WHY TRAVEL WITH US

explore The Himalayas

LADAKH BUDDHIST KINGDOM

Route at a Glance: - Delhi - Leh - Likir - Rizong - Alchi - Lamayuru - Khardung - La - Agra - Delhi

Located in the extreme north of India, Ladakh is bounded by two of the planet’s highest mountain ranges namely the Karakoram and the great Himalayas. Arid and barren, but interspersed with isolated settlements green oases of swaying poplars and cultivated farmland; Ladakh is awe-inspiring in its starkness, and strangely beautiful.

“The Magical Buddhist Kingdom” Immerse yourself in the enchanting Buddhist land escorted by the great Himalayas where the atmosphere remains filled with the serenity of prayers from the monasteries.

It is a land of medieval gompas (monasteries) clinging to cliff sides; fluttering prayer flags; a wonderfully gentle people, who practice Buddhism; rushing rivers; high peaks; and passes, but few roads. Our journey of discovery includes many fascinating excursions to nearby monasteries; short easy hikes through villages, with splendid views; and also a drive up to Khardung La (5600m) the highest motorable pass in the world.

Day 1 - Arrive Delhi :

Assistance and garland welcome on arrival and transfer by a private car to a pre-booked hotel. Afternoon guided tour of Old Delhi. Breakfast.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 2 - Delhi to Leh : Flight

Early morning transfer to the airport for a spectacular, one-hour flight over the mighty Himalayas to Leh (3500m), the capital of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. Rest of the day free for acclimatization.

Overnight in Leh.

Day 3 - Leh (half-day sightseeing) :

After breakfast time free for further acclimatization. Afternoon, set off on a half-day sightseeing trip to the 200 years old Shankar monastery, which contains a plethora of impressive images, wall paintings and a huge statue of Aloketesvara with 1000 arms and heads. The next stop is the Japanese built Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa): crowned with a massive dome; this stupa is reminiscent of Nalanda and Rajgir Stupas. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight in Leh

Day 4 - Leh (sightseeing) :

Full day sightseeing, visiting the three most important monasteries of Ladakh – Hemis, Thiksey and Shey Palace. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Overnight in Leh

Day 5 - Leh to Likir : 55Km about 1:30hrs & Likir to Alchi : 20Km about 1/2hrs

After breakfast, we drive to Likir monastery and then begin our easy trek with gradual climbs and descents through beautiful villages; we also cross a small pass (Chagaste, 3630m) and complete the trek with a descent to Rizong monastery where jeep/s will be waiting to take us to Alchi. Total trekking hours about 5/6.

Day 6 - Alchi to Mangyu to Alchi :

Today morning visit to Alchi Monastery and then we begin the trek to Mangyu village (about 5hrs). After visiting the village and its beautiful temple, we drive back to Alchi.

Overnight in Alchi.

Day 7 - Alchi to Lamayuru : 56Km about 1:30hrs & Lamyuru to Leh : 115Km about 2:30hrs

Today we take an exciting drive to the most impressive monastery in Ladakh-Lamayuru situated in a delightful village. After visiting the monastery and village, we return to Leh.

Overnight in Leh.

Day 8 - Leh to Khardung La Top : 40Km about 1:30hrs back to Leh

After an early breakfast, drive to Khardung La (La=pass) (5600m), the highest motorable pass in the world! The views from the top and on the way are spectacular, extending to the south, across the Indus Valley to the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range. To the north, the views of the mighty peaks of the Saser Massif are amazing. After a short photo session, we drive back to Leh.

Overnight in Leh.

Day 9 - Leh to Delhi : Flight & Delhi to Agra : 230Km about 4:30hrs

Early morning transfer to Leh airport for the return flight to Delhi; truly a great farewell from the Mountain Kingdom. Arrive Delhi and drive about 5hrs to Agra.

Overnight in Agra

Day 10 - Agra (sightseeing) evening train to Delhi :

Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal and then return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, time free. Afternoon visit to Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah. In the evening transfer to the railway station for a fast train to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to Hotel. Note - Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.