Leh & Ladakh Group Tours (6N/7D) - July

The flight to Ladakh is absolutely scenic. Arrive in Leh on Day 1 as per your preference and we will pick you up from the airport. You get a birds-eye view of the entire city and the layers of snow-clad mountains. You will feel a drop in the temperature the minute you land at the Leh airport, which is also one of the highest airports in the world. Collect your bags and check in to your hotels. TGE organiser will be at hotel to welcome you.

Today’s day is extremely important for acclimatisation, so try to stay indoors as much as possible and try not to exert yourself. In the evening we will take you for a beautiful sunset to Leh Palace and Namgyal Monastery (Tsemo). The colorful flags fluttering in the air and the view of the entire city from Namgyal Monastery is not to be missed. Drink plenty of fluids during the day to help you with acclimatization and prepare yourself for upcoming adventure.
 

Note: If you are arriving early in the morning, breakfast can be arranged at the hotel itself at an additional cost on INR 150 Rs. Buffet Breakfast time is between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Post that, you can order from the menu.

Today we spend the day exploring the vibrant capital of Ladakh, Leh. Leh is a powerhouse of beauty and culture. Roaming around the city and nearby will help you get acclimatize with the weather and high altitude.

We will start the morning by visiting Shanti stupa, a symbol of peace. After that, we will take you for a drive on Srinagar-Leh highway where you can seek blessing of Guru Nanak Dev at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, find the illusion of magnetic hill for yourself and witness the confluence of Indus and Zanskar.

We will also be visiting the Hall of Fame, a museum constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives defending the motherland in the Indo-Pak wars. The Hall of Fame museum is located on the Leh-Kargil Road, about 4km from the city of Leh.

We return to Leh in the evening and spend some quality time in the market. For dinner we will recommend must try local cuisines and famous not to missed cafe's in the market. We will also recommend local shops for souvenirs.

Post breakfast, we check out of the hotel & start our journey to Nubra Valley through Khardungla, which is amongst world's highest motor able roads at 17580 feet above sea level ( Fun fact: the highest pass is Umling La, which passes through the Umlingla Top in Ladakh region at a height of over 19,300 feet). At Khardungla pass the snow capped peaks and the mountain views are amazing. Gateway to the remote Nubra and Shyok valleys, the mountain pass holds a strategic significance as it enables supplies to the Siachen Glacier. 
En route we visit Diskit Monastery; which was founded in the 14th Century, and is one of the largest of the Buddhist Monasteries. For adventure lovers, there is the thrill of ATV rides at high altitude sand dunes of Nubra valley ( at your own expense)
We reach Hunder in the evening. The village of Hunder is situated like an oasis amidst the cold desert of the Nubra Valley. The gorgeous silver sand dunes are located at an altitude of 4000m and are bounded by snow-capped mountains. It is home to Bactrian Camels. Hunder lies on the ancient silk route, once an important international trade route. Today it is one of the most strategic points located close as it is to the Siachen Glacier, the world highest battle ground between India and Pakistan.

For the night, we have arranged accommodation in a Boutique farmstay

Turtuk is located approx 80 km from Hunder and takes about 3 hrs. We start our day trip to Turtuk after an early breakfast today.
Turtuk is the last village to which travel permits are issued for tourists in Nubra valley. Located at an altitude of 9846 ft  it is inhabited by the Balti people of Tibetian Decent. The Beautiful village of Turtuk is located at the edge of Shayok valley which is part of Nubra valley. Untill 1971 Turtuk was part of Baltistan which was under control of Pakistan. The interesting story that goes around Turtuk by elders is about how one day when they went to bed in night they were in Pakistan and when they woke up they were part of India. To enter Turtuk you have to cross a wooden bridge on top of a river , surrounded with apricot trees, this village is certainly one of most beautiful and colorful villages in our route.

We have arranged lunch at the home of a local family, where you experience the local Balti cuisine along with some interesting conversations with them. .

Optional Activities: If possible, we will arrange a visit to Diskit Monastery to attend the morning prayers

Today we start early for the most awaited part of the trip, the beautiful Pangong lake. The road from Hunder to Pangong Tso (Tso means Lake in Tibetan) takes about 5 hours and goes alongside the River Shyok till Shyok village. Pangong Lake is situated at a height of 14,270 ft above sea level and is said to be one of the highest saline water lake in the world. Lying almost on the Indo-Chinese border, a part of it falls in India, while the other is in China. The beauty of the lake is such that it has been a cinematic backdrop for the popular movie, 3 Idiots. In fact, there is a 3 Idiots Point in the area, where the famous yellow scooter from the movie's climax is stationed. The lake is about 5 km wide at its broadest point and about 134 km in length. The Pangong Tso Lake is a breeding ground for different types of birds, including migratory ones. During the summer, the bar-headed goose and Brahminy Ducks are commonly spotted. Fishe such as False Osman and Kunar Snow Trout are found in the lake

Today we spend the night at a beautiful cottage stay beside lake. Those interested can venture out in the night to see the sky lit by uncountable stars and of course, the milky way

After breakfast we drive back to Leh by the off beat route of Chang La. Get ready for a bumpy road journey. En route we visit Thiksey and Shey Monastery and as per everyone's preference can also take a short detour to Hemis Monastery if interested.
We spend our last evening in Leh, in the market, where you can buy souvenirs for your near & dear one's. Over an amazing dinner, we will end our trip with loads of new memories, friendships and stories.

And it's already time to say good bye to your fellow travellers and this magical land.
We will drop you at your preferred departure time to the the airport to take your flight out of Leh 

Please Note: Breakfast will be provided only in the assigned time of 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM.