Welcome at the Leh airport from where you'll be transferred to hotel in your private vehicle. Check-in at the hotel. Acclimatizing to the altitude is very important journey before doing any activity so we take rest and venture out to the city market in evening for a casual stroll (No transport will be Provided for Market). Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Tip: At a height of more than 11,000 ft high, there will be a drop in oxygen level that will lead to acute mountain sickness. You should rest and stay hydrated in order to acclimatize yourself.
Morning after breakfast drive to Alchi. Enroute visit Hall of fame, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Confluence of Zanskar and Indus river. Now further continuing your journey way to Alchi. In the evening return back to Hotel and overnight stay in the leh.
MAGNETIC HILL : Defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the Gurdwara Shri Patthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill that’s the Believe it or not of Ladakh!
CONFLUENCE OF THE ZANSKAR & INDUS : On way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wed-lock! In seasons they have different colors and flow and wildness.
ALCHI GOMPA: 70 Kms from Leh, on the banks of the Indus, is the Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attractions. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Liker monastery. This is the only monastery amongst 34 monasteries, which is not located on a hilltop.
LADAKH HALL OF FAME : The Hall of Fame is a glorious museum constructed by the Indian Army. It is worth a visit for every citizen. You can see the memorabilia, eminent defense personalities with biographies, images and weapons used uring the Kargil and other key strategic battles fought in Ladakh. And belongings of the enemy soldiers found at war site. All the martyr and the gallantry awards… “Here’s something that you will be proud of our defense personnel who sacrificed themselves so that we could live in peace.â€sunset in the leh.
*Optional - White water River Rafting (at your own cost) - You can go fro River Rafting from Phey to Nimmo if you want to.
Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the World Highest Motorable road (5602 Mts) Khardungla pass. Arrive Nubra and proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy the camel ride (On Own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries and check in at Deluxe Camp. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the camp.
KHARDUNGLA PASS: The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardung La pass (The highest Motorable road in the world) 18,390 ft. around 39 Kms. Away from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at higher altitude than Deskit and other villages.
DESKIT VILLAGE: Deskit is the main village of headquarter of Nubra valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop. Spectacular view of the valley can be seen form the monastery.
DESKIT GOMPA: Deskit Gompa was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks are residing in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thikse Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar.
HUNDAR VILLAGE: Hundar is a beautiful village to stay with lot of trees and you will really enjoy your stay at Hundar. It has a small monastery and ruined fort above the village. The walk or Camel Safari (Double Hump bacterian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes for two hours is wonderful (on own).
Tip: Dont forget to enjoy hot Maggi at the highest Maggi point of the world in Khardung La.
Post breakfast & drive to Turtuk. Reach the picturesque border village of Turtuk which technically falls in Baltistan-the Balti region of Pakistan & was annexed by India during the 1971’ war. Spend the rest of the day walking around and interacting with the locals- the whole feel is like being in Pakistan but rest assured the localsare very friendly & patriotic towards India. Photo ops: the dunes & Bactrian Camels at Hunder; the entire drive from Hunder to Turtuk - the wide Nubra Valley starts narrowing in & the mountain, the color of the rocks & mountains gets darker & darker, and the region more & more remote, till it finally bursts out into the verdant & full-of-life Turtuk region; Thoise Airbase–on the RHS a little while after Hunder; Turtuk & its twin village with orchards, fields & flowers, the wonderful cultural, & religious icons including mosques with tall intricately wooden minarets. The wonderfully warm & hospitable locals with their cherubic European looks- the kids are adorable; and the vistas when you go on walks in the surrounding region, Overnight stay in Nubra.
Post breakfast, drive to Pangong tso via Shyok village. Enroute explore the mound of earthen monastic dwellings, crowned by the Gompa. The valley is blessed with a beautiful stream flowing through it, originating from the lake, giving a greenish tincture to the otherwise dry landscape around. Apart from flora this area is rich in fauna too. You can see a lot of Himalayan Marmots around the area. However, the main attraction of this circuit is the grand Pangong Tso, which you would reach by early evening. The mesmerizing beauty and the fantastic view of Tso places it a league above anything you have seen so far. Overnight stay at Pangong.
After breakfast drive back to Leh. En route, cross Chang la pass after driving through Durbuk and Tangtse village situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh. Later visit the Sindhu Ghat and Thiksey monastery followed by Shey Palace, There is also a symbolic salute to the brave soldiers of the country. Witness traditional dance performances by local artists from various parts of the country. Then visit The Druk White Lotus School Rancho School.
Head to Stok village in the afternoon - enjoy the stay over there in a Ladakhi home along with families. Get to know their culture, enjoy Ladakhi cuisine, and interact with locals and hikers around there and overnight stay in Stok village.
Wake up lazy morning. After having the lavish ladakhi cuisine, now head to visit the Stok muesum where we can study the history of Ladakh. You can walk the village up to base of Stok Kangri (up to one's caliber). Trek to Stok Kangri base camp (on your own) if you want to.
In afternoon, we'll head back to Leh where we'll visit the Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa - bask in the peace amidst this hilltop Stupa and revel in the panoramic view of the city. The sunset is the perfect backdrop you wished for. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After a scrumptious breakfast, complete all the signing out formalities and head to the Leh airport. Board the flight and get back to home with grand memories.