INDUS CREED 04 nights/ 05 days

Ladakh is a region in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir that currently extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. North of the Indus valley is the Ladakh range, on the other side of which is the Shayok, and Nubra valleys. South of the Indus is the Stok range, clearly visible from Leh. On the other side is the Markha valley, a popular trekking destination.


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Ladakh is a region in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir that currently extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. North of the Indus valley is the Ladakh range, on the other side of which is the Shayok, and Nubra valleys. South of the Indus is the Stok range, clearly visible from Leh. On the other side is the Markha valley, a popular trekking destination.

Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh region in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. Originally a stop for trading caravans, Leh is now known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking. Massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled on the Dalai Lama’s former home (Tibet’s Potala Palace), overlooks the old town’s bazaar and mazelike lanes.

The barren beauty of Ladakh with snow capped peaks and clean azure sky have attracted the intrepid traveler since the region was opened to tourists in the 1970s. Since then, Ladakh has become a favorite haunt for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. The rugged terrain and the majestic mountains around, make an exotic cocktail for an adventure sport lover. But before you decide to fly away to the land of Buddhist monasteries and brave people, it is imperative to understand that you need at least a week to enjoy your tour to Ladakh. Since, acclimatization it self needs at least a few days in Ladakh.

ladakh travel tips

GETTING THERE:

For best experience, go by road. The drives are some of the most beautiful on this planet. Many airlines operate regular flights all year round. Weather can play spoilsport anytime of the year, and may disrupt plans.

CLIMATE:

Biting cold from November to March with temperatures falling many degrees below normal. Everything is frozen over. The months of June to August are pleasantly warm, while it is comfortably cold during the other months. It is always cold at higher altitudes. Make sure you always carry warm clothes with you in Ladakh at all times.

BEST TIME TO GO:

June to early-October when roads are open, but dates vary every year. No vehicular movement is possible the rest of the year. You can fly in all other times depending on your capacity to withstand the cold.

LOCAL TRANSPORT:

There is no restriction on private cars. However, taxis from outside the state are only allowed to drop and pick passengers. You have to hire locals taxis to roam around within Ladakh.

VEHICLES TO USE:

It is best to use SUVs – these need not be 4-wheel powered. But people do use sedans too, but not recommended considering road conditions.

PERMITS:

No permits are required for the Manali – Leh and the Srinagar – Leh routes. Indians and foreigners require Inner Line Permits for most other areas, and can easily be obtained in Leh.

PLACES TO STAY:

There is no dearth of places to stay in Leh for all budgets. But options are limited at all other places. Unless you are planning to camp, it is advisable to book in advance.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Altitude Sickness can affect even the fittest of all. Basic precautions: 

  • Keep sipping water regularly, preferably warm. Keep in flasks, or stops at roadside eateries to request them to warm it for you.
  • Cover your head and ears with something warm when it is cold and windy.
  • Don't push yourself physically too much.
  • Don't stay at high altitude passes for too long – 30 minutes maximum.
  • Go easy on yourself for the initial 1-2 days, you should be ok after that
SECURITY:

There are no security issues in Ladakh, it is very safe. If you are coming by road from Srinagar, stay tuned into the news should any disturbances be taking place. There are no problems coming from Himachal Pradesh via Manali.

CONNECTIVITY:

Most mobile networks work in Leh and Kargil, with high speed Internet available. Most other places either have no connectivity or only state run BSNL works.

Day 01: Arrive Leh; 3505 meters / 11567 feet.

Arrive Kushok Bakula airport Leh - 3500m above sea level. Transfer to hotel. Breakfast at the hotel before 09.30 am. Half day at rest for acclimatization. Lunch at the hotel. After Lunch drive to Visit Shanti Stupa & Leh Palace, Later in the evening walk around local market. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh.

Day 02: Drive Sham Valley & Alchi - 70km

After breakfast, carry packed lunch for the day. Sightseeing of 1000 year old Alchi monastery, the only Gompa in Ladakh region on flat ground. Thereafter proceed to the Likir Monastrey to visit the splendid three storeys Dharma Wheel Gompa. Here you will be awestruck with the sight of the massive Buddha statues., Indus & Zanskar river Sangam, drive along the Indus river visiting Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and Magnetic Hill (where the cars defy gravity), Basgo Palace Hiking only and further on to Leh Hall of Fame (which has a museum of the Kargil War memorabilia) Over Night stay at the Hotel.

Day 03: Tour of Khardungla Pass (18380FT) & Stok

After breakfast drive to Khardungla- world's highest motorable road at 18832 feet above sea level. At Khardungla pass the snow capped peaks and the mountain views are amazing. In the afternoon we will visit Singhu point (Indus River where all the Singhes pay holy bath) and Stok Museum. The Stok palace and museum is around 200 years old. The palace and museum at Stok is a showpiece for the royal tankhas, royal crown, dresses, coins, precious stones and turquoise head dresses. Return back to the hotel for Dinner. Over Night stay at the Hotel.

Day 04: Tour of Pangong Lake

It is the highest land locked lake (155 Kms on way from Leh 05 Hrs driver each way. After an early breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometer at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. A few years back the government decided to open it to tourists though the lake and its surrounding is under army surveillance. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Drive back to Leh. Over Night stay at the Hotel.

Day 05: Depart Leh In the morning transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination.

Common Package Inclusions:

INCLUSION
  • Assistance upon arrival and departure
  • Accommodation on Twin sharing basis as per itinerary and chosen
  • Daily Breakfast + Dinner
  • Return airport transfer along with all sightseeing by Non Ac Innova / Xylo
  • Environmental fee
  • All Taxes
COST DOES NOT INCLUDES
  • Airfares, items of any personal nature such as drinks, tips/ gratuities, etc
  • Extra hotel nights due to flight cancellations, extra expenses incurred due to mishandled luggage, any insurance
  • 4.50% GST extra