Day 01 : Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, welcome and transfer to hotel for overnight
stay.
Day 2: Fly Delhi
- Leh (3445mtrs)
Transfer to the airport to board the flight to Leh. You will
be received on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest and
acclimatize yourself to the altitude and rarified air of Ladakh.
In the evening, we gather for dinner and are introduced to the
tour guide.
Day 3: Leh - Half day tour
After
breakfast, leave for a tour of Leh and see its ancient monuments
and Buddhist sites. After lunch at your hotel we leave for a
tour of the Shanti Stupa, Built by Japanese Buddhists this Peace
Pagoda is a beautiful structure with gilt panels on its sides
that display episodes from the life of Buddha. It was
inaugurated in 1983 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We then
drive to the Sankar Monastery that is surrounded by forests and
barley fields that rise in terraces along the hillside. Within
the monastery you can see beautiful Thanka paintings and
statuettes of Buddha made of gold. Return to your hotel to stay
overnight.
Day 4: Leh -Hemis - Thiksey - Shey
After
breakfast we leave for a tour of the Hemis Gompa. This monastery
is the best known in Ladakh. Around the monastery you will see
Chortens or Buddhist reliquaries and ornate walls. After seeing
the sights of the monastery we leave for the Thiksey Monastery.
This is situated on a mountain from where you can see panoramic
views of the Indus Valley. Within the monastery you can see many
beautiful Buddhist artifacts. We then leave for the Shey Palace,
which was the summer palace of the royal family of Ladakh.
Return to your hotel to stay overnight.
Day 5: Leh - Alchi
After
breakfast, we leave for Alchi. Located 70 kms west of Leh, is
the Uletokpo camp where we arrive rest, have lunch and then
leave for a tour of Alchi monastery and the nearby village.
Considered one of the most well preserved Buddhist centers of
Ladakh, the Alchi monastery has beautiful paintings on its
walls, which are examples of early Buddhist art. In Alchi
village you can see the rural lifestyle of the villagers
including activities such as grinding wheat etc. Stay overnight
at the camp.
Day 6: Alchi - Lamayuru - Alchi
After breakfast we drive to Lamayuru, where we tour the Lamayuru
monastery. Also called the Yung-drung (Swastika) monastery,
Lamayuru is one of the oldest monasteries in Central Ladakh.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at Lamayuru village and explore its
surroundings in the afternoon. Return to the camp in the evening
to stay overnight.
Day 7: Ridzong and Likir Monasteries
After
an early snack we leave for the Ridzong Monastery. The last
kilometer of this journey is on foot, due to the steep hill.
Ridzong is a nunnery, where Buddhist nuns reside. Tour the
monastery and then return to the camp for breakfast. Later we
leave for Leh. On the way we stop to the Likir Monastery built
in the 15th century by monks of the Gelupa (Yellow Hat) Sect.
Later we resume our drive along the Indus River. Arrive at the
hotel in time for a late lunch. Relax in the afternoon and
evening and stay overnight in the hotel.
Day 8: Leh - Saboo - Leh
After breakfast we leave for Saboo village where you can see the
traditional lifestyle of the people of Ladakh. You can taste Gur
Gur or Yak Butter Tea and dine on local cuisine at a Ladakhi
home. Return to Leh and enjoy shopping and sightseeing. Stay
overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Leh - Stok
After breakfast
we leave for the Stok Palace, where the royal family of Ladakh
used to live. In the museum at the palace you can see family
heirlooms and artifacts from royal times. We then tour the
Ladakh Handicraft Center. Here you can buy beautiful handmade
products and craft items. We than travel to Choglamsar, where
you can see a Tibetan settlement. There are many Tibetans
residing in Ladakh. Return to your hotel to stay overnight.
Day 10: Leh
Your last day in Leh is at your disposal. You can go shopping,
sightseeing or pursue any activity of your choice.
Day 11: Leh - Delhi
After an early breakfast we leave for the airport, where you can
board the flight to Delhi. Our representative will meet you at
Delhi airport and help you check into your hotel. Check into
your hotel and relax. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Delhi - Departure
After breakfast, leave for a day's sightseeing tour of Delhi. In
historic Old Delhi you will see the Jama Masjid, one of the
largest mosques of India; the Red Fort, an impressive sandstone
monument built by the Mughals, and you can explore the busy
market of Chandi Chowk. You can also visit Raj Ghat, the
memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi you can see India Gate,
Parliament House and the President's mansion. Humayun's Tomb,
Qutub Minar and the Bahai Temple and shopping in crafts emporia
in Delhi complete your Delhi tour. and Evening Transfer to
Airport. |