LADAKH ON HOLIDAY

Day One: On Top of the World

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: Being Local in Leh

Explore Leh & Sham Valley

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: Get High with Me

Leh to Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder/Sumur) 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).

From here, head to Sumur, a picturesque village around 42 km from Hunder on the other side of the valley. At night, step out of your cosy room and gaze at the sky. Ladakh is one of the best places to stargaze, thanks to the pollution-free environment.

Day Four: Remember When

Nubra Valley: Excursion to Yarab Tso & Panamik

The village of Sumur is famous and also an important stop since the holy monastery, Samstem Ling Gompa is located close to the village. The Samstem Ling Gompa other than its spiritual importance is also known for its frescos and gorgeous silk Thangkas. The sand dunes at Sumur are also unoccupied compared to its counterpart in Hunder.

After breakfast, take a short drive to Ladakh’s best-kept secret, Yarab Tso Lake. The lake is a sacred place for the local people and can only be approached by a short hike.

From here, drive down to the hot sulphur springs in the village of Panamik. Remember to carry clean towels if you plan on taking a dip in the hot sulphur bath. Panamik is also the village that is nestled very close to the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world.

Later visit Ensa Gompa, a 250-year-old monastery perched on top of a rock that overlooks the snow-capped mountains of the Nubra Valley. Once you’re done, head back to Sumur for the night.

Day Five: On Lake Time

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

After an early breakfast, drive towards Tso Pangong via Shyok. This route goes via Agham – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangste to reach Pangong Tso. This is one of the most remote routes of Ladakh and it’s operational for only a few months a year.

The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters, and shaky lakeshore of Tso Pangong remains etched in the memory of tourists. Pangong Tso has the most crystal clear, cerulean blue waters ever seen. The Lake plays host to migratory bird families during mating seasons. Bar-headed Geese and Brahmani Ducks are two of the most prominently found birds here. The rare, endangered, and usually elusive Black-necked Cranes are also found here.

Pangong Lake lies only partially in India. Over 60% of the lake lies in China. Situated at an altitude of about 13,943 ft. Tso Pangong also holds the honour of being one of the highest brackish water lakes in the world. On arrival you’ll check-in at the hotel/camp and spend the rest of the evening strolling around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Day Six: Every Corner a Story

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

From here, it’s a non-stop drive to your hotel in Leh, the rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

Day Seven: Footloose in Ladakh

Leh: Day at own leisure (No Transport)

Take this day to explore the small lanes of Leh by foot, try bouldering, river rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, or just go shopping or Café Hopping at Leh Market. You can try some local Ladakhi food which has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being Thukpa (noodle soup), and Tsampa, known in Ladakhi as Ngampe (roasted barley flour).

A dish that is strictly Ladakhi is Skyu, a heavy pasta dish with root vegetables. As in other parts of Central Asia, tea in Ladakh is traditionally made with strong green tea, butter, and salt. It is mixed in a large churn and known as Gurgur Cha, after the sounds it makes when mixed. Sweet Tea (cha ngarmo) is common now, made in the Indian style with milk and sugar. Most of the surplus barley that is produced is fermented into chang, an alcoholic beverage drunk especially on festive occasions.

Top places to try – Thabtsang Café, Namza Dining, De Khambir near the main market. Tibetan Restaurant, Gesmo Restaurant, Lamayuru Restauran & Tenzin Dickey Restaurant on Fort Road. Neha Snacks (North Indian Snacks) & Chef’s Kitchen at the main market. Tsas by Dolkhar at Lower Tukcha Road.

Day Eight: Good-bye Ladakh

Depart Leh: Transfer to Airport

In the morning, you’ll be dropped at the airport to bid Julley to this wonderful place.