LADAKH HOP-ON, HOP-OFF

Day One: Away We Go

Arrive in Leh (Altitude 11,500 ft.)

You will arrive at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport) which is nestled in the midst of The Mighty Himalayan Mountain Range. Leh Airport; one of the highest airports in the world is also considered to be one of the most scenic owing to its heavenly surroundings. It is encircled by immense golden brown, barren mountains which are truly a sight for sore eyes.

You will be warmly welcomed by Unplugged Life’s representative and transferred to your hotel in Leh City. The rest of the evening is for you to acclimatize yourself by casually strolling in and around your lodgings. Overnight stay at Leh City. The capital of Ladakh, at one time, was a major stop on the Asian “Silk Route”.

Day Two: Like Nothing I’ve Seen

Leh & Sham Valley Sightseeing

Explore the gorgeous town of Leh and its beautiful stopovers. The most prominent among them is the Leh Palace. The ruins of this 350-year-old, nine-story high Palace offer a breathtaking view of the city of Leh and its surroundings. Leh Market is starkly different from its metropolitan counterparts. The shops here are small, colourful, and vibrant. It has a rare mix of western and native cultures which is unique to itself.

Leh also boasts of a widely diverse population and shows their influences on its infrastructure. The Shanti Stupa, Central Asian Museum, Jama Masjid, Zorawar Fort, Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, and Magnetic Hill all lie within 30 km of Leh’s radius. Also, within this radius is the Indian Army’s Hall of Fame with Sound & Light Show. It is a monument dedicated to the soldiers who served, and/or perished on the borders during wartime.

The Sangam (Confluence of rivers) between the ice-cold Zanskar and the mighty Indus is incredible to watch. Its gushing blue waters put on a stunning display of power. Next up is Basgo Gompa & Palace. The palace is Enlisted among World’s 100 most endangered heritage sites by the US World Monument Fund.

Drive further to Alchi Petroglyphs. Between the street to Alchi and close to the Indus River are some big boulders with hundreds of probably neolithic to bronze-age (3000-1000 BCE) petroglyphs. They show ibex, snow leopards, hunting scenes, and humans.

Your last stop for the day is Alchi Monastery. The architecture of Alchi Monastery is of Tibetan style. The monastery complex has three major shrines – the Dukhang (Assembly hall), the Sumtsek, and the Temple of Manjushri. There are also chortens in the complex. Once you’ve absorbed in all these wonderful sights you will return to Leh and spend the night there.

Day Three: What A View

Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder) via Khardung La (17,582 ft.)

After an early breakfast, you’ll check out & head to Nubra Valley. The road to the Nubra Valley goes through the 11^th highest motorable road in the world, the mighty Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft.). This Pass is almost permanently covered in fog and snow. However, the bone-chilling cold there is more than compensated by the unparalleled view that it offers, of the Ladakh mountain range. Descending down from Khardung La you’ll arrive in Nubra Valley with the aquamarine waters of Shyok River for company.

On arrival, you’ll first visit Diskit Monastery. It is over 250 years old and is the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Next to that lies an imposing 100 feet statue of Maitreya Buddha, in its resplendent golden avatar. From here drive to the sand dunes at Hunder. You can spot the world-famous double hump camels here. These mammals are extremely rare and are found in merely a handful of places all over the world.

You can also go on an ATV ride on the sand dunes or try other activities such as go-karting & zip-lining (all on direct payment basis). Later check-in at the camp & spend the evening looking up at the skies. The pollution-free air of Ladakh offers ample opportunity for stargazing.

Day Four: On A Wild Adventure

Nubra Valley to Tso Pangong (13,943 ft.) via Shyok River

After an early breakfast, drive towards Tso Pangong 13,943 ft. via Shyok. This route goes via Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste to reach Pangong Tso. The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters and shaky lakeshore of Tso Pangong remains etched in the memory of tourists.

The magic of Pangong Lake lies in its changing hues, as the sun hovers over it. It is probably the bluest and the most crystal-clear lake you would have seen so far. It is home to many migratory birds, from ducks and geese to the rare and elusive Black-necked Crane. What will surprise you is that the lake lies only partially in India, its major chunk lying in China-occupied Tibet.

In winter the entire lake freezes to the point where you can walk over it. Upon arrival you’ll check-in at the guest house/camp and spend the rest of the evening strolling around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Day Five: This is Some Vacation

Tso Pangong to Leh via Chang La (17,585 ft.)

After breakfast, take some parting shots with the lake. You will then head back to Leh via Chang-La pass (17,585 ft.). Chang-La is the 10^th highest motor-able road in the world. On your way back, you’ll first stop at Tso Ltak, an unexplored lake at 16,102 ft. situated on the foothills of Chang La.

From here, drive to Hemis Monastery which existed before the 11th century. It is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in all of Ladakh and is definitely a must-visit on your Ladakh Adventure.

Later visit Thiksey Monastery. It is located at the top of the hill. It is very famous for its similarity with the Potala Palace of Lhasa. This monastery is famous for pilgrim activities, architectural elements, sightseeing, and exploration. It is a twelve-story complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, and swords.

Stop at the Druk Padma Karpo School. This is the school we saw in the movie ‘3 idiots’ Rancho’s School. You’ll visit Rancho’s Café, a café just outside the school campus. You can have some crunchy snacks and coffee while enjoying the memorabilia from the movie that is kept in the café. From here, it’s a non-stop drive to your hotel in Leh, the rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

Day Six: Buh-Bye Ladakh

Depart Leh: Transfer to Airport

In the morning, you’ll be driven to the airport where you’ll board the flight to your onward destination.