Glimpses of Ladakh

Today, we will go a sightseeing tour to some ancient monasteries located in the area. We will be visiting Shey Gompa, Thiksey Gompa and Hemis monastery. Later return back to the hotel for an overnight stay in the hotel/guest house.

Shey Gompa is located approximately 15 kms from Leh. Earlier it used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built in the beginning of 17'Th century AD by Deldan Namgyal. One of the main attractions in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa is located close to Shey. It is about 17 kms from Leh and is considered to be one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh. It belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis is situated about 45 kms south of Leh. It is one of the most famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It was founded in the early 17th century and belongs to the Drukpa order. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls.

In the morning after Breakfast, we will drive along the Indus River and visit Hall of Fame and Pathar Sahib Gurdwara. Further, we will go down to the Confluence (Sangam) of Zanskar and Indus river near Nimu and cross Magnetic Hill to reach Likir in Sham Valley of West Ladakh.

Magnetic Hill is located 30 kms west of Leh on the Leh – Kargil Highway. It attracts metallic objects and even moves heavy vehicles up (defying gravity) while their engines are switched off.

Sangam of Indus and Zanskar drives through a pictorial landscape, which about 30 kms west of Leh. One reaches the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river 4 km before Nimmu village. The confluence offers a magnificent view of the two rivers having different colours and force. It is at an altitude of 10,823 ft.

Likir Gompa is set on an isolated ridge. Numerous Thangkas hang from the columns and walls in the Assembly Hall. The view from the terrace of the village below and the mountains beyond is awesome. Also, the huge statue of Buddha in the open, behind the monastery is one of the major attractions of the Gompa.

Today, we will start our day early in the morning and drive to Pangong Lake (4267m / 14000 ft.) via Chang-la Mountain Pass (18,000 ft/5,475 m). On the way, we will see mesmerizing vistas with the changing hues of the waters of the lovely Pangong Lake. We will go up to the shore of Pangong Lake until we reach Lukung Village. Later drive back to Leh to reach by evening. An overnight stay in the hotel at Leh.

Pangong Lake, is 6 kms (4.5 miles) at its widest point and over 130 kms (80 miles) long. It is divided by the international border i.e. India and China. Pangong Tso offers spectacular view of the mountains, their reflections sparkling in the ever-changing blues and greens of the brackish waters of the lake. One can witness marmots on the way and the Kiang if lucky.

Today after breakfast in the morning, we will drive to the north of Leh up to Khardung La. (Mountain Pass at 5570 m/18380 ft.). It is supposed to be the highest motorable road not only in India, but in the world. After exploring the area, we will drive back to Leh by afternoon. In the evening, one can walk to Leh Market for last minute shopping. An overnight stay in the hotel.

In the morning after breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport to board the morning flight to Delhi.

Tour and Services ends