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Ladakh lies in the
far north of India although culturally and geographically
it is closer to Tibet; it is one of the last remaining enclaves
of Tibetan Buddhism. Shrouded in a mist of myth and mystery,
this land of monks and monasteries rises gracefully from the
upper half of the Indus basin.
Sandwiched between the vast ranges of the Karakoram
and the Himalaya in the far north of India, Ladakh is the highest,
most remote and least populated region in the whole country.
The name is derived from Ladags, which means ‘the land
of high passes’. Its corrugated, arid landscape is often
described as a mountain desert which does not do justice to
the inherent beauty of its chaotic ridges, twisted and exposed
geological strata, snow-shrouded peaks, dark gorges and wide
valleys. |
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"Experience
the Land of Buddha” |
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Delhi-Leh-Delhi |
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| Total no. of Days |
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08 |
| Grade |
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Gentle |
| Best Season |
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May-September |
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| Itinerary |
 Day
1: Arrive Delhi |
| Arrive
at Delhi’s international airport a Mountain Trails representative
will be waiting for you outside the EXIT gate of arrival
terminal, holding a Mountain Trails placard. Met upon arrival and
transfer to your hotel for overnight stay, where accommodation
will be protected for you from previous night. Afternoon
half day city tour of Old Delhi, visiting Red Fort, Jama
Masjid drive pass old Delhi Bazars. Evening free to rest
and relax. Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day
02: Delhi- Leh by air ( ht. 3445m) |
| You are met on arrival and transferred
to your hotel. While the town has come a long way from the days
when polo was played on its main street, Leh still retains a
pleasant traditional quality. Rest of the day to rest and for
high altitude acclimatization. In the evening stroll through
the main street of the town is more than enough exercise to
begin with. Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day
03: Leh – Shankar, Spituk & Phyang |
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| Half day sightseeing of Leh, which
includes visit of Shankar Monastery-a relativity modern
monastery, it is closely associated with the Spituk monastery
and serves as the residence of the head priest Kushak
bakula. A number of gold icons are to found here. 8km
from Leh, Spituk monastery stands prominently on the top
of a hillock commanding panoramic view of the Indus Valley
for miles. Many icons of Buddha and fine thanksa are to
be found in this 15th century
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| gompa. The gompa also houses collection
of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image
of Mahakli. Also visit Phyang Monastery which is 17kms
from Leh-Kargil road, built by Tashi Namgyal in the later
half of the 16th century AD it belongs to the RED CAP
SECT of Buddhist. Hundreds of icons of Buddha and other
Gods are kept on wooden shelves. Return back to your hotel
for overnight. |
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| Day
04: Leh – Shey, Hemis & Thiksey |
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| After early breakfast full day sightseeing
to the massive Tibetan Buddhist Gompas (monasteries of
Hemis, Shey and Thiksey a few kilometers up the Indus
is Shey, the most ancient capital, with its palaces and
temples, their vibrantly coloured mirals cleaned and resorted
in the mid 1980’s. Hemis was founded under the direct
patronage of members of the ruling Namgyal Dyansty. In
the evening return back to your accommodation. Overnight
at your hotel. |
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| Day
05: Leh-Alchi-Uletopko by surface |
| Drive to Alchi to visit the Alchi
monastery situated on the banks of the river Indus, which
is one of the most important cultural sites in Ladakh.
Built in the 11th century, it is a treasure of the early
Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite
different from the Tibetan art. Afterwards drive to Uletopko.
Evening free to rest and relax. Overnight at camp. |
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| Day
06: Uletopko-Lamayuru-Leh by surface. |
| After breakfast drive
to Lamayuru to visit the most pictureques monastry in
Ladakh. After lunch drive back to Leh. Evening free to
rest and relax. Overnight in hotel.
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| Day
07: Leh |
| Excursion to Khardungla
Pass (5260 mt), the highest motorable pass in the world. |
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08 : Leh-Delhi by air |
| In time transfer to
the airport to board your flight for Delhi. Meeting and
assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon
half day city tour of New Delhi visiting India Gate, drive
pass government buildings and Qutab Minar. Overnight at
hotel. |
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| Day
09; Leave Delhi |
In time transfer
to airport to connect flight back home. |
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Journey To The highes tand
