Overview

Beauty so pristine that even heaven feels like an understatement. If a place/ region makes you go addicted about it, not for the wrong reasons but only for the right, then that place not only deserves your time but also your heart and soul to be open to it completely. To feel vulnerable yet strong, to live the adventure yet get scared, to love nature yet state this one incomparable, a box that packages it all is Ladakh Expedition.

A union territory of India Ladakh is also known as the “Land of High Passes”. Being the former Buddhist Kingdom, the beauty of Ladakh is blessed with the Buddhist spirituality and the belief in peace and protection of Mother Nature.

The spectacularly rugged and barbed Ladakh houses, deep  vast Nubra valley, snow- clad mountains, colourful monasteries, picturesque gompas, hairpin turns enroute Kargil excursion, diversified flora and fauna, whitewashed stupas, Prestine lakes like Pangong lake and prayer flags and prayer wheels blessing the aura of the region. A one- stop destination for all kinds, Ladakh has redefined peace, spirituality, simplicity and of course, beauty.

Heaven on earth, one that remains to be undiscovered yet unmissable, UT Ladakh is crowned with the Himalayan mountain tops and is jewelled with the sacred water of the Indus River. So pack your bag Terravellers, because the tranquillity of Ladakh is calling to be experienced and admired.

Highlights

Leh, Indus and Zanskar Sangam, Magnetic hill, Gurudwara Patharsaheb, Shanti stupa, Leh Palace, Hall of fame, Alchi, Lamayuru, Mulbekh, Kargil, Drass war memorial, Khardung La, Nubra valley, Diskit monastery, Hunder sand dunes, camping, Bacterian camel ride, Shayok valley, Turtuk, Thang, Thoise, Durbok, Tangtse, Changthang, Pangong, Karu, Thiksey, Druk Padma Karpo (3 idiot school), fly back.

Suitable For

Adventurers, Mountain lovers, Group of Friends, Family, Students, Couples

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1- Arrival at Leh

The very exciting beginning of the Ladakh Expedition ahead starts today when you have travelled to Leh in the flight from your city. Observing the tall, snow clad mountains of the Himalayas from the little window beside the seat of your airplane will surely make you wonder how it is going to be when you land in the heavenly region of Ladakh. You’ve travelled from above a high altitude from the sea level or plains of India to one of the highest regions in India.

It is noticeable that the oxygen level has changed drastically from 70% – 80% in the air to a whopping 4% to 7% as you land at the Leh airport.A thing to keep in mind is that it’s not easy for your body to cope up with such thin air and low levels of oxygen to function as it has been when you were in the city or when you travel to other hill stations.

Which is why it is important for you to relax at the hotel today and get acclimatised. Your Lunch and Dinner will be arranged here today so your body gets the rest it needs to acclimatize at a height of 11,000ft from Sea level in Leh city, the capital of Ladakh.

So today is a much needed rest day for safer tomorrow in your Ladakh Expedition.

Day 2- Sightseeing in and around Leh

Kickstart your day of Ladakh Expedition – Himalayan exploration with a delightful breakfast, preparing you for an exciting day of exploration in Leh. Our trip takes us to the mesmerizing confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, known as Sangam. Witness the unique spectacle of the two rivers, each with its distinct colours, converging in a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry.

We will visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a Sikh shrine nestled amidst the rugged terrains of UT Ladakh. The Gurudwara houses a sacred stone that bears an imprint believed to be left by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. We will then head to the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where the laws of gravity seem to defy logic and then visit the Shanti Stupa, one of the 7 Buddhist Shanti Stupas in the world.

Our next destination is Leh Palace, a symbol of the region’s rich history. Explore the former royal palace, marvel at the architectural grandeur, and enjoy panoramic views of the town of Leh. We will also visit the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to honouring the Indian Army. Gain insights into the heroic acts and sacrifices of the armed forces. After we are done with the day, we will come back to our Hotel and spend the evening in leisure.

Overnight stay at Leh.

Day 3- Leh to Nubra valley

Today, we will start in the morning and travel to Nubra valley from Leh in our Ladakh Expedition. On our way, we will en route Khardung La – the worlds’ second highest motorable pass in the world. In Diskit we will visit the Gompa Monastery, the maitreya Buddha statue, the sand dunes and Nubra Valley.

• Diskit Gompa Monastery – The Diskit Monastery, also known as the Diskit Gompa houses very popular ancient monasteries. The monastery is also home to a huge Maitreya Buddha statue which is built atop it.
• Khandung La – Renowned as the second highest motorable passes globally, it holds a significant place in the hearts of adventurers and travelers alike. At an elevation of approximately 5,359 meters above sea level, Khardung La offers breathtaking panoramic views. However, its important to take precautions once you head there due to the high altitude.
• Maitreya Buddha Statue – This gold plated statue is huge and faces directly towards Pakistan. The statue has been painted in different colours and one cannot stop adoring its beauty.
• Sand dunes – The sand dunes of Diskit are the only place where you can see the astonishing Bactrian Camel. A Bacterial Camel is such that it has double humps and looks majestic. Also known as the Mongolian camel, the species respectively have faced extinction and are now back in nature.
• Nubra Valley – Also known as the Valley of Flowers, Nubra valley is where nature has gifted beauty the most. One cannot imagine to be seeing a valley so dry full of colourful flowers. Not only is Nubra a treat for the nature lover but it also a treasure box for the curious mind.

Overnight stay in Camps at Hunder.

Day 4- Hunder to Turtuk and back

Fuel up for an adventurous day as we embark on a journey from Hunder to Turtuk, exploring the enchanting landscapes and cultural gems along the way.
We will be visiting Thang (0 point – LOC if the army permits), a village situated at the Line of Control (LOC). The visit is subject to permission from the army, offering a unique opportunity to witness life in a village located at the border.

Next, we visit Thoise, home to an Air Force airport. Marvel at the strategic importance of this military installation and gain insights into the role it plays in safeguarding the region. The presence of the Air Force adds a layer of significance to the journey, emphasising the security and strategic importance of this area.

After this, we head towards Bogdang, a medium-sized village in Nubra that provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the region. Explore the local lifestyle, interact with the people, and absorb the unique blend of Gilgit and Baltistan influences.

After we come back to Hunder, we will have our dinner and spend the evening in leisure. Overnight stay at Camp in Hunder

Day 5- Hunder to Pangong via Shyok

Today, we will move towards Pangong lake via Shyok valley. Ladakh Expedition takes you through the extreme rapids of the “River of death” aka Shayok, narrow valleys and even a few high passes to enter into Chang thang region. We will enroute Durbok – a big army base, Tangste village which is highest tank ground in the world, Spangmik which is a village of just 7 families to reach Pangong. After that, we will enter the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh.

The name itself describes the landscape – flat land in all 4 directions “Chang Thang” where you find glacial water streams flowing across the region making the region lush green with grasses in summers. Attracting many animals like wild horses, wild ass, Blue sheep, ibex, wild goat, yak, herd of sheep and goat, himalayan red fox, Himalayan wolf and the cute Marmots.

Overnight stay at homestay/camp/cottage in Pangong (depending on package selection)

Day 6- Pangong to Leh

Today, we will travel back from Spangmik to Leh. On our way, we will visit a few places that will bring a smile on our faces and probably shoo away our tiredness.

• Druk Padma Karpo- Also known as Druk White Lotus school, this school is located in a small village namely Shey. It was a part of the movie 3 Idiots and here is where Rancho studied. This school is no ordinary school as it not only teaches the syllabus but also teaches the life skills and caters to only the Ladakhi children.
• Shey Monastery and Palace- This monastery houses a 10 metre high copper statue of Lord Buddha. It was built in the 16th century AD and the views from the top of it are tremendous.
• Thiksey Monastery- Located on the top of a hill, Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa order of Buddhism. The monastery houses a temple and a few shrines. It also houses the most photographed and beautiful Maitreya Buddha statue.
• Stok Palace- Now converted into a heritage hotel, the palace houses a must-see museum that has a collection of artefacts and relics related to Ladakh’s old monarchy. One can see ancient coins, royal seals & costumes, jewellery and photographs along with the royal family’s collection of thangkas, some of which are over 400 years old.

Overnight stay at Leh.

Day 7- Leh to Kargil enroute Sightseeing

Today, we start in the morning and proceed for Kargil excursion from Leh in the Ladakh Expedition. On our way we’ll en route Alchi & Lamayuru.

Alchi is a village located on the banks of the Indus river. The village houses the oldest monastery of Ladakh, the Alchi monastery. This monastery is a monastic complex and the views from it are splendid.

After spending some time over here, we will move towards Lamayuru. In Lamayuru we will visit the Lamayuru monastery which is one of the oldest and largest of Ladakh and is also known as the “place for freedom” and the moonland of Ladakh.

Overnight stay at Kargil

Day 8- Sightseeing & Return to Leh

Kargil to Leh via Drass war memorial. After exploring Kargil, it is time we explore some western regions of Ladakh like Drass.

Drass is known as the coldest place in India where civilization can be found. After exploring Drass and its regions nearby, we will return from Kargil/Drass to Leh. Again if the time permits, we can opt for rafting in this lag of the journey.

Day 9 Leisure day in Leh (buffer day / safe day)

Today is a leisure day. Today, you get the time to spend with yourself and your close ones without having to listen to anybody else. Shop around, hop on cafes and eat the tastiest meals, go bike riding or river rafting, do anything and everything that an explorer will do to take the charge of his/her trip. (All are optional activities and the cost of any activities/ rentals/ transport are not included in the package for today).

As we have come to know throughout this journey that Ladakh can be very moody, it is still too early for us to visit Ladakh while the weather has proven to be volatile and unpredictable. For instance, the moment you blink your eye to a picture perfect blue sky, you might open it to a grey sky with harsh rainfall which can turn into mud floods before you blink second time.

Our ground team assures your safety and essential arrangements for stay and food throughout the trip and this one extra day can assure your safe returns with happy and great memories back home on the day your flights are booked.

It is for the buffer day so that we can assure that you do not miss your flight back home tomorrow.

Overnight stay at Leh Hotel.

Day 10 Departure from Leh

After having a mouth- filling breakfast today, our Ladakh Expedition ends at the Leh hotel. We will fly back home with great memories which we created during our time in the Himalayas.

Included

• Accommodation:
  • As package opted
  • All stays with base category of rooms unless mentioned otherwise specifically.
• Food:
  • Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel (no breakfast on arrival day and no dinner on departure day)
  • Food will be simple and locally available freshly cooked.
• Transport
  • Tourist vehicle on NON-Disposable Basis ( Depending on group size and your nature of booking. Vehicles like Scorpio / Innova / Force traveller
  • Reliable experienced local resident driver cum guide with intense knowledge of area, terrain, people and culture
  • Driver charges, Driver accommodation, fuel, inter-state toll
  • Transfers as specified in itinerary
  • Toll and Parking inclusive
  • Green fee or Environmental fee

Excluded

• Meals other than specified
• Camera fees, Monument entry charges, Rafting or other activities charges
• All personal expenses, Optional Tours and extra meals
• Medicine, Travel Insurance
• Nubra, Pangong entry charges
• Any Cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances, weather or natural calamity, political unrest etc
• Travel charges to and from reporting point and end point ie any flight, train, bus charges
• Porterage charges, tips, phone calls, laundry, shopping or any such personal cost
• Additional usage of vehicle except mentioned in the itinerary
• Cost of any other services which are not mentioned in inclusions
• Any other charges which are not mentioned in inclusions
• Taxes as applicable