The journey from Manali to Ladakh is spellbinding and filled with adventure, each pass unfolds a trajectory of mountains and gives a idea how huge the Himalayas are. this rough rugged landscape makes the heart go wild and the images always linger in our mind.
Day 1: Arrival At Manali And Transfer To Keylong
Post breakfast we check out from the hotel and Drive to the Lahaul valley. Cross over the famous Rohtang Pas at an altitude of 4000m. Enroute view spectacular scenery of the Lahoul Valley all along the River Chandra. Witness the confluence of River Chandra and Bhaga at Tandi. There on we drive uphill and check in at our Hotel in Tandi or Keylong for overnight stay. Later we visit Kardang Monastery (3500 m): It is about 5kms. from Keylong across Bhaga river. It is believed to be built in 12th century. The Monastery has a large library of Kangyur and Tangyur volumes of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti. Kardang village was once the capital of Lahaul. If time permits we also visit Shashur Monastery: Situated on a hill about 3 kms. far from Keylong towards north on the same slope. During June/July this monastery attracts lot of visitors when Lamas perform devil dance. It was founded in the 17th century a.d. It belongs to red hat sect and is located among the blue pines. The paintings are representing the history of 84 Buddha's. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 2: Keylong To Sarchu
Post breakfast we check out from the hotel and Drive north on the Manali-Leh Highway. You get to see some of the most breath taking landscapes that the Western Himalayas can offer. The scenery gets more stark and barren as we climb up to the 16,500-foot high Baralacha La the second mountain pass on our journey. From the pass beautiful views of meadows and snow-capped mountains can be seen. By early evening we reach the small hamlet of Sarchu with set on a large plateau. Upon arrival in Sarchu we check into camp. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 3: Sarchu To Tsomori-ri
After breakfast today there is a drive almost 200 km journey full of beautiful landscapes on the way when you reach at Tsokar 115 km and ahead 85 km is Tsomori-ri Lake. Tsomoriri is full of natural Landscaped which includes beautiful small lakes on the way and Mountains after this drive you reach to the Rupshu valley. Tsomori-ri is the Biggest Brackish water Lake which has no outlet. Overnight Camp.
Day 4: Tsomoriri To Leh
Post breakfast excursion around lake and Korzok Monastery (350 years old Korzok Monastery which has about 33 resident monks) which belongs to the yellow sect. Tsomori-ri or "Mountain Lake" is situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by 6000 M peaks which completely shut the lake in. This Valley is inhabited by a small scattered population of "Changpas" nomadic shepherds who also engage in trade and work the Caravans in Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti the area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (Wild Ass) red fox and the rare highly endangered snow Leopard. Black Necked cranes and Geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. Later we drive for 7hours to Leh via Sumdo and Chuma – Thang (3965M). Enroute stop at Mahe Bridge from where the road crosses to the south bank of the river by a bridge; it then follows the unmetalled road through Sumdo village up to join Puga stream. The drive from Sumdo to Mahe follows a narrow mountain gorge through green bushes.
Day 5: Leh - Excursion To Sham Valley
After breakfast drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. And start our sightseeing with Hall of Fame (Museum Constructed by India Army) near Leh is worth a visit for every Indian, and proceed further to Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas, A drive of another 4 km took us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity & further Driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River. After visiting above places we drive back to Leh enroute visiting Spituk Monastery, Built in 15th century during the reign of Grags ‘bum-lde, these new Gelug-pa monastery was built like fortress on the summit of crags. Evening at Leisure and Overnight at Hotel in Leh.
Day 6: Leh To Nubra Valley Via Khardung La
Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level. Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at our Camp / Hotel in Hunder for Overnight stay. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world. A visit to a Ladakh home can be arranged. Overnight Stay at the Camp or Hotel.
Day 7: Nubra Valley To Leh
Day 8: Leh To Pangong Lake
After an early breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake enroute visiting Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School & further 5 Kms Driving through a picturesque landscape we reach Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries we drive further towards Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the "Indo China Border". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival we check in at our Camp Near Pangong lake. Dinner and Overnight at the Camp.
Day 9: Pangong Lake To Leh
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight. In the evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Day 10: Departure From Leh
Check-out from the hotel and proceed towards the airport to board your return flight.