Highlights of Ladakh
This is an itinerary which covers most of the highlights of Ladakh in an action-packed 14-day package. We start our trip from New Delhi with an overnight Volvo to Manali, a lush Himalayan Hill station famous for its apple orchards. After a day of relaxing and local sightseeing in Manali, we embark on an epic 2-day trans-Himalayan road trip to Leh rated as one of the finest road trips in the World crossing 5 high passes with stunning scenery.
We have a day’s rest to recoup from the driving when we checkout the famous monasteries and palaces in Leh. The next 2 days we visit the northernmost tip of India – Nubra Valley which used to be a major stopover for traders during the silk route days. Enjoy rides on the double-humped camels there and visit Diskit monastery with the 32 mtr statue of the Maitreya Buddha. On the way back to Leh, we enjoy mountain biking from the highest motorable pass – Khardung La(5359m).
We then hike for 3 days through the picturesque Sham Valley interspersed with villages with green farm fields. One of the best ways to feel the essence of Ladakh. We also get an opportunity to stay in Homestays and view first hand the lifestyle of people in Ladakh. We end the trek at Tingmosgang and to Lamayuru, one of the most popular monasteries of Ladakh. Lamayuru is situated in mud spires in a moonlike surroundings which will leave you in total awe. The next day at Leh is reserved for rest and leisure. Checkout sunrise over Tsemo Castle or sunset over Shanti Stupa. A heart warming experience just seeing the sun light up the Valley and turn it crimson during sunset. Visit the charming and bustling market in Leh and shop for your loved ones.
The next 2 days are reserved for a visit to Pangong Lake and a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Zanskar.
This is one trip that will leave you with vivid images and special experiences that you will be talking about for a long time.
₹50,000
Overview
Highlights of Ladakh – Overview
This is an itinerary which covers most of the highlights of Ladakh in an action-packed 14-day package. We start our trip from New Delhi with an overnight Volvo to Manali, a lush Himalayan Hill station famous for its apple orchards. After a day of relaxing and local sightseeing in Manali, we embark on an epic 2-day trans-Himalayan road trip to Leh rated as one of the finest road trips in the World crossing 5 high passes with stunning scenery.
We have a day’s rest to recoup from the driving when we checkout the famous monasteries and palaces in Leh. The next 2 days we visit the northernmost tip of India – Nubra Valley which used to be a major stopover for traders during the silk route days. Enjoy rides on the double-humped camels there and visit Diskit monastery with the 32 mtr statue of the Maitreya Buddha. On the way back to Leh, we enjoy mountain biking from the highest motorable pass – Khardung La(5359m).
We then hike for 3 days through the picturesque Sham Valley interspersed with villages with green farm fields. One of the best ways to feel the essence of Ladakh. We also get an opportunity to stay in Homestays and view first hand the lifestyle of people in Ladakh. We end the trek at Tingmosgang and to Lamayuru, one of the most popular monasteries of Ladakh. Lamayuru is situated in mud spires in a moonlike surroundings which will leave you in total awe. The next day at Leh is reserved for rest and leisure. Checkout sunrise over Tsemo Castle or sunset over Shanti Stupa. A heart warming experience just seeing the sun light up the Valley and turn it crimson during sunset. Visit the charming and bustling market in Leh and shop for your loved ones.
The next 2 days are reserved for a visit to Pangong Lake and a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Zanskar.
This is one trip that will leave you with vivid images and special experiences that you will be talking about for a long time.
We have 2 smaller versions of the Highlights of Ladakh itinerary if you do not have the luxury of time. One for 9 days and another for 7 days.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Trans-Himalayan road trip from Manali to Leh
- Trekking through picturesque Sham Valley
- Moonland at Lamayuru Monastery
- Sand dunes and double-humped camels in Nubra
- Massive Pangong Lake in Changthang
- Exciting whitewater rafting on Zanskar river
ITINERARY 1.0 – 7 days
Day 1:Arrive Leh. Rest and Acclimatization
Day 2:Leh Sightseeing and acclimatization
Day 3:Day trip to Lamayuru and back
Day 4:Drive to Nubra Valley
Day 5:Drive to Pangong Lake
Day 6:Drive to Leh
Day 7:Depart
ITINERARY 1.1 – 7 days
Day 1:Arrive Leh. Rest and Acclimatization
Day 2:Leh Sightseeing and acclimatization
Day 3:Drive to Nubra Valley over Khardungla
Day 4:Day trip to Turtuk and Thang – Border
Day 5:Drive to Pangong Lake
Day 6:Drive to Leh
Day 7:Depart
ITINERARY 2 – 9 days
Day 01: Arrive into Leh. Rest and acclimatization
Day 02: Half day local Sightseeing. More Rest and acclimatization
Day 03: Day Trip to Lamayuru and Alchi monateries
Day 04: Drive to Hundar in Nubra valley over Khardungla Pass
Day 05: Drive to Turtuk – Border and return
Day 06: Drive to Pangong Lake via Shayok valley
Day 07: Drive to Leh over Chang La Pass
Day 08: Whitewater Rafting on the Zanskar
Day 09: Airport Departure. Trip Ends
ITINERARY 3 – 14 days
14 Days Option:
Day 01:Evening board Volvo to Manali
Day 02:Arrive Manali. Local Sightseeing
Day 03:Drive to Jispa(3200m)
Day 04:Drive to Leh
Day 05:Leh Sightseeing and Acclimatization
Day 06:Drive to Likir(2 hrs). Trek to Yangthang
Day 07:Trek to Hemisshukpachen.
Day 08:Trek to Ang. Drive to Lamayuru. Return to Leh
Day 09:Drive to Nubra Valley over Khardungla
Day 10:Excursion to Turtuk/Thang and back
Day 11:Drive to Pangong Lake
Day 12:Return to Leh
Day 13:Rafting day trip on the Zanskar river
Day 14:Depart Leh
Cost Inclusions
Highlights of Ladakh – Cost Details
COST:
07 Days: INR 45980,USD 875 per person
09 Days: INR 63980,USD 1125 per person
14 Days: INR 89990,USD 1649 per person
Additional 5% GST to above costs
COST INCLUDES
- Accommodation: Entire accommodation during the trip
- Hotel in Manali, Leh and Nubra
- Deluxe Tents in Jispa and Pangong
- Homestays during trekking
- Transport as mentioned in the itinerary
- Volvo from New Delhi to Manali
- Tempo Traveller from Manali to Leh
- Tempo Traveller for all the driving involved in Leh
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary. Only breakfasts in Leh
- Trip Leader/Escort from Manali onwards
- Experienced Trek crew for the Sham Valley Trek
- All Inner line Permits and Monastery Entrances
COST EXCLUDES
- Airfares
- Personal equipment and sleeping bags
- Any additional transport or activities apart from the trip itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses rising through unforeseen conditions like bad weather, natural calamities, flight cancellations, etc
- Rescue and evacuation services
- Expenses of any personal nature like phone calls, drinks, cigarettes, souvenirs, laundry, etc
- Tips
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in Cost includes
- 5% GST
Itinerary
Highlights of Ladakh – Itinerary
Day 01: Evening departure from Delhi to Manali by evening Volvo(5 pm)
Board the Himachal Tourism Volvo bus from outside Himachal Bhavan in Mandi House in the evening. There are multiple Volvo buses that depart between 5:30pm and 7:00pm. The bus stops for dinner on the way. Most of the trekking group if not all would be booked on the same bus.
Driving Time: 14-15 hrs; Overnight Volvo Bus.
Day 02: Arrive Manali(2000m) by 9am. Rest and local sightseeing
The bus journey takes all night and you should be in Manali town before 10am in the morning. Our representative will pick you up from the bus stand and transfer you to our hotel near Prini. After breakfast, you can rest a bit and then set off on a sightseeing tour of Manali covering Hadimba and Manu temples and Roerich Art Gallery in Naggar.Post-lunch, you are free to do some shopping and checkout some vibrant restaurants in Old Manali. It is important to hit the bed early and rest well for the impending long drive.
Meals: B , Overnight Manali Hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Jispa(3300m) (5-6 hrs)
We start very early, before the daily tourist rush for Rohtang Pass(3980m). Once we cross Rohtang, we enter the semi-arid landscape of Lahaul. There is a brief stopover at Khoksar at the police checkpost, before proceeding on towards Jispa. Jispa is the most appropriate location for breaking journey on the way to Leh. Jispa at 3300m is not too high and is a great place to rest a night before proceeding on. There is a beautiful monastery close by and Bhaga river flows just next to the small wayside village. We spend the afternoon walking around Jispa.
Driving time: 5-6 Hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Jispa Hotel/Deluxe Tent.
Day 04: Drive to Leh(3500m) (10 – 11 hrs)
An extra early start yet again. We have to cross 4 passes today before reaching Leh.The drive up Baralacha La pass(4892m) is scenic. From there on we remain on high ground, above 4500m till we cross Taglang La(5360m) and descend into the Indus Valley and then drive on to Leh town. The road is broken in parts especially as we near the top of the passes. There is a high chance of having water flowing on roads in some stretches…esp above Darcha. The scenery throughout is pretty stunning, and we can’t help stopping now and then for clicking pictures.
Driving time: 10-11 Hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 05: Leh Sightseeing – Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery
We have a relaxed start after 2 days of continuous driving. After breakfast, we go for our half day sightseeing tour of monasteries and palaces. We visit Shey, the erstwhile capital of Ladakh which has a palace. Shey also is a famous picnic spot for the locals because of the grassy fields with water bodies in front of the palace. We then move to Thiksey monastery which resembles the Potala Palace of Tibet. The main attraction inside, is the 2 -storeyed statue of Maitreya Buddha which was the poster picture for incredible India campaigns. The view from atop Thiksey monastery is simply stunning. We return to Leh for lunch. Post-lunch we can walk around the charming markets of Leh.
Meals: B, Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 06: Drive to Nubra Valley over Khardung La(5359m)
We drive over the highest motorable pass to Nubra Valley, which used to bean integral part of the silk route. Infact, the famous double-humped camels in this Valley were actually brought in by traders from across the Hindu Kush during the silk route days. We stop at the Hunder sand dunes, a unique place in Ladakh. It is a small desert just next to the Shyok river. You can take a ride on some bactrian camels here. We then drive to Diskit monastery with the giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Evening free to checkout the rustic town of Diskit. Nubra Valley borders with Pakistan and is the gateway to the Karakoram Range. The highest battlefield on Earth- Siachen lies in the Nubra Valley.
Driving Time: 5-6 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Hunder Hotel.
Day 07: Drive to Khardung La Pass(5359m). Optional mountain bike down to Leh(2-3 hrs)
We drive back to Khardun La. The highest motorable pass, where are mountain bikes will be waiting. We spend sometime taking in the stunning views of eastern Karakorams and enjoying some cardamom tea prepared by soldiers. Mountain Biking down the high pass is completely effortless! But, high caution has to be maintained on the rough, slushy tracks. Double check your cycle brakes before starting off. Peerless views of the entire Stok Range and Leh as we cycle down the pass.
Biking Time: 3-4 hrs
Meals: BL, Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 08: Drive to Likir(3650) via Alchi. Trek to Yangthang(3700m) (5 hrs)
A 2 hr drive takes us to Likir, the start point of our 3 day trek. We have to cross 2 small passes Phobe La(3580m) and Chagatse La(3630m) to reach Yangthang. The trail immediately leaves the green village of Likir and gets onto the arid trail. After Phobe La we descend to the small village of Sumdo, where we have lunch. Post-Lunch, there is a steep hike to Chagatse La, from where we descend a little and go up again to the green farms of Yangthang. Ridzong monastery is one more hour below Yangthang.
Trek time: 5 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Homestay.
Day 09: Trek to Hemisshukpachen(3600m)(2-3 hrs)
From upper Yangthang, we move to lower side with a handful of houses, cross a stream and walk up to the pass at Tsermangchan La (3750m). Hemisshukpachen is a big village with a road skirting its boundary. It has also got a huge statue of Buddha newly installed at the highest point in the middle of the village. Post-lunch, we spend the rest of the day loitering around the village and learning more about the local culture.
Trek time: 2-3 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Homestay.
Day 10: Trek to Tingmosgang(3650m) (3-4 hrs). Drive to Lamayuru. Back to Leh
A gradual ascent from the village on a barren landscape takes us to 2 chortens with prayer flags. From here, we descend on a narrow dusty trail to climb steeply to Meptak La(3980m) with prayerflags. From here, we descend to the village of Ang. Temisgam is another 30 mins from here. We have lunch at Temisgam and hop onto our vehicles to drive to the ancient Lamayuru monastery set in a stunning moonlike surface. After the visit to Lamayuru we drive back to Leh.
Trek time: 3-4 hrs. Driving: 5 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Leh Hotel
Day 11: Rafting day trip on the Zanskar river
Rafting is one more thrilling activity you can indulge in when in Leh. Indus and Zanskar offer classic day trip sections. The Zanskar day trip is graded 3+ and is in a gorge section. We drive for about 2 hrs from Leh, upstream the Zanskar river to the starting point called Chilling. The Zanskar river carries a lot of silt, is very cold and has some fantastic rapids. A great way to experience the Zanskar Gorge. You are kitted up with wet suits, life jackets, helmets and paddles for the raft trip. Post trip, we have a sumptuous lunch on the riverside, getting warm in the strong sun. We visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on our way back. Free time from late afternoon for shopping and buying souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
Rafting Time: 3 hrs
Meals: BL, Overnight Leh Hotel
Day 12: Drive to Pangong Lake
(4250m)
Pangong Tso is the biggest lake in Ladakh and spans 135Kms with just one third of the lake lying in India. The rest lies as part of China. The cobalt blue Pangong Tso, can be reached after a 5 hr scenic drive over the Chang La(5360m). The Chang Chenmo mountains make the backdrop of this stunning lake. The colours around will send the photographer in you into a tizzy! Cobalt lake, arid brown mountain range with snow white summits and the azure blue of the skies!! This could be heaven. We spend a night here enjoying Pangong in all its colours as the light shifts. A great place to look in oneself as you look out at the blue expanse. People spontaneously slip into a meditative state at this enchanted lake.
Driving Time:5-6 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Pangong Deluxe Tents/ Homestay.
Day 13: Return to Leh
After a relaxed breakfast, we make our way back over the Chang La to Leh. Another day to savour the spectacular arid scenery on route.
Driving Time:5-6 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 14:Depart Leh
Early morning transfer to the airport for departure. Trip Ends
Meals: B
Gallery
Highlights of Ladakh – Images
Extended Gallery on Facebook
Highlights Of Ladakh – July 2018
Ladakh Revisited – August 2017
Highlights Of Ladakh – July 2017
Blog – A Tale
‘Ma Dhemo’ (beautiful) experiences to have while you acclimatize in Leh.
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Vishwas N Satyaprakash – :
Happy on the Himalayas!
We had a fantastic experience with Adventure Sindbad during our recent trip to Ladakh. We were a group of 12 (mostly 50+) and each and every one of our needs were handled very well by Vishwas. Personally, I enjoyed the company and had a brilliant time with Adventure Sindbad. They really do take care of you and go to extreme levels to make sure you are comfortable and are enjoying your trip. A simple example was getting us hot water in freezing weather, hauling heavy buckets at 5:30am to each room – at 4500m (15000ft) where the air is so thin and rare that even picking up your phone can be an effort!
They had included everything in the package – a little bit of adventure, a little bit of trekking, hiking, delicious food, amazing accommodation at very very remote and hostile (weather-wise) locations, some TLC and a lot of fun!
Worth every penny, I look forward to do more trips with them!
Kesari N G – :
Ladakh 2018
I was extremely happy at Adventure Sindbad’s willingness to tweak the itinerary to our liking and the small size of the group so that each one could get to know the others well.
The hotels we were put up in Manali (the Keylinga Inn) and Leh (Omasila) were very comfortable, very clean and served us very sumptuous spreads for breakfasts. What more could anyone ask for? I also loved the resort in Jispa set in sylvan surroundings, where we were put up in Swiss tents with attached toilets, just a stone’s throw away from the gushing Chandra? or Bhaga? or was it the Chandrabhaga River? The Himalayan Eco Resort in Diskit too was a lovely, lovely place.
A little about the homestays that we were put up in. They looked very ordinary from the outside but I was amazed at the plush comfort and clean toilets that welcomed us once we entered. Imagine, this, in the middle of nowhere far away from big towns! I found that the kitchens there were far better equipped that our home in Bangalore! A few little things had to be taken care of on that front though. The toilet seat had come unhinged in one of the homestays, I don’t remember where, could be Yangthang or Hemisshukpachen.
All my efforts to coax my wife to come on a hard-core trek with me in the Himalayas had not borne fruit unit now. Her idea of a trek was – trek, stay in a comfortable place where she could have a nice hot bath and relax, and repeat this day after day. Adventure Sindbad’s idea of taking trekking paths close by to motorable roads so that those who couldn’t carry on with the trek could be transported easily to the next camp was an excellent one. All this fitted my wife’s bill to a T.
Some in the group took the morning flight to New Delhi from Bangalore. We were at a loss as to how to spend the time in the sweltering heat of New Delhi (with all our luggage) before boarding the HPTC Volvo bus to Manali at 6 p.m. Mr. Vishwas Raj went that extra mile to find and transport us to a place to freshen up and have lunch at the AirBnB Chrysalis ‘hotel’ in New Delhi. I need a lot of room for my legs while travelling and to top it all, Mr. Vishwas ensured that I got a seat with extra leg-space in the bus.
I could sing paeans about Mr. Vishwas, but knowing him to be unassuming, self-effacing and modest to a fault, I’ll skip this and spare him the blushes!