transfer from Manali to Sarchu
  • Today we start our journey to Leh, stopping at Sarchu for a night. Today we cross Rohtang Pass (at own cost) (3978 m), Keylong (3350 m), Baralacha Pass (4890m) with overnight stopover at Sarchu (4253 m), border of the states of Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul) and Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh). Upon arrival in Sarchu, we check in at our tented campsite for overnight stay.
NOTE:
  • Rohtang Pass is Closed from mid October to Mid May/ June depending on weather conditions at the time of travel
  • Rohtang pass requires a permit and transfers in a union vehicle - at additional cost at the time of travel.
  • "Temporary closure : now to 15th June and 15th Oct - June 2024 Reason closed in winter"
  • Hakgala Botanical Garden

DAY 3:

Transfer from Sarchu to Leh
  • Leave for Leh by early morning, through Nakeela and Lachangla Pass 16,617 ft. Lunch at Pang. After Lunch, drive to Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang (Biggest and Highest Plateau on Earth on Stretch of 42 Kms), Tanglang La Pass 17,585ft and Indus Valley. Upon arrival in leh you’ll met by our representative and check in at Leh Hotel.

DAY 4:

Day Excursion to Sham Valley
  • After breakfast we proceed for Sham Valley by visiting:
  • Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame, located near the Leh Airfield, is a museum constructed as well as maintained by the Indian Army in the memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives during the Indo-Pak wars. It is also termed as a memorial for the war heros. This building consists of two floors. While on the ground floor, there is information about the brave soldiers and a souvenir shop but on the first floor, there are artifacts of various wars (mainly Kargil war) such as the weapons used during the war and some important documents, related to the same. There is another section dedicated to the Siachen glacier.
  • Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: Situated 25 miles from Leh in Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib stands at the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion and the first guru, is believed to have vanquished a demon. Though the region is predominantly Buddhist, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is also worshiped and venerated by Buddhists. Tibetan Buddhists venerate Guru Nanak as Guru Gompka Maharaj and as Nanak Lama.
  • Magnetic Hill: The popular Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is said to be a gravity hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. The hill lies at a distance of 30 km from the town of Leh, at an elevation of around 14,000 feet above sea level. To the eastern side of the hill flows the Sindhu River, originating in Tibet and is an almost essential stopover for all those who travel to Ladakh. An optical illusion or actuality, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has mysterious magnetic properties that draw tourists from across the globe.
  • Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River: Nimmu is a beautiful valley that marks the confluence of the Indus River and Zanskar River. The Indus River drains the dry and deserted terrains of Ladakh's landlocked valley and serves as its lifeline. Zanskar, on the other hand, is a tributary of this river and merges into it from the north-eastern direction. On its way to the meeting point, the river passes through the spectacular Zanskar Gorge, which is a dream destination for trekkers.
  • Spituk Monastery: Spituk is an interesting monastery, on the hill top near Indus about 18 kms from Leh on Srinagar road. The Spituk monastery offers a commanding view of Indus. It has a totally new Gompa within the monastery as well as the old Gompa has also been restored meanwhile. It is constructed in a series of tiers with courtyards and steps. Higher up in the hill is a chamber which houses the enormous statue of goddess. Its face is covered and uncovered only once in a year during the festival time. The Spituk Gompa was founded in 11th century by Od-De, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub-od. The Gompa was named Spituk (exemplary) by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious community would rise. Initially the Gompa was run according to the Kadampa school then during the reign of king Gragspa Bumide he converted it to Gayluk Pa order. Many icons of Buddha and 5 thangkas can be visited in this 15th century monastery. The Dukhang Hall is the largest building and has two rows of seats running the length of the walls to a throne at the far end. Sculptures and miniature chortens are displayed on the altar. There is also a collection of ancient masks, antique arms and fine thangkas. Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava. The terrifying face of Vajrabhairva is unveiled only at the annual festival in January.
  • Alchi Monastry: Alchi Monastery is a group of ancient Buddhist shrines that together form one of the most important religious centres in Ladakh. This gompa attributes its establishment to the legendary translator Rinchen Zangpo, who built it in AD 1000 by bringing 32 wood carvers and sculptors from Kashmir. The monastic complex consists of several temples and chortens, which belong to different time periods. Some of the oldest existing wall paintings of Ladakh are preserved in this monastery. The mural of 1000 Buddhas forms the highlight of the ancient artworks displayed here. Imposing statues of Lord Buddha and other deities are present in this shrine. These idols have beautiful wooden carvings and artworks, which can be compared to the artistic style of the Baroque period.
  • Likir Monastry: Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa, is located in a village named Saspol , approximately 52 km (32 miles)west of Leh. This is a monastery of Gelugpa monastic order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built by Lama Duwang Chosje, under the command of the fifth King of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo. The complex of the monastery houses a number of shrines. Presently, there are 120 Buddhist monks.
  • Lamayuru Monastry: Located at Lamayuru Leh district, this is the famous Buddhist monastery at a height of 11520 ft. This splendid monastery is considered as one of the fascinating places that one must visit. Lamayuru monastery is a place where many legends were associated with. In the earlier days, this huge construction was a collection of five gigantic building out of which only one survives now. But still, this remains the largest monastery and houses near about 150 Buddhist monks permanently, in earlier days the number was 400.
  • Customers can also go for rafting at Sangam (on direct payment basis).
  • Later, we drive back to Leh. Overnight stay at the Leh hotel.
NOTE:
  • All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer
  • All Optional Activities are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

DAY 5:

Trasfer from Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
  • After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and we drive to the 'valley of flowers' Nubra Valley (120 kms/4-5 hrs). After you hit the road, your journey to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (5602 mts, 18,390 ft, 39 km from Leh) - the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass, one can expect stunning views of Indus valley and the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and the giants of the Saser massif to the north. Nubra Valley is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas.
  • Upon arrival in Nubra, check in to your hotel/camp in Hunder. In the evening, take a walk around the tiny villages to get an idea of the way locals live. A visit to a Ladakhi home can also be arranged (subjected to availbality at extra cost if applicable). Overnight stay at camp / Hotel.

DAY 6:

Full Day Excursion to Turtuk
  • After breakfast today, really important day and also a highly anticipated one visiting Turtuk Village, the last border village open to visitors before the Pakistan border. It must be one of the most under-rated locations in Ladakh. Turtuk was captured by Indian army in the year 1971 war from Pakistan. This village has a similar culture and language to Ladakhi. The religion of Turtuk is mostly Nurbakshi Muslim; some villages are Shai community. You will be stunned to notice the colour on various mountains. It just kept changing as you go along. Some mountains had multiple shades of brown, while some had a greenish tinge on the rocks. The winding roads, the green Shayok River and the colourful mountains will make your journey from Hunder to Turtuk one of the best of our trip. The scenery is especially amazing near Changmar village.
  • Overnight stay at Nubra Valley.
    • NOTE:
  • All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

DAY 7:

Transfer from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok
  • After an early breakfast, we check-out from camp/hotel and drive towards Hunder where you have opportunity to ride on a Bacterian Camel (double humped) (on direct payment basis by the customer) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road is Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains.
  • On the return, stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley.
  • Diskit monastery also known as Diskit Gompa is situated in the Nubra valley of Ladakh. This Buddhist center is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. The Diskit monastery was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. The prime attraction of the Diskit monastery is 100 foot high Maitreya Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the holy Dalai Lama. From the top of the Gompa, where the divine statue is settled, one can have a panoramic view of the Nubra valley.
  • Later we drive towards Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic! Later after crossing this adventurous part we drive further towards Durbuk & 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 its 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 hindi movie 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world.
  • Upon arrival we check in at our Camp Near Pangong lake. Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.
    • Note:
  • All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

    • DAY 8:

    Transfer from Pangong Lake to Leh Visiting Shey palace, Hemis & Thiksey
  • After a morning of leisure and relaxation exploring the beauty of Pangong Lake, hit the road to Leh. Tibetan for 'high grassland lake' Pangong Tso is one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. You may recognize its timeless beauty from its feature in Bollywood film 3 IDIOTS (2009). This disputed territory and saline water lake is in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. At the first glimpse of the azure, tranquil waters and shaky lakeshore, it is hard to imagine that the lake sprawls over an such an expansive area.
  • On your way to Leh, visit Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Rancho School & Shey Palace.
  • 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 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 archeological 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 storeyed. Later on the royal family of Ladakh shifted to Stok Palace in 1834. The three stored 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 is designed to withstand seismic disturbances. This school was conferred on 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.
  • Drive further to Leh and check in to hotel at Leh for overnight stay.
    • Note:
  • All entrance fees to Monastries and Monuments are on Direct Payment Basis, payable by the customer

    • DAY 9:

    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:

Manali 1 night
Stay for 1 night at Mastiff Grand Manali or similar
  • 1 x Premier Room (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • Transfer from Manali to Sarchu - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio Sarchu 1 night
    • Stay for 1 night at Mulkila Adventures – Campsite or similar
  • 1 x Deluxe Double Room, 1 Bedroom (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • Transfer from Sarchu to Leh - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio Leh 2 nights
    • Stay for 2 nights at Hotel Sia Residency
  • 1 x Premium Room (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • Inner Line Permit - Wildlife & Environment Fees
  • Full Day Excursion to Sham Valley - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio
  • Transfer from Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardungla - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio Nubra Valley2 nights
    • Stay for 2 nights at Hunder Sarai Resort
  • 1 x Luxury Room (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • Full Day Excursion to Turtuk - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio
  • Transfer from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake Via Shyok - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio Pangong 1 night
    • Stay for 1 night at TIH P3 Camp - Pangong
  • 1 x Deluxe Tent (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • Transfer from Pangong Lake to Leh Visiting Shey Palace, Hemis & Thiksey - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio Leh 1 night
    • Stay for 1 night at Hotel Sia Residency
  • 1 x Premium Room (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • Transfer from Hotel to Airport - Non A/C Xylo / Scorpio

    • EXCLUSIONS:

  • 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