🌴 1. Terrific – Leh-Ladhak
Duration: 7N/8D
Stay: 7 Nights in Leh-Ladhak
Itinerary:
Day 1: Acclimatization and Exploring the Markets
The blue skies and the fresh mountain air around you are just precursors to one of the most remarkable holidays of your life. Use the first day to acclimatize, and avoid anything strenuous. Take your time strolling in and out of the shops in Leh Bazaar.
Day 2: Touring Leh and its Monasteries.
Once you are done with breakfast, head out to tour the monasteries here. Whether it is the Hemis Monastery with the tall Buddha statue or the many stupas made of gold and silver with Tibetan thangkas, there is a common thread of tranquility running through them. Visit the Thiksey Monastery, the largest in Ladakh, to admire its traditional Tibetan architecture. Come evening, spend some more peaceful moments at the Shanti Stupa, and head back to the town for a traditional Tibetan meal.
Day 3: Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla.
Ladakh is a land of contrasting landscapes and a fine example of this is the Nubra Valley and the Hunder Desert in its heartland. Nubra and Hunder are best enjoyed over a night’s stay, so do book a room in advance. The dramatically changing vistas over the 6-hour drive through the Khardung La need to be witnessed to be believed! Set off to experience the silvery magnificence of the Hunder Sand Dunes right amidst the luscious valley, and meet the rare double-humped camels. You could even enjoy a ride!
Day 4: Trekking and Sightseeing in Nubra Valley.
Wake up to a picture-postcard morning in Nubra. You could set off on a trek through the valley or enjoy a picnic by the gushing stream. Try one of the Ladakhi favourites for lunch—Tigmo, a sweet and spicy combo of fermented bread, with stew. If you choose to head back, you’ll reach Leh by lunchtime.
Day 5: Drive to Pangong Tso via Chang La.
Wake up and enjoy another Ladakhi breakfast—Khambir, a traditional bread eaten with apricot jam and served with the traditional butter tea – and head on a 220 km long, round-trip excursion via the Changla Pass to the Pangong Lake. It’s a surreal experience watching the mystically beautiful lake with stoic mountains around changing colours through the day. Soak in the atmosphere, click a million selfies, store up as many memories, and then check into one of the camps or homestays for the night.
Day 6: Get Acquainted with the History of Ladakh.
After a heavy breakfast, it’s back to Leh, to arrive there post noon. Once there, spend the rest of the day shopping, snacking and sightseeing, or delving into the history of the place.
Day 7: White-Water Rafting and Magnetic Hill.
Reserve a day for Sangama, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Incidentally, for those missing the action, Zanskar and Indus are white-river rafting points too—the adventure begins at Spituk. If you want to settle for something less unnerving, take a tour to the Magnetic Hill to witness the magic of the mountains pulling up vehicles.
Day 8: Head Back Home
It’s time to say goodbye to the vistas of Ladakh. Enjoy another Ladakhi breakfast, check out, and head for the airport. With seven days of purity added into your being, rest assured that Ladakh will be a mere heartbeat away!
