10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS

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Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days

Sightseeing: Indus valley / Nubra valley / Sham valley / Pangong Lake

Ladakh is an exquisite landlocked region in Jammu and Kashmir, India. This region is nestled between the imposing mountain ranges of the Karakoram and the Himalayas. Ladakh is renowned as a prominent spot of Buddhist religion in India. It is also one of the most significant and outstanding Buddhist centers of religious teaching and spirituality. A horde of spiritual tourists from all over the blue planet comes to Ladakh every year in the quest for spirituality.

Planning a Trip

Pre-departure planning is important. Here are certain things you should watch for and plan for.

Visas

Check with the Indian consulate or embassy in your country to find out if you will need a visa to visit the country of your destination, especially for an extended period of time. Some countries have extremely detailed and complicated entry/departure laws and treat visits of a week or two very differently from longer stays.

Money

If you’re traveling to one area, check the cost of living there. If it’s high you’ll probably want to budget more carefully and save some money before leaving. The lower the cost of living the less you’ll have to save, but be sure to have a backup reserve in emergency cases.

General Tips

Talk to other people who have done a similar trip.

If you don’t know anyone personally, try any of the dozens of online travel websites full of first-person travel stories covering every possible type of trip.

Plan big and loose. Read everything you can about the area.

There may be sights and attractions you didn’t know about. A rough outline of your trip might have three or four target points and a variety of ways to get between them.

You don’t want to find out that the weather isn’t what you thought, or the guide book was incorrect, after committing to 6 weeks in a specific spot.

Some trips will allow you more leeway than others. Travel plans in Asia can often be made day-by-day while summer travel in Europe should be organized at least a few weeks ahead unless you’re prepared to hunt around for hotel rooms and train seats.

Set up a pre-trip timeline so you don’t end up with a full to-do list during your last week of work or school.

Things to consider are doctor’s visits for a check-up, inoculations, and prescription refills; purchasing plane tickets; renewing passports and obtaining visas and other documents.

Check your insurance coverage abroad and purchasing additional travel insurance if needed. Don’t forget visiting friends and family members!e

The longer the trip, the lighter you should pack. This might seem strange, but it’s true you can afford to lug a heavy bag around for a week or two, but do you want to have anything extra for a year?

Stick to the absolute basics and know what you can and cannot buy at your destination(s). There’s no point in bringing 6 months of toothpaste to Europe or buying a sarong at home to take to the tropics. If you are visiting several climates, try to arrange it so you visit the warmer places first and the coldest last. That way you can purchase sweaters and long pants and not have to carry them any more than needed. Alternately, visit cold climates first and then ship unneeded layers home — or sell them off.

A good rule of thumb is to bring one outfit for the hottest day you’re likely to encounter, one for an average day, and one for the coldest.

Make sure everything goes with everything else (if that’s important to you), and remember that layers are always best.

Be prepared for uncomfortable trips. You will often find yourself in a busy, cramped, economy class environment and it could be for many hours – especially long plane trips.

If you want to arrive at your destination refreshed and able to enjoy the sights, then try a good quality travel pillow to support your head, some earplugs to block out the screaming babies, and an eye cover to block out the sun or cabin lights.

Just avoid those cheap U-shaped pillows from airport shops – your head drops forward and you wake up with a stiff neck.

Make contact with the locals before you go.

Maybe you have a friend-of-a-friend or a foreign exchange student from high school you remember, or just found a friend through a travel website; almost everyone is happy to welcome a foreign visitor to their hometown. This might be as elaborate as a home stay for a few weeks, or just coffee in their hometown or dinner at a local restaurant.

Getting Around

A perfect city for exploring on foot with a shop around every corner. Much of the inner city can be walked without trouble, however, in parts walking include crowds, uneven streets, heavy traffic, and skinny sidewalks. If that’s a problem, there are plenty of taxi’s to ride in and scooters to rent.

How to Travel

Subway – The metro is the fastest transportation. Running 5 am to 10 pm every day in all the Major Cities of India..
Bus & Train – Operated by an independent organization, buses, and trains include wifi access for the public. You can take any bus or train marked with the (B Public) sign for free.
Taxi – Available in all parts of the city. From a restaurant or hotel, you can have them call the city taxi service.
Car – Rental cars are easy to get and hotels have good parking prices. Once in the main city, you can often walk so we suggest returning the when you arrive.
Bike – The best way to get around, other than walking, is by bike. If you don’t mind hills, you can bike anywhere. If that’s not for you, stick to the inner city with your bike.

Mini Trips

Just a few miles away you can explore the history and legacy, drink wine and relax. You can wander the hills or be lulled by the fountains. If you have time, the attractions can fill 3 days. We’ve highlighted the best ones here.

Tours

Because of the number of sights to see, some first-time visitors should start with an organized tour. Some things can be covered in depth, others are just useful for getting your bearings.

The leading tour operators use local historians to lead their tours. Guides offer walking tours, including visits to monuments, museums, and historic locations, as well as eating tours. Tour prices can be high, but most participants consider them a trip highlight. In addition, there are many family related tours, sights, and more appealing activities for children.

Walking tours, like the 3-hour ghost tour, is exclusive in the early evening. A bus excursion ruins special tours as you’ve never seen. Also worth consideration, a group of art historians and architects do a theatrical retelling of dramatic scripts. Go on a tour, and expect guides to break out into a rendition of “Singing in the Rain”, it’s a lot of fun.

Trip Attractions

Flying in to the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peak of Stok Kangri (6120m/20075ft.) is prominent on the southern skyline. During several days set aside for acclimatisation, visit the monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis before setting off on a delightful trek through the Markha Valley. Your route leads by way of several remote and picturesque villages to the high Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. Crossing the Kongmaru La, we then take a little-used high-level route to Stok Kangri Base camp: a 3-day approach to the mountain that includes superbly located camp sites and far-reaching views towards Tibet and the eastern Karakoram. Although objectively very safe and technically straightforwar), the climb on Stok Kangri is both challenging and interesting. This is a wonderfully varied trip, perfectly suited to someone seeking their first Himalayan summit.

Travel Resources

Quick Tips

Banks – Open Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm. Some banks are closed for lunch.
Emergencies – For police, dial a local phone number; for ambulance call a hospital.
Internet Access – Wifi is standard in most hotels and free in many coffee shops.
Mail – Buy stamps at the Post Office. Convenient post offices are located all cities. Most are open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Safety – Pickpocketing can be a common problem. It is suggested for men to keep wallets in their front pocket. Purse snatching also occurs at times.

Visitor Information

This site contains information with a very personal and friendly structure. It also has great links to other related sites online.

Information, internet access, maps, and train passes are available at local Tourist Information terminals. These are located at various sites around the city. Expect a wait if you arrive late in the afternoon or during lunch time. Local travel agencies are also helpful for quick information and finding hotels. There is no service charge for these services. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm.

Transportation

Getting in from the airport and other arrival locations. Travel planning is about more than just knowing where you’re going. Prepares to navigate, take control and be ready for anything. This section helps you steer clear of disaster and stay open enjoy the unexpected.

Plane – Flights arrive at the main airport near city center. If flying from European cities, you might land at a connecting airport. There is a tourist information office at the Terminal E, international arrivals, open 8am to 6pm.
Train – A train station is on the lower level of the airport. To get into the city, follow the marked signs.
Taxi – From the airport there is a flat-rate for the 1-hour trip, depending on traffic. Hotels charge up to $80 for shuttle service.
Train & Bus – Trains and buses arrive a city center. This is the transportation hub for the city and is surrounded hotels.

A perfect place for exploring on foot, with local shops around every corner. You will eventually walk somewhere, it’s just going to happen. If you don’t like crowds, uneven cobblestones, heavy traffic or narrow sidewalks, take a taxi or rent a scooter.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi welcome and be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi-Leh By Air Arrival Leh Kushok Bakula Airport (3500 m / 11565 ft above sea level).

Upon arrival welcome and meet by our representative and transfer to Hotel for check-in wherein welcome tea and coffee will be served. Complete half-day rest at the hotel for acclimatization as it is important at the height of Ladakh. Lunch will be served at 2:00 PM. Afternoon around 3:00 PM sightseeing to Shanti stupa, Leh Palace, and the central Asian museum. Overnight at Leh in Hotel.

Day 03: Full day sightseeing of Indus valley.

Today after breakfast at 9:00 AM full day sightseeing of Indus valley, 16th century Shey palace, 14th Thiksay monastery, 17th century Hemis monastery, and Sindhu Ghat.

Sightseeing starts with 17th century Hemis monastery 47km from Leh. On the way stop to take picturesque photos of the 16th-century Shey palace and 14th-century Thiksay monastery. The Thiksay monastery is the biggest Gelugpa sect monastery in Ladakh. You will arrive at Hemis around 10:30 AM. Hemis monastery is the biggest and richest Drukpa Kargud sect of Ladakh. After visiting Hemis monastery drive to Thiksay monastery. Hot lunch at Thiksay in the restaurant. Post Lunch visit Thiksay and Shey palace, King Chapel. After Shey palace drive back to Leh arrive at Leh around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Evening free to explore Leh market. Dinner & overnight at Leh in Hotel.

Day 04: Leh–Nubra valley pass through Khardong La pass. (5,602 m ).

Today after breakfast at 8:00 AM drive to Nubra valley, popularly known as the valley of oasis among the tourist. The road journey from Leh to Nubra valley passes through Khardong-La (One of the highest motorable roads in the world at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft) around 39 km from Leh. From the pass panoramic view of snow peaks range of Zanskar valley. After 1hrs drive from Khardung-La pass, there is Kardung village, the first village on the way to Nubra valley. Stop at Kardung village for lunch and short hiking after long hrs drive. You will arrive at Deskit village around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, Deskit is now the main town of Nubra valley. Visit the 14th-century Deskit monastery and 107Feet Maitreya Buddha. After sightseeing at Deskit monastery drive to Hunder sand-dune 6 km from Deskit monastery. Explore the scenic beauty of Hunder sand-dune and double hump camel riding. Overnight at Hunder in Deluxe camp/Hotel

Day 05: Nubra valley sightseeing, Panamik hot-spring and Summor gompa.

After breakfast drive to Panamik village to visit Panamik hot spring is quite popular in Ladakh for its medicinal value. There is bathroom for bath ladies and agents. After Panamik not-spring drive to Holy pond on the same way back. The holy pound is located on the bank of the Nubra River surrounded by mountains. Hike around the pond and feel very quite silent meditative place of Lake. After that drive to Samtangling monastery. Samtangling monastery was built in 1834 by Lama Tsultrim Nima. The monastery is the second biggest monastery in Nubra valley and belongs to Gulag-pa sect of Tibetan – Buddhism. Monastery has two assembly halls new and old both containing statues of Buddha and various Bodhisattvas and frescos paintings of fierce tantric deities. Dinner & overnight at Sumoor in Deluxe camp.

Day 06: Nubra valley – Leh via Kardung-la pass (5,602 m /18,390 ft).

Today after breakfast at 8:00 PM check out from the hotel/Camp and drive back to Leh on the same route via Kardung-La pass. Stop at Kardung village for hot lunch. You will arrive at Leh around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM. Evening free to explore Leh market. Overnight at Leh in Hotel.

Day 07: Leh – Pangong Lake

Today after Breakfast at 8:00 AM leave for Pangong Lake at 14,500 Feet, passing through Chang-La Pass at 17,350 ft. (the third highest motorable road in Ladakh.). This route takes the visitor passing through picturesque villages of Shey, Thikse, Chemday, Sakti, Durbuk, and Tangtse. Reaching Pangong Lake around 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM. Pangong Lake is situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). One rarely feels so close to nature and the environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Hike at the lake and explore the beauty of the Lake. Hot Lunch in Deluxe camp. Overnight at Pangong Lake in deluxe camp.

Day 08: Pangong Lake to Leh.

Today don’t miss to wake up early morning to take photos of the sun rising view of the lake and hike around the lake. Back to Camp and breakfast will be served at 7:30 PM. After breakfast return back to Leh by the same route on the way to visit Chemday monastery. Lunch at Thiksay in the restaurant. Post Lunch drive back to Leh. You will arrive at Leh around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Dinner & overnight at Leh in Hotel.

Day 09: Leh – Alchi Choskor monastery

After breakfast at 8:00 AM drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. En-route visiting, the Hall of fame Museum, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity and panoramic view confluence of Indus – Zanskar River. After confluence drive to Likir monastery. Likir Monastery is the second biggest Gelugpa sect monastery in Ladakh after the Thiksay monastery. After Likir monastery drive to Alchi village. Hot Lunch at Alchi in the restaurant. Post lunch around 3:00 PM visit the 11th century Alchi Choskor monastery and hike around the village. Dinner & overnight at Alchi in Hotel.

Day 10: Alchi – Leh via Rigzong and Lamayuru

Today after breakfast around 8:00 AM back to Leh en route visit the Rizong monastery and nunnery school and the mesmerizing Lamayuru landscape popularly known as Moon Landscapes among tourists. (You will believe why the name of this area is Moon land. Exactly the same formations of Land are visible as on the moon). A drive of another 1 km took us to Lamayuru monastery. After visiting Lamayuru monastery drive straight back to Leh on the way stop at Kaltse village market for hot Lunch in a restaurant. You will arrive at Leh early evening around 4: 00 PM or 5:00 Pm. Evening explore the Leh market on your own. Overnight at Leh in Hotel.

Day 11: Leh – Delhi

After early morning breakfast transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with Sweet Memories of Ladakh, upon arrival in Delhi after wash and change near the airport transfer to the International airport for a flight home.