Delhi Leh Ladakh Tour

On arrival at New Delhi airport, our representative will receive you and transfer to the hotel. Delhi, the capital of the kingdoms and empires is now an extensive metropolis with a fascinating mix of past and present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to a wonderful kaleidoscope - which is called India. After a rest, guided tour of Lotus Temple & Akshardham Temple is on the cards. Musical fountain show in Akshardham Temple will be a treat to eyes and soul. Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple remain closed for the visitors on Monday. Another aspect to be borne in mind is that the itinerary presumes that you land at New Delhi either late morning or early noon. Overnight stay will be in Delhi hotel.

After having delicious breakfast in Delhi hotel, proceed on a guided tour visit Raj Ghat , a simple monument to Mahatma Gandhi. Tour will pass by the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid by man-pulled rickshaw. Jama Masjid of New Delhi is one of the largest mosques in Asia. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the Yamuna River, was built during the years 1638-48 when the Mughal rule was at its height.

After visiting medieval Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi which reflects the legacy of the British. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals, respectively. The split in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the split between the lifestyles. The walled city is all tradition where you will be able to pick up lifestyle of past in all its facets, colors and spells.

New Delhi, on the other hand, is a city that tries to live up to the best standards of the 21st century. Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar , the tallest tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing Indian Gate, Parliament Building and Rastrapathi Bhawan, the president's residence & Humayun's tomb. In the afternoon walk in the Lodhi Garden. Overnight stay will be in Delhi hotel.

Have breakfast in the hotel and our representative will take you to the airport to board flight for Leh. On arriving at Leh airport, you will be received and transferred to the hotel. The day has been kept free for acclimatization to the high altitude where air is rarefied. Overnight stay will be in Leh hotel.

After breakfast, our guide takes you on a local Leh tour. Visit Sankar Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Leh Monastery. The Palace of Leh, built in 1430, is popular with travelers for its large statue of Lord Buddha called Chamba by the people of Ladakh. The statue represents the future Buddha, according to Lamas. Sankar Gompa, located at a distance of 3 kms, the monastery has a good collection of miniature paintings. This can also be visited at night as it is well lit.

Today our guide takes you on an exciting tour of Shey, Thiskey and Hemis Monasteries. Shey, located on the eastern bank of the Indus River, the small village of Shey is almost 15 miles from Leh. The place is popular for the old palace and the monastery. Shey Palace was the residence of the royal family built in the 17th century. You can also see the ruins of a fort present near the Palace. The Shey monastery also has a image made of golden copper of the Sakyamuni Buddha. Thiksey Monastery, situated on top of a hill, is an excellent example of Ladakh architecture. It contains several stupas, thangkas, wall paintings, statues and a large pillar representing the Buddha's teachings. Hemis Monastery, built in 1630, is the largest and most famous monastery in Ladakh. It is at a distance of 49kms from Leh and 30kms from Thiksey. Stok is a small village situated at a distance of 14 kms from Leh. Stok's Palace and Stok's Monastery are major attractions of this place. Stok Palace is now the residence of members of the royal family. Overnight stay will be in Leh hotel.

After breakfast we depart towards Lake Pangong, en route visiting Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh, and Thiksey Gompa that is situated in a village on a steeply rising hill. Carry on your drive through Pangong Changla Pass, 5486 meters above sea level, to reach Pangong Lake, located at 14,000 feet (4,267 m) from sea level. A long and narrow drainage basin, just six or seven kilometers wide and more than 130km long, which is crossed by the international border between India and China. A few years ago the government decided to open for travelers, although the lake and its surroundings are under army surveillance. Enjoy the scenery of the lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. The evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay will be in luxury camp on the shore of the lake.

Morning is free to explore the beauty of the Pangong Lake and later head towards Leh. On the way to Leh, visit Hemis Gompa , the largest monastic foundation of the order of Drukpa Kagyu of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check-in at our hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, move early to the valley of NUBRA, driving through KHARDUNG LA Pass (highest motor-able road in the world) at 18,390 feet, around 39 kms from Leh. The Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldorma or the Valley of Flowers. It lies north of Ladakh, between the Himalayan ranges of Karakoram and Ladakh. Arrive at Sumur or Hunder by afternoon and rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful village of Sumur. Overnight stay will be in Sumur village.

After breakfast at the camp, visit the sand dunes while enjoying a camel safari (optional). Later, commence the return journey to Leh by same way through Khardung La Pass. Reach Leh in afternoon to check in at the hotel, relax and / or take a walk to the local market. Optionally you can go rafting on the river. Overnight stay will be in Leh hotel.

Today we will visit Alchi and Likir monasteries. These two monasteries are located on Srinagar-Leh national highway. Inside the Alchi Monastery, one can see a series of miniature paintings depicting Buddha. The Likir Monastery has a good collection of clay images of Buddha in different forms, manuscripts and thankas. However, the 1000 years old wall painting makes your visit more than worth it. Overnight stay will be in Leh hotel.

After breakfast, our representative will take you to Leh airport to board flight back to Delhi.