LEH KUSHOK BAKULA – LEH – STOK – SHEY – LEH – LIKIR- ALCHI – ARYAN VALLEY – BEMA-LAMAYURU –LEH – NUBRA – OVER KHARDUNG LA – TIRITH -SUMUR – PANAMIK –DISKIT- NUBRA-WARILA PASS – DEPART LEH -KUSHOK BAKULA AIRPORT
Arrival at Leh Kushok Bakula airport our representative will meet & Greet you and transfer to the Hotel. This flight is one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over (Altitude 11,000 feet). Overnight in Hotel
In the morning you drive to* Stok Palace,* which is the present residence of the former royal family of Ladakh. King Teswang Thondup Namgyal built the palace in 1825. The last king of Ladakh died here in 1974. The main palace is five storeys high. The palace museum displays the collections of the royal family. In the queen’s chamber can be seen royal ornaments such as the beautifully crafted turquoise studded perak (head dress), the queen’s crown as well as the necklace of the Balti Princess, Gyal Khatun. Within the king’s room are displayed exquisite thangkas, most significant of which is the set of 35 thangkas depicting the stories relating to the former lives of Buddha. Other artifacts include silver chortens, the king’s crown and a 7th century image of Avalokitesvara as well as jade cups, fine porcelain and ritual objects. After the visit you proceed to *Shey*, which is 15 km from Leh town. Overlooking a small lake, the palace and fortification of Shey was the site of one ofthe former capitals of Ladakh. In the 10th century the first ruler of Western Tibet, Nyima-Gon, laid the foundations of the first dynasty of Ladakh. On a large rock below the palace is an engraving in shallow relief of the Five Dhyniyai Buddhas, credited to him. His son constructed the small place and made it the first capital of Ladakh. During subsequent reigns the palace was expanded and the present structure dates back to the time of Deldan Namgyal who lived here for the better part of his reign. The significance of the sight is apparent from the large number of chortensthat dot the entire landscape around Shey. You will return to your hotel for lunch. Thereafter in the afternoon you are free to explore Leh town on your own. Overnight stay in your hotel.
After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus. You may like to take a brief photo stop just before the village of Nimoo at a spot that affords an excellent view of the confluence of River Indus with the Zanskar River. Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the *Likir Monastery*, which is situated at the head of the village by the same name. The name Likir derives from the word Lukhgil (coiled snake) as the site appears to be encircled by two great serpent spirits – Nanda and Taksako. The monastery is believed to date back to the 11th century. In the 15th century Lama Lhawag Lhotos established the Gelug-pa order here. Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. The monastery has a fine collection of thangkas some of which are now housed in its museum. As you drive up to the monastery a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh. After visiting the Monastery you continue your drive along the River Indus then arrive Alchi. In the afternoon visit Alchi Monastery, is also known by the name of Alchi Choskhor. Though traditionally, the credit for the construction of the monastery goes to the great translator Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055), the oldest monuments preserved here date back to the middle of the 12th century. The significance of the monastery also lies in the fact that it is the only one that has been built on a flat ground.
The monastery complex houses two main temples – Alchi Du-khang and the Sum-tsek. Apart from these, other smaller structures of the monastery complex include The Temple of Manjushri, Lotsawa Lha-khang, Lha-khang Soma and 3 Ka-ka-ni (entrance) chortens. Today, the monastery is managed by monks of Likir Monastery, overnight Alchi
Morning after the breakfast drive to Bema (Aryan Valley) on the way visit Skurbuchan village and the monastery, upon arrival in Bema later explore the village. Dha-Hanu people belongs to the Aryan race their cultural and language is different from then the Ladakhi’s, Drokpa Community considered to be the last race of Aryans confined to the valley. Their feature is pure Indo Aryan and they have preserved their racial purity down the centuries. Their culture and religious practices are very similar to ancient pre- Buddhist religion known as Bon-Chos, dinner and overnight in camp
Morning after the breakfast at the camp to leh on the way Lamayuru Monastery, visit the Monastery: The 11th century *LamayuruMonastery*, which is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. According to legend, the arhat Madhyantika, a disciple of Buddha offered “*torma’* (sacred food) and water to the spirits inhabiting the site to satisfy them. A handful of rain spilled on the soil which caused barley plants to sprout in the shape of Yung-drung (swastika), hence its name Yung-Drung. The great yogi Naropa meditated in a cave, which today forms part of the monastery. The monastery has gradually expanded over the years and newer structures have been built around a large courtyard. The antiquity of this site is evident from the large number of chortens, similar to those at Alchi. And have lunch there after lunch drive to Leh, overnight
The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (the highest motorable road in the world) at 5602 M, around 39 km 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 Saser massif. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The road after crosses Khalsar Bridge at Shyok River & enters Nubra. In the afternoon Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley. After your visit to the monastery and shortly after leaving Diskit you will comes across sand dunes on the right of the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed strange sights since immediately on the left of the road are Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow- capped mountains. Overnight Nubra
Morning after breakfast, drive to Village Sumur Visit the Samtanling monastery to witness the prayer to witness the prayers. Later drive to Panamik – famous for hot Sulphur Springs. You may take a bath at the springs, which is said to be very good for the skin lunch at the camp. Post lunch visit Diskit monastery and the village. Overnight stay at Nubra
Today you will drive to Leh via Agyam and Tangyar village , Wari La Pass is situated at an altitude of 17400 Feet and was fifth pass of our trip. After crossing Khalsar Village, you need to move towards Agham Village, leaving the upper route going towards Khardung La. Once you reach Agham village there are two routes to Pangong Tso, one on left goes via Shyok Village. This route via Shyok village is quite short and one can reach Pangong Tso within 4-5 Hrs from this route. However, we had to take the right one, which ascends to Wari La Pass, then goes down to Sakti Village, Via Karu, overnight in sakti
Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport board your flight towards Destination Covered, to enjoy yet again, a beautiful flight over the great Himalayas.
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