GRAND TRAVERSE OF LADAKH – PANGONG
Overview
LADAKH -this high mountain desert has remained isolated for centuries to the outside world due to its inaccessibility, and the strategic position it occupies in the northern frontier. The Ladakh Range, north of the Indus is between Indus and its tributaries, the Shyok, and the Nubra. Visit some jewels of the “Little Tibet” from 11th – 12th centuries ALCHI Monastery famous for its Mandala paintings. Admire the frescoes of Lamayuru, and hike via Prikiti La to Wanla. & Lamayuru Gompa completely overshadows the landscape which happens to be the most famous and spectacular in Ladakh. There are many passes and mule tracks over the range, north of Khalse, Saspol, Leh and Thikse. Will be visiting not only monasteries but also expansive high-altitude Pangong lake to view its ability to change color from light green to crystal blue and sometimes even red and pink. Experts believe that change in sky colour and refraction at high altitudes causes this phenomenon. Perfect for those who want to discover Ladakh the Little Tibet and its unique mountains.
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LEH ARRIVAL
Arrive Leh on arrival transfer to the hotel. Check in to the hotel & Breakfast. Till 1pm rest. Lunch in the hotel from 1pm till 2pm. Later, visit Old Town, visit the old bazaar, then walk the way down to our hotel. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
LEH VISIT: Phyang / Spituk Gompas.
Morning after breakfast visit PHYANG: Phyang monastery founded in the 15th century is also called Tashi Chosang, the first established Dingung teachings in Ladakh. The festival of Phyang Monastery is held every year from 17th to 19th of the one month. After Phyang we will visit SPITUK Monastery, established in the 11th century, was named by a scholarly translator Rinchen Zangpo as Spituk. Spituk Monastery is famous for its wide and varied collections of ancient masks, icons, antique arms and numerous Thangkas. The Buddhist Monastery is attracted by many tourists during Spituk Gustor. Return for lunch. Noon, visit Stok Palace + walk down from Stok on foot. Free time to explore the local bazaar. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
LEH VISIT: Hemis, Thiksey, Shey
Morning after breakfast visit HEMIS MONASTERY: It is a Drukpa Lineage re- established by Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honouring Padma sambhava is held here in early June. After a small walk above the monastery. Transfer to Thiksey village visit THIKSEY GOMPA Built some 600 years ago, Thiksey monastery consists of 12 levels ascending a hillside .The Gompa contains 10 temples; below the monastery itself are chapels and houses of monks. Also part of a new temple in Gompa containing a large Buddha statue. The H.H. Dalai Lama constructed this Buddha, 15 meters tall, in 1980 during a visit to Thiksey. Lunch at a local restaurant in Thiksey. After lunch visit SHEY MONASTERY, an erstwhile Royal residence up to the 16th century, is located at a small village Shey near Leh on the banks of Indus River and is managed by Buddhists Monks from Hemis Monastery. The prime attraction of the monastery is the blue haired Maitreya Buddha of 17.5 m high, which is made with copper and brass and also decorated beautifully with studs of precious stones. Evening back to the hotel. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
LEH - NUBRA VIA KHARDUNG LA
Drive Khardung La the highest motorable road, visit Diskit Monastery then Hunder Sand Dunes with double humped Camel, back in Nubra, Dinner / Overnight at Guest House.
NUBRA VISIT
Today after breakfast we will drive to Hargam, Murg, Ensa, Lake Yarab Tso, Samtanling, back to Nubra. Dinner / Overnight at Guest House.
NUBRA – PANGONG
Drive from Nubra to Pangong Tso (5h), by Agham village. Pack lunch on the way. Walk further close to the lake, on arrival check in to the fixed camp. Dinner / Overnight at Fixe Camp.
PANGONG – TSO MORIRI
In the Morning we will have breakfast then Short walk in the morning. Later drive to Tso Moriri (8h). On arrival check in to the hotel. Dinner / Overnight at fixed Camp.
TSO MORIRI VISIT
Today we will walk and visit Tso Moriri Lake. Dinner / Overnight at Fixed Camp.
TSO MORIRI – LEH
Today we will drive Tso Moriri to Leh approx. (5:30 h). On arrival check in to the hotel followed by Lunch & afternoon free time in Leh. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
LEH – YANGTHANG – ALCHI
This morning have your breakfast & Transfer to Yangthang, walk to Rizong monastery & visit. Later drive to Alchi, on arrival check in to hotel & afternoon visit Alchi Village & ALCHI MONASTERY: Alchi Monasteries, are located near Saspol on the Srinagar- Leh road. The primary attraction of these monasteries is, however, their 1000-year old wall painting, which alone makes the visit a worthwhile experience, Dinner / Overnight at Guest House.
ALCHI – LAMAYURU DAY EXCURSION
Today we will drive to Lamayuru, visit and hike via Prikiti La to Wanla. & Lamayuru Gompa completely overshadows the landscape which happens to be the most famous and spectacular in Ladakh. Later we will drive back to Alchi. Dinner / overnight at Guest House.
ALCHI – LEH ENROUTE VISIT LIKIR
After Breakfast we will drive to Likir, on arrival visit LIKIR MONASTERY: It was during the rule of the fifth king of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo, that land was offered to Lama Duwang Chosen, an eminent advocate of meditation, to construct the monastery. The lama graced the land and the monastery came up in 1065 AD. The monastery was enclosed by the bodies of the two great serpent spirits or the naga- rajas, Nanda and Taksako. Because of this, the name of the monastery became Likir or the Naga encircled. & afternoon drive to Leh, on arrival check in to hotel followed by Lunch, post lunch free time. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.
DEPARTURE LEH
Early morning have breakfast & Flight back to your onward Journey with beautiful memories in your mind.