Jeep Safari of Ladakh and Kashmir
Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destination Covered: Leh - Monastreis - Khardungla Pass - Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake - Tsomoriri Lake - Ulleytokpo - Alchi - Lamayuru - Kargil - Sonamarg - Srinagar - Pahalgam - Gulmarg - Srinagar
Day 01:- Leh Kushok Bakula Airport
Arrival at Leh Kushok Bakula airport our RIE representative will meet & Greet you and transfer to the Hotel. This flight is one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over (Altitude 11,000 feet) During the afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 02:- Indus Valley - Monasteries Tour
After breakfast Leave for full day tour of Monasteries is as follows below
Indus Valley,(Description: - The earliest cities became integrated into an extensive urban culture around 4,600 years ago and continued to dominate the region for at least 700 years, from 2600 to 1900 B.C. It was only in the 1920's that the buried cities and villages of the Indus valley were recognized by archaeologists as representing an undiscovered civilization)
Stok Palace & Museum, (Description: - Built in 1814, the Stok Palace, which used to be the home of the Kings of Ladakh is situated opposite Leh on the other side of the river Indus. It is the only inhabited palace, the other two – Leh and Shey Palace are in ruins. There are more than 80 rooms of which only 5 are open to the public. The palace museum has a unique display of tangkhas, old weapons, kings’ armour, queens’ ornaments and perak (turquoise-studded head gear), traditional clothing and silver jewellery.)
Shey Palace, (Description: - Situated 15 kms south of Leh towards Thiksey, the ruins of this former summer palace of the kings of Ladakh is perched high up on a rocky cliff. The 12 m Sakyamuni Buddha statue made of gold-plated copper by King Singge Namgyal’s son Deldan Namgyal, is the largest in the area. There is a small library in the lower chapel and a collection of tangkhas. To the left of the gompa is a huge chorten (stupa) with golden spires, and to its right are the ruins of a fort. Scattered across the nearby fields and along the hill range, are a large number of disintegrating chortens, perhaps the largest collection seen in Ladakh.)
Thiksey Monastery (Description: - Located about 17 kms south of Leh, this monastery of characteristic beauty is probably the most photographed, and also the best place around Leh to see a puja. It is a magnificent complex with its red and yellow main building rising grandly above the numerous monk cells. The Chamba lhakhang (‘house of God’ for the Buddha to come) was built in 1980 in hnour of the Dalai Lama and houses an impressive two-storey Maitreya Buddha. This gompa that houses about 500 monks belongs to the Gelukpa sect, and exhibits excellent works of art.The roof of this monastery provides a panoramic view with the Zanskar range in the backdrop.) and
Hemis Monasteries. (Description: - Hemis monastery is one of the most famous and largest of all monasteries in Ladakh, 45 Kms south of Leh founded in 17th century belongs to the Drukpa order. the monastery was founded by Stagsang Raschegn who was invited to Ladakh by king Singee Namgyal. The king offered him religious estates and attended him as his principal guru. Hemis Tsechu (festival) assemble annually from 9th to 11th day of the 5th Tibetan month. The Gompa has well preserved Thankas and copper gilt statue of the lord Buddha, various stupas made of gold and silver and many auspicious objects. The largest thanka in Ladakh over 12 Mtrs. Long is at Hemis), after return back from sighseeing to Hotel Overnight stay
Day 03:- Leh - Khardung La - Hunder (4350 M) Nubra Valley (3332 M) 125 Kms. 5 hrs Drive
The road journey from Leh to NUBRA VALLEY passes over KHARDUNG LA (the highest motorable road in the world) at 5602 M / 18,390 Ft, 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. Nubra Valley is popularly known as (Ldumra) or (The valley of flowers). It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level. The Shayok and Saichen Rivers drain Nubra. The flat part of the river is sandy & occupied by green farms & myricaria. The villages look pretty with greenery, willow & poplar trees. Till partition Nubra Valley was one of the trade centers, the ancient famous Silk Route passed through this area.
Before proceeding to your camp at Hunder, stop to visit DISKIT MONASTERY perched on a rock overhanging next to a stream, which provides the source of energy used by mills in the area. The monastery is rich, full of thangkas, magnificent giant statues, effigies of the Buddha and old mural paintings in which can be noted a multitude of influences. It was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod around 1420 A.D. DISKIT is the main village or headquarters of Nubra Valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops.
After your visit to the monastery and shortly after leaving Diskit you will comes across sand dunes on the right of the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road are rocky mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains. Overnight in Deluxe camp at Hunder.
Day 04: - Nubra Valley - Leh (125 kms 05 hrs Drive)
Morning after breakfast visit Samstanling Monastery then drive back to Leh, once again driving via Khardongla pass the World Highest Motorable road.
Samstanling Gompa: Samstanling Monastery was founded by Lama Tsultrim Nima and Monastic community was introduced as Rezong Gompa. About 50-60 monks are residing at this 132 years old monastery. The Gompa has some strict rules and regulations.
On arrival at Leh, Check Inn Hotel, rest & relax, late evening explore Leh bazaar for souvenir, visit Leh Jokhang or Leh Mosque by walk, return back from leh walk Overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 05:- Leh - Pangong Lake - Leh (Altitude 4300 Mtrs. 140 6 Hours Drive)
Early morning leave after breakfast to Pangong Lake which is the largest brackish lake in Asia, with a larger part of it extending into Tibet. The lake is 130 km long and 5 km at its widest point with half of it running to the other side of the Indo-China border. Despite of being a salt-water lake, it freezes completely during winter. There is no marine life here, save for a few migrating birds now and then like gulls and brahminy ducks.
Being at the border, the furthest point one is allowed to go to, is Spangmik, about 7 km along its western bank, but it is enough to take back the most beautiful memories of Ladakh. The very barren-ness and vastness of the area contributes to its striking beauty. Spangmik offers spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range to the north, and their reflections in the ever-changing blues and greens of the lake's brackish waters. Above Spangmik, one can see the glaciers and snowcapped peaks of the Pangong range.
Late evening return back to leh dinner & overnight stay at Hotel
Day 06: Leh - Chumathang - Tsomoriri (240 Kms 5-7 Hours Drive Altitude 4525 Mtrs.)
Leave in the morning and drive to Chumathang stop at Upshi for passport checking. From here the road turns towards left and reach Karu. Chumathang is famous for medical hot spring and people visit to this place for medical bath and visit Chumathang monastery. From here a short drive upto Maha bridge the main checking point to enter to this new area. From here the road is rough. On the way visit Sumdah village and another 55 kms drive will take you to Tsomo riri. The Lake is breeding grounds for numerous species of birds. Chief among them are the bar headed goose, found in great numbers, crested grebe, the Brahmin duck (ruddy sheldrake) and the brown headed gull. The Lake is 8 Kms. Wide and 28 Kms long. Overnight in Deluxe Camp.
Day 07: Explore Tsomoriri
In the morning visit Korzok village with its houses and its gompa appearing like a mirage. The few barley fields at Korzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world. In the afternoon visit around the Lake. Dinner and overnight in Deluxe Camp.
Day 08: Korzok - Puga - Tsokar - Tanglangla - Leh (Altitude 5350 Mtrs. 245 Kms 5-7 Hours Drive)
Drive to Mahe village and the road turns left from here towards Puga Valley. The village is an unforgettable scene of shooting fountain and white clouds hanging upon. This is Butan gas for which Puga valley' is famous. Continue drive to Tsokar via Polokongka pass (13500 ft) and visit Tsokar (small Lake) and one can also visit Thugke gompa. The place is famous for wild asses are generally seen here grazing and they seem moving in flocks. From here short drive and reach on National Highway route (Leh - Manali). Continue drive towards Leh via Tanglangla pass (5350 Mtrs.) which is the second highest motorable, evening arrive at leh check inn Hotel dinner & overnight stay
Day 09:- Leh - Ulleytokpo (Altitude 3165 Mtrs. 73 Kms 3-4 Hours Drive)
Morning after breakfast drive towords Ulleytokpo, en route visit Lakir Monastery, Alchi, Basgo Castle and Magnetic hill. Check in at the Deluxe camp at Ulleytokpo.
Lakir Monastery is also called the Klu-Kkhjil or "water spirits". Built over an earlier Gompa burnt down in the 15th century, the present Gompa is an 18th century construction and houses monks of the Gyalukpa sect. The Likir monastery has a rich collection of paintings, robes and artifacts.
Alchi is nestled in the valley of the Indus River along the ancient trade route and is famous for its gompas, some over a thousand years old. Its wall paintings deserve a special mention.
Basgo Castle is a historical town situated on the bank of the Indus River in Ladakh. It is known for its gompas and historical ruins. The complex of buildings includes a ruined fortress dating from 15th century as well as two large temples and a small shrine.
At Magnetic Hill it has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on a neutral gear the vehicle slides up-hill due to the magnetic force. One of the wonders of the nature, late evining arrive at ulleytokpo check Inn Deluxe camp dinner & overnight stay
Day 10:- Ulleytokpo - Lamayuru - Kargil (Altitude 2817 Mtrs. 172 Kms 6-7 Hours Drive)
After breakfast leave for Lamayuru via Khalsi, Kangaroo Carves & Fotu-la (Altitude 4088 Mts.), Mulbeck & Namika-la (Altitude 3697 Mts.).After driving up the Kangaroo curves one can have a fascinating view of granite colour rocks & continue drive towards the mesmerizing Moon landscapes and the Lamayuru monastery, Lamayuru is the oldest religious centre of Ladakh situated on or near the Indus and is believed to have been the sacred site for the pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon Built in the 10th century, the monastery is spectacularly located on an eroded mass of rock below towering mountains The Monastery here beats all others in sheer grandeur and in its uniqueness of wood carving, & continue drive towards Kargil arrive at kargil check inn Hotel rest & relax, Dinner, overnight stay
Day 11:- Kargil - Sonamarg - Srinagar (Altitude 2740 Mtrs. 204 Kms 8-10 Hours Drive)
Early morning after breakfast leave for Srinagar via Drass,(Altitude 3230 Mtrs). Locally Called Hembabs (or Snow Land) it is renowedned as the secound coldest inhabited place in the world because of the intensely cold winters & heavy snowfall.) Zoji La Pass (Altitude 3505 Mtrs.) & Sonamarg (Meadows of Gold), Sonamarg lies at the head of the Sindh valley. The drive through here presents a spectacular facet of the countryside; Sonamarg is the beginning of the enchanted journey into a natural wonderland, Surrounded by pine forest mountains upto 5300 meters high the valley is divided by a spur of the "Thajiwas Range Mountains" one can have a pony ride to visit Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year the major attraction at Sonamarg in summer months, Sonamarg is known as Gateway of Leh - Ladakh. Late return back to Srinagar dinner & overnight stay at Houseboat/Hotel.
Day 12:- Srinagar - Pahalgam - (96 Kms. 2 ½ Hours Drive Altitude 2195 Mrts.)
After breakfast leave from Srinagar towards Pahalgam (The Valley of Shepherds), one of the beautiful and fascinating ideal resorts all the year. It is the base for several treks in the region & for the Annual Pilgrimages to the cave shrine of Amarnath, It is surrounded by 12 high snow capped peaks. En rout, Visit the Saffron Fields of Pampore, Awantipura Ruins (1100 years old Temple of Lord Vishnu built by the King Awantivarman) & enjoy the beautiful countryside life. Drive through the pine valley forest arrive at pahalgam Check Inn (Hotel as per Location), One can have a real feelings of Paradise, After Lunch visit the places in pahalgam by Pony ride (at own cost) Debayan, Shikargah & Baisaran, Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13:- Pahalgam - Srinagar - Gulmarg (146 Kms. 4 1/2 Hours Drive Altitude 2730 Mrts.)
Early morning leave after breakfast from Pahalgam towards to Gulmarg (The Meadow of Flowers) Via Srinagar Bye Pass, many valages on arrival at Gulmarg Check Inn (Hotel as per Locatoin) Gulmarg has one of the most beautiful summer resort/winter best Ski resorts in the valley, also world Highest 18 Hole Golf Course, (Gulmarg was Discovered in 16th Century by Sultan Yusuf Shah) One can have a gondola ride (By own Cost) from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg (Altitude 3100 Mrts.) to have a real view in natural beauty of the summer also view of Nanga Parvat (Altitude 8137 Mrts.) in Cloudless Days and full snow view in winter. You can have a pony ride (By own Cost) in the open fields to Visits seven springs and to a Alpather lake (Altitude 3843 Mrts.) (By Own Cost), which remains frozen until June, dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 14:- Gulmarg - Srinagar (56 Kms. 1 1/2 Hours Drive Altitude 1730 Mrts.)
After breafast leave from Gulmarg on arrival at Srinagar continue drive towards to Mughal Gardens Visits the Heritages Places, Cheshma Shahi (By Shah Jehan in 1632 AD.), Pari Mahal (By Dara Shikoh), Nishat Bagh (By Asaf Khan in 1633 AD.), Shalimar Bagh (By Jehangir in 1616 AD.) Late Evening return back to Houseboat/Hotel Check Inn & overnight stay
Day 15:-Srinagar International Airport
After breakfast leave for Lake rides by Shikara to visit Floating Gardens, Vegetable Gardens, Lotus Gardens, Kaboter Khana (Pigeon Palace) inside of the Lake, after lake ride drop you at road & Drive towards Srinagar international Airport to connect your flight onwards Destination Covered.
Tour Ends But Sweet Memories Remains Always