Culture Roures & Jeep Safaries

Attractions of Ladakh 

3 Nights / 4 Days tour in Jeep

DAY 1. Arrival in Leh

Welcome in traditional Ladakhi style and transfer to our pre-arranged hotel, rest of the day at leisure to acclimatize. Overnight stay at hotel.
In evening we will visit Shanti Stupa, a magnificent white-domed structure, Japanese built Shanti Stupa on the hilltop for World Peace and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. Its state of the art work attracts a lot of tourists to Ladakh and is spectacular to watch. From there one can see the nice spectacular view of Leh town. The stupa looks best at night, when it is beautifully illuminated with glittering lights. A large number of tourists come to Ladakh every year to visit this amazing stupa.

DAY 2. Excursion to Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Stok 

Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We will start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue, built in the memory of King Singee Namgyal by his son lDeldan Namgyal in 1633 A.D. It is the only kind of statue made of Gold, Gilt and copper in entire Ladakh. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future is one of the most beautiful monasteries of Ladakh.

Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa, This is the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Most of the other Drukpa monasteries are the branch monasteries of Hemis. It was built during early 17th century with the blessing of Lama Stagtsang Raspa (Shambunatha), by famous Namgyal dynasty king Singee Namgyal. The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. After covering these three monasteries we drive back to leh and visit Stok Palace on the way, Stok lies south south of leh on the opposite side of the singe Tsangspo River.

The castle was built on a hill at the end of village in about the year 1825 by king Tsespal Tondup Namgyal. In stok there is also the sacred monastery of Gurphug, a branch of Spituk Monastery. On the 9th and 10th days of the first tibeten month of the festival called the “Guru Tshechu” is held during which the monks of Spituk Monastery come to perform the sacred dances. At that time two gods make their appearance.

DAY 03: Leh – Pangonag Lake -Leh

After an early breakfast we Leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. While ascending Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometer at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. A few years back the government decided to open it to tourists though the lake and its surrounding is under army surveillance. The tourism department intends to develop the infrastructure and facilitate the route leading to the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After spending some time at Pangong we drive back to hotel in Leh for overnight stay.

DAY 04: Leh – Delhi

Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari from Manali (Himachal Pradesh) to Leh in Ladakh Lamayuru Monastery.

This is an adventurous Jeep safari through the Trans-Himalayan range of mountains (similar to Tibet) crosses over five high passes. The main high points of the Safari are Rohtang Pass ( 3979 mts ), Baralacha Pass ( 16,500 ft ), Nakee La ( 16000 ft ) and Tang Lang La ( 17,500 ft, also the second highest motorable road in the world ). One gets to see the different rock formations and changing colors of the mountains through the entire trip which makes the trecherous journey into a great experience.
First day we drive for Manali to Sarchu over the Rohtang pass (Alt: 13130 Fts). 240 Kms / 07-08 hrs. The drive takes along the Chandra and Bhaga river valleys and then over Baralacha Pass, which is also the most beautifull of all the passes we cross during this journey into sarchu. Staying overnigth in Sarchu in Deluxe camp gives a very good opportunity for acclimatizing before reaching Leh and other parts of Ladakh. From Sarchu ( Alt: 4200 mts) we drive to Leh (251 Kms/ 07-08 hrs) over the second highest Motorable pass Taglang-la (Alt: 17500 Fts.). We may also drive from Manali to Jispa then to Sarchu and to Leh which will take 3 days. If we stay in Jispa we shall be staying in hotel Ibex. Another option is to spend a day in Keylong and Darcha area and just reach Baralacha La for height gain and come back to Keylong to get acclimatized better, which is good for older people.

Aryan Village Jeep Safari in Ladakh

Drokhpas area is situated along the Indus river, the inhabitants are called Drokhpas belonging to the purest of pure race of Aryans. They are tall, handsome and hospitable. Drokhpas believe to have migrated to this area via Gilgit valley, around a thousand years ago from the central Asia. Most of these villages are dominated by the Muslims, with colorful mosques, and very few Buddhists with small Gompas.
For this tour we take early morning flight to Leh in Ladakh and then first get acclimatized with one full day rest. After that we visit around Leh and Then drive to Khaltse and Domkhar and then Dahanu for two to three days. Its a wonderful cold desert safari toward west of Leh along Indus river, we will explore the valley and the life in its villages along the Indus river in ladakh with small Gompas. This valley is also known for apricot orchards, Pashmina wool and handicrafts. We drive back to Leh after 2 – 3 days and then after spending a day in Leh town we fly back to Delhi. One can also Extend this Jeep safari to Khardungla Pass which is also the Highest motorable road in the world at 18,380 ft.

Jeep Safari to Khalsar / Panamik/ Tirit / Leh

Nubra valley Jeep safari is another jewel in the crown of travel in this mystical Himalayan region. Lines up to its name as evinced by the numerous orchards of apple and apricots, Nubra Valley is located on the famous silk route of old times. which was supposed to be the only trade route between Indian subcontinet and Europe at that time and also the only supply line of spices to Europe. The chief crops of Nubra Valley are wheat, barley, peas, millet, buckwheat and onion. Situated on the old Silk route of caravans, the beautiful fertile valley was an important halting place for the caravans. There are two main rivers through the valley, Shayok and Nubra. For this safari we start in Leh and drive over Khardung-la (5600 mts) by world’s highest Motorable road to get into the Nubra Valley. Visit monasteries and large settlement at the bank of Nubra river, sulphur spring of Panamik and 250 years old Gompa along with handicraft centers and jewelers of Tirit village before coming back to Leh and fly back to Delhi. Nubra Valley is also the base of the world’s highest battlefield in Siachen glacier. The experience of traveling along the silver sands of Shyok river with a brown Back drop of Great Himalayan and Karakoram ranges is simply enchanting for the travelers. This safari is a must for those who love the ultimate in adventure and want to be closest to nature and pristine beauty on the earth.

Jeep Safari from Leh/Upshi/ Chumathang/ Mahe/ Puga/ Tsomoriri

This is one of the most trecherous journeys in the ladakh region still the most popular amongst the travelers and ultimate adventure seakers. We first fly to Leh for this and then after a full acclimatization in Leh we move on to Mahe via Upshi and Chumathang. Explore the villages and their Gompas on the way we carry on towards Puga. From a distance this village before is an unforgettable sight of the nomadic Changspa in the Changthang plateau, where we also visit Korzok village right next to Tsomoriri Lake which is 28 km long and 8 kms wide at altitude of 4510 mts. We will be back by salt water lake (Tsokar) and over world’s second highest Motorable pass Taglang-la (5332 mts) to Leh and flight to Delhi. Or one can also drive back to Manali straight from Tsomoriri to end the safari in Manali and further proceed on to Delhi either by flight or by road. 

Alchi Monastery Jeep Safari

Duration: 06 Nights / 07 Days
Attractions: Chandigarh, Manali, Keylong, Sarchu, Tsomoriri, Leh

DAY 01: Delhi = Chandigarh – Manali 

Morning you will met by our representative and transfer to New Delhi Railway station to catch the Shatabdi Express train to Chandigarh. Upon arrival Our jeep will pick up guest from chandigarh railway station and straight drive to Manali enroute Kullu Valley. The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas.Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled ‘Silver Valley’. The valley runs north to south of Beas River and is 80 kms. Long and about 2 kms wide.

DAY 02: Manali

In the morning we drive to the adjoining town of Naggar, the ancient capital of the Kullu valley, and visit the Naggar Castle. Built in the 18th century astride a sheer-sided bluff the castle is built in the traditional “earthquake-proof” way common to this region around a central courtyard that houses a legendary shrine. Over the centuries, it has served as a palace and a colonial mansion and is now run as a heritage hotel. Not far from here is a fine art gallery dedicated to the famous Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore Manali.

DAY 03 & 04:MANALI – LEH: (MANALI TO LEH JEEP SAFARI)

Two days drive from Manali to reach Leh. Considered as one of the highest roads in the world, Manali-Leh highway is the most popular and spectacular approach to Ladakh. From the months of end June to October this highway is open. It’s a very scenic route, full of adventure and rugged beauty. The road was closed for the civilian use till 1990, but now the adventure and nature lovers worship it, for this road gives closest contact with nature and thrill of being on the top of the world is enormous. 

DAY 03: MANALI TO SARCHU (222 KMS)

Today we cross Rohtang Pass (3978 m), Keylong (3350 m), Baralacha Pass (4890m) with overnight stopover at Sarchu (4253 m), border of the states of Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul) and Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh). Upon arrival in Sarchu we check in at our tented campsite for overnight stay.

DAY 04: SARCHU TO LEH

Today, the road from Sarchu crosses high mountain Passes of Namika La and Lachalung La to reach the army camp in the Pang valley. The dry barren mountains around Pang are eroded in very spectacular way. They look like giant fortress like structures with spires, pinnacles and windows. From Pang, the road climbs up and reaches a different world altogether. 

Here is the flat high desert of More Plains, 50-60 km of road bisecting it. This is Rupshu, an extension of Changthang plateau of Tibet. The road then climbs for Tanglang Pass (5415 m), the second highest mountain Pass in Ladakh and then finally reaches Leh. This 475 km Himalayan journey is a visual delight with not one moment of boredom en route. Upon arrival in Leh transfer to your pre-arranged hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 05: LEH – HUNDER (NUBRA VALLEY ) (126 Kms / approx 06 hours drive)

After an early breakfast we drive to NUBRA VALLEY leads through KHARDUNG-LA-PASS (the highest motorable road in the world) at 18,390 ft, around 39kms from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Sase massif. 

Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldorma or the valley of flowers. It is situated to the North of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. Nubra lies at and altitude of about 10,000 – ft. above the sea level and is drained largely by the Shiyok river. The Siachen river forms its single largest tributary. 

First visit SUMUR, another pretty village on the other side of the river’; SAMSTANLING GOMPA here was founded by Lama Tsultims Nima and Monastic community was introduced as Rezong Gonpa. About 50 monks are residing at this 132 years old Monastery. The Gompa has some strict rules and regulations like not allowing women in the monastery after sunset and before sunrise, no smoking etc. Our tented camp – Nubra Organic Retreat is situated in a beautiful village called HUNDAR with lot of trees. There is nothing more to see here except a small monastery and ruined fort above the village however the site for the camp is so beautiful that it will invite you to explore the village on own. 

DAY 06: HUNDER (NUBRA VALLEY ) – LEH 

After your breakfast at the camp, visit the SAND DUNES to enjoy a camel safari (Optional). Later we drive to Leh over Khardung La. Afternoon rest and relax or take a walk to the local market. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07: LEH 

Excursion to Pangong Lake.
After an early breakfast we Leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. While ascending Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometer at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. A few years back the government decided to open it to tourists though the lake and its surrounding is under army surveillance. The tourism department intends to develop the infrastructure and facilitate the route leading to the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After spending some time at pangong we drive back to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 08: LEH 

Excursion to Shey, Thiksey, Hemis.
Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue, built in the memory of King Singee Namgyal by his son lDeldan Namgyal in 1633 A.D. It is the only kind of statue made of Gold, Gilt and copper in entire Ladakh.Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future is one of the most beautiful monasteries of Ladakh.

Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa, This is the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Most of the other Drukpa monasteries are the branch monasteries of Hemis. It was built during early 17th century with the blessing of Lama Stagtsang Raspa (Shambunatha), by famous Namgyal dynasty king Singee Namgyal. 

The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

DAY 09: LEH – ALCHI

Enroute visiting: Phyang, Likir, Basgo.
After breakfast we drive to Phyang, located 6 kms away from the Srinagar-Leh highway and 17 km from Leh. It was built during the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal in late 15th century by lama Kunga Dragspa. Phiyang belongs to Dri-pung kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. The man Assembly Hall which is now under conservation contains as main image Vairocana accompanied by Shakyamuni and various Kagyu lamas, and the walls are painted pleasingly with murals of Vajradhara and Five Dhyani Buddhas. 

And we drive further to Likir, Likir gompa situated atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir, This Monastery is headed by the younger brother of Dalai Lama. According to tradition the foundation of Likir monastery goes back 11th century when it was a Bon center. But the real foundation seem to be not earlier than 15th century. On the top on roof they have newly setup a museum which contains some very old thankas brought from Tibet and the armory, coins, seals etc. 

Basgo is certainly the most impressive of Ladakhi citadels despite its ruined state. Amidst the ruines of the fort there are two large temples and adjoining one of there is a small shrine. They all contains images of Maitreya in due proportion to their size. The most beautiful one is the higer one, which is known as the Chamba Lha-khang (Maitreya Temple) and which was built by Tsewang Namgyal, son of Tashi Namgyal, about the middle of 16th century. 

Then we drive and cross the River Indus and reach Alchi, Ladakh’s most loved monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike other monasteries, which are usually on a cliff top or cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level and is nestled in the shade of a garden. 
After visiting the Alchi Monastery we check in at our Camp / Guest House for Overnight stay.

DAY 10: Alchi – Leh  

Enroute visiting Lamayuru, Ridzong 
After break fast start early morning drive to Lamayuru, and Ridzong back to Leh.
Lamayuru is around more further towards Kargil. Lamayuru monastery belongs to Dripung Kagyu (Red Hat) like Phiyang. The oldest structure in Lamayuru is the Singey Lhakhang built by the founder of Alchi Lotsava Rinchen bzangpo in 11th century. Lamayuru lower ladakh its also called as sham. 

After visit at Lamayuru Gonpa the drive to Rizong Gompa: Rizong Gompa is known as the paradise for Meditation. It is believed that Guru Padma Sambhava meditated here for years. One can still find the small caves where Lamas used to meditate for years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except for a one feet square outlet window from where they accept the one time meal of the day. 
Rid-zong is the most recent of the Gelug-pa foundation in Ladakh. The monastery has been built picturesquely at the head of a gorge reached by a side-valley running north from the Indus near a village Uletokpo. Rid-zong is best known as best disciplined monastery of the whole of Ladakh. After Ridzong visit we drive back to Leh and check in at our hotel for overnight. stay 

DAY 11: LEH  

Visit oracle lady in the morning and rest of the day at leisure. 

DAY 12: DEPART LEH

Tour concludes.