Monasteries & The Eternal Bliss

TOUR OVERVIEW
Ladakh is the only place where a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade can suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. Also known as the “land of high passes”, Ladakh is a land like no other with a plethora of attractions to visit. With dreamy and mesmerizing landscapes, amazing people, and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth.
The stunning high-altitude desert is situated between two of the tallest mountain ranges in the world, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, and it also spans across the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. Ladakh is enchanting in every aspect it presents, from its natural beauty and geography to the picturesque landscapes and the humble cultures it nurtures. From captivating gompas (monasteries) to delicious momos (dumplings), the plethora of attractions available makes this destination a truly unique experience on the planet. It is no surprise that it is referred to as the “moonland of India”!
IS THIS HOLIDAY FOR YOU?
This touring and sightseeing adventure holiday incorporates many of the highlights of Nepal and Bhutan and is perfect for anyone wanting to experience nature, culture and architecture to be found in this corner of the world. There is a fair amount of travelling and hiking, as we journey between Himalayan cities of Leh and Ladakh. However, using private, air-conditioned transportation, the effect of this is kept to a minimum. Whilst sightseeing, there will be some leisurely walking on city streets, local markets and on good trails.

Why Great India Retreats?

We have carefully put together this trip for those wanting to see the outstanding highlights of Royal Rajasthan in one perfect package. More than the typical Golden Triangle tour this area is rightly renowned for, we also include the rich culture and heritage of Jodhpur and Udaipur. With visits to the architectural wonders of Rajasthan and Agra; this holiday represents a trip of the lifetime.

day 1 Arrive Delhi and get adjusted

Meeting and assistance on arrival and you will be transferred to your hotel.

day 2 New and Old Delhi Sightseeing and Rickshaw ride

Delhi, the capital of India, has a long and storied history that goes back 3,000 years. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and has been the beating heart of many empires, from the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals to the British. Each one has left its imprint on Delhi’s architecture, creating a varied and multicultural cityscape. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites span the centuries and are arguably the highlights of our tour today. The 12th-century Qutub Minar is an early example of Delhi’s Islamic heritage. Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century, features a garden mausoleum with a striking octagonal design. Finally, there is the iconic sandstone Red Fort, or Lal Quila, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Today, Delhi is split between ‘Old Delhi’, with its narrow streets, bazaars, and historical monuments, and ‘New Delhi’, with its wide boulevards and grand government buildings. One thing they both have in common is delicious street food ranging from chaat and kebabs to flaky parathas, making Delhi a food lover’s paradise.

day 3 Flight to Leh

Welcome to Leh! Few places in India are so traveler-friendly yet enchanting and hassle-free as mountain-framed Leh. Dotted with stupas and crumbling mudbrick houses, the old town is dominated by a dagger of steep rocky ridge topped by an imposing Tibetan-style palace and fort. The private car will pick you up from Leh Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. The entire day will be at your leisure. Leh town is situated at an altitude of more than 3000 meters above sea level. Relax and acclimate to the high altitude of Leh.

day 4 Explore natural beauty of Leh

After breakfast, head out for local sightseeing in Leh. Start with a visit to the Hall of Fame, a museum constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives defending the motherland in the Indo-Pak wars. It stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made by our soldiers to ensure the safety and security of our country. Then, visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a beautiful Sikh Temple built in 1517 to commemorate the visit to the Ladakh region of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder Guru of the Sikh faith. Then stop at Magnetic Hill, a “Cyclops hill” or Gravity hill near Leh. The layout of the area and surrounding slopes create an amazing optic illusion. The hill road is a downhill road. Objects and cars on the hill road may appear to roll uphill in defiance of gravity when rolling downhill. We visit Sangam (the confluence of the Zanskar & Indus rivers), a picturesque site. You could try adventurous rafting on the river. Afterwards, visit Alchi Monastery, built between 958 and 1055 CE. The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and the Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery complex. The complex also has giant statues of the Buddha and lavish wood carvings and artwork — almost baroque in style. Return to Leh by evening and visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura and was part of the Peace Pagoda mission.

day 5 Breathtaking Nubra Valley

After breakfast, drive from Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass (18380ft) – one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The valley is located around 159 km from Leh. The route will be Leh – Phyang – Khardung La – Khardung – Khalsar – Diskit – Nubra Valley. Along the way before and after Khardungla Pass, you will pass by 2 Indian Army check-posts, namely – South Pullu & North Pullu, which are very picturesque sites and flaunt the beauty of nature. On the route, you will pass by some beautiful villages, where you can catch glimpses of locals working on their farms. Reach Nubra Valley by early evening. This valley is a virgin destination for people who seek peace and interaction with the tribal community of Ladakh. The Sasser Pass and the famous Karakoram Pass of the Silk Route fame lie northwest of the valley and connect Nubra with Xinjiang (China).

day 6 Nubra Valley

After breakfast, head out to explore Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery, the largest and the oldest surviving monastery in Nubra Valley. The prime attraction of the Diskit monastery is 100, the 100-foot-high Maitreya Buddha statue, which the holy Dalai Lama inaugurated. After that, visit the Hunder dunes. Beyond Ladakh’s cultural and monastic side, there are picturesque silver dunes of Hunder in the Nubra Valley. Located at 4,000 meters, Hunder Sand Dunes are beautiful beyond imagination. A serene meandering stream and the beautiful countryside cut across the desert. With such awe-inspiring landscapes against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, the Hunder Sand Dune looks nothing less than a dreamland. Try a ride over the rare Bactrian Camel (double-humped camel), which should not be missed. Then, visit Panamic Hot Springs. The hot spring water contains high amounts of sulfur and is believed to possess many medicinal properties.

day 7 Drive back to Leh

After breakfast, drive from Pangong Lake to Leh. On the way, visit Thiksey Monastery, one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This monastery is located on the top of a hill in solitude, 20 kilometers away from Leh. It is very famous for its similarity with the Potala Palace of Lhasa. This monastery is famous for pilgrim activities, architectural elements, sightseeing, and exploration. Reach Leh in the evening and check-in at the hotel. The evening will be at your leisure.

day 8 Flight back to Delhi and Farewell

Flight back to Delhi and Farewell