Dramatic landscapes, a plateau surrounded by Himalayan peaks and an opportunity to stargaze from the sweeping ramparts of the royal palace. Extraordinary! That’s Ladakh. The culture is no less extraordinary with the predominant religion being Buddhism, there are numerous monasteries and a series of colourful festivals each summer. Ladakh is open to visit from May till September.
Fly to Delhi. We will work out the most efficient route for you.
Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel in your private chauffeured car. Optional half day sightseeing of Delhi.
Fly to Leh, the capital of the kingdom of Ladakh. You are now at an altitude of 11500ft. Transfer to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure to acclimatise. First of four nights in Leh.
Today, visit Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa pagoda, the Tibetan inspired Leh Palace and the 15th century Namgyal Tsemo Gompa perched on a cliff top.
Morning visit to Thiksey monastery to witness the morning prayers. Later visit Shey, once the summer residence of Ladak Vikings. After lunch, visit Hemis monastery to see an impressive array of thangka’s and frescoes dating back to the 17th century.
Today explore Basgo Castle and the majestic Likir Monastery. After lunch, visit the rocky fortress, Rizong monastery, which has one of the only nunneries in Ladakh. Later visit the Alchi Monastery, located on the banks of the Indus river.
Drive to Nubra Valley crossing Khardung La Pass, situated along the ancient caravan route of Central Asia. At 18,380 ft, Khardung La Pass is the highest motorable road in the world. As you drive along, discover an extraordinary blend of landscapes with streaming rivers, orchards, desert sand dunes and greenfields. Arrive Nubra Valley and check into your hotel. This afternoon, visit Diskit Monastery and Hunder Sand Dunes. Optional ride on a double hump camel.
Morning visit to Ensa Monastery, the oldest monastery in Nubra. Take an optional 45-minute trek (moderate/hard) up to the monastery to see the footprints of Dachompa in one of the three prayer rooms. Next drive to the 132-year-old Samstanling Monastery.
Morning transfer by road to Leh. On arrival, check into your hotel for overnight stay. Chauffer car at disposal to visit surroundings at leisure.
Fly to Delhi. Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Fly back to Delhi.
Thank you very much for organising such a great holiday. The itinerary was brilliant and everything worked very well and there was always an agent to meet us on arrival at our next destinations. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and it has wetted our appetites to visit India again. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Indian Odyssey to any of our friends.