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364 Embassy, Koramangala, Bangalore. Ph: +91 9483958408, 9880388991, [email protected], www.takeabreak.in
BEST OF LADAKH
Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso – Leh 9 Days / 8 Nights
(Blackout Dates: 15th December to 5th January)
LEH
NUBRA VALLEY
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Overview
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Leh: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum), Shopping Nubra Valley: Khardung La (the highest motorable pass), Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camels Pangong Tso: Pangong Tso Lake, Visit Hemis Gompa, Tiskey monastery
Alchi: Alchi Monastery, Du-Khang, Lamayuru, Magnetic Hill
Day 1: LEH
Leh
Tucked in the midst of hulking high peaks, at an elevation of 3500 meters, Leh, the erstwhile capital of Ladakh region in the
north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the popular hill stations in India. Over the years, Leh has won the heart of
the global tourists who seek to experience the indigenous culture of the Indo-Tibetans and explore the relics of ancient
civilizations, Buddhist monasteries and remote villages. Some of the notable attractions in and around Leh are the Shanti Stupa,
Leh Palace, Hemis Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Thiksey Monastery & Shey Monastery. The lofty city is also the gateway to several
trekking destinations in the Ladakh region and activities like river rafting, mountaineering, and mountain biking and camping.
Day Notes
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel
Check-in, freshen up and relax
Rest of the day at leisure
In the evening you may wish to take a walk around Leh market
Overnight at Leh
Included
BB
Destination Nights Basis
Leh Hunder Leh Pangong Tso Alchi Leh
2 1 1 1 2 1
BB BB BB BB BB BB
RO: Room only I SC: Self Catering I HB: Half Board I B&B: Bed and breakfast I D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast I FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch I FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily I FI: Fully inclusive
HB – breakfast & dinner
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Day 2: LEH
Day Notes After breakfast proceed for sightseeing
Leh Sightseeing: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)
Return to the hotel by evening and rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at Leh
Included
BB
Visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)
Leh Palace
Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa,
Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated
the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms. The palace was abandoned when Dogra forces took control
of Ladakh in the mid 19th century, and the royal family moved to Stok Palace. The ruined palace is being restored by the
Archaeological Survey of India. The palace is open to the public and the roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the
surrounding areas. The mountain of Stok Kangri in the Zangskar mountain range is visible across the Indus valley to the south,
with the Ladakh mountain range rising behind the palace to the north. The Palace Museum holds a rich collection of jewellery,
ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns. Chinese thangka or sooth paintings which are more than 450 years old, with
intricate designs, retain bright and pleasing colours derived from crushed and powdered gems and stones.
Shanti Stupa
Built in 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, the Shanti Stupa is one of the remarkable symbols of
Buddhist religion that holds the relics of Lord Buddha. Tucked atop a hill in Changspa at an elevation of 4,267 meters, the Shanti
Stupa is approximately 5 kilometers away from the city. Despite being a symbol of Buddhist culture, the Shanti Stupa reflects a
unique architectural style, which is completely different from the Ladakhi style. The Shanti Stupa was built to promote world
peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base,
enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also
due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Sankara Gompa
It is a relatively modern, attractive cluster of buildings set amongst trees above the town, in the lee of Khardung La, a 5,359 m
(17,582 ft) pass behind Leh leading to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys. Only 20 monks at most live here, and only a few
permanently, so visiting hours are limited to early morning and evening. The place is well lit, so an evening visit is worthwhile.
Climbing the steps one reaches the double doors leading into the dukang ('du khang) or assembly hall. Three green drums are on
the right of the door under which is the place of the Gyeskos. The wall and entry door are richly painted. Upstairs is the Dukar
Lhakang ("residence of the deity") or inner sanctuary. There is an impressive figure here of Avalokiteśvara (Tibetan: Chenrez ig)
with 1,000 arms (all holding weapons) and 1,000 heads. The walls are painted with a Tibetan calendar, mandalas and rules for
the monks. Above the wooden stairs can be seen the rooms of the Abbot, guest rooms and the library.
Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)
Hall of Fame is a small yet glorious museum constructed and maintained by Indian Army in Ladakh. It is located on the Spituk-
Kargil road. It exhibits items related to Ladakhi cultural heritage. The key attraction of the museum is that it has displays on
memorabilia, seized arms and amenities of Pakistani Army, biographies and photographs of the brave soldiers, etc. This museum
was built to commemorate the souls of all great soldiers who lost their lives in historic Siachin battle fields during Indo-Pak war.
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Day 3: LEH – HUNDER (140 Km / 04 Hrs 30 Mins)
Nubra Valley
Passing over one of the world’s highest motorable roads, the Khardung La, Nubra is a tri-armed valley located to the north east
of Ladakh valley. Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). The Shyok River meets the Nubra
or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. The average elevation of the valley
stretches from 3048 meters to approximately 6000 meters and mostly hosts an undulated and barren terrain except the places
blessed by the Shoyok River. Diskit village the capital of Nubra is one of the popular hubs in Nubra Valley that hosts the Diskit
Monastery, which is one of the ancient monasteries in Ladakh region. Foreign nationals are required to get a protected area
permit to visit the Nubra Valley.
Day Notes
After breakfast checkout from the hotel at 09:00 and drive to Hunder (Nubra Vallley)
On route stopover at Khardung La (the most highest motorable pass)
Reach Hunder by 14:30, check in to the hotel and freshen up
Proceed for sightseeing by 16:00: Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camels
Return to the Hotel
Overnight at Hunder
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Included
BB
Visit to Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camel ride
Khardung La
The gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys, Khardung La, at an approximate elevation of 5,359 meters, is one of the highest
mountain passes in the world and is also one of the highest motorable roads that connect the ladakh region to Srinagar in
Kashmir. Travellers can also behold the historical significance of the silk route, stretching from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia.
Today Khardung La is a hotspot destination for automobile, motorbike, marathon and mountain biking expeditions that pulls in
global adventurers.
Diskit Monastry
Diskit Monastery also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery (gompa) in the
Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded by
Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa, in the 14th century. It is a sub-gompa of the Thikse
gompa.
Hunder Sand Dunes
A completely contrasting feature of white sands in the midst of snow capped mountain ranges, the Hunder Sand Dunes is a
unique bed of nature that is located between Hunder and Diskit villages in the Nubra Valley. It is one of the high altitude deserts
in the world that covers a wide area and is cut across by a gentle stream. Being perched remotely, the Hunder Sand Dunes is yet
to be explored by the leisure tourists but it is one of the popular camping sites for the adventurers. The cold desert is also dotted
with many species of plants and animals like Bactrian Camels, Yaks and Pashmina Goats. The Hundar Gompa is one of the
popular attractions crossing through the Hundar Sand Dunes. Well, one can even enjoy a Bactrian Camel safari through the
Hunder Sand Dunes and acquaint with the intangible nature.
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Day 4: HUNDER – LEH (140 Km / 04 Hrs 30 Mins)
Day Notes
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel at 10:00 and drive back to Leh
Reach Leh by 14:00, check-in to hotel and relax
Rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight at Leh
Included
BB
Day 5: LEH – PANGONG TSO (180 Km / 07 Hrs)
Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso Tibetan for "long, narrow, enchanted lake", also referred to as Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas,
nestled at an elevation of about 14720 ft above sea level, Pangong Lake is one of the charismatic and largest salty lakes in India.
The breathtaking exquisiteness of this lake is enhanced by the vast barren area near it. Another attraction called the
Changchenmo mountain range in proximity to the lake adds to the scenic charm. It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from
India to Tibet. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies in Tibet. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point.
During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.
Day Notes
After early breakfast, checkout from the hotel at 08:00 and drive to Pangong Tso
Reach Pangong by 15:00, check-in to campsite and relax
In the evening drive to Pangong Lake
Overnight at Pangong
Included
BB
Drive to Pangon Tso Lake
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DAY 6: PANGONG TSO – ALCHI (190 Km / 08 Hrs)
Day Notes
After breakfast, check out from the campsite at 09:00 and drive to Alchi
On route visit Hemis Gompa, Thikse monastery, Shey Monastery
Reach Alchi by evening & check in to the hotel and relax
Overnight at Alchi
Included
BB
Visit the below sightseeing points
Hemis Gompa
Belonging to the Drukpa Lineage, Hemis Monastery is one of the ancient monasteries in the Ladakh region and is approximately
45 kilometers from Leh and was re-established in the mid of 17th century. Set amid a picturesque surrounding, the journey to
Hemis Monastery offers a thrilling experience. It is the largest monastery in the Ladakh region with more than 200 branches in
the Himalayan belt. It is also said to be the wealthiest monastery in India, having a rich collection of ancient relics of Lord
Buddha, thangkas, murals and various architectural works. The grand architecture of the monastery reflects a unique Tibetan
style and the vast courtyard, assembly halls, temple and veranda together arrest the imagination of the tourists. One of the
major Ladakhi festivals, the Hemis Festival is celebrated in the month of June every year
Thiksey Monastery
Tucked beautifully at a lofty height of 3,600 meters, the Thikshey Monastery in the Ladakh region is a 12 storied complex that
was built in the 15th century by the Gelugpa sect. The monastery boasts many items of Tibetan artistic works such as stupas,
statues, thangkas, paintings and swords. With an equally impressive exterior, the Thikshey Monastery strongly resembles the
Potala Palace in Lhasa, which is in Tibet. Further the complex maintains 10 temples, assembly hall and is a home to over 200
monks. The Thikshey Monastery also offers a clear view of the Indus valley and of Stok, Shey and Matho monasteries. The
Thikshey Monastery is approximately 20 kilometers from Leh. One of the main points of interest is the Maitreya Temple installed
to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in 1970; it contains a 15 metres (49 ft) high statue of
Maitreya, the largest such statue in Ladakh, covering two stories of the building.
Shey Monastery
Built in the mid of the 17th century by Deldon Namgyal, the Shey Monastery and palace complex is noted for the 12 meter
copper and gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Though most of the palace is in ruins today, the Shey Monastery is one of
the major attractions in the Ladakh region, which is located approximately 15 kilometers away from Leh. Further, the monastery
still holds several Tibetan artistic works that include wall paintings, murals of Lord Buddha and manuscripts. Close to the Shey
Monastery, there is a small shrine that also holds several murals of Lord Buddha and of 16 Arhats. Its vicinity also boasts two
Tantric shrines and also hosts vast natural gallery of rock arts depicting the five Dhyani Buddhas.
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DAY 7: ALCHI
Alchi
The village of Alchi is situated around 70 kms. from Leh on the left banks of the Indus river. The village Alchi differentiate itself
from other villages of Ladakh by being so lush green. The flood plain at Alchi is very fertile and provides good and relatively
extensive agricultural land. The Alchi region too received cultural influence from other areas. Alchi had contacts with Buddhism,
Islam and Hinduism; however the Alchi’s isolation helped the village and the Gompa to keep their culture and traditions intact.
Alchi was also on the main trade route of central Asia. The route along the Indus via Leh was connected to the Chinese
Turkestan
Day Notes
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing
Sightseeing points: Alchi Monastery, Du-Khang and Lamayuru monastery
You may wish to do rafting at Nimoo (Optional and at additional cost)
Return to the hotel by evening and relax
Overnight at Alchi
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Included
BB
Visit the below sightseeing points
Alchi Monastery
Believed to be built between the 10th and 11th century amongst the oldest monastery in the Ladakh region, the Alchi
Monastery is more of a monastic complex of temples in Alchi village that brings out the colours of four different ancient
settlements. The Alchi complex maintains the three-storied temple, which is the main temple, an assembly hall, another temple
that is also known as Manjushri and Chortens. The temple walls hold a diorama of several Buddhist and Hindu kings that exude a
unique artistic style. Further, within the complex there are several statues of Lord Buddha and borque-style wood carvings and
other art works.
Du-khang
Dukhang or the Assembly Hall is at the heart of the monastery complex, where monks perform worship and ceremonies. It is
large and ancient, and the original wooden door frame is retained. Many additions were made to the ancient structure during
the 12th and 13th centuries. The colonnaded veranda leads to the hall from a front courtyard and frescoes of one thousand
Buddhas are depicted in the passageway. The Wheel of Life and Mahakal can be seen at the outer gate. The walls of the
Dukhang, dedicated to Panch Tathāgatas, are painted with six different mandalas that surround the Vairochana, the main deity
worshipped in the hall. The mandalas are set among by many paintings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, goddesses, fierce divinities
and guardians of dharma, and also lesser divinities.
Sum-tsek
Inside the Alchi Gompa is Alchi’s most celebrated temple Sum-tsek. Standing on the left of Du-Khang, this three storey mud
structure has three enormous figures of four armed Bodhisattvas. These Bodhisattvas are placed in alcove in the side and far
walls while the middle part of the floor is occupied by a 14 1/2 feet figure of Maitreya Buddha with his upper right hand in
abhaymudra. To his left and right is the white Avalokiteshvara and a figure of Manjushri in a vitarkamudra (gesture of
explanation) respectively.
Lamayuru
Located in the western region of Ladakh, amidst mountain backed badlands, is one of the most popular villages and an ideal
stopover between the Kargil-Leh route. It is situated around 127 kilometers from the town of Leh. Dating back to the 11th
century, Lamayuru monastery was founded by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa and belongs to Red-Hat sect of Buddhism. Also
known as Yung-Drung, this monastery is home to more than 150 monks and houses a rich collection of artifacts, wall paintings,
thangas, statues, carpets and an impressive 11-headed, 1000 eyed image of Chenzing. Apart from the monastery, Lamayuru also
attracts tourists for its beautiful landscape which is quite similar to the lunar territory.
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DAY 8: ALCHI – LEH (70 Km / 02 Hrs)
Day Notes
After breakfast, check out from the hotel at 10:00 and drive to Leh
On route stop at magnetic hill point
Reach Leh by noon & check in to the hotel and relax
In the evening free time for shopping in Leh
Overnight at Leh
Included
BB
Visit the below sightseeing points
Magnetic Hill
Can anyone ever imagine the movement of a vehicle up a steep mountain, with its ignition off? Sounds quite unbelievable!
Magnet Hill is a "gravity hill" located near Leh in Ladakh, India. The layout of the area and surrounding slopes creates an optical
illusion that the downhill road is actually an uphill road. Objects and cars on the hill may appear to roll "uphill" in defiance of
gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downhill.
DAY 9: LEH - AIRPORT
Day Notes
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and departure to airport to take your flight back home
Included
BB
-----------------------------------------------------------------End of your Vacation--------------------------------------------------------------
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PRICE: Starts from USD 770 per person
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation on double occupancy in well rated properties
Breakfast plan on all days
All meal plan in Pangong
Usage of hotel/ resort facilities
Transportation by private chauffer driven vehicle as per itinerary
Sightseeing as per the itinerary – (Itinerary will be shared one week prior to the travel date)
All govt. taxes as on date
EXCLUSIONS
Airfare / Railway fare
Expense of personal nature
Meals not specified in the inclusions
Additional guest requests, orders and services
Additional Activities taken up at the resort
Transport for personal use
Exigency cost – in case of emergency
Travel Insurance
Entrance fees at points of interest
Gratitude & Portage
NOTE
- Since Leh is at an altitude of over 15,000ft, guests require to be at leisure on day 1 to get acclimatized to the weather.
- This program isn’t suitable for parents travelling with infants or kids less than 3yrs of age & for guests having asthma problems
- Leh as a destination is more about the natural landscape, Buddhist culture and adventure activities.
- Above cost is calculated based on minimum 2 adults travelling together. Any change in the total no. of guests travelling will
result in change of rates.
- Most of our programs are customised and we work in line with the requirements of our clients and hence the final detailed
itinerary is prepared 5 days prior to the travel date based on the weather conditions and feasibility of visiting places during
sightseeing.