NOMADIC LAND OF LADAKH
8 Nights / 9 Days - Leh Airport Pickup & Leh Airport Drop
Leh, Monasteries, Sham Valley, Tsomoriri Lake & Nubra Valley

Day 2:- Leh To Sham Valley (92 Kms / 4 Hrs)
After breakfast we drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. Enroute visiting GURUDWARA PATTHAR SAHIB Nestled deep in the Himalayas, which was built by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. A drive of another 4 km took us to MAGNETIC HILL which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up & further Driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the CONFLUENCE OF THE INDUS AND ZANSKAR RIVER 4 km before Nimmu village, Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the LIKIR MONASTERY. The name Likir derives from the word Lukhgil (coiled snake) as the site appears to be encircled by two great serpent spirits – Nanda and Taksako. Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up to the monastery a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh.

After visiting the Monastery you continue your drive along the River Indus to TINGMOSGANG or ULETOKPO, where on arrival you check into a Fixed Camp.In the afternoon you visit RIDZONG MONASTERY. There is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. There are fine silver chortens that contain the relics of the founder and his son. Later walk back to Uletokpo or drive to Tingmosgang for an overnight stay at a Fixed Camp.

Day 3:- Sham Valley To Leh Via Lamayuru (158 Kms / 5-6 Hrs )
Post breakfast you proceed to the 11th century LAMAYURU MONASTERY enroute visiting the mesmerizing MOON LANDSCAPES (you will believe why the name of this area is Moonland. Exactly the same formations of Land are visible as on the moon), Lamayuru is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. The monastery has gradually expanded over the years and newer structures have been built around a large courtyard. The antiquity of this site is evident from the large number of chortens, similar to those at Alchi.On your return drive to Leh you first visit the ALCHI GOMPA. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century.

After Alchi you proceed to BASGO, which lies astride the road to Leh. The jagged skyline of the ruins of the 15th century capital of Ladakh dominates the village of Basgo. It was an important center in the old days, having been the capital of lower Ladakh when the kingdom was divided in the 15th & 16th centuries, and the seat of that branch of the dynasty, which eventually unified Ladakh and took the surname Namgyal.  Finally you arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at your Hotel.

Day 4:- Leh - Chumathang - Tsomoriri (240 Kms/ 6 - 7 Hrs )
In the morning leave for TSOMORIRI LAKE enroute visiting SHEY PALACE, The ancient capital of Ladakh & THIKSEY an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries we drive further towards CHUMATHANG, which is famous for medical hot spring and people visit to this place for medical bath. From here a short drive will take you to Mahey Bridge, the main checking point to enter to this new area. On the way visit Sumdah village and another 55 kms drive will take you to Tsomoriri.
The TSOMORIRI LAKE is a beautiful mountain bounded expanse of water, around 240 Kms. from Leh in Rupsho Valley. The Lake is located at 14,000 ft. near a small village of Korzok. Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese boarder, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes. This region is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, snow-capped peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes, the largest being Tsomoriri at 4,500 m.

The Tsomoriri Lake is also the breeding ground for numerous species of birds, like the bar headed goose, crested grebe, the Brahmini duck (ruddy sheldrake) and the brown-headed gull. The Tsomorir Lake is 8 kms wide and 28 kms long. Upon arrival we check in at our camp for two nights.

Day 5:- 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 at the camp.

Day 6:- Tsomoriri - Mahe - Puga - Tsokar - Tanglangla - Leh
The day will start with a drive to Mahey village, a picturesque village with spurting fountain and white clouds hanging upon. From there, you will proceed towards Puga Valley, famous for Butan gas. Thereafter, you will continue towards Tsokar via Polokongka pass (at 13500 ft.). After visiting the Tsokar Lake, you can also see Thugke gompa. The place is quite known for wild Asses, seen grazing and moving in flocks. From here you will drive towards Leh. On the way, you will stop to Tanglangla pass, the second highest motorable pass in the world at 5350 m. Later we drive back to leh enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism and after visiting Hemis we Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight.

Day 7:- Leh - Nubra Valley Via Khardungla 18,390 (120 Kms / 4 - Hrs)
Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over KHARDUNG LA (THE HIGHEST MOTORABLE ROAD IN THE WORLD) AT 5,602 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.

Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at our Camp / Hotel in Hunder for Overnight stay.In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world. A visit to a Ladakhi home can be arranged. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.

Day 8:- Nubra Valley - Leh (120 Kms / 4 - 5 Hrs)
After an early breakfast we check out from the Camp and drive to HUNDER where you have opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snow capped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides 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 is Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains. On the return stop at DISKIT which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley. Later we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon via Khardungla Top. On arrival at Leh you will check in to your Hotel. In the afternoon you can rest and relax. In the evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.

Day 9:- Depart Leh (Fly Out)
Your tour come to end. Aatithya Trips thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination

Hotel Option / Choice:-