Board the flight to Srinagar, arrive at Srinagar airport in the noon. Pick-up from Srinagar airport from where you’ll be transferred to houseboat in private vehicle. Check-in at the houseboat and have some rest. In evening, you can go for Shikara ride at Nageen Lake / Dal Lake. There is also a floating market in the Lake which is perfect to soak in the natural aura, perfectly merged with the happy chatter and hustle bustle of local life, while you are gently swayed by the colorful Shikaras. Return to houseboat for dinner and overnight stay.
After a wholesome breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Visit to Cheshma Shahi, Nishat, Shalimar collectively known as the Mughal Gardens are contribution of the great Mughal laid out in the 16th century & these fall along the bank of Dal- lake in the heart of Srinagar city & Shankaracharya Temple located on a hillock, thus providing panoramic view entire City, along with famous Dal-lake & river Jehlum, enroute visiting handloom centre famous for production of pashmina / Shahtoos shawls & world over reckoned carpets.
In evening head towards your booked hotel for overnight stay
In early morning, after breakfast and check out the house boat, and drive to Wakha via Kargil, enroute stops include Sonamarg and Baltal hamlets, famous for rugged snow peaked meadows. Past Baltal cross over Zoji-La Pass (11,500 ft). We are in Drass valley with strikingly different landscape dotted with remote mud huts giving an impression that you really have traveled back in time. Lunch will be at midway (on own). After a passport check we continue on to Kargil . Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Check-out the hotel after breakfast and continue your journey to Leh. On the way, visit Nemo where you will observe the confluence of the river Indus and Zanskar. Head onward towards Leh stop over at the Magnetic Hills, Pathar sahib Gurudwara and Hall of Fame. Reach Leh by late afternoon and acclimatize for rest of the day. Overnight in Leh.
Note:- This day is the first day at such high altitude so we recommend minimum or very less movement. Relax and try and drink a lot of water. Overnight stay in the hotel.
After breakfast you have the full day to relax and explore the Leh city on your own if you want one of the below tours can be arranged for you (at additional cost)
1 - A village cycling trip from Choglamsar to Phey to nimu
2 - A Village homestay experience at Stok Village
3- A walk through the LAMO (Ladakh Art and Music Organization)
Or you can just relax and explore the open air cafes in the leh Market.
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.
Wake up lazy morning. Check-out the camps after breakfast and drive your way back to Leh. On the way back, make a stop over at Changla Pass, Sindhu Ghat and Shey, Hemis and Thiksey Monastery – the most powerful monasteries considered in Ladakh region followed by Druk Padma School. Now continue your journey towards Leh.
Reach Leh in the evening and visit the Shanti Stupa. The sunset is the perfect backdrop you can wish for. Head back to the hotel by late evening and overnight stay at the hotel.
The Druk White Lotus School Rancho School The school appeared in the famous movie 3 IDIOTS. Later you may also indulge in a little photo shoot if you get a chance to witness the blessed the sunset in the leh.
In morning after breakfast, bid the Ladakh region goodbye and head to Jispa in your private vehicle. Enroute visit the Morey Plains, Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, Sarchu, Lahchungla, Baralacha, etc. Reach Jispa late in the evening. Check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Check out the hotel after breakfast and some leisure, drive to Vasishta, the old Hidimba temple and take a ride of the Yak if you want to. Explore the Manali main market just so that you don’t miss out on the mall road experience which every tourist craves for. Basically, do the touristy stuff and rest so the basic checklist is cleared off! In evening board the bus to Delhi, Have a overnight journey in the bus and get back to home with sweet memories
END OF THE TRIP……………………………………….