LAKES OF LADAKH

Day One: The Lost 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: When in Ladakh

Leh Local 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 its influences on its infrastructure. The Shanti Stupa, Jama Masjid, Central Asian Museum, Namgyal Tsemo (Highest View Point of Leh), Zorawar Fort, Spituk Monastery (Sunset point), Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, and Magnetic Hill all lie within 25 km of Leh’s radius. Also, within this radius is the Indian Army’s Hall of Fame with the Sound & Light Show (Monday Closed). 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. Once you’ve absorbed in all these wonderful sights you will return to Leh and spend the night there.

Day Three: Ready, Set, Whoa

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

After an early breakfast, you’ll checkout & 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.

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 go-karting (on direct payment basis). Later check-in at your hotel/camp & spend the evening looking up at the skies. The pollution-free air of Ladakh offers ample opportunity for stargazing.

Day Four: This is Paradise

Nubra Valley: Excursion to Sumur, Yarab Tso & Panamik

After a hearty breakfast in the morning, you will head to Sumur, a picturesque village around 42 km on the other side of the valley. 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.

Later, drive & take a short hike 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. Drive further on to the hot sulphur springs at 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.

The last stop is 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 Hunder for the night.

Day Five: Like Nothing I’ve Seen

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

After an early breakfast, drive towards Tso Pangong via the Shyok River. 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-occupied Tibet. 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 your accommodation and spend the rest of the evening strolling around the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Day Six: Into the Wild

Tso Pangong to Tso Moriri (14,835 ft.) via Kaksang La (17,834 ft.) – Mirpal Tso – Yeye Tso & Kyagar Tso

After an early breakfast drive towards Tso Moriri which is at an altitude of 14,835 ft. above sea level. This route goes via Maan – Merak – Chushul – Mirpal Tso – Kaksang La – Yaye Tso – Hora La – Mahe – Tso Kyagar to reach Tso Moriri. This will be one of the most scenic drives on your Ladakh Adventure as you drive along the India-Tibet border, parallel to Tso Pangong soaking in the true beauty of Pangong Lake and its changing hues.

On the way, you will stop to view Mirpal Tso. An emerald green lake nested amid widening brown-black mountains just below Kaksang La pass. When visiting this lake, you also allow yourself to visit the 8th highest motorable road in the world called Kaksang La at 17,834 feet. Next up is Yeye Tso. You will see this heart-shaped volcanic lake at an altitude of 16,364 feet. From here, drive further on to Kyagar Tso via Mahe Bridge.

Kyagar Tso is one of those small, yet sublime lakes that are usually not on the tourist radar. Its emerald waters and reflections of the surrounding hillocks are certainly worth a few shots. It’s a non-stop drive to Tso Moriri after that.

Flanked by golden brown mountains on one side and lush green plains on the other, Tso Moriri is nothing short of surreal. It is one of those few places where you can spot the rare and endangered black-necked cranes. Needless to say, shutterbugs will have a gala time here. After you have basked in the beauty of this place, you’ll check into your camp/hotel for the night.

Day Seven: Living on the Edge

Tso Moriri to Karu via Puga Valley – Tso Kar – Startsapuk Tso & Tanglanga La (17,480 ft.)

Tso Moriri is frequented by birds, and also by Tibetan wolves, Tibetan foxes, and Tibetan Gazelles. You can even spot marmots – incredibly cute rodents, often found nibbling on something. They are quite approachable, so take as many selfies as you can with them, but don’t feed them. It can be fatal.

Today, you will go on an adventure, riding across Tanglang La pass (17,480 ft.), the 12th highest motorable pass in the world. It’s considered one of the harder roads to drive on. But first, you will stop at Puga Hot Springs which has the potential to produce geothermal energy.

From here, drive to Tso Kar (14,862 ft.), a salinized lake. In fact, its shores are partially covered in a salt crust. Approximately 5 km on the southwest end is a freshwater lake called Startsapuk Tso.

The lake is connected to Tso Kar by an inlet stream and is a treat for bird watchers. Both these lakes have been added to the list of Ramsar sites which are recognized sites of international importance under the treaty of Ramsar Convention. You will reach Karu by evening, with the night for you to explore more of Karu.

Day Eight: Making Memories

Karu to Leh via Hemis & Thiksey Monastery

After breakfast, you’ll head to Hemis Monastery & Museum which existed before the 11th century. Naropa, the pupil of the yogi Tilopa, and the teacher of the translator Marpa are connected with this monastery. It is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in all of Ladakh and is definitely a must-visit on your Ladakh Adventure.

From here, head to 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-story complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, and swords. Later take a stop at Rancho School, Sindhu Ghat, Shey Palace & Monastery.

Shey palace and the monastery were built in the 16th Century AD. The monastery enshrines the Du-Khang with an almost 10-meter-high copper statue of Lord Buddha. The Shey palace was built by King Deledan Nagmyal and Shey Palace boasts of the largest victory stupa in Leh, the top of which is made of pure gold. The Shey Palace was the abode of the royal family till 1834 AD when they moved to the Stok palace.

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

Day Nine: Farewell 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.