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A BIT OF OFFBEAT LADAKH WITH AN ADVENTURE
(12 Nights / 13 Days - Leh Airport Pickup & Leh Airport Drop
Leh, Monasteries, Sham Valley, Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar Lake, Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake

Day 1:- Arrive Leh
Arrival Leh Kushok Bakula Airport (This must be one of the MOST SENSATIONAL FLIGHTS IN THE WORLD. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.)

Upon arrival you will met by our representative and transfer to Hotel for Check in. Complete day for rest and leisure to acclimatize followed by Welcome tea or Coffee at the Hotel. Evening Visit to LEH MARKET & SHANTI STUPA. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

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) Enroute Rafting From Phey To Nimoo (Grade 2+)
After an early breakfast we checkout from Hotel and Drive towards Leh – Kargil Highway, Starting our day with Rafting down the Indus from PHEY TO NIMOO: Second or third grade rafting starts from Phey around 12 Kms. from Leh towards Srinagar. Around 4 Kms. of fast and thrilling rafting has beautiful land scenery. The rafting finishes at Nimoo the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers. Perhaps this stretch is one of the most popular stretches as it is not too harsh and good for beginners.

After completing the rafting at Nimoo we continue with our journey towards Sham Valley. 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:- In Tingmosgang (Sham Valley)
Post breakfast we opt for any of the following sightseeing opportunities offered by Tingmosgang to the Palace 15 minutes walk, Tserkarmo 4 km, Khatsa Gonpa 10 Km, Tia village and Nunnery 8 Km. The Camp / hotel is in a rural ethnic village, run by a Ladakhi traditional family, where you witness traditional family house, Ladakhi food, the hotel is sprawled over a vast area of apricot and apple groves rendering a relaxed and rejuvenating atmosphere for your holidays.

Day 5:- 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 6:- 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 overnight stay.

Day 7:- Tsomoriri - Tsokar (45 Kms / 3 Hrs)
Post breakfast, we depart for TSOKAR (salt lake), 4530 Mtrs. Driving through the same route and after a descent to Sumdo village, we visit the Tibetan refugee center and the SOS village, after a brief halt we continue taking the rollar coaster track and reach PUGA VILLAGE, situated near a old sulphur mines after a brief halt, we then continue our drive to Tsokar crossing the Polokongka La (4920 Mtrs.), After we cross the pass we set our camp on the shore of another large lake Tsokar (white lake) known by the Tibetans and ÒSalt LakeÓ by the cartographers. The Lake is surrounded by marshes and produces various kinds of salts, on the northern shore of the lake; the salt is deposited and collected by the Nomads who later trade over Ladakh regions which are mixed to prepare Butter tea known as (Gur Gur tea). The area is rich in wildlife, which includes Kyang (wild ass), red foxes and the rare Snow leopard. We then return to our campsite. Overnight on the bank of Tsokar Lake at Tsokar.

Day 8:- Tsokar - Leh (154 Kms / 5-6 Hrs)
After an early breakfast, we return to Leh via Taglang La (17500feet) is the second highest motorable road in the world. We then pass through the most colorful mountains of Rumtse valley. We arrive in Leh, upon arrival we check-into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 9:- Leh - Nubra Valley Via Khardungla 18,390 Ft. (120 Kms / 4-5 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 10:- 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 are 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.

Day 11:- Leh To Pangong Lake (140 Kms / 6 Hrs)
After an early breakfast we leave for PANGONG 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 CHANGLA PASS 5486 MTRS. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of it’s running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable.

After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world.Upon arrival we check in at our Camp near Pangong Lake. Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.

Day 12:- Pangong Lake To Leh (140 Kms / 6 Hrs)
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh enroute visiting HEMIS GOMPA, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight. 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 13:- Depart Leh (Fly Out)
Tour concludes. 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	Noble House, Hill Town, Asia or Zambala Inn	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
Tsomoriri Lake	Tsomoriri Camp, Yak Camp or Similar	Tsomoriri Camps & Resorts, Nomadic Camp or Similar	Pangong Lake Deluxe Camp	Pangong Lake Deluxe Camp
Tsokar Lake	Pastureland Camp	Pastureland Camp	Pastureland Camp	Pastureland Camp
Nubra Valley	Olathang or Snow Leopard - Guest Houses	Silk Route Cottages, Organic Retreat or Mystic Meadows	Nubra Ethnic Camp or Silk Route Cottages	Nubra Ethnic Camp or Silk Route Cottages
Pangong Lake	Pangong Resort or Similar	Highland Camp or Similar	Pangong Lake Deluxe Camp	Pangong Lake Deluxe Camp

Aatithya Trips Private Limited.
B-203, Titanium City Center, Near Sachin Tower, Shyamal - Anand Nagar 100 Ft Road Satelite, Ahmedabad – 380015.
Phone :- 079- 4008 2210 / 30002210 Mobile :- 94265 02210 / 76000 66011/22/33
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