Day 1 – Fly-in to Leh. Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and market

As the majestic barren mountains welcome you and you feel the crisp, clean Himalayan wind on your face you know you have arrived in Ladakh. The first thing you do as you are  flying – in, is head to your hotel, have a hearty breakfast, drink ample water and rest. Acclimatisation is key on the 1st day to ensure you have a good trip. After a good long nap, you are ready to explore the market and the very best of Leh town. Have lunch at your hotel or Leh market and head over to Shanti Stupa. A symbol of peace and harmony, Shanti Stupa’s white dome stands tall at 3,609 metres above sea level. The stupa offers some jaw dropping panoramic views of Leh town. A lovely green in summer,  the leaves of the trees in this trans- Himalayan region turn amber-brown in the autumn and disappear by winter.

Next we head to the 17th century Leh Palace. The Archaeological Survey of India is slowly restoring this 9 Storie palace and it is still a work in progress. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet, the Leh Palace offers unobstructed views of the Indus river, the Stok Kangri peak and the mighty Zanskar range beyond it. Stroll through the Leh market area in the evening. You can get everything from Pashmina shawls and winter wear to handcrafted prayer wheels and unique turquoise jewellery. Head back to the hotel to call it an early night.

Day 2 – Morning Prayer at Thiksey monastery. Village walk with a local lunch at Stok village. Hike in Stok gorge.

Drive over to Thiksey, Ladakh’s largest monastery at the crack of dawn. Feel a sense of inner calm as you enter the main prayer hall, lit with hundreds of oil lamps as monks sit around in meditation. Low drumbeats and chants add to the atmosphere.

Head back to your hotel for breakfast and then to Stok Palace and monastery. The monastery, founded in the 14th century, along with the palace have been well maintained throughout the years. Stok Palace, with beautiful courtyards, carved windows and painted balconies makes for a worthwhile visit. Next, we head to the village of Stok where you will visit a local home and be guided by a local through the village, get to know about its history and traditions.  Walk past the fields and  get to see the local produce before heading back to the home for some hot butter tea.  You can even join the family members and help them prepare the traditional Ladakhi lunch. Sit down together for a delicious meal. 

After lunch we start your hike to the Stok gorge. You can see the Stok Kangri peak as you hike down the path and the trail will take you to the base of the peak. A gravel pathway makes it an easy walk, giving you time to enjoy the views around.  Stop for pictures before you hike back to base. Drive back to Leh.

Day 3 – Mountain Biking – Khardungla Top to Leh Downhill

Biking downhill from one of the highest motor-able passes in the world, is an unforgettable rush. One of the world’s highest motor-able passes, Khardung-La is one of Ladakh’s most popular destinations. The gateway to Nubra Valley and Siachen glacier, paved roads from Leh town to South Pullu checkpoint become gravel and dirt for the last 15 kms or so. Staying hydrated goes a long way as you reach dizzying heights from 3500 metres to over 5300 metres in just a couple of hours. Crisp mountain air greets you as you step out on top of the pass. Walk around for enchanting views of the valleys around Ladakh if you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a clear day. Your visit to the top won’t be longer than 20 minutes, as acute mountain sickness (AMS) could kick in owning to the altitude.

Your mountain bikes are waiting for you at the top. Put your gloves and helmet on and get ready for a thrilling ride downhill. You could also begin this ride from the South Pullu checkpoint, from where the road is paved and smooth all the way upto Leh. Zip by mountain walls and loops to reach the valley below without hesitation as our support van will always be in pursuit, in case you need any assistance.

The ride ends at Leh town.

Day 4 – Rafting on the Zanskar. Overnight camping and hike – A village by the Indus

Rafting, anywhere in the world, is an adrenaline-charged activity that nobody can get enough of. Rafting on the mighty Zanskar, takes this to a whole new level. Drive westward from Leh, early in the morning post breakfast. Stop by at Sangam (confluence) where the Zanskar meets the Indus, turning the beautiful turquoise blue Indus into a muddy brown combination of colors. Follow the Zanskar for a good 14 kilometres to the banks where our instructor and your raft await. You will be given a brief introduction to rafting and safety guidelines, with finer details with real time demonstrations on using the oars to move as well as manoeuvre the raft. 

With your essentials, mobiles and cameras tucked into waterproof bags, lifejackets strapped on, you’re ready to roll. The deep gorges of the Zanskar will remind you of boat rides through Middle Earth with tall walls of water-cut mountains standing strong on either side. The Grade 3 rapids will leave you with more than a simple sense of adventure.

Just a couple of kilometres south-west of Leh Enroute Kargil, besides the floodplains of the Indus lies the quaint village of Phey. Admire the local architecture along the way. Our local guide will tell you more about culture and traditions as well as legends that surround Phey. Hike to the campsite for lunch. Enjoy your camping experience as you sit by a campfire sharing stories under a starry sky. Watch the sun come up over the mountains the next day, enjoy a nice warm breakfast before you start you drive to Pangong Tso.

Day 5 – Campsite to Pangong Tso

After an easy morning, we head to Pangong Tso. The road to Pangong goes along the River Shyok, and connects to the Pangong basin via Shyok village.

A quick stop at Agham village to see the prehistoric petroglyphs.

Pangong Tso is best known for being a part of the last scene Bollywood’s blockbuster “Three Idiots”. This beautiful 604-km² lake is partly in India and partly in China. The lake at 4305 metres above sea level, is a spectacle to witness as the water changes several shades of blue throughout the day. The crystal clear water will have you mesmerised. Head over to Spangmik village as the sun slowly goes down and the chill sets in.  A warm dinner and a cosy bed at your camp awaits you.

Day 6 – Day hike from Main to Merak

If you want a better understanding of the beauty that is Pangong Tso, you need to get out and walk along its shores from Maan village to Merak.  After breakfast at the camps, the local guide will take you on a one way 11-kilometre hike.  As the day progresses, the  you will see that the lake turns several shades of blue.

Stonewalls and some green specks of trees make an appearance every now and then as you move closer to Merak village. This tiny hamlet, with just a couple of homes, offers superb views of the lake and makes for great pictures.

After lots of photographs and a hearty local lunch we drive back to the campsite.

You can only hike to Merak if you’re staying in the village of Maan.

Day 7 – Pangong Tso to Leh via Chang La Pass, Hemis and Thiksey monastery

As the sun rises, watch the transparent waters turn blue. A hearty breakfast later, begin the long drive back to Leh.

Stop at Hemis Monastery. Perched on a hill, nestled between mountains, Hemis is better known as India’s Shangri-La. Founded in 1672, Hemis monastery is said to have existed before the 11th century. The Cham mask dance is performed is in June-July for 2 days at this monastery.

We stop for lunch at Karu on our way back to Leh. With stunning views of the mountains beyond with the contrast of green and purple against clear blue skies make for most of the serener on the drive from Hemis to Thiskey.

Head back to your hotel or visit the local markets for some last minute souvenir shopping once you’re back in Leh.  A hot dinner awaits you at the hotel.

Day 8 – Airport drop; Fly-out of Leh

Get ready to leave with a heavy heart as you board your flight back to the plains. Picturesque views and memories of Ladakh will keep fresh in your memory for the next few week

Inclusions

*All Transport in one vehicle (Toyota Innova or Mahindra Xylo – 4-5 people in each)

*Accommodation for all 7 nights on twin/double sharing basis

*2 meals on each day (breakfast and dinner) at the hotel

*Activity – Cultural Tour

*Activity – Mountain Biking

*Activity – Rafting on the Zanskar

*Activity – Overnight camping

*Activity – Trek at Pangong Tso

*Inner line permits fee (different for foreigners)

*Ladakh Environment fee

Exclusions

*GST

* Snacks and beverages (except the ones with meals)

* Any kind of insurance/ emergency/ evacuation cost

* Any monument entry/ camera fees

* Any personal expenses

* Flight/train/bus tickets to or back from Leh