Have a unique holidaying experience in this part of the country. With its extra ordinary landscapes and unusual terrain, Ladakh is simply a trekker's paradise. Located beautifully amidst the Himalayas, Leh is a center for Buddhist culture, quite reflected in the colorful culture of the town. Alchi is another pretty town standing on the banks of Indus, known around for its various monasteries. The Nubra Valley or the Valley of Flowers is located near Leh. It is beautiful with its monasteries and the famous Khardung la Pass.
Itinerary (Leh Alchi)
Day 1: Delhi - Leh
Arrive Leh by Indian Airlines / Jet Airways early morning flight. On arrival met by Travelguru Representative and Transfer to your Hotel. On arrival in Leh, check in at the Hotel.Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Mysterious dust covered Leh sits in a fertile side valley of the Indus, about 10 km from the river. Encircled by stark awe-inspiring mountains with the cold desert beyond it is the nearest experience of Tibet in India. Leh developed as a trading post and market, attracting a wide variety of merchants from Yarkand, Kashgar, Kashmir, Tibet and North India. Tea, salt, household articles, wool and semi-precious stones were all traded in the market. Buddhism traveled along the Silk Road and the Kashmir and Ladakh feeder, which has also seen the passage of soldiers, explorers and pilgrims, forerunners of the tourists who today contribute most to the urban economy.
Day 2: Leh
Full day visiting Shey, Thiksey & Hemis. After breakfast proceeds to Shey. Shey was the ancient capital of Ladakh and even after Singge Namgyal built the more imposing palace at Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey, as their real home. The importance which was attached to Shey - the seat of Ladakhs heartland - is attested by the enormous number of Chorten about the village, particularly around the palace complex and barren plain to the north of the road. Thiksey is one of the largest and most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two - storied statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder.
After Lunch visit Hemis. Hemis which is dedicated to Padmasambhava, what a visitor can observes a series of scenes in which the lamas, robed in gowns of rich, brightly coloured brocade and sporting masks sometimes bizarrely hideous, parade in solemn dance and mime around the huge flag pole in the center of the courtyard to the plaintive melody of the Shawn. The moan of the eleven feet horns, the boom of drums and the clash of Cymbals. Hemis was found in the 1630's by Tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Singe Namgyal, Hemis is the largest and richest of the Ladakh Gompas.
Return to your Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: Leh
Leh character changed when Ladakh was opened up to foreign tourists in 1974. Until 1947 it had close trading relations with Central Asia; yak trains would set off from the Leh Bazaar to complete the stages over the Karakoram Pass to Yarkand and Kashgar. Today Leh is an important strategic centre for India. The large military presence is a reminder that the region of Ladakh is situated along India`s sensitive borders with both Pakistan and China. Buddhism traveled along the Silk Road and the Kashmir and Ladakh feeder, which have also seen the passage of soldiers, explorers and pilgrims, forerunners of the tourists who today contribute most to the urban economy. Samker Gompa Samker Gompa is little up in the valley, 3 Kms from Leh Town, which is open to visitors in the morning and evening only. The Gompa belongs to Yellow Sect & was founded in 18th Century. The Gompa is the seat of the Head Lama of Ladakh & founder of yellow sect, Tson-Kha-Pa. The temple walls have recent painted of figures including Sakyamuni, Avalokiteshwara, Padmasambhava, Tson-Ka-pa and green Tara. Later visit Spituk 8 Kms from Leh, Spituk stands Majestically atop a hillock overlooking the Indus valley for miles. Many icons and fine "Tangkhas" are to be found in this 15th century monastery. It also houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms and is inspiring image of "Mahakala". The face of the Kali image is kept covered and revealed only at the annual function in January every two years. After Spituk, Visit to Phyang Monastery, this is 17 Kms from Leh, built by Tashi Namgyal in 16th century A.D. and belongs to the Red Cap Sect of Buddhists. Later, take a walk through the Leh bazaar. Dinner & overnight at Hotel.
Day 4: Leh - Alchi Leh
Enroute from Leh to Alchi Visit the village of Nimo and stop for photo session at River Zanskar Proceed further to visit Basgo Fort & Likir. Likir is situated in a side valley about 05 Kms from main Srinagar Leh highway. Likir belongs to Ge-Lung-Pa sect; the monastery also maintains and runs a school for young Lamas. Afterwards cross river Indus and reach Alchi. A Beautiful village covered with Apricot Orchards. Later drive to Alchi Gompa which is 9 Kms from Uleytokpo from the most beautiful Gompa of Ladakh & is also called Jewel among the central Ladakhs religious sites. It's known as Chos-Kor, or religious enclave. It comprises five temples which are noted for its massive Buddha statues and lavish woodcarvings and art work. Its Murals dating from 11th and 12th centuries, pre-date the Tibetan style of painting that is present in all other Gompas. PM visit Rizong Monastery. It has a monastery and a nunnery, which accommodates lady monks or Nuns locally called as Chomos. Proceed back to Leh. On arrival check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Depart Leh
After early Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.
04 Nights accommodation on Twin Sharing / AP Basis on the above mentioned Hotels.
01 NAC Qualis / Scorpio (02 06 Pax) for Arr / Dep from Leh Airport to Hotel & vice versa
01 NAC Qualis / Scorpio for HD SS trip to Samker, Phyang & Spituk; FD SS trip to Shey, Hemis & Thiksey
01 NAC Qualis / Scorpio for FD Excursion trip to Alchi, Likir & Rizong
All applicable taxes
12.5% VAT on F&B
Meeting & Assistance on Arr / Dep by Travel Guru Rep
Cost excludes
Airfare/train fare
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Additional sightseeing or usages of vehicle not mentioned in the itinerary
Guides and entrance fees
Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, road blocks etc (to be borne by the clients directly on the spot)
Any increase in taxes or fuel, leading to increase in surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure
Note
Above rates are subject to availability
Cancellation charges as per company policy
Room category in all packages are the base category rooms
The above rates are subject to change in case of travel during the festive season 15th Dec2011 15th Jan 2012.
In case we are not able to provide the same hotels as mentioned, then we shall provide similar alternate properties, change in the cost if any will be advised.
