Explore the vast mountain ranges and ancient sacred sites of Ladakh on this wonderful 15-day journey. Ladakh is a magical place with stunningly beautiful and wild landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries – often perched on rocky outcrops, old mani walls covered in prayer-inscribed stones, colourful prayer flags dancing in the breeze, whitewashed stupas, traditional villages with mud-brick houses and fertile pastures and some of the most fun-loving and friendly people you will find.
The tour includes excursions to astonishing Alchi and Lamayuru, 2 of the oldest monasteries in the region as well as many other beautiful spiritual sites. We have a 3-day stay in the breathtaking ‘valley of flowers’ – Nubra Valley and wonderful sights around Leh and Delhi.
This tour will enchant and delight you!
Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to our hotel near the airport. Overnight Delhi
Day Two
Transfer to the airport for an early flight to Leh, taking in breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. On arrival in Leh, transfer to our lovely hotel. After a traditional Ladakhi khatak welcome, check-in to your room and rest until late afternoon. This helps the acclimatization process. At around 4.30pm, we take a gentle walk up to the main market square.
Day Three
After breakfast, we commence our half day walking tour, visiting Sankar Monastery and the local main bazaar and strolling through the by-lanes surrounded by quaint houses and stunning vistas. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon.
Day Four
This morning we have a tour of the amazing Stok Palace followed by a visit to Stakna Monastery & Sindhu Ghat.
Day Five
Enjoy a lovely scenic drive to Nubra Valley stopping on the way at Buddha Park before checking-in to our accommodation in the serene village of Sumur. After lunch, we visit sacred Yarab Tso Lake, an ancient traditional place of meditation, and Ensa Gompa, a small, very isolated monastery surrounded by unusual symbols and carvings. Overnight Nubra Valley
Day Six
Today we visit the impressive Diskit Monastery, perched very high on the cliff edge, and the sand dunes in Hunder to see the 2-humped camels in the area. There is time in the afternoon to enjoy a picturesque walk. Overnight Nubra Valley.
Day Seven
Enjoy the breathtaking views as we drive back to Leh
Day Eight
Today we visit Hemis and Thiksey Monasteries and Shey Village. Thiksey monastery houses a huge stunning statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Day Nine & Ten
Depart Leh for a 3 day excursion to Lamayuru, Rizong, Temisgang and Alchi, some of the oldest monasteries in the district. Enjoy the most stunning mountain and valley views that you will probably ever come across. The amazing ancient artwork at Alchi will take your breath away as will the sheer cliffs and the colour of magical Indus river. There is free time in the afternoon with a guided walk for those interested. It is also the start of the Ladakh festival, celebrated throughout the state. Overnight Alchi
Day Eleven
After breakfast, we return to Leh, stopping en route for a guided tour of Basgo Fort and stunning views of the confluence of the sacred river Indus with the Zanskar river. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Overnight Leh
Day Twelve
Visit Phyang and Spitok monasteries. In the afternoon there is free time to join in the local celebrations of the Ladakh Festival. Overnight Leh
Day Thirteen
After a picturesque flight back to Delhi, we visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Gandhi memorial. There is some free time in the afternoon. Overnight Delhi.
Day Fourteen
A guided tour of Old and New Delhi is on the agenda for today. Visit Jama Masjid and then enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the chaotic narrow alleyways of Old Delhi. We continue our sightseeing to Lutyen’s Delhi, where we see India Gate, Parliament House, Presidents House, city center, etc. Overnight Delhi
Day Fifteen
After breakfast, we have free time for individual activities. Depart any time today.
Additional Information
Your 15-day experience includes air-conditioned travel, all accommodation, internal flights, entrance fees, many meals (approx. 2 per day), all tours, local guides, guide tips.
Price $3890 per person twin share
(single supplement $790)
Dates – 8th June to 22nd June 2019
Your facilitator: Jay Weinstein
Jay Weinstein is a Mumbai-based, Hindi and English-speaking travel guide and photographer of mainly Australian-American heritage. At the age of 3, he moved to India with his schoolteacher parents and spent the next 12 years living in Vrindavan, a historic town filled with temples and monkeys. At 15, his family moved back to Australia to facilitate his secondary education. Though Jay thought he was done with India, he ended up returning year after year, drawn by her overpowering, vibrant, chaotic cadence. His passion for photography was ignited on these trips. Later, his profession had him traveling from the lush, palm-dotted southern states to the breathtaking Himalayan mountains of Nepal; the ancient majestic forts of Rajasthan to the unending paddy fields of West Bengal. These gradually transformed into the photography travel trips he is now addicted to!
