Route Map
Secrets of Himalayas: Ladakh & Zanskar Tour
Soft adventure and Cultural tour
16 Days
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE
Ladakh is a well-hidden secret of the Himalayas that it has managed to preserve over centuries. The scintillating landscapes, the breathtaking mountains and the never-ending roads are just the appetizers as far as the Ladakh with Zanskar tour is considered. Ladakh isn’t just about its mesmerizing scenic landscapes, rather it’s a blend of nature and culture.
Ladakh is a land abounding in awesome physical features set in an enormous and spectacular environment. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges the Karakoram in the north and the Great Himalaya in the south it is traversed by two other parallel chains the Ladakh Range and the Zanskar Range.
Although, amidst all the difficulties, Zanskar is a blessing in disguise for you. The centuries-old monasteries combined with the warm hospitality of locals provide you with an insight into the Hindu-Buddhist traditions and cultures. Ladakh with Zanskar tour will open up your mind and rejuvenate your soul while taking you across some of the most serene locations in India. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 ft (2,750 m) at Kargil to 25,170 ft (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram Range. Surprisingly though the thin air makes the heat of the sun even more intense than at lower altitudes. It is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.
EXPERIENCES AND VISITS IN THIS TOUR
- Walk thru / Cycle Rickshaw Asia’s largest Spice Market and explore narrow lane in Old Delhi
- Drive through some of the most amazing landscapes in one of the remotest regions in the Indian Himalayas.
- See and photograph some spectacular views of twin peaks – Nun and Kun.
- Spend several days camping in some remote regions in the Himalayas, at some extraordinary locations.
- Photographing the best that the Himalayas can offer: starry nights, glaciers, glacial streams, snow-peaks and much more.
- Experience the "Cyclope Hills" also known as Magnetic Hill, that pulls your vehicle up the hill due to its gravitational force.
- Feel blessed at the Gurudwara Sri Pathar Sahib, origin from the early 15th Century.
- Ride through the newly opened less traveled and toughest route
- Witness the life at the monastery at Zangla, Stongde, Karsha, Sani, & Rangdum
- Unexplored and fabled faraway lands, sparsely populated
- Meet the Descendants of Alexander the great at the last Aryan Village – Dah Hanu (Optional)
- Live local at each place closely exploring the culture and Ladakhi cuisines
- Visit sights specifically chosen keeping photography opportunities in mind.
- Expert help and advice with photographing the Himalayan landscapes of Zanskar.
- Insights to nuances of landscape photography during the tour
- Ladakh – an exotic place away from the modern world.
- Sham and Suru valleys – for their magnificent landscapes.
- Rangdum - an elliptical plateau surrounded by colorful mountains.
- Buddhist temples and monasteries in and around Leh.
VIEW FULL ITINERARY
Arrive in Delhi, After completing immigration and custom formalities, meet our representative at the arrival gate. After introductions, you will be transferred to the hotel.
DELHI, the capital of India, is home to 16 million people, making it the third-largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India. Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century.
Morning your tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”. Continue your tour to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by-lanes of Chandani Chowk and visit spices market is one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia, It is well worth a visit for the intensity of its sights and smells alone. Along with fresh spices of all shapes, sizes, and colors, this market sells myriad nuts, herbs, dry fruits, and grains.
In the afternoon visit the Qutb Minar complex which dominates the historic site where Qutb-ud-Din-Aibak laid the foundation of Delhi Sultanate. Its sandstone minaret, 72.5 m high, has a staircase of 379 steps to reach the summit. It is the tallest stone tower in India and one of the most successful Muslim buildings. You will then discover the Humayun Mausoleum, the 2nd Mughal emperor. Built-in the middle of the 16th century at the request of Hamida Banu Begum (the widow of Emperor Humayun), the mausoleum is a fine example of early Mughal architecture.
Drive past British Architect by Edward Lutyens, with the task of building the new capital in Delhi. Lutyen’s Delhi primarily consists of the administrative area of the capital, India Gate and the Viceroy’s House (which is now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan). A visit to Delhi is incomplete without going to Lutyen’s Delhi which one can say, is the place where the Central Government of India currently resides and works from.
Arrive at Leh airport where our executive would welcome you and accompany you to the hotel. Check-in and acclimatize. The rest of the day is for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Later visit the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and Leh Market. Leh Palace was the former palace of the king of Leh. Shanti Stupa is a mesmerizing Buddhist Monastery. you can visit the colorful market of Leh for beautiful curios and souvenirs. The vivacious market offers the most tangible memories meant for everyone’s taste of goods for you to carry back home.
Today, you will depart for the exploration of Indus Valley monasteries.
The first monastery would be Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Existed before the 11th century, the monastery was re-established in 1672 by Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. Thiksey Monastery, perched beautifully in White, Red and Ochre at a height of 3,600m in the Thiksey village. It bears a strong resemblance to Potala Palace in Lahasa in Tibet. Thiksey Monastery is a great place for learning about the several facets of Buddhism. Shey Monastery: The monastery is known for its giant copper with a gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is said to be the second-largest statue in Ladakh and a must-see.
Continue to Matho Monastery, right across the Indus River Valley. This monastery was founded in the 16th century, and it is the only monastery in Ladakh that belongs to the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll learn all about these different sects from your guide.
Optional: In the morning you'll be taken to the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, about half an hour's drive out of town. Attend an hour-long yoga and meditation class, then return to your hotel for breakfast.
Drive to Sham Valley, en-route visit Gurudwara Patthar Sahib which is nestled deep in the Himalayas. Guru Nanak is revered amidst Buddhists too and the stone placed in the Gurudwara is believed to be placed by gods. Despite many efforts, nobody could move it.
Continue drive would take us to the famous Magnetic Hill which defies the laws of gravity. Then visit Likir Monastery which is one of the most active monasteries in the Ladakh region. Upon your drive to the monastery, you will witness the newly installed colossal gilded image of the future Bodhisattva who will walk on the Earth again
Finally arrived at the Ridzong Monastery, en route Tingmosgang. You can climb up to the monastery for a spectacular view of the region. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel / Camp
In the morning, you will drive to Kargil, en-route visiting the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery- Located on the top of hills, the ancient Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is believed to be one of the oldest in the region.
Next visiting the mesmerizing and the most awaited destination is Moon Landscape. The reason for the name is the landscape of the region resembles that of the lunar landscape.
Later Drive to KARGIL over Fatu-la (13,489 ft) which is the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road. Upon arrival in Kargil, check-in at the Hotel
In the morning you will drive to Rangdum, Rangdum Village is an elliptical expanded plateau that is situated midway between Kargil and Padum. An elliptical expanded plateau, one side of the village offers scenic colourful hills and the other side are glaciers and rocky mountains. Being the farthest region of the Suru Valley at an altitude of 3657 meters, it has evolved with a wild beauty. This isolated place is known for an old monastery, which is one of the most revered Buddhist places in Leh-Ladakh.
Upon arrival at Rangdum, we check in at our Camp / Hotel / Guest House
In the morning, you will drive to Padum, Padum the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum (3505 m) is the present-day administrative headquarters of the region. En-route visits the Sani Monastery. One of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh, it is believed that the monastery was built in parts with each part dating back to different centuries. The entire Sani Monastery of Ladakh has been built in parts, each dating back to a different century.
Upon arrival in Padum, we check in at our Camp / Hotel / Guest House
Day you will depart for visit to Karsha and Bardan.
Visit Karsha village in the Zanskar region & visit the Karsha Monastery. Seen from far, the picturesque monastery lies on top of a rising mountainside.
Then you will visit Bardan Gompa which is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery in the Bardan region. Belonging to the Dugpa-Kargyud monastic order, Bardan Gompa is believed to be the first established monastery of this sect.
Return back to the Hotel /camp/ Guest House
The day you will depart for a visit to Stongde & Zangla.
Stongdey Monastery, 18km north of Padum. The second-largest monastic establishment in Zanskar, Stongdey monastery is associated with Tibetan Yogi Marpa. Stongdey is now the second-largest monastic establishment of Zanskar, inhabited by the resident community of about 60 Gelukpa monks.
Then drive to Zangla, reaching the Zangla Palace. Located deep in the Himalayan mountains, Zangla Palace which is also a monastery, Zangla was ruled by a titular king who died a few years ago. Zangla was being ruled by a titular king till his death a few years back. After visiting the above monasteries we drive back to our Hotel /camp/ Guest House.
After leisure breakfast, drive back to Rangdum, arrive & check-in at Hotel / Camp / Guest House
Rest of the day at leisure.
After leisure breakfast, drive back to Rangdum, arrive & check-in at Hotel / Camp / Guest House
Rest of the day at leisure.
After leisure breakfast, drive back to Rangdum, arrive & check-in at Hotel / Camp / Guest House
Rest of the day at leisure.
After leisure breakfast, drive back to Kargil, arrive & check-in at Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure.
In the morning, you drive back to Leh en-route visiting Mulbekh- Mulbekh Monastery consists of two gompas, Serdung Gompa of Drukpa sect & Rgaldan-se Gompa of Gelugpa sect. The monastery is believed to have been built around 800 years back by the students of the Tibetan scholar, Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. Mulbekh Monastery stands atop a crag located almost 656 feet above the road and is reached by a steep footpath. The altitude of the monastery is believed to be almost 11,495 feet.
Visit the Alchi Gompa. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century.
Then proceed to visit Basgo-The jagged skyline of the ruins of the 15th century capital of Ladakh dominates the village of Basgo. You can also explore the Basgo monastery which is of great cultural importance to the people of Leh Finally you arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at your Hotel.
Day excursion to Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road in The World), around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. The views from the top of the pass are amazing. Return to the hotel on time for lunch. In the afternoon you can stroll around the marketplace for some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Early breakfast in time transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to Hotel
Day at leisure for independent or shopping activities
Later in time transfer to airport to board flight back home.
End Of Tour
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN YOUR TOUR COST
- Accommodation for total 15 nights in Hotels/ Himalayan Lodge’s/homestays/ tents on twin / triple sharing basis.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (set menu) as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the program by air-conditioned Vehicle
- English speaking accompanying guide from Leh to Leh as per program
- Local English speaking guide in Delhi
- Wildlife fee, red cross, Ladakh environmental fee and inner line permit to the restricted areas.
- All entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the program.
- Cycle rickshaw ride in the local bazaar in Delhi
- Our representative for assistance on arrival and departure at the airport.
- All presently applicable taxes including the GST charges levied recently by the Government.
- Two bottles of mineral water each day during sightseeing.
TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE FOLLOWING EXPENSES
- International / Domestic Airfare
- Any new admission fees / taxes / fuel surcharges/ Visa fees
- Meals not mentioned
- All personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, trip cancellation and personal insurance, gratuities, excess baggage fees
- Early check-in/late check-out (except as noted)
- Camera/video fees at monuments
- Communication costs
- camel safari and rafting
- Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen problems like a natural disaster, war or strikes, cancellation or misconnection of flights or a last-minute change of timings, etc.
- Any other service, which has not been specified as "included".
Secrets of Himalayas: Ladakh & Zanskar Tour
16 Days / 15 Nights
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