Ladakh & Zanskar Cultural Tour

Our services start with your arrival at Leh airport. Meet & greet and transfer to the Hotel. Welcome tea on arrival. We recommend you completely relax for the rest of the day to enable yourselves to acclimatize to the rarefied air at the high altitude and a successful ltour or trek in Ladakh requires you to acclimatize well with high altitude, tourist can explore the Leh market shanti stupa in the evening only if you feel fine. O/N hotel

First day of discovery of the high places around Leh. On the program, the monastery of Spituk (founded in the 11th century by Od-lde) , one of the most important in the region. Located south of the city, it offers beautiful views of the valley. Its rooms decorated with paintings and imposing statues allow an interesting approach to Himalayan Buddhism . After 30 minutes drive, we arrive at the Stok Palace, residence of the present kings of Ladakh (built by King Tsespal Tundup Namgyal in 1825th). Transformed into a museum , the collections presented evoke a recent past where the royal family ruled over this valley. We leave this place on foot, and following the small road, we descend for 45 minutes in the countryside. Picnic in front of mani walls,in the middle of the fields of barley. Continuation to Stakna ,(founded in 1580 by saint Chosje Jamyang Palkhar) monastery located on a promontory in the middle of the plain of the Indus and offering a magnificent panorama. Belonging to the drukpa-kagyu school , this religious building dates back to the 16th century. It has a beautiful statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. Back to hotel. O/N hotel

Continuation of the visit of the high valley of the Indus and its monasteries. It takes less then an hour driving up the course of the Indus to reach the beautiful village of Thiksey( Founded in 1433 by Palden Sherab), dominated by an imposing Gelugpa monastery . This Thikse monastery majestically overlooks the valley, a magnificent group of about 80 monks; discovery of the beautiful inner courtyard which distributes access to the various temples. The most amazing is certainly the temple of Maitreya with its gigantic interior statue which covers all floors of the building. To join the next site, we will take the path of school children. Start on foot from the monastery of Thiksey following small roads that cross the fields. It is possible to find the vehicles after 45 minutes of walking or drive to Shey,( Built in 17th century by king Deldan Namgyal) capital of ancient Ladakh , 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. The Rock-carved statue of five Buddha can be seen below the palace on the roadside, which was probably carved during the reign of Singay Namgyal . Back to hotel. O/N hotel

After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Kharzongla (Highest Motorable road in the World) post lunch we explore Nubra valley, we start with Diskyid Monastery located on a hilltop from where one have the panoramic view of Nubra valley, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra valley and belongs to Gelugpa sect (founded in the 14th century by Changsem Sherab Zangpo), Then we head to Hunder which is famous for its sand dunes and for (double-humped) Bactrian camels. Fixed camp. O/N fixed camp or hotel

(in July & Aug sometime Shayok road remain closed due to increase of water in the river )
Morning after breakfast drive toward Pangong via shayok route, along a beautiful valley, the road rises to cross a glacial lock and we discover the sumptuous lake Pangong , border with Tibet . Evening free at pangong lake, enjoy changing colors of Lake specially during sunset & sunrise. Pangong is also the highest salt water lake in the world shared by Ladakh and Tibet . O/N fixed camp or resort

Morning walk on the shores of the lake to enjoy this magical place, continue to the high spheres of Chang La, then descent to Sakti where we arrive for lunch. In the afternoon visit the monasteries of Chemre and Takthok . That of Chemre belongs to the sect Drugpa Kagyu and dates from 1664. We discover a beautiful statue of Padmasambhava and a collection of sacred texts with silver leaves with golden letters. We go up the valley to reach Takthok; Nyingmapa School Monastery, the oldest of Vajrayana Buddhism. Built around a cave, it also houses beautiful frescoes. Back to hotel. O/N hotel

Descent towards Karu, we cross the Indus then take full south by gorges, towards the Tsokar lake. Arriving in Latho, the landscape opens on the Changthang. The road climbs the Tanglang La (5300m). At the pass, at the end of the Kang Yatse range, we almost touch the snow-capped peaks. Descent to a long plain, then by a small paved road we reach the lake Tsokar … visit Thukje small monastery with a mystic cave (a lamp will be useful). The view of the lake from the terraces is exceptional, the opportunity for great photos, drive continues toward Tsomoriri lake: down to Sumdo before going back to Kyagar Pass (5000 m), bypassing the small lake of the same name, to get to the northern tip of Tsomoriri. Splendid, the lake is stuck in a case of gray and ocher rocks, dominated by immaculate peaks rising to more than 6500 meters. Fixed camp. O/N fixed camp or hotel

In the morning visit Korzok monastery (found in 1861 by Lama Kunga Lodos Nyingbo) village with its houses and its gompa appearing like a “Mirage”. The few barley fields at Korzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world and today you will visit the Korzok monastery and this is the village where nomad people has concrete house, explore the village and walk around the lake or Possibility of a walk on the heights to embrace the landscape and increase the chances of seeing wildlife. O/N fixed camp or hotel

The road goes back to Kyagar Pass before diving into the Indus Gorge. From Mahe , multicolored rocks overhang us over 1000 meters! We find the plain of Leh at the level of Upshi. visit to the monastery of Hemis (founded by the first incarnation Stagtsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630) which belong to the order Drukpa-Kagyu. Nestled in the valley floor, this monastery was found around 1602 by a Shambu Nath invited by the king of the time. A few more kilometers and we arrive at Leh in the evening. Hotel. O/N hotel

Drive to the lower Indus valley for sightseeing, first we will visit fortress of Basgo , ancient winter capital of Ladakh, strategic site for the control of caravans between high and low Ladakh. Built by king Jamyang Namgyal and Singey Namgyal in 16th Century AD. Singey Namgyal made three storey copper guilt of Maitriya Buddha, as a memorial of his father Jamyang Namgyal . Continue to Likir , monastery belonging to the order Gelupa, (founded by Lama Duwang Chosje in 1065) with beautiful statues and an interesting collection of thankas. Road to Alchi,one of the most interesting sites of Ladakh (founded in 11th century by Lotsawa Rinchen Zanhpo) finely chiseled paintings typical of Tibetan-Kashmiri art (provide a headlamp to enjoy the frescoes in the dim light), monumental statues, chortens, prayer wheels and Loungta. Peaceful evening in the village of Alchi, bordered with fields of barley, apricot orchards and mulberry trees. (O/N in Alchi or Ulle) hotel or resort

Two hours drive to reach Lamayouru , amazing promontory whose beauty contrasts with the aridity of the valley. Lamayouru monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh (Arahat Nimagon blessed the site and Mahasiddha Naropa founded the monastery in the 11th century). The monastery belongs to Drigung Kagyu of Buddhism. Discovery of the village and the monastery. Drive to Mulbek, stop in front of the Maitreya sculpture 7m high . The taxi push us to the foot of the troglodyte monastery, the path climbs steeply to the end but the view and atmosphere of the monastery, embedded in the rock, are at the height of the effort. (O/N Shergol or Mulbek) fixed camp or hotel

Departure towards Kargil, then we leave full south on the banks of the river Suru. The road is in good condition until Sanku then a sometimes chaotic track, sinks towards Nun and Kun that one discovers towards Panikhar . The show is grand, with peaks over 7000 meters that block the horizon to the south. Arrival at the end of the day at Rangdum Gompa , where we visit the monastery. Installation at the camp located in the great plain at the foot of the monastery.
(NOTE) in the Zanskar Valley (between Kargil and the Padum Valley), it is mandatory to use local taxis, Hence the frequent change of vehicles (for each valley or district areas .) This particular local legislation generates high transportation costs, but we have no choice. O/N Fixed camp or guest house.

Head south to Pensi La, pass culminating at 4400 m, then east, descending to the Doda Valley, to the capital of Zanskar, Padum 3520m, large town that grew like a mushroom in recent years. Installation for three nights in a lodge, simple but neat and clean, located at the foot of Karsha Monastery . First discovery of this sumptuous site of the Gelugpa school, founded in the 10th century. With about thirty buildings and about 150 monks, it is certainly one of the most important of Ladakh. The view of the valley at sunset is superb. O/N hotel

Road to the high Tsarap, the taxi drops us (with the picnic) at Ichar bridge . Then, on foot we leave to visit the village, a superb oasis nestled on a rocky outcrop. Rich of about thirty houses this village was formerly fortified to protect itself from the invasions of the South. About 200 people live here year-round and fight against nature to preserve their crops of barley, peas, cabbage and potatoes. Despite a certain exodus since the arrival of the road, this authentic village still remains today a miracle of humanity in the heart of this desert altitude. On our way back we stop to visit the old monasteries Mune and Bardan . Back to the hotel then visit the Pipiting Gompa and the famous Chortens who surround it and dating back to the Kanishka era (2nd century). O/N hotel

Wake up early to attend the morning assemble (PUJA) at Karsha Monastery . We are back at the hotel around 9am for breakfast. We take the road to Zangla where we wander to the castle and the nunnery Back to cars through the village of Zangla. Then we head for Thongde where we visit the monastery. O/N hotel

We drive back to Rangdum. In Sani we take the time to visit the village and the Gompa. We continue to the Tungri bridge, the road then remains on the left bank of the Doda. Stop at Phey for a nice walk in the village and up to the nunnery. We take the taxi that drive back to the Pensi La and descend on Rangdum Gompa. Fixed camp or guest house. O/N fixed camp or guest house

Always under the benevolence of Nun and Kun peak, we take the road that joins Kashmir. We will be able to stop at the village of Pharkachick , superbly located facing the gigantic twin peaks of Nun and Kun. Parkachick is also the transition zone between the Buddhist universe and the Muslim world … Arrival at the Kargil Hotel at the end of the day. O/N hotel

Last long day of road, very varied, in different landscapes of the past days. The road runs along the river Suru then sinks into gorges. Stop at Drass (possibility to visit the Tiger Hill Memorial) and continue in the heart of beautiful landscapes to Zoji La at 3530 meters. Meal in Sonamarg in a setting reminiscent of Switzerland! From Armanath, the vegetation changes to become subtropical. Arrival at Dal Lake, quiet sailing by taxis (15 minutes) to join our house-boat . comfortable boats, decorated in colonial style, with double rooms and mosquito nets, private bathrooms, dining room, living room, terrace … true heavens of peace. House boat. O/N house boat

In the early morning we go aboard local Shikharas to visit the floating market where, in an atmosphere and a lawless and good-natured organization, all kinds of vegetables, flowers, objects or food are sold and pass from one boat to another . Back to the houseboat for breakfast. Then start by taxi boat to reach the docks and explore the city: the great Friday mosque ( Jama Masjid ), built in 1394, that of Shâh Hamdanlocated at five minutes, (built between 1373 and 1398). Splendid, it is surmounted by a pyramidal roof, mixture of Buddhist and Hindu influences; its exterior walls are decorated with geometric motifs in painted papier mâché. Lunch in town and back on the boat to enjoy the special atmosphere of life on the lake. In the evening, stroll in the watery streets in Shikharas (local gondola).

After breakfast, visit the Shalamar Gardens(according to the flight schedule). Transfer to Srinagar airport to board flight back to destination. Tour ends with sweets memories.