Overview
Ladakh, which is a land of high passes, is enclosed by the Karakoram and the gorgeous Himalayas. The mighty river Indus is the lifeline for the meager population of Ladakh. Its scenic mountain ranges, sprawling grasslands, pious monasteries, brackish lakes, charming villages and opulent heritage makes it the most preferred holiday destination.
Ladakh has immense potential to develop its tourism industry. The adventure freaks look forward to a trip to this land for sports such as trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and mountain biking. This itinerary is mainly for adventure enthusiasts who love to go on trekking trails from one village to another thus admiring the beauty and ethnicity of the places travelled. The tour also encompasses a visit to the sacred monasteries which exhibit Buddhist art and artifacts which depict how the innocent villagers have embraced Buddhism and have made it the cornerstone of their lives.
This itinerary is for those who would wish to visit the well known and lesser-known places in Ladakh. In this trip, the real picture of the ancient history and ethnic culture of Ladakhis will be presented to its tourists. Long treks are filled with excitement and enrichment as one deciphers the hidden treasures slowly and steadily of this region. Since monasteries are present in every nook and corner of Ladakh, no itinerary is complete without a visit to these sacred shrines which are intricately built and provide calmness and peace to its jaded tourists. Thus at the end of every trekking period, one can relax in the lap of these pious monasteries and overcome weariness of the long travel. So, now there is no time to loose, make Ladakh your next travel destination and carry fond memories for a lifetime.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Alchi monastery and Lamayuru Gompa,
- Halt at Nimo, Uleytokpo, Heniskut, Kangra and Mulbek villages.
- Gaze at the valleys of Sanku, Panikhar and Parkachik and visit Rangdum monastery.
- Get awestruck by the beauty of Drung drang glacier, Karsha and Bardan monasteries.
- Get acquainted with Zangla monastery and Hanumil village.
- Walk around Snertse and Lingshed monastery.
- Marvel at Gongma and Siumpta villages.
- Halt at Singi La, Bumiktsi La and Photoksar.
- Gaze at Sirsi La and Hanupatta.
- Walk around Shilla and Lamayuru monastery.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 - Ladakh to Kargil.
On arrival at Leh airport, you will be met by a travel representative who will assist you in driving to Alchi. En route you pass through two villages of Nimo and Uleytokpo which still retain their old charm and ethnicity. As you reach Alchi village,you will find a lush green village with houses made of bricks. The most famous aspect of this village is the Alchi monastery. Other than this the place is adorned with Buddhist stupas, chortens, mural paintings, wooden statues and religious history. As you proceed to Lamayuru,you will drive past the villages of Saspol and Khalsi. On the way,you may visit Lamayuru Gompa and the adjacent villages. Lamayuru monastery is the oldest and one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. Continue your drive to Fatu La which is the highest point on the Leh/Srinagar Highway. Proceed to Heniskut, a small village followed by a visit to Kangral, yet another charming village. Drive past Namika La. Arrive at Mulbekh village. Proceed to Kargil where a giant statue of Lord Buddha has been installed. Stay overnight at a camp in Kargil.
Day 02 - Kargil to Rangdum
After a hearty meal, drive past the valleys of Sanku, Panikhar and Parkachik of lower Baltisthan. In Panikhar, get dumbfounded by the beautiful vistas of Nun and Kun massif, the highest peaks in the Zanskar range. Continue your drive to Rangdum. Visit Rangdum monastery which is an ancient monastery dating back to 18th century. Stay overnight in a camp in Rangdum.
Day 03 - Drive from Rangdum to Padum
After a sumptuous breakfast, drive to Pensi La. On arrival at Pensi La; get awestruck by the spectacular views of Drung Drang glacier, the largest glacier accessible to tourists in Leh. Drive further through the Doda valley and reach Padum. Stay overnight in a camp.
Day 04 - Padium sightseeing
After a leisurely breakfast, visit Karsha monastery which is the largest monastery in Zanskar in Ladakh region. There are temples, chortens, chapels, assembly halls and residential rooms for monks. Then visit Bardan monastery which comprises an assembly hall with Buddhist statues and several small stupas in clay, wood, bronze and copper. Stay overnight in the camp.
Day 05 - Padium to Zangla
After a delicious breakfast, drive to Zangla; a town in Zanskar tehsil of Kargil district and houses a monastery. Stay overnight in a camp.
Day 06 - Zangla to Hanumil
After a luscious breakfast, embark on a trekking trail and reach a small village called Hanumil. Stay overnight in a camp.
Day 07 - Hanumil to Snertse
After breakfast, continue to trek and reach Parfi La. Continue your journey and reach Snertse. Stay overnight in a camp.
Day 08 - Snertse to Lingshed
After breakfast, continue to trek towards Hanuma La and savor the spectacular views from this location. One can see Lingshed monastery; one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh; from this point. Stay overnight in a camp near the monastery.
Day 09 - Lingshed sightseeing
After breakfast, visit Lingshed monastery. Walk around Lingshed village which is a prosperous village. Stay overnight in a camp.
Day 10 - Lingshed to Singila
After breakfast, reach Murgum La. Thereafter, visit the village of gongma and Siumpta followed by a steep climb at Kiupa La. Then climb along the mountainside and reach Singi La.
Day 11 - Singi La to Photoksar.
Post breakfast in the morning; embark on a steep climb to the Singi La. Next, reach Bumiktse La which provides panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Continue your journey to Photoksar, a small village. Visit the monastery located above the village. Stay overnight in a camp.
Day 12 - Photoksar to Hanupatta
After a hearty meal, begin your journey for the day. Reach chorten followed by a visit to Sirsir La. Continue to trek and camp at a short distance before Hanupatta village.
Day 13 - Trek from Hanupatta to Wanla
After breakfast in the morning, begin your trekking tour from Hanupatta. Reach Yapola followed by a visit to Phenjilla. Reach Wanla. Visit the monastery here which was built in 1000 A.D. Stay overnight in the camp.
Day 14 - Trek from Wanla to Lamayuru
After a sumptuous breakfast, go up to the Shillkong valley and arrive at Shilla. Pass the village and continue your journey in order to reach Prinkti La. Next, go to Lamayuru monastery; the oldest and one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh region. From the Monastery embark on a car in order to drive back to Leh. On reaching Leh, you will be transferred in time to the Leh airport.