Discover Ladakh

You will be received by our representative at Delhi’s international airport and transferred to your hotel in your private vehicle.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

With an early start you will catch one of the most scenic flights in the world, from Delhi over the Himalayas into Leh. On a clear day, a spectacular Himalayan vista unfolds before your eyes.

On arrival, you will be received and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure to allow you to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Continue to adjust to the high altitude with a leisurely day. Choose to relax in the comfort of your hotel or choose a nice optional walk around the town of Leh.

The walk allows you to take in the striking Leh Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh built along the lines of the Potala Palace in Tibet.

If you are feeling up to it, the Shanti Stupa is well worth a visit at sunset, for its excellent views over Leh city.

The day is set for easy paced optional activities to help your acclimatisation.

This morning, you can explore places of interest within easy walking distance of your hotel.

After a relaxed lunch, you may like to go for an optional short drive along the river Indus to the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers, stopping en-route at viewpoints. The river’s aquamarines contrast brilliantly with the camel coloured landscape, offering perfect photo opportunities.

The evening will be spent at leisure in the hotel.

Today, go on a tour of the nearby Shey and Thiskey monasteries and the Stok Palace.

Situated on a hill, Shey Monastery is an erstwhile royal palace where many of the Kings of Leh were born. The impressive 24m high seated Buddha is covered with gold leaf.

Proceed to the grand 17th century Stok Palace still in use by  Ladakh’s royal family. Climb up to the Palace to enjoy superb views and a hearty lunch at its restaurant, and visit the excellent museum showcasing royal costumes, crowns and 400 year old Thangkas (paintings).

Visit Thiksey Monastery, filled with colourful murals and statues, affords picturesque views of the green Indus valley.

All along route southeast of Leh, the scenery is spectacular.

Prepare yourself for great Ladakhi vistas as you explore the historic monasteries of Stakna, Matho and Hemis, where the remote, rugged beauty of Ladakh is all around you.

Travel over the fabled Khardung La, or the Khardung Pass, which connects the Indus and Shyok river valleys and is the gateway to the Nubra valley, beyond which lies the Siachen Glacier.

One of the highest motorable roads worldwide, it was only opened to the public vehicles in 1988. It was previously used solely to supply Indian military bases in the Siachen Glacier. The pass is of immense strategic value to India.

You’ll make number of stops on the long drive to obtain protected area permits and to show passports, which allows you to stretch your legs and take in the picturesque locations.

On arrival settle into your comfortable hotel to relax.

Your hotel provides the perfect chance to slow down and take in the wonderful Nubra valley.

Relax and enjoy the day at the retreat, sample the complimentary activities like yoga classes or visit a local kitchen for cooking classes run by the local women’s alliance.

Meet the friendly locals at the village and get to understand the unchanged Ladakhi way of life in this remote region.

If you are feeling active, you can rent mountain bikes to explore the area.

At night, enjoy the campfire.

Nubra Valley means ‘Valley of Flowers’, a point where the Shyok and Siachen rivers meet.

Refreshed from your relaxation the day before, you’ll have a choice of starting early this morning if you wish to catch the monks doing the morning prayers at Diskit Monastery.

If you wish to lie in, you can leave for Diskit after breakfast.

After the monastery visit, you’ll take an easy walk from Diskit village market to Hunder.  On the approach to Hunder, an oasis in the cold desert of the Nubra valley, you will encounter a rolling expanse of sand dunes. You may also be lucky enough to see Bactrian Camels, descendants of those once used to trade between Ladakh and Tibet.

Return by car to your hotel for lunch and then proceed to visit the picturesque lake of Yarab Tso.

If time permits, visit Samstanling Monastery, 130 years old and home to around 50 monks before returning to your hotel to unwind.

After breakfast, return to Leh through the Khardung La again. There are fewer stops this time, but will still take about 5 hours, so there is a second chance to admire the spectacular landscape.

After checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, you’ll have a whole day to explore the Leh and its stunning surrounds.

You’ll take a 7km walk (approx 3hrs) to the nearby village of Saboo. This popular trail is rated as easy/moderate. Starting from Leh’s polo ground, it has a short ascent of about 300m, then follows a dry valley to the picturesque village of Saboo. A picnic lunch will be served. Dont miss the checking out the nearby gompa before returning to Leh later in the afternoon by vehicle.

The rest of the evening is at leisure, to browse the markets for souvenirs, or meet some more locals as your time in Ladakh draws to a close.

This morning, you take the first of your two flights on the journey back home. First, you fly from Leh to Delhi, from where you’ll be transferred from the domestic to the international terminal and catch your international flight back home.