CULTURAL LADAKH TOUR PACKAGE

Best Season: April to October
Duration: 12 nights / 13 days
Places Covered: Leh - Alchi - Likir - Lamayuru - Ridzong - Shey Thiksey - Hemis - Stok

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport or railway station, you will be met by our representative, who will help you to transfer to your hotel. Check into your hotel and relax. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Fly Delhi - Leh (3445mtrs)
Transfer to the airport to board the flight to Leh. You will be received on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize yourself to the altitude and rarified air of Ladakh. In the evening, we gather for dinner and are introduced to the tour guide.

Day 03: Leh - Half day tour
After breakfast, leave for a tour of Leh and see its ancient monuments and Buddhist sites. After lunch at your hotel we leave for a tour of the Shanti Stupa, Built by Japanese Buddhists this Peace Pagoda is a beautiful structure with gilt panels on its sides that display episodes from the life of Buddha. It was inaugurated in 1983 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We then drive to the Sankar Monastery that is surrounded by forests and barley fields that rise in terraces along the hillside. Within the monastery you can see beautiful Thanka paintings and statuettes of Buddha made of gold. Return to your hotel to stay overnight.

Day 04: Leh - Hemis - Thiksey - Shey
After breakfast we leave for a tour of the Hemis Gompa. This monastery is the best known in Ladakh. Around the monastery you will see Chortens or Buddhist reliquaries and ornate walls. After seeing the sights of the monastery we leave for the Thiksey Monastery. This is situated on a mountain from where you can see panoramic views of the Indus Valley. Within the monastery you can see many beautiful Buddhist artifacts. We then leave for the Shey Palace, which was the summer palace of the royal family of Ladakh. Return to your hotel to stay overnight.

Day 05: Leh - Alchi - Uletokpo
After breakfast, we leave for Alchi. Located 70 kms west of Leh, is the Uletokpo camp where we arrive rest, have lunch and then leave for a tour of Alchi monastery and the nearby village. Considered one of the most well preserved Buddhist centers of Ladakh, the Alchi monastery has beautiful paintings on its walls, which are examples of early Buddhist art. In Alchi village you can see the rural lifestyle of the villagers including activities such as grinding wheat etc. Stay overnight at the camp.

Day 06: Lamayuru Monastery
After breakfast we drive to Lamayuru, where we tour the Lamayuru monastery. Also called the Yung-drung (Swastika) monastery, Lamayuru is one of the oldest monasteries in Central Ladakh. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Lamayuru village and explore its surroundings in the afternoon. Return to the camp in the evening to stay overnight.

Day 07: Ridzong and Likir Monasteries
After an early snack we leave for the Ridzong Monastery. The last kilometer of this journey is on foot, due to the steep hill. Ridzong is anunnery, where Buddhist nuns reside. Tour the monastery and then return to the camp for breakfast. Later we leave for Leh. On the way we stop to the Likir Monastery built in the 15th century by monks of the Gelupa (Yellow Hat) Sect. Later we resume our drive along the Indus River. Arrive at the hotel in time for a late lunch. Relax in the afternoon and evening and stay overnight in the hotel.

Day 08: Leh - Stok - Tibetan Handicraft
After breakfast we leave for the Stok Palace, where the royal family of Ladakh used to live. In the museum at the palace you can see family heirlooms and artifacts from royal times. We then tour the Ladakh Handicraft Center. Here you can buy beautiful handmade products and craft items. We than travel to Choglamsar, where you can see a Tibetan settlement. There are many Tibetans residing in Ladakh. Return to your hotel to stay overnight.

Day 09: At Leisure in Leh
Your last day in Leh is at your disposal. You can go shopping, sightseeing or pursue any activity of your choice.

Day 10: Leh - Delhi
After an early breakfast we leave for the airport, where you can board the flight to Delhi. Our representative will meet you at Delhi airport and help you check into your hotel. Check into your hotel and relax. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Delhi City Tour
After breakfast, leave for a day's sightseeing tour of Delhi. In historic Old Delhi you will see the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques of India; the Red Fort, an impressive sandstone monument built by the Mughals, and you can explore the busy market of Chandi Chowk. You can also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi you can see India Gate, Parliament House and the President's mansion. Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and the Bahai Temple and shopping in crafts emporia in Delhi complete your Delhi tour. Return to your hotel to stay overnight.

Day 12: Departure Home
After breakfast you will transferred to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. Leave for Delhi with unforgettable memories of your Ladakh Tour with Leh Ladakh India. Our representative will meet you in Delhi and help you to transfer to the international airport for your flight to your onward destination.