LADAKH, THE LITLLE TIBET OF THE WESTERN INDIAN HIMALAYAS
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
Overview
Experience the dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks and desert mountain landscapes dominating green oases of terraced fields, apricot orchards, and thickets of willow trees and poplars. Visit the enigmatic Kashmir province of Ladakh, the seat of ancient Buddhist culture. Explore magnificent monasteries, spiraling mountain passes, and picturesque villages clinging to the rugged terrain. Complete your journey with a tour of Delhi, the vibrant capital of India.
1. Leh
- Ancient Town: Explore the historic town and its cultural significance.
- Shanti Stupa: A peaceful pagoda with stunning views and historical panels.
2. Monasteries
- Hemis Monastery: The largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
- Thiksey Monastery: Known for its imposing location and views of the Indus Valley.
- Alchi Monastery: A significant 11th-century Buddhist center.
- Lamayuru Monastery: One of the most picturesque and oldest monasteries in Ladakh.
- Sankar, Ridzong, Likir, and Matho Monasteries: Each with unique cultural and historical significance.
3. Stok Palace
- Royal Residence: Former residence of the Ladakhi royal family with a museum showcasing the kingdom’s heritage.
4. Alchi and Lamayuru
- Scenic Beauty: Picturesque villages with ancient monasteries.
- Local Culture: Experience traditional Ladakhi hospitality and tea preparation.
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers and ground transportation
- Accommodation in hotels and camps
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to all attractions and monasteries
- Domestic flights (Delhi-Leh-Delhi)
- Excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks, etc.)
- Tips for guides and drivers
Tour Amenities
Accepts Credit Cards
Car Parking
Free Coupons
Laundry Service
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Restaurant
Smoking Allowed
Wireless Internet
Tour Plan
- Activity: Arrival in Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to recover from the flight.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Delhi.
- Morning: Early transfer to the domestic airport for your trans-Himalayan flight to Leh.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Leh, meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel. Relax and acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Leh.
- Morning: After breakfast, explore the ancient town of Leh on foot with your guide.
- Afternoon: Visit Shanti Stupa and Sankar Monastery.
- Shanti Stupa: Inaugurated by H.H. Dalai Lama, decorated with gilt panels depicting episodes from Buddha’s life.
- Sankar Monastery: Contains a collection of miniature statues of pure gold and ancient Thangkas.
- Morning: Visit Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
- Afternoon: Visit Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace.
- Thiksey Monastery: Offers formidable views of the Indus Valley.
- Shey Palace: Former summer palace of the King of Ladakh.
- Morning: Drive to Alchi, 70 km west of Leh.
- Afternoon: Check-in at Uletokpo camp and have lunch. Visit Alchi village and monastery.
- Alchi Monastery: Founded in the 11th century, one of the most important Buddhist centers in Ladakh.
- Morning: Drive to Lamayuru Monastery, founded in the 11th century, perched high above the valley.
- Afternoon: Picnic lunch at Lamayuru village. Visit Temisgang for tea with a Ladakhi family and explore the village.
- Morning: Early tea/coffee, then visit Ridzong Monastery, the only nunnery monastery in Ladakh.
- Afternoon: Visit Likir Monastery and Basgo ruins en route to Leh.
- Likir Monastery: Re-founded in the 15th century by the Gelupa Sect.
- Basgo: Discover the ruins of the old palace and its impressive murals
- Morning: Visit Stok Palace, the former residence of the Royal family of Ladakh, and the monastery of Matho.
- Afternoon: Visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre / Tibetan school and Choglamsar Tibetan refugee village.
- Activity: Day at leisure in Leh to relax and do some last-minute shopping in the market and curio shops.
- Morning: Transfer to the airport in Leh for your flight to Delhi.
- Afternoon: Arrival in Delhi, transfer to a hotel. Leisure time in the afternoon.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Delhi.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
