Overview
Ladakh is a district located in Jammu and Kashmir and has been nick named as ‘the Moon Land’ for its breathtaking beauty and picturesque landscapes. The place resonates with the tinkling of temple bells, chanting of prayers and aroma of incense in its sacred monasteries. People have adapted Buddhism to their heart’s content so much so that Ladakh is fondly also known as ‘the Little Tibet”. The endearing silence of the place makes you stand still for a moment thus giving an impression that Buddhism is the speaking voice of the silent God. A trip to one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Ladakh will help you to rejuvenate yourself from the hectic schedule of a city life thus enabling you to start afresh with renewed hopes and aspirations back home.
Silence is golden. How true these words are as one steps into this land of Lamas who are busy day and night in the silent communion with God. The monasteries of Ladakh speak volumes of a major spiritual renaissance taking place in its closed quarters. Besides, the spectacular vistas around with mountains, river and valleys; further makes this place more beautiful. One of the most sought – after destinations in India, Ladakh is truly a traveler’s paradise.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Sankar monastery, Leh Bazaar, Leh Palace, Leh monasteries and Shanti Stupa in Leh.
- Pay your due respects at Shey, Thiksey, Hemis and Stok monasteries in Leh and embark on river rafting in Sangam.
- Get enchanted by the blissful environs of Spituk, Alchi and Likir monasteries in Uleytokpo.
- Revive your spirits in the mystic beauty of Lamayuru monastery in Lamayuru.
- Spiritualize your being by visiting Rhizong and Phyang monasteries enroute Leh.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 - Airport to Leh
On arrival at Leh, you will be met by a travel representative who will assist you in transferring to the hotel. Welcome drink will be served on arrival. Rest of the day is at leisure. Leh which is circumscribed by two lofty mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Karakoram is a high-altitude desert which provides scenic vistas to its travelers. Stay overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 02 - Leh sightseeing
After a luscious breakfast at the hotel, visit Sankar monastery which is located en route Khardung la Pass and is surrounded by trees thus emanating serenity around. Next, visit Leh Bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs. Thereafter, walk through the corridors of Leh palace in order to reach the rooftop for a panoramic view of the whole city. Subsequently, visit Leh monasteries and get intoxicated in its beatific environs. Henceforth, visit Shanti Stupa which is a huge edifice located on a hill top and looks.
Day 03 - Leh sightseeing
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Shey monastery which is famous for housing a gigantic statue of Gautam Buddha which is the second largest statue in Ladakh. Next, visit Thiksey monastery which has Buddhist relics displayed for its tourists like thangkas, stupas, wall paintings, statues etc. Subsequently, visit Hemis monastery which is the largest monastic institution in Ladakh. Later, visit Stok monastery which celebrates dance-mask festival every year; a thrilling sight to behold. Proceed to Sangam where Indus and Zanskar; two famous rivers meet. Embark on a river rafting expedition. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 04 - Leh to Uleytokpo
After a sumptuous breakfast in the hotel, drive to Uleytokpo. Visit Spituk monastery which has images and statues of Lord Buddha, old shrines, frescoes, idols and religious scriptures. Next, visit Alchi monastery which is the oldest Buddhist Learning Centre in Ladakh. Proceed to Likir which is also one of the oldest yet well-maintained monasteries in Leh and houses a 75-feet statue of Buddha. Stay overnight in a camp at Uleytokpo.
Day 05 - Uleytokpo to Lamayuru
After a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, drive to Lamayuru. Visit Lamayuru monastery which is the largest monastery in Leh and is renowned for its collection of murals, statues of Buddha and other deities, wall paintings, scriptures and thangkas. Drive back to Uleytokpo. Stay overnight at a camp at Uleytokpo.
Day 06 - Uleytokpo to Leh
After a hearty meal, drive to Leh. En route visit Rhizong monastery which has earned the sobriquet ‘Paradise of Meditation” due to its stringent rules and regulations. The monastery comprises an Assembly Hall, Thin-Chen shrine, Relic shrine, Sacred chamber, Julichen nunnery etc. Next, visit Phyang Monastery which is the residence of about 100 monks. The monastery consists of a museum which has 900-year old collections of art and artifacts and an old temple of Mahakala. The monastery is famous for celebrating dance and music. Mask dance and Cham dance by the lamas are a sight to behold. Arrive at Leh. On arrival, check into the hotel and stay overnight in Leh.
Day 07 - Departure from Leh
After breakfast, you will be transferred in time to the Leh airport for an onward journey.