Charming Ladakh with a Valley of Kashmir

Today we will be going for the sightseeing tour to some ancient monasteries of Leh. We will be visiting Shey Gompa, Thiksey Gompa and Hemis monastery. Later return back to the hotel/guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey Gompa was built in the beginning of 17th century AD by Deldan Namgyal. One of the major attractions in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue located inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa is located close to Shey and is about 17 kms from Leh. This monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis monastery is about 45 kms south of Leh. It is one of the most famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh. This beautiful monastery belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17′Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls.

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Lamayuru. From Lamayuru we will visit the Likir monastery and then reach Alchi. Both Alchi and Likir monasteries are located near Saspol on the Srinagar – Leh road. An overnight stay at the hotel/tent.

Lamayuru is a pretty little village surrounded by the rocky Hindukush peaks but the spectacular Lamayuru Gompa, which happens to be the most famous and spectacular monastery in Ladakh completely over shadows the landscape of Lamayuru.

The day is fixed for local sightseeing tour to Lamayuru, Likir and Alchi. We will start our journey with the sightseeing tour to Lamayuru. After exploring the villages around the area, it comes as a surprise to find that Lamayuru is a scruffy little place. Further, we will see the beautiful Alchi and Likir monasteries. These two monasteries are located near Saspol on the Srinagar-Leh road. They house many gigantic clay statue of Buddha in various forms. The primary attraction of these monasteries is their 1000-year old wall painting, which makes it a very rewarding experience.

By the evening, we will return back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Alchi.

In the morning, we will drive to Kargil. We will visit the Tete Spring and other interesting places like Suru Valley. Lying nestled along the northeastern foothills of the Great Himalayan wall, the valley extends from Kargil town, first south ward for a length of about 45 miles and then eastward for another stretch of nearly 50 miles up to the foot of the Penzila watershed where the Suru River rises. Enjoy an overnight stay in Kargil.

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Srinagar via Drass, which is noted for its heavy snowfalls and extreme cold. On the road to Srinagar, Drass is a small township lying in the centre of a valley of the same name. It is the second coldest inhabited place in the world. During the spring and summer, however the valley around the township becomes very picturesque. From there, we will drive through Sonamarg, the gold valley to Srinagar and stay in the houseboat.

Today in the morning after breakfast, we will visit the world famous Mughal Gardens, Nishant Bagh (The garden of pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love), the Chashme Shahi, etc. Later, return back to the houseboat for hot lunch. After Lunch, we will visit Shankaracharya Temple and in the evening, take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake to enjoy the beauty that God has graced this city with, which is often compared to Venice sunset. An overnight stay at the houseboat.

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Pahalgam 2440 Meters. On the way, we will visit Saffron field and Avantipur ruins, which is eleven hundred years old temple. Pahalgam, is the most famous palace for Indian Film Industry. After lunch, enjoy the nature charm of the valley. Later return back to Srinagar for an overnight stay at the houseboat.

In the morning, we will transfer you to the airport to catch a flight for Delhi.