ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Leh

Arrival Leh at Kushok Bakula Airport (This must be 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.)Upon arrival you will met by our representative and transfer to Hotel for Check in. Complete day for rest and leisure to acclimatize followed by Welcome tea or Coffee at the hotel. Evening Visit to Leh Market & Shanti Stupa. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Leh to Sham Valley (92 kms. / 4 hrs.)

After breakfast, drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. Enroute visiting "Gurudwara Patthar Sahib" nestled deep in the Himalayas, which was built by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. A drive of another 4 km took us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up & further driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the "Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river" 4 km before Nimmu village. Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the "Likir Monestary". 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. Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. 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 to Tingmosgang or Uletokpo, where on arrival you check into a Fixed Camp. In the afternoon you visit "Ridzong Monastery". There is the option to walk up to the monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. There are fine silver chortens that contain the relics of the founder and his son. Later walk back to Uletokpo or drive to Tingmosgang for an overnight stay at a Fixed Camp.

Day 3: Sham Valley to Leh via Lamayuru (158 kms. / 05 – 06 hrs.)

Post breakfast, proceed to the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery enroute visiting the mesmerizing Moon Landscapes (you will believe why the name of this area is Moonland. Exactly the same formations of Land are visible as on the moon). Lamayuru is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. 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. On your return drive to Leh you first visit the Alchi Gompa. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century. After Alchi you proceed to Basgo, which lies astride the road to Leh. The jagged skyline of the ruins of the 15th century capital of Ladakh dominates the village of Basgo. It was an important center in the old days, having been the capital of lower Ladakh when the kingdom was divided in the 15th & 16th centuries, and the seat of that branch of the dynasty, which eventually unified Ladakh and took the surname Namgyal. Finally arrive back at Leh for an overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4: Leh to Pangong Lake (140 kms. / 6 hrs.)

After an early breakfast leave for Pangong Lake enroute visiting Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh & Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries drive further towards Changla Pass 5486 mtrs. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village . Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival we check in at our Camp near Pangong lake. Dinner & Overnight stay at the Camp.

Day 5: Pangong Lake to Leh (140 kms. / 6 hrs.)

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later drive back to leh enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive further to Leh and check in at our hotel for Overnight stay.

Day 6: Depart Leh

Transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for onward Destination.

Rates on per person basis across different room categories & no. of people travelling:

Hotels for the Stay:

Waves of Ladakh

Leh - Sham Valley - Pangong Lake

5 Nights / 6 Days package for a person

17999/-

PACKAGE COST INCLUDES

• Stay in a well appointed room for 5 nights and 6 days.
• At Leh - Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner.
• At Sham Valley and Pangong Lake - Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Return airport and round trip transfers along with all sightseeing tours by Non-A/C Scorpio, Tata Safari, Tavera, Tata Grande or Qualis as per the program.
• Inner line Permit to restricted / protected areas (Pangong Lake).
• Assistance upon arrival at Leh airport with traditional welcome in the Hotel.
• Rates are valid from 1st April to 31st October 2012.

PACKAGE COST EXCLUDES

• Cost does not include any Air fare, Medical & Travel insurance, Extra meals ordered other than specified in the inclusions apart from the itinerary inclusions.
• Tour cost does not include - Entrance fees to Monuments, Guide charges, Camera charges and all the Personal Expenses have to be borne by the Guest.
• Additional costs due to flight cancellation, road blocks etc.
• The services of vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary.
• 3.09% service tax extra.

POINTS TO BE NOTED

• Charges for the Professional tourist guide Rs. 1250/- per day.
• Charges for the Cultural Program Rs. 6000/- per program.
• During October to April Pangong Lake Journey will be done in one-day excursion.
• Cost incidental to any change in the Itinerary / Stay on account of Flight Cancellation, due to bad weather, ill health, Roadblocks and or any factors beyond control .
• The above rates are applicable strictly for resident Indian citizens only.