Cultural adventure tour of Ladakh taking in Buddhist temples & monasteries, beautiful valleys and meadows and mountain lakes
Highlights
Old & New Delhi, Leh, Magnetic Hill, Hemis Monastery, Shey Palace, Nubra Valley, Turtuk village, Pangong Tso Lake
Itinerary
Once you arrive in Delhi, one of our staff members will be there to meet and greet you at the airport, before transferring you to your hotel for the day. We'll make sure you settle in OK, and confirm your pick up time for tomorrow morning.
OVERNIGHT:
Delhi hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Delhi - pre-tour
Single room supplement (INSGLE)
Your day starts with a morning tour of India's capital, New Delhi. Built on the banks of the Yamuna river, New Delhi is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present.
We start at India Gate in the centre of New Delhi, a 42-metre high "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway, a war memorial built to commemorate the 82,000 soldiers who partook in the undivided Indian Army. We'll drive past various government buildings such as the President's Palace and the Parliament of India, before passing Humayun's Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Bangla Sahab Gurudwara Sikh Temple.
We'll stop at Connaught Place Station and join the locals on the metro to Old Delhi where we'll walk through one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, before exploring the narrow streets of Chawri Bazar which specialises in selling brass, copper and paper products. Throughout the afternoon our guide will also introduce you to the wide range of street food snacks and delicacies so you can get your first authentic taste of the delicious and varied Indian cuisine. Our walking tour will also take in a rickshaw ride and the Jama Masjid mosque, one of the largest in India.
OVERNIGHT:
Delhi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Our day begins with an early transfer to the airport for your flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Upon arrival, we will take you to your hotel, allowing you time to settle in and begin acclimatising to the high altitude of 3,500 metres.
After a welcome drink, you will have a complete rest to help with acclimatisation. In the late afternoon, we will take a short drive to the city for an orientation walk through the markets. This will be followed by a visit to Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace. You will spend the night at the hotel.
Perched on a hilltop in Chanspa, Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Buddhist monument built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. It holds relics of the Buddha at its base, which were enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa offers a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular tourist attraction for both its spiritual significance and scenic beauty.
Also known as 'Lhachen Palkhar,' Leh Palace is a former royal palace from the 17th century. Built by King Sengge Namgyal, this nine-storey, dun-coloured building once housed the royal family. Today, it features a museum and a prayer room, with its main highlight being the sweeping view of Leh and the surrounding Zanskar mountain range from the rooftop.
OVERNIGHT:
Leh hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast, you will drive downstream along the River Indus on the Leh–Kargil Highway. Our first stop will be the Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, a highly revered sacred site. Devoted to Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh religion, this beautiful monument commemorates his visit to Ladakh. Dating back to 1517, the gurudwara houses a boulder with imprints of Guru Nanak Dev's head, shoulders, and backside.
From there, we will continue for another 4 km to the Magnetic Hill, a truly intriguing spot perched at an altitude of 14,000 ft. It is said to defy gravity, appearing to pull vehicles uphill. The scientific theory suggests this is caused by a strong magnetic force emanating from the hill, while local superstition believes it to be a stairway to heaven.
Next, we will drive through the picturesque landscape to the Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. The shiny blue waters of the Zanskar meet the slightly green Indus, which originates from the great Himalayan ranges. This creates a stunning visual contrast that visitors find fascinating.
Just before the village of Saspul, a road to the right will take us to Likir Monastery, one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up, you will be greeted by the colossal gilded image of the Maitreya Buddha, one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh.
We will then continue our drive to Tingmosgang, stopping en route to visit the Ridzong Monastery. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the monastery is dramatic. Those who wish to can walk up to the monastery.
After a day of sightseeing, we will drive to our hotel in Tingmosgang for an overnight stay.
OVERNIGHT:
Tingmosgang hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast, you will begin your drive to the Lamayuru Monastery, a stunning 11th-century Buddhist monastery. The journey itself is an experience, as you will pass through the mesmerising Moon Landscapes. Here, you will see a unique terrain with barren, eroded hills that look strikingly similar to the surface of the moon.
The monastery is spectacularly located along the valley plain, surrounded by jagged mountains. After exploring this historic and spiritual site, you will begin the drive back to Leh for an overnight stay at your hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Leh hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast, you will begin your scenic drive to the Nubra Valley. The road journey is an adventure in itself, taking you over the Khardung La, which, at 5,602 metres, is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. This high-altitude pass is roughly 39 km from Leh and offers breathtaking panoramic views. From the summit, you can see the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the south and the majestic Saser massif to the north.
Nubra Valley, also known as 'the valley of flowers' (Ldumra), is a beautiful region situated between the Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 ft. Upon arrival in the village of Hunder, you will check into your camp. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to take a walk through the small villages and observe the daily life of the local people in this remote part of the world.
OVERNIGHT:
Nubra Valley camp
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After an early breakfast, you will take an excursion to Turtuk, a fascinating village located very close to the Pakistan border. This village holds historical significance as it was part of Pakistan until it was captured by the Indian Army during the 1971 war.
In Turtuk, you will have the opportunity to visit a 16th-century mosque that showcases a unique blend of Turkish and Iranian cultural influences. You can also explore the ancient ruins of the Dhards fort and a local monastery. The area also offers a magnificent view of Mount K2, the second-highest peak in the world after Mount Everest.
Following your tour of the village and its surrounding sites, you will drive back to your camp in the Nubra Valley.
OVERNIGHT:
Nubra Valley camp
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After an early breakfast, you will check out from your camp. Our first stop will be the Hunder Sand Dunes, where you'll have the opportunity to see Bactrian camels (double-humped) in the high altitude desert landscape, with snow-capped mountains on the horizon, this is a truly unique experience.
Next, we will stop at Diskit, the main town in Nubra Valley. Here, you can take some time to wander through the local bazaar, observing the shops and the daily lives of the local people.
From Diskit, we will begin our drive towards Pangong Tso, travelling through the beautiful and scenic Shyok Valley. While some sections of the road can be quite challenging, the spectacular views make the journey worthwhile.
After navigating this adventurous part of the route, we will continue through the small villages of the Changthang region, passing through Durbuk and Tangtse. Suddenly, you'll be greeted with your first view of the stunning Pangong Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,267 metres.
Upon arrival, we will check you into your camp or cabin near the lake for an overnight stay (please note that accommodations in this part of India are limited, therefore this night may be spent in a cabin or tented camp).
OVERNIGHT:
Pangong Tso Cabin or Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
We'll spend the morning exploring the Pangong Tso Lake, which sits at an elevation of 4,350m. Pangong Tso is Tibetan for 'high grassland lake', however it's often referred to as the hollow lake.
Pangong Tso is one of Asia's largest brackish lakes, with its crystal clear waters spanning over the borders of India and China. Both the sky and the lake create an amazing shade of blue. A visit here will make you understand why it's the most sought after destination in Leh.
Later, we will drive back to Leh. Our route takes us over the Changla Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,486 metres.
On our way, we will stop at Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of the Drukpa Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. We will then visit Thiksey Monastery, an impressive complex that rises in tiers on a hill overlooking the village.
A further 5 km drive will take us to Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh, also known as the '3 Idiots Rancho School'. We will end the day with a visit to the Stok Palace Museum.
OVERNIGHT:
Leh hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You'll say goodbye to Leh as you board a flight to Delhi. One of our staff members will be there to meet you before transferring you to your hotel. You then have the rest of the day free to yourself.
Several half-day tour options are available for this afternoon which you can either pre-book or arrange while in India (a few days notice is required) or you can go shopping or do some more sightseeing on your own.
OVERNIGHT:
Delhi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
New Delhi half day by car
Old Delhi half-day walking tour
Salam Balak Trust walk
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and your time is free until we transfer you back to the airport to board your flight back home. Further options are available in Delhi this morning, subject to your flight departure time. You can also add extra days to your tour, or extensions including visits the holy city of Varanasi or the beaches in Goa.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Goa beach extension
Extra day in Delhi - post-tour
Spinmonkey cycling tour
included with
Accommodation in mid-range hotels and comfortable guesthouses/camps
All transport and transfers
Return domestic flights between Delhi and Leh
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary
Services of local tour leaders and specialist local guides
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for driver and/or tour guide
Entrance Fees (budget approx. $35 p/p)
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Single Room Supplement
Extra day pre-tour in Delhi
Detailed Description
This comprehensive 11-day journey offers a captivating experience from the bustling capital of Delhi to the serene and breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. The tour is meticulously planned to provide a rich cultural experience while ensuring a comfortable pace, particularly for acclimatisation to the high altitude of the Himalayas.
The experience begins in Delhi, where you are introduced to a dynamic blend of historical grandeur and modern life. The adventure features key landmarks like India Gate and Humayun's Tomb, and immerses you in the vibrant atmosphere of Old Delhi's markets with a guided rickshaw and street food tour. This initial phase sets the stage for the diverse experiences to come, contrasting the urban vibrancy of Delhi with the tranquil, mountainous region that follows.
A significant part of the journey focuses on Ladakh, a region of immense natural beauty and spiritual significance. From the moment you land in Leh, the focus shifts to acclimatisation, a crucial element for a comfortable experience at high altitude. The route thoughtfully balances travel with rest, including a day dedicated to exploring key cultural sites like Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa while allowing your body to adjust. As the journey progresses, you venture out to the stunning Sham Valley, crossing some of the world's highest motorable passes and visiting iconic monasteries such as Likir and Ridzong. This portion of the adventure is filled with unique geological wonders like the Magnetic Hill and the "Moon Landscapes," showcasing the otherworldly terrain of the region.
The journey culminates with visits to the remote Nubra Valley and the stunning Pangong Tso Lake. The drive to Nubra takes you over the dramatic Khardung La, offering spectacular views. In the valley, you'll experience a unique desert environment, complete with Bactrian camels and a visit to the historic village of Turtuk, which holds a poignant place in Indo-Pakistani history. The adventure then leads to the brilliant blue waters of Pangong Tso, a highlight for many. The experience concludes with a return to Leh and then to Delhi, leaving you with lasting memories of India's diverse landscapes, from the busy city streets to the peaceful Himalayan peaks
