Incredible Trip to Ladakh

Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, meet and greet by our representatives & transfer to hotel near by airport. Because next day you have flight to Leh. 

Very early morning departures transfer to domestic flights to Leh. Check-in for the flight to Leh, usually scheduled between 5 and 7 am and subject to weather conditions. Beautiful flight over the Himalayan range (about two hours), before discovering the capital of Ladakh, located in the heart of an impressive mineral world. Check-in at the hotel, breakfast, and rest until noon, in order to acclimatize as best as possible during this first gentle day. Meal, then a short Jeep ride takes us to Namgyal Tsemo, a small monastery overlooking the city. A downhill walk, the path passes next to the old Royal Palace. Visit the old town and its typical bazaar, before returning to the hotel.

If the weather permits and if it is open, we will go and discover the Central Asian Museum in Leh, which provides a good introduction to the culture of Ladakh.. 

Meals: Lunch, dinner included.

First day of discovery of the high places around Leh. On the program, the monastery of Phyang, one of the most important in the region. Located south of the city, away from the main axis, it offers very beautiful views of the valley. Its rooms, decorated with paintings and imposing statues, allow an interesting approach to Himalayan Buddhism. Then transfer to the great palace of Stok, residence of the ancient kings of Ladakh. Transformed into a museum, the collections presented evoke a recent past when the royal family reigned over this valley. We leave this place on foot to wander in the surrounding countryside and soak up the always rural atmosphere. Picnic in front of mani walls, in the middle of barley fields. Continue to Stakna, a monastery located on a promontory in the middle of the Indus plain and offering a magnificent panorama. Belonging to the Drukpa-kagyu school (the official school in Bhutan), this religious building dates back to the 16th century. It notably has a superb statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Continued visit of the upper Indus Valley and its monasteries. Going up the course of the Indus, we arrive at the Hemis monastery, a beautiful architectural ensemble. Nestled at the bottom of the valley, this monastery was built around 1602 by a Bhutanese monk invited by the king of the time. We climb up to a statue of Buddha to enjoy a beautiful view of Hemis. Backtrack and stop for lunch near the beautiful village of Thikse, dominated by an imposing Gelugpa monastery. This Thikse monastery majestically overlooks the valley, a magnificent ensemble bringing together around 80 monks, and the discovery of the beautiful inner courtyard, which distributes access to the different temples. The most astonishing is certainly the temple of Maitreya with its gigantic interior statue, which covers all the floors of the building. To reach the next site, we will take the schoolchildren's path. Departure on foot from the Thikse monastery, following small roads that cross the fields. It is possible to find the vehicles after 45 minutes of walking… or to go to Shey, in which case count 1h30 of easy walk. Shey, capital of Ladakh until the 15th century, is an interesting complex whose importance is still measured by the quality of the paintings and the astonishing quantity of chortens or other votive monuments that surround it. Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include. 

We leave Leh, and our vehicle quickly rises to the heights of the valley. The asphalt strip follows large bends to reach the Kardung La pass (5360m), one of the highest road passes in the world. Here on a clear day, the view is incredible. To the south, the view plunges over the Indus Valley and the peaks of the Stok range, Kang Yatse and the Zanskar mountains. To the north, immaculate in white, the group of five Saser peaking at 7672 m, then the Rimo. The road descends and crosses superb landscapes to arrive in the famous Nubra Valley, an ancient caravan route from Leh to Kashgar. We make a detour to the Diskit monastery (15th century), topped with a 32-metre statue of Maitreya (the Buddha of the future). This monastery also contains splendid wall paintings from the period and marks the entrance to the Shyok Valley, a tributary of the Indus. We continue towards the beautiful Hunder oasis, which contrasts with the desert atmosphere of the nearby dune massifs. Then return to Diskit and check into a guesthouse.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included.

This morning, head for the Nubra! Here each village is an oasis of greenery contrasting radically with the surrounding rocks or sand... Short trip to Hargam to cross the Nubra and reach the hamlet of Murg where we visit the small gompa of Ensa, 250 years old. Return to the sources of Panamik and the village of Pulthang. A short walk in the middle of the desert to discover the lake of Lo Bame Tso, nestled like a jewel in the hollow of the rocks. We return to our vehicle and then visit the monastery school of Samtanling. This 19th-century monastery brings together about fifty young monks in training. Return at the end of the day to our guesthouse or hotel in Diskit.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Includes. 

This morning, we go up the Shyok River to leave the Nubra Valley and to the village of Agham. Here a brand new road winds up above us while we continue our journey along the banks of the river. The valley suddenly narrows, and ochre-coloured gorges appear and disappear as the path meanders. We find a little more space before arriving at the hamlet of Shyok, which begins our arrival towards the superb Tangtse alpine valley, to discover the sumptuous Pangong Lake. Bordering Tibet, this lake is nestled in a setting of incredible mountains under the effect of mineral rocks and changing light, the colour of the water and its banks change perpetually. Installation at the fixed camp set up under the Pangong range, with a view of the lake. Walk at the end of the day on the banks of the lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For those who wish, morning walk on the banks of the lake to enjoy this magical place with its exceptional colors! It is the occasion for memorable photos… Especially at sunrise, when the first rays pass through the distant peaks and hit the dark waters, making them turn turquoise. A few migratory birds also pass above us, or fly away as we approach. We find our vehicles for an early morning departure because a long day awaits us. After following the shore of Pangong Lake, we head south, into a vast "no man's land". Very isolated, we have time to enjoy vast, almost deserted expanses before returning to another high-altitude lake, Tsomoriri Lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Today we discover the upper Changtang, the world of Tibetan nomads who share this territory with wild antelopes, birds of prey, and wolves! Wake up on the banks of the lake and visit the small village of Korzok located on its banks, topped by its monastery of the Karmapa school (19th century), the only place of schooling for young monks in the region. Round trip walk in the nomads' valley. Then short transfer to the northern tip of the lake where the ornithological reserve is located... Possibility of a walk towards the south, in order to take in the landscape and increase the chances of seeing kyangs (very elegant wild donkeys...). Return to camp at the end of the day to enjoy the mystical serenity and unique geography of this lake…

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning walk on the heights of Korzok to admire the lake and the surrounding peaks. Then return via the Kiagar pass and descend to Sumdo. Here we turn due west to climb back up to the Tsokar plateau. Arrival at the Tukjee gompa, a small monastery containing a Buddhist cave (a lamp is useful). The view of Tsokar Lake from the terraces is exceptional, and the opportunity for superb photos… Tsokar Lake (or Tso Kar) is also known as the "White Lake" because of the salt that is deposited there. The salt around Tsokar Lake was collected by the Changpas (local nomads) and used as barter to obtain goods from other parts of Ladakh. The lake is also an excellent site for bird watching, such as black-necked cranes and brahmni ducks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we enjoy Tsokar Lake again and its wild and bright setting, where kyangs, the largest of the wild asses, can be easily spotted in the meadows surrounding the lake early in the morning. In the morning, we leave the Changtang plateaus via the Tanglang La pass at 5300 m, located at the end of the Kang Yatse range. Descend to Lhato, then join the Indus Valley through magnificent ochre-coloured gorges. We go slightly up a valley on our right to reach the village of Serthi. End of a peaceful day to enjoy a magnificent environment.

If there is not too much traffic and depending on the weather conditions, it is possible to take a walk along the road between Lhato and Meru to enjoy the exceptional geology of the place.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we go for a walk, starting with the small monastery of Tak Tok which dominates the valley, affiliated with the Nyingmapa school, the oldest of Vajrayana Buddhism. This monastery was built around the middle of the 16th century during the reign of Tsewang Namgyal. The name Tak Tok literally means "rock roof", hence the name of the monastery, its roof and walls being made of stone. Descent to Serthi, a beautiful traditional village, then discovery of the Chemre monastery. It was founded in 1664 by Lama Tagsang Raschen of the Drukpa monastic order. We discover a beautiful statue of Padmasambhava as well as a collection of sacred texts with silver leaves and gold letters. Return to our vehicles, and we arrive in Leh in the afternoon with installation at the hotel and free end of the day. You can explore the old alleys, the old fortress, attend a Ladakhi dance show, go shopping...

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Road to the Basgo fortress, ancient capital of Ladakh between the 15th and 17th centuries, strategic site for the control of caravans between upper and lower Ladakh. Discovery of the ruins and small temples still in good condition. Continue to Likir, a monastery belonging to the Gelugpa order (the reformed school of Tibetan Buddhism) and containing very beautiful statues and an interesting collection of thankas. Road to Alchi, one of the most interesting sites in Ladakh (11th and 12th centuries): finely chiseled paintings typical of Indo-Kashmir art (bring a headlamp to enjoy the frescoes in the dark), monumental statues, chortens, prayer wheels, and Loungta. Climb to a small monastery (ignored by tourists) overlooking Alchi (beautiful 12th century paintings) before visiting the Alchi monastery and strolling around. Night in the heart of the village bordered by barley fields, apricot, and mulberry orchards.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

In an hour and a half drive through the Yapola Gorges, we reach the Lamayuru monastic complex. This astonishing promontory has a beauty and richness that contrast with the aridity of the valley. According to legend, it was built towards the end of the 16th century: the king, victim of the vengeance of a Naga after having built a canal at the Hemis monastery, contracted leprosy that was declared incurable! He was cured by a monk who meditated in a cave on Mount Kailash. To thank him, the king had Lamayuru built and granted him many privileges. Return to the Indus River and follow in our footsteps to the Rizong monastery, where we discover a magnificent architectural ensemble of the Gelugpa order, clinging to the mountainside. With its alleys and covered passages, this monastery has the appearance of a large village. Downstream from the monastery, we can also visit the nunnery. Then return to Leh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early departure and flight to Delhi (subject to weather conditions). Check-in at the hotel, close to the city center. In the afternoon, visit the districts of old Delhi and monuments such as the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the splendid Sikh temple of Delhi, or the red mosque Jama Masjid. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Meals: Breakfast, 

We leave the hotel, towards India Gate, President House, and Parliament House, the opportunity to take some photos of these official buildings left by the English colonizers. We continue with a visit to Humayun's tomb, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. This mausoleum was built in 1560 following the accidental death of the Emperor. The complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and has since been extensively restored. This sumptuous tomb inaugurated a major series of architectural renewals that will continue with, among other things, the construction of the famous Taj Mahal. Around noon, lunch near Connaught Place then free time in the afternoon. We meet in the evening at the hotel, where we have booked 1 room for 4 people so that everyone can shower at the end of the day. Last dinner together, then transfer to the airport at the end of the evening and night flight to onward destination.

This day can possibly serve as a reserve day in case of delay or cancellation of the Leh - Delhi flight the day before. The return flight to France can also be the next morning, with a late arrival in Paris on the last day.

Meals: Breakfast.