Groowynd Holidays

(Delhi - Leh - Hemis - Pangong Lake - Alchi - Khardung La - Leh - Delhi)

Tour highlights:

• Ancient monasteries
• Explore the rugged vastness of the Ladakh landscape
• 17th century Hemis Gompa, which has made it to UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage Sites with its unique architectural treatment and intrinsic designs
• Khardong La: is a high mountain pass (elevation 5359m or 18,380ft) located in Ladakh region
• Pangong Lake: a blue expansive lake, stretching more than 100km and spread across two countries
• Alchi Choskor: one of the oldest standing structures anywhere in Ladakh

Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Leh
Arrive at Leh airport. You are received by our representative and transferred to the Hotel. Take complete rest for the day for acclimatization to the high altitude of Leh (11,500 ft / 3500 mtrs). In the late afternoon drive to the city centre for a leisurely tour of the markets.
Overnight stay at hotel in Leh

Day 02: Full day sightseeing tour in Leh
After breakfast proceed on full day sightseeing tour of Shey Palace, Sindhu Darshan Ghats, Thiksey Monastery & Hemis Monastery.
The Shey Palace sits silently atop a hillock at an elevation of 3,415 meters (11,204 feet). Located in the upper Indus Valley, the Shey Palace was built by King Deldan Namgyal (aka Lhachen Palgyigon) in 1655 to serve as a summer retreat for the Ladakhi kings. He added the Shey Monastery within the palace complex in the same year to honor his departed father, Singay Namgyal. The monastery houses a 12 meters (39 feet) high gilded copper statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha in a seated posture, which is presumably the second largest in Ladakh. Although the palace is mostly in ruins today, one can still visit the monastery.
Situated about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away from Shey Monastery, the Thiksey Monastery is a fort monastery that’s built in the likeness of the Potala Palace of Lhasa, Tibet and houses about 60 monks. Resting on top of a hill at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) in the Indus Valley, this Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Buddhist monastery is a 12 storey complex with a precious collection of murals, thangkas, stupas, statues and swords.
About 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Leh at a height of 3,657 meters (12,000 feet), the Hemis Gompa is one of the highest monasteries of the world.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh

Day 03: Leh to Pangong Lake to Leh (320 kms)
After early Breakfast leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft., it is the third highest motorable road in the world.  At 1200 hrs. Arrive at Pangong, it is the highest salt water lake in the world, shared by two countries India & China. Packed or Hot Lunch will be provided. Enjoy the beauty of the lake on the Banks of Pangong while appreciating the changing colors and fascinating high altitude of the Lake. Drive back to Leh by the same route.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Leh

Day 04: Leh to Alchi to Leh (140 kms)
After leisurely breakfast, drive to visit 11th century Alchi Choskor, oldest surviving monastic heritage of Ladakh - a UNESCO listed heritage site. While returning to Leh from Alchi, visit Sangam (confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers), Magnetic Point, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Kali Mata(Temple of Guardians in Spituk monastery) & Hall of Fame. Overnight stay in hotel at Leh

Day 05: Leh to Khardung La to Leh
Drive on excursions to Khardong-La (80 kms round trip), one among highest motorable pass in the world (alt: 18,380 ft.) .
Late afternoon drive to visit Shanti Stupa, which offers great evening views of Leh town & the Indus Valley beyond.
Shanti Stupa is a tranquil structure that rests at an altitude of 4,267 meters (14,000 feet) on a hilltop in Changspa village, about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Leh. The Shanti Stupa was built by the Nipponzan-Myohoji order of Japan, a religious community that has been engaged in the construction of peace pagodas and temples in various parts of the world.
Rest of the day free to explore the markets for shopping etc... Overnight stay at Leh

Day 06: Depart to Delhi
Early morning transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.