Amazing Ladakh With Manali And Srinagar

Arrive Delhi International Airport, after meet and greet by local tour manager, depart and drive to Chandigarh, on arrival transfer to hotel. Chandigarh, has been attracting visitors from the book and corners of the vicinity due to its perfect blend of architecture and designs. Blessed with the set of themed gardens and museum with pre-historic evidence, after wash and change visit Rock Garden which consist of various arts and objects made of industrial and urban waste. It is situated in sector-1. The credit of its foundation goes to Dr Nek Chand who was the road inspector in the Engineering department of Chandigarh. Then visit to Sukhna Lake that lies in the foothills of shivalik range. People visit in the morning and the evening to enjoy fresh breeze. It serves as a picnic spot and good place for water activities.
Overnight Hotel: Chandigarh

Morning after breakfast drive to Manali, is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming hubbub of Manali.
Overnight: hotel in Manali

Morning after breakfast depart and drive to city tour of Manali visit, HADIMBA TEMPLE/DOONGRI TEMPLE: The temple is dedicated to the local deity Hadimba built in 1553 AD, and having four-tiered pagoda shaped roof and a front doorway carved with figures and symbols. Legend has it that the ruler who built this temple did not wish its carving to replicated, so he had the right hand of the artiest. It is believed that here Bhim, the great Pandava of the Mahabharata Epic killed the strong and cruel demon, Hadimb and married his sister Hadimba. Hadimba expurgated her all sins by performing a great Tapa, and consequently began to be worshipped as a goddess. Vashisth Hot Water Sulphur Spring: This is 3 km away from Manali and known for its pyramidal temple dedicated to Vashishta Muni, and natural hot water sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies. Old Manali/Manu Temple: This is an original settlement with few old houses made of wood having slate roofs. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to Manu, who was the creator of human race on the earth. Solong Valley (2480 mts.): Solong valley is 13 km from Manali. This is a splendid valley between Manali and Kothi and offers the view of glaciers and snow-capped mountains. There are good skiing slopes equipped with an excellent lift. The winter skiing festival is held here every year.
Overnight: hotel in Manali

Morning after breakfast depart and drive to spectacular drive to Leh crossing the Atal Tunnel to enter the Lahoul Valley and driving further the beautiful settlements of Keylong. Lahoul, the open valley of very hard working tribe that claim for the highest per capita income and maximum top administrative posts, is a real mixture of Hindu and Buddhist culture and religion under similar roofs. Free flowing Chandra and Bhaga rivers from Lahoul assure the prosperity of Pakistan where it finally reaches. Different costumes, innocent faces, lamas and monasteries of Lahoul and a wonderful landscape is worth visiting. Keylong, the district headquarter, a quaint village once one of the important stops on the erstwhile trade route between India and China/Tibet. Drive further to the beautiful village Jispa.
Overnight: hotel in Jispa

Morning after breakfast drive to Sarchu. The road moves flat till Darcha, from Darcha the road again begins a steady climb to the Baralacha Pass (4830 Mt). A steep climb to a spur on the hillside brings you face to face with picturesquely situated Darcha- Sumdo village, across the Bhaga River. At the top of Baralacha La, there are lakes and ponds, where migratory Siberian birds alight on way to and from sanctuaries in India. The landscape changes dramatically from green mountain slopes to bare mountainsides, beige and brown. One climbs a series of Galta loops consisting of 21 hairpin bends on the way up from Sarchu and come out in Pang valley. It is here that one can divert to the right and visit the huge high altitude lakes of Tsokar and Tsomoriri. Cross to the other side of the Pang, Tzanspo River to continue drive up to yet another plateau for a long traverse on the legendary Moore plains. The highest of the Tibetan Plateau at 4200 Mts. Continue driving Taglang La (5360 Mts.) the second highest motor able pass in the world that commands breath taking views of the Zanskar range. A pleasant drive about 20 Kms brings you to the Ladakhi hamlet, Gya, heralded by prayer flags. After crossing few more villages one reaches the great Indus River. Further drive to Leh town WELCOME TO LEH LADAKH: The mountain of Ladakh is not spectacular. As even the valleys are at an altitude of 3,500 meters. The summits are only 3,000 meters. Higher. Because it is desert there is little snow on them and they look like big brown hills. They are dry and dusty, with clusters of willows and desert roses along the streams, yet Ladakh is a completely magical palace, remote with delightful, gentle, un-grasping people. Land: 4 mountain ranges cross Ladakh – Gt. Himalaya Zanskar, Ladakh and Karakoram – as do the Indus and its tributaries, Zanskar, Shingo and Shyok. Ladakh also has the world’s largest glaciers outside the Polar Regions, and the large and beautiful lake Pangong Tso, 150 kms long and 4 kms wide at a height of 4,000 mt. People: There are four main groups: the Mons, nomads of Aryan stock, are usually professional entertainers, often musician; the Dards are found along the Indus valley, many converted to Islam, though some remained Buddhist; Tibetan from the bulk of the population in Central and Eastern Ladakh, though they have assumed the Ladakhi identity over generations; the Baltis with Central Asian Saka origins, mostly live in the Kargil region.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh

Leh town (3505 meters) is the headquarter of the Leh District and is the largest town of Ladakh with an area of 45110 Sq. Km. Town is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West, China in the north and eastern part, and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pradesh in South East. In the ancient times the present Leh district was a part of Greater Ladakh spread over from Kailash Mansarover to Swaat (Dardistan). For a long time Leh remained the capital of the Rajas of Ladakh. Leh became an important centre for trade in Central Asia. It opened for foreigner in 1974 and since then Leh became an important destination in India. The most attractive feature of the landscape of Ladakh is the Buddhist monasteries. After breakfast depart for tour around Leh city visit: Shey Palace: Shey is the former palace of upper Ladakh before Leh was established, this site commanded an important vantage over the Indus valley. Since 1834 however, after the royal family moved to Stokh, much of the palace and fort fell into disrepair; even the marshland immediately below was once a clear lake. Thiksey: This is the one of the most imposing monasteries in the Indus valley, Thiksey was part of the original Delgupta order in the 15th century. The monk’s quarter’s stretch right the way along the hillside beneath the main assembly hall. The library at Thiksey is supposedly one of the finest in Ladakh and a multi - denominations Gompa has recently been constructed - proof indeed of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. Shanti Stupa- Shanti Stupa at Changspa on the hilltop built by Japanese who harboured the ambition of spreading Buddhism across the world, in 1985 and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. LEH PALACE: Overlooking Leh, Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. This 9 storey palace was built in 17th century for King Singge Namgyal. Perched on the edge of a hill, it resembles a miniature version of the Potola in Lhasa, Tibet. Leh Palace was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Today this palace is a branch of Indian Government’s archaeological conservation organization. There is a Victory Tower above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is above the Leh Palace, built in 1430, is open only during the morning puja. The Gompa is placed in a steep hill overseeing the whole city. An amazing statue in gold of the Maitreya Buddha as high as three stories together with many idols and Buddhist scriptures are attractive to visitors. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa of Ladakh was founded by King Tashi Namgyal and has been named after him only. It boasts of a rich collection of some ancient manuscripts and wall paintings. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery of Leh Ladakh also houses a statue of Avaloketesvara and Manjushri, approximately one story high. Near the monastery is an old fort, which, because of neglect, lies mostly in ruins now. Shanti Stupa is one of the magnificent Tibetan structures that has ever been built. The architecture and the beauty of this place are unexplainable. Shanti Stupa is a white-dome structure dedicated to Buddhism. This brilliant structure stands atop a steep hilltop at a dizzying height of 11,841 feet above sea level. This dominating altitude of the Stupa allows it to offer picturesque views of its beautiful surroundings. Constructed in the year 1991 by Japanese Buddhist, Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The construction was jointly done by the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace. It is a part of peace pagoda mission, which aims to spread peace through the preaching of Buddha. The stupa has various relics of old Buddhism culture including the huge idol of Buddha placed at this base; the idol was enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama
Overnight: hotel in Leh

After an early breakfast leave for Nubra valley. From Leh the route ascends gradually through various picturesque villages to one of the highest motor able passes, the Khardungla 5606 m. journey up and down to this pass command fantastic panoramic view of Stokh Kangri and other surrounding peaks. On the way down into Nubra valley, the first village we pass through is Khardang, further down, we come to Khalsar, The villages are large and quite prosperous and have thick plantation of Willow and Poplar. The altitude is a little less than Leh varying in Between 10,000 feet to 10,600 feet,little further we reach to confluence of Shayok and Nubra rivers, here we turn left, continue along the river Shayok till Disket the sub divisional head quarter. Visit DISKIT MONASTERY, amidst the stark and barren Nubra valley stands the beautiful and milky white Diskit monastery. The oldest and largest monastery in Nubra, Diskit monastery is located at an altitude of 3142 meters. It is approachable by a Diskit village through a rugged and dusty road that crosses a stream in the middle of the village. In the 14th century, Nubra Valley was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the disciple of Tsong Khapa. Currently, it belongs to the yellow hat sect of Buddhism, also known as the Gelugpa order. And under the control of the Thiksey monastery and hence, considered a sub-gompa of Thiksey. The monastery is beautiful inside out. Within the Tibetian style Gompa, there are beautiful frescos and gompas. An iconic feature of the monastery is the statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha), which is a part of the prayer hall. Within the prayer hall, there are big drums and various images of the guardian deities. The monastery also runs an NGO by the name of the "Tibet Support Group." Unmissable part of the monastery is the panoramic views of Nubra Valley that one can get to see from the top of the monastery. A short drive from Disket will bring us to Hunder, last point one is allowed go on this route. HUNDER: Traveling to Ladakh is all about filling your diaries with chapters full of experiences. Beyond the leisure and monastic side of Ladakh, there are stunning silver sand dunes of Hunder in the Nubra Valley region. Like an oasis amidst the cold desert, Hunder Sand Dunes are beautiful beyond imagination. Located at an altitude of 3200 meters, the desert is cut across by a gentle stream and the beautiful countryside. With such stunning landscapes against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, the Hunder Sand Dune looks nothing less than a fairy world. Beyond its beauty, the dunes are home to the Bactrian Camels, the major key players during the ancient silk route, and Pashmina Goats. Tourists can also go on a safari on the Bactrian camel that will take them back to the time when the trade was quite prominent within Central Asia and to the remote village of Hunder. After visiting the village of Hunder, we return to Disket, we will explore the monastery and walk around the market.
Overnight: Camps in Nubra

After an early breakfast leave for Pangong Lake, the longest high altitude lakes, the Pangong at the height of 4350m. This endorheic lake is 12 kilometres long and extends from India to Tibet, with two-thirds of it lying in the latter. Owing to its altitude, the temperature here ranges from -5°C to 10°C as a result of which the lake freezes completely during winters in spite of its salinity. A unique feature of the lake is that it does not remain blue throughout the year or even the day, rather it changes colours from azure to light blue to green and grey too! This lakes only about 40% is in India, other part in Tibet (China).
Overnight: Camps in Pangong Lake

Morning after breakfast depart and drive to Leh. Via one of the highest motored pass (Changla Pass) 5360 Mts. On the way back visit Hemis - the position of Hemis monastery, lying in a small isolated valley south of the Indus, belies its importance. As headquarters of the Drukpa (old Buddhist) order, it administers monasteries throughout the whole of Ladakh - from the Indus to the Zanskar valley and from the Markha to the Sumdah valley.
Overnight: hotel in Leh

Morning after breakfast depart and drive to Dha-hanu, (The Aryan Valley of Ladakh) Dah Hanu or Dha and Hanu, popularly known as Aryan villages of Ladakh, are located in Dhahanu valley in North-East of Ladakh, The villages have both Buddhist and Muslim population and also have their own animist pantheon of Gods. Residents of Dah Hanu are best known as Indo-Aryan breed. Dard people of Dah and Hanu have an Indo-European appearance with high cheek bones and sharp features. They look quite different from other Ladakhi people. In afternoon drive back to Alchi, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel In Alchi

Morning after breakfast, explore the Alchi gompa which dates back to the year 1000 AD and was built by the Translator, Rinchen Zangpo. He even made a reference about the monastery in his biographies. It is written that he brought thirty-two sculptors and wood carvers from Kashmir, for the construction of the Alchi Monastery. Drive continue toward Kargil, on the way visit Lamayuru Monastery, is the famous Buddhist monastery at a height of 11520 ft. Lamayuru monastery is a place where many legends were associated with. In the earlier days, this huge construction was a collection of five gigantic building out of which only one survives now. But still, this remains the largest monastery and houses near about 150 Buddhist monks permanently. After lunch depart and drive to Kargil via Fotu-la pass (13,432 ft/4,094 m) and the Namika-la (12,200 ft/3,719 m) pass, stop at Mulbekh Monastery or Mulbekh Gompa, at 11,495 ft. from sea level and 656 ft. uphill from road level, consists of 9 m (30 ft.) tall Maitreya Buddha statue, 1400 CE kharosti language edicts on the hill, and two 800 years old gompas, Serdung gompa of Drukpa lineage and Rgaldan-se gompa of Gelugpa lineage of Buddhism, 40 km before Kargil, after a cup of tea at Mulbekh, drive continue to Kargil, on arrival transfer to hotel
Overnight: Hotel In Kargil

Morning after breakfast, depart and drive to Srinagar, Drass, known as "The Indian Siberia” and “Gateway to Ladakh" is a travel hub popular for its high altitude trekking routes and tourist sites. It is a hill station in Kargil district of the union territory of Ladakh. It is the second coldest inhabited place in the world after Siberia and the coldest place in India with the lowest temperature dropping to as low as -60°C in winters. After having a cup of tea drive continue to Srinagar via Zoji La (sometimes Zojila Pass) is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas. It is in the Kargil district, Indian Union territory of Ladakh. Located in the Dras subdivision, the pass connects the Kashmir Valley to its west with the Dras and Suru valleys to its northeast and the Indus valley further east. National Highway #1 between Srinagar and Leh in the western section of the Himalayan mountain range, traverses the pass. After crossing the Zoji La Pass, we will reach Sonamarg, which means "Meadow of Gold", is a picturesque hill station in the Kashmir Valley located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2800 meters and adorned with a majestic glacier, meadow, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains makes Sonamarg an ideal holiday destination in Kashmir. After lunch drive continue to Srinagar, on arrival transfer to House Boat. After wash and change we take shikara ride for rest of the day on famous Dal Lake. We will visit Char Chinar Island, Nishat Garden and if time allows various other shrines.
Overnight: House Boat in Srinagar

After leisurely breakfast leave for City tour. Mughal Gardens includes, Shalimar Gardens: Commissioned by Mogul King Jahangir for Noor Jehan in 1619, Shalimar Bagh is a four-terraced fiesta of chinars and watercourses with an exquisite hill as its immediate backdrop. Nishat Bagh is carved out of a hillside. It comprises 12 terraced levels rich with magnificent old chinars and rows of flowers. It has a beautiful Mughal central water channel with several fountains. Cheshmashahi Meaning Royal Spring, is one of the three Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. It was Shah Jahan’s governor Ali Mardan Khan who built the small but perfect Chashma Shahi Gardens on the slopes of the Zaberwan Hill in 1632. Hazratbal Shrine: A dazzlingly white structure on the far bank of the Dal, Hazratbal is important because it holds a sacred relic, a hair, of Prophet Muhammad, referred to as the Moi-e- Muqqadas. Shankaracharya temple: is located on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman, at an altitude of 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city. The temple offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Srinagar city
Overnight: House Boat in Srinagar

Morning after breakfast transfer to Srinagar airport for Delhi bound flight, on arrival transfer to hotel, after wash and change depart for city tour of Delhi, . Begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the nation was cremated in 1948. Thereafter proceed to the magnificent Red Fort (closed on Mondays) built of red sandstone, dating from the very peak of the Mughal power. Then, Rickshaw Ride through Chandni Chowk. After that, visit to black and white onion domes and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. After Lunch, drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace) and the Secretariat buildings - the centre of Government activity, down to the impressive Rajpath (the main avenue), to the World War I memorial arch, India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort.
Overnight: Hotel In Delhi

Morning transfer to International airport for Onward flight.