Ladakh Zanskar Jeep Safari Tour simply means “High Pass Land” – a name for one of the highest inhabited areas in the world could hardly be more apt. The landscape in northern India is characterized by high mountain ranges and rugged valleys. But Ladakh Tour is not only the area on the Himalayas, but above all, genuine Tibetan Buddhism can be found in this deeply religious country. You will meet monks in their red robes at every turn on this journey, countless chortens and magnificent monasteries crown the hills and mountains, and the popular, colorful temple festivals invite you to visit.
Day 1: Arrival Delhi
Upon arrival at New Delhi International airport. We go through visa formalities and collect our luggage before meeting our local representative, & transfer to hotel near by airport (depend on flight time) he accompanies us to till your hotel.
Day 2: Flight Delhi – Leh
We fly early from Delhi over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to Leh. Leh city situated at 3,500 m altitude. Upon arrival one of our representative welcomes to you and heading to hotel, on arrival take welcome drinks and breakfast, later they will provide the room. The day is at leisure for acclimatization. Afternoon stroll through the small streets in the medieval-looking town. If we still feel fit, we will start with the first visits. We immerse ourselves in the mystical Tibetan monk culture and make our way to Sankar Monastery with beautiful wall paintings of Tara in her tantric form, each with 1000 heads, hands and legs. From the Shanti Stupa, you have a spectacular view of the Leh and Indus Valleys. Our hotel is very centrally located in Leh.
Day 4: Leh
We visit the most important monasteries in Ladakh. The Hemis Monastery is the largest and oldest monastery where over 500 monks still live. The sight is spectacular! The Thiksey Monastery with its own monastery town and an important collection of Tibetan scriptures and a 15 m high gold-plated Buddha statue will impress us. From the roof of the monastery we again enjoy a wonderful view of the Indus Valley and the monasteries of Stakna, Matho and Shey.
Day 5: Leh
The Shey Monastery was the former summer residence of the kings of Ladakh and is picturesquely situated above a small lake. Matho Monastery is the only monastery in Ladakh representing the Tibetan Saskya order and stands on a rocky outcrop high above the valley. On the other side of the Indus lies the Stok Palace, once the seat of the ruling family of Ladakh.
Day 6: Leh – Tingmosgang
We leave Leh and drive west to Alchi. On the way we visit the Spituk Monastery. The 1,000-year-old monastery in Alchi is famous for its rich murals and wood carvings. On the way we also make a stop at Basgo Palace. The main attraction is the huge, golden Maitreya Buddha. We continue to Likir Monastery. In the afternoon we reach Timosgang. There are countless apricot, apple and walnut trees here, making Tingmosgang one of the richest places in Ladakh. Of course we look at the monastery above the town and enjoy a wonderful view. We then explore a small medieval village nearby before spending the night in a nice homestay.
Day 7: Tingmosgang – Kargil
After breakfast we drive along the Indus towards Kargil on the road that was only opened to tourists a few years ago. In Hanu Yogma we marvel at the old village, which is now a museum. The Drokpas live here, known for their traditional hair decorations. In Chiktan we marvel at the mighty ruins of the old fortress as we drive past. Then we reach the Leh – Srinagar highway and next we cross the Namki La at a height of around 3,700 m. Shortly afterwards we stop in Mulbeck to look at the 9 meter high rock relief from the 10th century. We reach Kargil in the late afternoon. If there’s still time, we can stroll through the market.
Day 8: Kargil – Randum
Our journey goes through the beautiful Suru Valley to Rangdum. On the way we pass the twin mountains Nun (7,135 m) and Kun (7,077 m), which still belong to the Indian part of the Karakoram. Today we spend the night in a simple tent camp.
Day 9: Rangdum – Padum
The Rangdum Monastery is located at an altitude of 3,600 m. It sits picturesquely on a mountain ridge and is now home to around 40 monks. After the visit, the journey continues and the views become more and more breathtaking. We drive up to Pensi La at 4,401 m. Shortly afterwards we reach the ice masses of the largest glacier in the Indian Himalayas, the Durung Drung. We drive along the Stod River in long serpentines. Shortly before Padum we visit the famous Sani Monastery with the Kanishka Chortens.
Day 10: Dzongkul and Karsha
After breakfast we drive to the Dzongkul cave monastery, which is built into the rocks in a side valley. In the afternoon we visit Karsha Monastery, the largest Yellow Hat Monastery in Zanskar.
Day 11: Bardan – Zangla – Stongde
The Bardan Monastery awaits us just 10 km away from Padum. The monastery sits imposingly on a rocky peak above the Tharap River. We then look at the old fortress above Zangla and enjoy the view over the valley. The Stongde Monastery with a spectacular view is also on our way today.
Day 12: Padum – Alchi
Another breathtaking ride awaits us today on the new track along the Zanskar River. Anyone who has ever done the Zanskar trek will recognize a lot here. Via Sengge La with an altitude of approx. 5,000 m we continue to Sirsir La with an altitude of 4,800 m. The views are spectacular when we have good weather. Through the Hanupatta gorge we reach the Srinagar-Leh Highway and reach Alchi.
Day 13: Alchi – Nubra Valley
After breakfast we marvel at the beautiful Alchi Monastery. Unfortunately, photography is strictly forbidden here. Then we head to the Nubra Valley, which has only been opened to tourism for a few years. We cross the highest passable pass in the world, the Khardung La at 5,606 m and our route is part of the old Silk Road. The valley’s original name means “flower garden” and this is proven by the lush oases along the Nubra River. Poplars, willows, rose trees and white sandy areas in between. There are also camels here!
Day 14: Nubra Valley
The Diskit Monastery clings to a mountain and can be admired from a far. Then we drive along the sand dunes to the Hundar oasis. This place is considered the most beautiful village in the valley with its lush green apple and apricot trees.
Day 15: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake
From Nubra Valley we drive along the Shyok River. A long but exciting ride. The crowning glory is the Pangong Lake, which often shimmers in a wonderful turquoise. Here we spend the night in simple huts.
Day 16: Pangong Lake – Tso Moriri
Today we set off on another long but exciting drive towards Tso Moriri. We will always have to stop for photos to capture the wonderful and sometimes bizarre landscape. In the evening we reach Tso Moriri.
Day 17: Tso Moriri
Small glacial streams flow into the lake, but it has no outlet. The lake, located at an altitude of 4,595 m, is approx. 28 km long and 8 km wide. If we are lucky, we can observe some rare birds here, such as black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, black-headed gulls, grebes, but also mammals such as Argali wild sheep, Tibetan gazelles, Marmotte and lynxes. We spend the day at the lake, go on short hikes and enjoy the harmony of nature.
Day 18: Tso Moriri – Leh
We drive back to Leh, past Tso Kar, where we might see wild donkeys. Another long drive and we only reach Leh in the evening.
Day 19: Leh
We’re using today as a buffer day in Leh. Maybe we didn’t get everything done at the beginning because we had to add a festival, for example. In any case, there is time to get the last souvenirs.
Day 20: Flight Leh – Delhi
In the morning we leave “Little Tibet” and fly back to Delhi. The rest of the day is free for last time shopping etc. in Delhi.
Day 21: Departure from Delhi
Today you take your return flight or extend your stay in India.
Ladakh Zanskar Jeep Safari Tour by Delighted Journey