Highlights: This trip is ideal for anyone who wants to relax enveloped in the valleys of Ladakh. You can opt to go in the months of April, May or October when other hotels do not open up and thus you could stay put in one hotel and explore the surroundings of Leh. We cover Pangong Tso the high altitude lake and some of the most important monasteries in the region while “devouring” the gorgeous beauty of the region in comfort and style.

ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive Leh: Altitude 11500ft.          
Upon arrival in Leh, you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred by car to your Hotel. You are advised to take complete rest for acclimatization, a must at high altitude. Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Leh: Acclimatisation and a bit of sightseeing.    
After lunch, if you are feeling fine, we will go on a 2-hour jeep tour starting with Sankar Gompa. Located on a valley floor it is the home to Lamas who belong to the yellow sect of Buddhism and worship his Holiness - The Dalai Lama. Next, we will visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist religious monument built by an Indian based Japanese Monk whose intention was to spread Buddhisim by building such stupas throughout the world. Later we will visit Leh Palace, built in the 17th century and looking for all the world like a miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa. The rest of the day is free for personal activities. Meals and overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Leh: Excursion to Likir and Alchi
Alchi is Ladakh's most beautiful monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti. These paintings propound the Ajanta style of painting. Unlike other monasteries, which are usually located on a cliff top or cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level and is nestled in the shade of a garden. Likir gompa situated atop a windy cliff top overlooks the beautiful village of Likir. It was founded in the 12th Century although the present construction dates back to the 18th century as the original one was destroyed by fire. In its courtyard is a yellow-coloured 3 storey high mammoth statue of the Lord Buddha, which was constructed by a resident monk. The top floor houses an impressive museum containing old thangkas and weapons used many centuries back.  Drive on to Leh and reach in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Thikse Monastery

Day 04: Full day Shey, Thikse, Hemis, Stok.
8am: Today we will visit the southern circuit of Shey, Thikse, Hemis and Stok. Shey (15kms) is the oldest of them all. Perched on top of a huge rock are the royal palace and temples resplendent with brilliantly colored murals and a 7.5 metre gold statue of the Buddha. Stok Palace over the bridge and across the river from Leh is the home of the former royal family. The last king of Ladakh died here in 1974. The palace museum here has a multitude of beautiful royal costumes and jewellery, exquisite thangkas (cloth paintings), porcelain artifacts, weapons and some fine masks. Spectacularly located Thikse monastery (20 kms) has an excellent collection of Tibetan books and is noted for its excellent artwork. From the roof one can get fabulous views of the valleys and villages. Take a break at the small café in the monastery. Hemis monastery the largest gompa in Ladakh is about 43 kms south of Leh. It is known for its exceptional library and for its grand summer festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The largest thangka in Ladakh is kept in the precincts of this gompa. It is unfolded only once every 12 years. O/n at hotel in Leh.

Day 05: Relax and visit the bazaars of Leh on your own. O/n at Leh

Day 06: Day trip to Pangong Tso lake! 5 hrs one way drive.  
At 14,000 ft, it is simply awesome! Its blue green waters reflect the entire mountain scape surrounding it. It is the largest saline water lake in Asia. The Lake is virtually an inland sea, 150 km long and 10 km wide. Pangong Tso is the highest lake in Ladakh and is flanked by massive peaks over 6500 m high and extends almost in a straight line, way into Tibet. In fact only a quarter of the lake is in India and rest in China. You will see spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range to the north, their reflections shimmering in the ever-changing blues and greens of the lake's brackish waters. Return by late evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Leh Departure
Check out from hotel in time to catch your Jet Airways flight back home. Those wanting to take the Leh-Manali highway may do so at extra cost.

Tour ends

Tour Cost:  PER PERSON FOR INDIAN NATIONALS (adults)

1 pax: Rs. 38200
2 pax: 1 double + 1 vehicle:  Rs. 20600 per person
4 pax: 2 dbl rooms+ 1 veh:  Rs. 16300 per person
6 pax: 3 dbl rooms + 2 veh:   Rs. 17734 per person 

Government Service Tax is not applicable for Ladakh

The cost includes:
• Stay at Deluxe 'A' category hotel and campsite in Leh and Nubra respectively
• All meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• All transfers and sightseeing by non-AC sumo/tavera/equivalent as per programme.
• Restricted area permit for Pangong Tso.

Notes:
• Ladakh is a high altitude area. You should know the impact of Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS. Pls check with our office for more details of the same
• Please note that one double room can only accommodate one extra bed / mattress.
• Rooms in Ladakh are not very large. For 2 adults and 2 children we suggest accommodation in two rooms. 
• Transport: Only 4 persons + 1 driver (and a guide if required) are allowed in one Jeep / Sumo as per local Ladakh rules
• Local guide and monastery fees extra
• For a group of 1 to 4 persons one vehicle is provided.  6-8 will be seated in 2 vehicles.