Ladakh Comfortable

Our representative welcomed you at New Delhi International Airport. Later explore Old City. Today's tour includes a city tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi. The main difference between the two parts of the city is that New Delhi was settled by the British, giving it a British-style architecture and a systematic layout, unlike Old Delhi. During the city tour, you'll see the Red Fort (outside), Rajghat (Mahatma Gandhi's memorial), the bustling Chandni Chowk market, the magnificent Qutub Minar, and the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Tip: Explore Old Delhi by bicycle; the activity is a great way to experience the narrow streets and bustling markets in a unique way. Cycling tours start very early (around 6:00 am) to avoid the crowds and heat. Along the way, you can, of course, stop at the market stalls to sample local delicacies like parathas and tea. This is an adventurous and atmospheric way to experience the old city in its full glory. Ask your travel specialist about options.

After a delicious breakfast you will commence the city tour with a local guide. First, you'll visit the Lotus Temple, one of the landmarks of modern-day Delhi. This massive, lotus-shaped structure is made of white marble and symbolizes Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam. You'll also see the towering Qutub Minar, a fine example of Islamic architecture in Delhi. After lunch in the city center, you'll travel through Lutyens' Delhi. This district, characterized by wide roads and large plots, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1911. Then, you'll learn more about history at the Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639. Not far away is the city's largest mosque, the Jama Masjid. Flocks of pigeon’s flit past the magnificent domes and minarets. Concluding this introduction to a different kind of Delhi, a rickshaw will take you to bustling Chandni Chowk, a market area filled with narrow lanes and thousands of small shops. You'll be amazed!

Get up early for a domestic flight to Leh, once the capital of Ladakh. However, since 1947, Leh has been part of the India, Union Territorial state. Soon, you'll notice the landscape below you become more mountainous. You'll land in a vast, mostly barren mountainous landscape near the Indus Valley and Spituk Monastery. You'll be welcomed here and set off from Leh towards Uletokpo. The confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, which meet at the same spot, is worth a stop. You'll continue along the river as it flows through rocky landscapes until you reach a wonderful overnight stop on the riverbank. The evening is yours to relax. You'll likely feel breathless soon; your body is still adjusting to the altitude. Stay comfortable and drink plenty of water.

After breakfast, you'll drive to Alchi village, an oasis in the mountainous (monasteries) & desert. Here, you'll visit the Alchi Gompa. This magnificent structure is over a thousand years old and is a fine example of Buddhist architecture with a Kashmiri twist. Thousands of small Buddha paintings adorn one wall. Particularly striking are the three large clay paintings, painted in vibrant colors. Although Alchi Gompa is no longer a religious center, the monks maintain it well. You'll return to your overnight accommodation for a delicious lunch and a nap. Refreshed, you'll visit Tingmosgang Castle, built by the ancestors of the Namgyal dynasty, whose descendants still reside in Stok Palace.

Today, you'll return to Leh via Likir. Here you'll visit the monastery. The existing gompa at Likir dates back to the 18th century. Skilled artisans living in the village handcraft beautiful thangkas, oriental pottery, and folding wooden stools. Another highlight of Likir is the courtyard, which houses a rare, enormous juniper tree. While you'll certainly enjoy the beautiful valley views at Likir, you'll also have time to chat and drink tea with the monks. After visiting Likir, you'll be taken to your accommodation in Leh.

Leh city sits at an altitude of 3,500 meters and was once an important trading center for silk and spices. In the afternoon, you might want to stroll to the Shanti Stupa, a peace pagoda perched on a hill west of Leh. This stupa was built by a Japanese Buddhist organization as a symbol of peace. From the Shanti Pagoda, you have a spectacular view of the valley.

Explore the Indus Valley. You'll visit some of the most beautiful monasteries here and learn more about Buddhism and the lives of monks. You'll see them meditating, studying, cooking, eating, and exercising. Human life is no stranger to them, and you might even spot one of them texting with their family on a smartphone. Time doesn't stand still here, although it might seem otherwise at first glance. The monasteries you'll visit today are all distinct in their architecture, the monks' lifestyle, and the surrounding scenery. You'll first visit Shey Monastery. Thiksey and Hemis, two of the most important monasteries in the Indus Valley, are also included in this trip. Thiksey is located 25 km south of Leh, on a hill overlooking the plains. This 15th-century monastery is one of Ladakh's most magnificent gompas. The buildings, painted in ochre and white, tower above the surrounding terrain. The monastery has ten temples and is home to approximately one hundred monks. Around 500 monks live in and around Hemis Monastery. Wander the monastery's corridors and rooms. The monks are very hospitable, and you'll often find ancient scriptures and other special items. You'll spend the night at your comfortable hotel in Leh.

Another spectacular day! In the morning, you'll head to the remote Nubra Valley. You'll drive through the Khardung La Pass. At an altitude of 5,600 meters, it's the world's highest motorable pass and is only accessible during the summer months. This pass is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Truly a special drive! At the summit, you'll enjoy beautiful views and snow-capped mountains, but you'll find the air is very thin, so after a cup of tea, it's wise to descend the other side of the pass. After reaching the bottom of the valley, you'll travel to Hundar along the Shyok River. In this spectacular landscape, the "cold desert," a luxury tented camp is set up in the summer, which will serve as your base for the next few nights as you explore the Nubra Valley.

In the morning, you will travel with your guide to Diskit Monastery. Approximately 350 years old and home to 120 monks, it is the oldest and largest gompa in the Nubra Valley. This order belongs to the Gelugpa Buddhist order, recognizable by their yellow headdresses (to which the Dalai Lama is also associated). Many sacred relics are kept there, which you can see. And the views of the monks are truly spectacular! The monastery's elevated position offers a panoramic view of the valley. You'll see the river flowing through the valley and the Hundar sand dunes, where you may spot Bactrian camels. If you wish, you can also take a short camel ride. After lunch at your luxury tented camp, you'll head to Bogdang village. You'll immediately recognize that this is a completely different region; the people here have fair skin and are said to be of Aryan descent, with Central Asian and Tibetan influences. Unlike the rest of Ladakh, where Buddhism is prevalent, the people in this region are Muslim. Due to the remoteness of these villages, the people here are almost entirely self-sufficient. In the summer, agriculture is plentiful, but in the cold winter, people mostly eat what they have stored. Apricots here are popular in all forms: fresh, dried, or fermented into syrup.You'll return to camp for the night.

After visiting the Panamik Hot Springs, you'll return to Leh by car via Khardung La Pass. A very special overnight stay is arranged here. You'll stay at Stok Palace, about 15 kilometers outside of Leh. The King of Ladakh, H.H. King Jigmed Wangchuck still lives in his palace, built in 1820, and serves as its hotelier. It's a magnificent Ladakhi-style building with thick walls. The exterior may appear a bit drab, but the interior is beautifully decorated in the distinctive local style. Don't expect extreme luxury, but expect ambiance and character in every corner of this unique building. Live in a living museum.

You will be transferred back to Leh Airport for a flight to Delhi. From here, you'll board a plane to Dharamshala in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. A short drive will take you to the higher part of the city known as McLeod Ganj. This town was simple until 1959 but then underwent significant changes. The 14th Dalai Lama settled here after fleeing Tibet. He made his home here and built a temple and monastery, which you'll see today. A visit to the Tibet Museum is also worthwhile. The large Tibetan community has left its mark on the city's culture. You'll stay in a nice, homely accommodation in a quiet part of the city, within walking distance of the beautiful streets lined with cafes and restaurants serving the most delicious cakes.

Note: Of course, you can add another destination to your trip. We'll be happy to advise you on options.

McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala are surrounded by plains and mountains covered with pine trees and Himalayan cedar forests. Dharamshala was founded by the British in 1852. The Tibetan exile community dominates the city, despite the lingering colonial British atmosphere. Therefore, Tibetan culture is evident in the bustling streets and various places. Today, you'll see some of these. At the Norbulingka Institute, you'll see artisans creating thangkas, statues, and woodcarvings. At the Losel Doll Museum, you'll see at least 150 dolls in traditional clothing from across Tibet. The Dolma Ling Nunnery is also worth a visit. 240 Tibetan nuns live and study here. You'll also visit the Namgyal Monastery and the Kalachakra Monastery. Then, you'll head to the McLeod Ganj market, where it's a wonderful opportunity to shop for souvenirs and trinkets from the many craft workshops and small shops. You can also visit a carpet weaving workshop.

In the morning, your flight will depart from Dharamshala for Delhi. Upon arrival, a driver and guide will be waiting for you. If you wish, you can join them on a tour of the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, a building often considered to predate the Taj Mahal. You will then be taken to a hotel near the airport, where you can freshen up before being taken back. Most flights depart around midnight or after. This is where your trip with PANGEA Travel ends. Note: If you wish to extend your trip or wish to travel to a different location than your stay in Dharamshala, this is certainly possible. We will be happy to advise you on your options