LAKES OF LADAKH

You will arrive at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport) which is nestled in the midst of The Mighty Himalayan Mountain Range. Leh Airport; one of the highest airports in the world is also considered to be one of the most scenic owing to its heavenly surroundings. It is encircled by immense golden brown, barren mountains which are truly a sight for sore eyes.

You will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your accommodation in Leh City. The rest of the evening is reserved for you to acclimatize yourself by casually strolling in and around your lodgings only. Overnight stay at Leh City. The capital of Ladakh, at one time was a major stop on the Asian “Silk Route”.

Explore the gorgeous town of Leh and its beautiful stopovers. Most prominent among them is the Leh Palace. The ruins of this 350-year-old, nine-story high Palace offer a breath-taking view of the city of Leh and its surroundings. The Leh Market is starkly different to its metropolitan counterparts. The shops here are small, colourful, and vibrant. It has a rare mix of western and native cultures which is unique to itself.

Leh also boasts of a widely diverse population and shows their influences on its infrastructure. The Shanti Stupa, Central Asian Museum, Jama Masjid, Zorawar Fort, Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill all lie within 25 km of Leh’s radius. Also, within this radius is the Indian Army’s Hall of Fame Museum (closed on Monday). It is a monument dedicated to the soldiers who served, and/or perished on the borders during wartime.

The Sangam (Confluence of rivers) between the ice-cold Zanskar and the mighty Indus is incredible to watch. Its gushing blue waters put on a stunning display of power. Once you’ve absorbed in all these wonderful sights you will return to Leh and spend the night there.

After an early breakfast, you’ll check-out & head to Nubra Valley. The road to the Nubra Valley goes through the 11th highest motor-able road in the world, the mighty Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft.). This Pass is almost permanently covered in fog and snow. However, the bone-chilling cold there is more than compensated by the unparalleled view that it offers, of the Ladakh mountain range. Descending from Khardung La you’ll arrive in Nubra Valley.

On arrival, you’ll first visit Diskit Monastery. It is over 250 years old and is the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Next to that lies an imposing 100 feet statue of Maitreya Buddha, in its resplendent golden avatar. From here drive to the sand dunes at Hunder. You can spot the world-famous double hump camels’ here. These mammals are extremely rare and are found in merely a handful of places all over the world.

You can also go on an ATV ride on the sand dunes or try other activities such as go-karting & zip-lining (all on direct payment basis). Later check-in at your accommodation & spend the evening looking up at the skies. The pollution free air of Ladakh offers ample opportunity for stargazing.

After an early breakfast, you’ll drive towards Turtuk in Nubra Valley. Turtuk is a tiny village set on a hilltop near the rocky banks of the Shyok River, inhabited primarily by Ethnic Muslim Population. Turtuk is one the villages closest to the LOC that tourists are allowed to visit (Optional Transport cost for Thang not included).

Even though the primary trade of Turtuk is agriculture, it can be seen that all around the village there are beautiful statues and intricate handicrafts made by the locals of the village. It is also one of the last towns in India to still have prominent Balti Culture. The village is widely known for its apricot trees. Be sure to buy some apricots and try their authentic apricot-based stew before heading back to Hunder for the night.

After an early breakfast, drive towards Tso Pangong 13,943 ft. via Shyok. This route goes via Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste to reach Pangong Tso. The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters and shaky lakeshore of Tso Pangong remains etched in the memory of tourists.

The magic of Pangong Lake lies in its changing hues, as the sun hovers over it. It is probably the bluest and the most crystal-clear lake you would have seen so far. It is home to many migratory birds, from ducks and geese to the rare and elusive, Black-necked Crane. What will surprise you is that the lake lies only partially in India, its major chunk lying in China-occupied Tibet.

In winter the entire lake freezes to the point where you can walk over it. Upon arrival you’ll check-in at your accommodation and spend rest of the evening strolling around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.

After an early breakfast drive towards Tso Moriri which is at an altitude of 14,835 ft. above sea level. This route goes via Maan – Merak – Chushul - Mirpal Tso - Kaksang La - Yaye Tso - Hora La – Mahe - Tso Kyagar to reach Tso Moriri. This will be one of the most scenic drives on your Ladakh Adventure as you drive along the India-Tibet border, parallel to Tso Pangong soaking in the true beauty of Pangong Lake and its changing hues.

On the way, you will stop to view Mirpal Tso. An emerald, green lake nested amid widening brown-black mountains just below Kaksang La pass. When visiting this lake, you also allow yourself to visit the 8th highest motorable road in the world called Kaksang La at 17,834 feet. Next up is Yeye Tso. You will see this heart-shaped volcanic lake at an altitude of 16,364 feet. From here, drive further on to Kyagar Tso via Mahe Bridge.

Kyagar Tso is one of those small, yet sublime lakes that are usually not on the tourist radar. Its emerald waters and reflections of the surrounding hillocks are certainly worth a few shots. It’s a non-stop drive to Tso Moriri after that. After you have basked in the beauty of this place, you’ll check into your accommodation for the night.

Flanked by golden brown mountains on one side and lush green plains on the other, Tso Moriri is nothing short of surreal. It is one of those few places where you can spot the rare and endangered black necked cranes. Needless to say, shutterbugs will have a gala time here. After breakfast, take some parting shots with the lake. You will then head back to Leh via Mahe Bridge/Chumathang. Chumathang is famous for its medical hot spring.

From here drive to Hemis Monastery & Museum which existed before the 11th century. It is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in all of Ladakh and is definitely a must visit on your Ladakh Adventure. Later visit Thiksey Monastery. It is located at the top of the hill. It is very famous for its similarity with Potala Palace of Lhasa. This monastery is famous for pilgrim activities, architectural elements, sightseeing, and exploration.

Stop at the Druk Padma Karpo School. This is the school we saw in the movie ‘3 idiots’. Rancho’s School. You’ll visit Rancho’s Café, a café just outside the school campus. You can have some crunchy snacks and coffee while enjoying the memorabilia from the movie that is kept in the café. From here, it’s a non-stop drive to your hotel in Leh, the rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

In the morning, you’ll be driven to the airport where you’ll board the flight to your onward destination.