Wonders of Ladakh (9 Days and 8 Nights)

You will be welcomed at New Delhi International Airport by our tour executive and driven to a hotel for check in. Use the remainder of the day to rest and overcome travel fatigue.

Fly to Leh on a morning flight (80 minutes duration). Upon arrival, drive to Nimmo Village (33 km, 45 minutes). En route, pay obeisance at the holy Sikh shrine of Pathar Sahib. The shrine of Pathar Sahib is dedicated to Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. It is built at the spot where Sri Nanak Dev had an encounter with a demon in 1517 AD. Further along the route, make a short halt at Magnetic Hill to experience an interesting gravity-defying phenomenon. At a specific spot on the highway, when a vehicle is placed in neutral gear, it is pulled up the slope for some distance. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by the geological attributes of the hill exerting a magnetic force on the vehicles.

Check in at an eco-resort in Nimmo. No excursions are planned for the rest of the day to allow you to relax and unwind at your own pace. Allowing the body the necessary time to get used to the low oxygen content in the air helps in acclimatization, which is key to preventing high altitude sickness.

After breakfast, head for a guided exploration of Nimmo Village on foot. Traversing through the village on foot is the most profound and unhurried way of experiencing village life and appreciating the beauty of the natural surroundings. Post-lunch, embark on an exploration of Likir and Alchi Buddhist Monasteries. The Likir Monastery, established in the 12th century AD and later restructured under the Ge-lug-pa sect of Buddhism, is impressive. The main prayer hall houses images of Sakyamuni, Maitreya, and Tsong-kha-pa with his two disciples. The murals and thangkas of the monastery add to its charm.

Built in the 11th century AD, the Alchi Monastery belongs to the Ge-lug-pa sect of Buddhism. Located across the Indus River, this monastery boasts several major attractions such as the assembly hall (Du-khang), the new temple known as the Lha-khang, and other small temples like the Jampal Lha-khang and the Lotsava Lha-khang. The chortens (Buddhist shrines) within the monastery feature ancient carved paintings, showcasing intricate details. After exploring the two fascinating Buddhist monasteries, return to the resort in Nimmo. Evening at leisure.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the morning in the picturesque landscapes of Nimmo Village. Later, check out from the hotel and head for Leh (33 km, 45 minutes). En route, spend some quality time at the Sangam, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Once in Leh, check in at a hotel for your stay. Post-lunch, explore the Stok Palace Museum followed by a visit to the Leh Market.

The Stok Palace, a three-story structure, was constructed in 1820 by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal and used to be the summer palace of the royal family. After the invasion of Ladakh by the Dogra forces in 1835, the royal family moved to the Stok Palace, which was later converted into a heritage hotel in 1980. The palace houses a museum exhibiting interesting artefacts associated with the royals. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Embark on excursions to two of the most important and popular monasteries of Ladakh: the Hemis and Thikse Monasteries. The Hemis Monastery, located 48 km from Leh, was founded in 1630 AD and boasts the largest number of resident monks in Ladakh. Its annual festival in June/July, coinciding with the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, attracts tourists from around the world.

The Thikse Monastery, founded in the 15th century AD, features an impressive multilevel structure with shrines containing images of Sakyamuni, Avalokiteshvara, and a giant-sized idol of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery's terrace offers a panoramic view of the nearby mountains and valleys. You will then explore the Shanti Stupa before returning to the hotel in Leh. The Shanti Stupa, built in 1991 as part of the Peace Pagoda mission, enshrines relics of Lord Buddha at its base. It is one of the many Shanti Stupas built worldwide to promote world peace. Evening at leisure.

Check out from the hotel and drive to Teggar Village (120 km, 5 hours) in Nubra Valley. The journey to the village in Nubra Valley will take place through Khardung Pass. This road journey goes through some fascinating landscapes, leaving an indelible imprint on the mind and heart. The road through Khardung (5601 meters) is considered to be one of the highest in the world on which motor vehicles can ply. Upon arrival at the beautiful Teggar Village, check in at a comfortable resort for your stay. Relax and unwind at your own pace. Evening at leisure.

Enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas, which is arguably magnified in the morning. Post-breakfast, visit the nearby Samstanling Buddhist Monastery. Established in 1841 by Lama Tsultim Nima, the Samstanling Monastery belongs to the Gelug-pa sect. You will then explore the modest-sized Trisha Lake, which, like most of the lakes in Ladakh, is considered holy. After lunch, drive to Diskit (37 km, 1 hour), where you will visit a Buddhist monastery popularly known as Diskit Monastery. Established in the 14th century, the Diskit Monastery belongs to the Gelug-pa sect. There is a 106-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010. The statue faces towards Pakistan and was established with the intention of fostering peace and protection for the region. You will then head to Hunder Sand Dunes, where you will have a fun ride on the two-humped camel. Drive back to the resort in Teggar Village after the excursion.

Board a morning flight to New Delhi. Your memorable journey to Ladakh comes to an end. Upon arrival in New Delhi, you may proceed to your onward destination. On request, suitable accommodation arrangements will be made for those of you who want to stay overnight in Delhi.