Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive

Meet and assistance on arrival at Delhi’s International airport arrival lounge and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - Delhi/Leh

Early morning transfer to Delhi's domestic airport to board flight to Leh, capital of Ladakh region (11,500ft/3,521m). Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Remainder of the day at leisure to begin acclimatisation.

Day 3 - Leh

Today is at leisure in Leh. Rest and acclimatisation.

In the afternoon visit Leh, the capital of the historic kingdom of Ladakh and the present district of the same name. The town is a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars. The main street is open and airy, lined with rows of shops. On either side of the market, long lines of Ladakhi women in traditional dress and colourful jewellery of coral and turquoise can be seen seated behind enormous baskets, selling vegetables. The spectacular eight-floor Leh Palace looms above the town, dominating the landscape. It was built in the 16th century, about the same time as the Potala in Lhasa, which it resembles. Stroll through the town, followed by a visit to Sankar gompa, a little over a mile from the market. This gompa is a subsidiary of Spitok gompa, having the same head lama. Sankar is easily visited on foot from Leh, lying as it does in Leh’s suburbs.

Overnight at hotel

Day 4 - Leh

Morning excursion to Spituk and Phyang Monastery. Spituk Monastery is on the hill top near Indus, around 18 Kms from Leh. It was founded in 11th century by Od-De the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub-od, the Gompa named Spituk (exemplary) when Rinchen Zangpo translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious community would rise. Initially it belonged to the Kadampa school then during the life time of king Gragspa Bumide made it Gayluk Pa order.

Phyang is 17 Kms west of Leh on the blue hill, belongs to Dingung order, founded in 15th century by Chosje Danma Kunja Dragpa in the time of king Jamjang Namgyal. Phyang monastery is also called Tashi Chosang, which mark the first established of the Dingung to teachings in Ladakh.

Afternoon free.

Overnight at Omasila hotel

Day 5 - Leh

Morning excursion south visiting Shey palace, Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries. Shey Palace is on the eastern bank of Indus river up a stone path. Until the 16th century, Shey was the royal residence, located at an important vantage point in the Indus Valley. Kings of Leh were supposed to be born in the monastery. Thikse is on a crag overlooking the flood plain on the eastern bank of Indus river. It is one of the most imposing monasteries in Ladakh and was part of the original Gelugpa order in the 15th century. Hemis Monastery is built on a green hillside surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, is hidden in a gorge. It is the biggest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh and is a ”must” for visitors.

Overnight at Omasila hotel

Day 6 - Leh

Morning excursion to Khardong La Pass (35 Kms) which is second highest Motorable Pass in the world at 5600 metres. One can witness beauty of snow capped mountains from the top.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at hotel Omasila.

Day 7 - Leh/Delhi

Morning transfer to Leh airport for flight back to Delhi.

(Check In is three hours prior to departure)

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