MONASTERY TOUR
6 Nights / 7 Days - Leh Airport Pickup & Leh Airport Drop
Leh , Sham Valley, Monasteries

Day 2:- Leh (Excursion To Monasteries)
Post breakfast we visit SPITUK MONASTERY, Built in 15th century during the reign of Grags ‘bum-lde, these new Gelug-pa monastery was built like fortress on the summit of crags and also visit HALL OF FAME near Leh is worth a visit for every citizen. It is a glorious museum constructed by Indian army.

Post lunch we take a sightseeing tour visiting SANKAR GOMPA, located at a distance of approximately 3 km from the town of Leh, Leh Palace is one of the most captivating architectural ruins that attract the attention of the tourists almost immediately with its majestic setting at the edge of the Namgyal hill and overlooking the town and at once looks like a reminiscent of Lhasa's Potala Palace.

Day 3:- Leh To Sham Valley (92 Kms / 4 Hrs)
After breakfast you 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 4:- 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 5:- Leh - Excursion To Chemdey, Takthok, Hemis, Shey Palace & Thiksey - (06 Hrs Approx.)
Post breakfast we take sightseeing tour monasteries visiting CHEMDAY which occupies an imposing position just to the south of Sakti village, TAK-THOK Monastery is situated in Sakti Village, at a distance of approximately 46 km from the town of Leh. HEMIS GOMPA, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism, THIKSEY an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village & SHEY PALACE, The ancient capital of Ladakh. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6:- Leh - Stok, Matho, Stakna & Mahabodhi - (05 Hrs Approx.)
Post breakfast we start our by visiting MATHO MONASTERY renowned mainly for its yearly festival & known as Nag-hrang after the name of the local god (sa-bdag). Following drive to STAKNA a small monastery, comprising the private apartment, all newly decorated in good Tibetan style & MAHABODHI, The only centre in Ladakh to conduct Dhamma talks and meditation programs & STOK PALACE lies south south of leh on the opposite side of the singe Tsangspo River. The castle was built on a hill at the end of village in about the year 1825 by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7:- 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:-

Destination	Standard	Deluxe	Super Deluxe	Luxury
Leh	Asia or Zambala Inn	Noble House, Hill Town Mandala, Pangong, The Ladakh, Eco Poplar, Kaal or Similar	Spic N Span, Lharisa, Lasermo, City Palace or Similar	The Grand Dragon
Sham Valley	Moonland Hotel in Lamayuru	West Ladakh Camp in Uleytokpo	Tsomoriri Camps & Resorts, Nomadic Camp or Similar	Tsomoriri Camps & Resorts, Nomadic Camp or Similar