Silk Route Mosaics of Leh with Nubra

Arrive Leh & take transfer to the hotel for check-in. After welcome drinks and completion of check-in formalities, you must take complete rest to acclimatize with the high altitude.

Leh is located at 3500 m above sea level and some people can feel discomfort due to rarefied air at this high altitude. This is why it is mandatory to acclimatise fully before beginning any sightseeing or exploration in Leh. This magnificent destination is framed by the Himalayan ranges and offer stunning vistas of barren landscapes that are a photographer’s delight. The stark land is dotted with beautiful monasteries and stupas. Bustling old towns with their markets, souvenir shops and cafes are delightful to explore.

Late in the afternoon, you will drive to the city for a short orientation walk through the busy market. You will also visit the Leh Palace and the Shanti Stupa. Overlooking the town of Leh, the majestic Leh Palace is a sight to behold. This was the former royal residence before the family moved to Stok Palace. The abandoned palace complex now houses a museum which has a rich collection of arts and artefacts including Chinese thangkas (paintings), crowns, jewellery, ceremonials dresses, and some restored bits of murals and interior décor. The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese Buddhist in 1991 as a part of the Peace Pagoda mission. This stunning white stupa holds the holy relics of the Buddha and is a great place to meditate and soak in the beauty of the surrounding.

Return to the hotel after the visit for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Indus Valley monasteries. Your tour starts with a visit to the Hemis Gumpa or Monastery. It is both the biggest and most important monastery in Ladakh. It is highly revered by Buddhists from around the world. The famous Hemis Festival is held at this monastery. It also houses impressive gold statues and stupas bedecked with precious stones.

Next, you will visit Thiksey Monastery, another spectacular monastery that you will see on your way to Leh. This tiered monastery is a sight to behold and is a classic example of traditional Buddhist architecture. The complex is impressive in both size and structure. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Visit the Shey Palace or Monastery, which was the ancient capital of Ladakh before it was shifted to the Stok Palace. The complex is also built in tiers and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. The gilded statue of Buddha as Shakyamuni is the main attraction of this monastery / palace. There are also many murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha within the monastery.

The last stop on your excursion is the Druk Padma Karpo School which was made famous as Rancho’s school in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. This unique centre of learning focuses on education and construction that can adapt to constant change. This award-winning school is a great place to learn about different sustainable means that the building employs to run itself.

After the visit, return to your hotel in Leh. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel in Leh.

After an early breakfast, you will leave for Pangong Lake (14000 feet above sea level) through the Changla Pass (5486 Metres above sea level). The long easy ascent takes you to Changla Pass through narrow and winding roads. The journey takes you through Sakti Village. Stop at Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and capture the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscape in your cameras. This pass is a part of the famous Silk Route.

After a quick photo stop at the pass, you will continue your drive to Tangste where you will stop to stretch your legs and refresh yourself over a cup of steaming hot tea. Catch your breath and carry on your drive to Pangong via small villages in Changthang. Keep your eyes on the road as the vibrant blue brackish lake appears suddenly like an oasis in the middle of the desert.

Situated at a height of 14000 feet / 4267 metres above sea level, the Pangong Lake is a sight that you will never forget. Amidst the brown and grey mountains that surround it, the lake glitters like a jewel and creates an enticing sight for visitors. It has been featured in many Bollywood movies and it is a great place to take photographs for your social media feed.

Spend time taking photographs and exploring the banks of this unbelievably beautiful lake with its mirror-like still waters reflecting the clear blue skies.

Drive back to Leh in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure to rejuvenate yourself for your coming adventure.

Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel in Leh.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Nubra Valley. Your drive through breathtaking mountains also passes over Khardung La, located at a height of 18390 feet / 5602 metres above sea level. This is the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass you can get an unbroken view of the Indus valley all they way to the majestic peaks of the Zanskar range in the south and the giant sentinel-like ridges of Saser Massif in the north.

Continue your journey to Nubra Valley nestled between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. It is also known as “Ldumra” or “Valley of Flowers” and was once a prosperous centre on the trans-Himalayan Silk Route. This quaint valley and its settlements are located at an average height of 10000 feet above sea level. It is famous for its mesmerising sand dunes and Bactrian camels, Nubra Valley is an enchanting addition to your vacation. Cheerful prayer flags fluttering high on the hills, Buddhist monasteries, and fields of barley greet you as you enter Nubra Valley. Proceed to Hunder Village to check-in to your hotel / camp.

Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. You can walk around the tiny villages near your hotel / camp to get a glimpse of the lives of local people. We can arrange for a visit to a Ladakhi home where you can interact with them if you are interested.

Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel / camp in Hunder Village.

After breakfast, you will visit the Diskit Monastery in Diskit (Headquarters of Nubra Valley). The Diskit Monastery is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries. The Maitreya Buddha statue that is 106 feet tall is the most popular attraction of the monastery. It was consecrated by his Holiness, The Dalai Lama in 2010. Spectacular natural beauty and striking white chortens and stupas greet you on your arrival at Diskit.

Later, you will drive to Leh where you will reach by late afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can explore the surroundings and markets on your own. There are many quaint cafes and restaurants where you can try butter tea and other local snacks. You can also shop for souvenirs and gifts for friends and family from the shops here.

Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel in Leh.