Ladakh with Nubra Valley and Hemis Festival

Duration : 10 Days / 09 Nights
Destinations : Leh – Shey – Thiksey – Hemis – Alchi – Likir – Uleyotkpo – Lamayuru – Nubra Valley

Day 01 : Leh
Arrive at Leh airport and then transfer to hotel. Leh is a picturesque little town, cocooned amid the hills and is drowned in calmness. Beautiful monasteries and historical monuments attract visitors from all over the world. The rugged terrain with snow clad mountains in the clear blue sky is the perfect holiday destination. Complete day is for acclimatization as Leh is situated at 3500 meters above the sea level.In the evening we will set out for a short walk through the bazaars of Leh. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02 : Leh (Shey, Thiksey & Stok)
Full day excursion to the monasteries of Leh. The tour starts with visit of Thiksey Monastery. Resting on the hill top in the Indus Valley region is the extraordinary Monastery, Thiksey monastery. It is the largest Gompa in central Ladakh. This 12 storey building houses an amazing collection of Buddhist art. The monastery got a nickname – Mini Patola since its architecture resembles that of Tibet’s Patola Palace. Continue tour to visit Shey Monastery which is situated within the complex of Shey Palace. The palace was the summer capital of the royal kingdom, but now it is in ruins. The palace was built in 1655 by the king of Ladakh. SheyGompa has a high elevated statue of Lord Buddha. Finally visit Stok Palace which is the private palace of the present king of Ladakh. A part of the Stok Palace has been converted into a museum. It is a photogenic palace with colourful window frames and patola like architecture. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03 : Leh – Hemis – Leh
Morning drive to Hemis to witness famous Hemis Festival. HemisGompa becomes a hub of activities during the festival. The gompa, which is known to be the wealthiest and the biggest in Ladakh, also features the largest thangka in Ladakh. The Buddhist gompa remains divided into two main parts – the assembly hall on the right and the temple on the left. Sacred dances, contradictory explanations and special musical performances are the major highlights of the Hemis Festival in Ladakh. During the festival, lamas and monks gather to perform sacred Mask Dance. The specific dance form is meant to celebrate good over evil. The Hemis Festival brings an opportunity for all the villagers and families to come together and socialise. Men can be seen wearing cummerbands while women are dressed in bright headgear and lots of jewellery. Brass trumpets, which are 3 metre in length, are played and the whole festive scene becomes a sight to behold. Later return to Leh hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04 : Leh – Alchi – Likir -Uleyotkpo
After breakfast drive to Uleytokpo and on the way visit Alchi village which is ancient site known for its Alchi monastery. The monastery is situated on the banks of River Indus and is the only monastery situated on the plains. The place houses a spot where Lama’s walking stick was planted and has now grown into a tree. Continue drive to Likir Monastery which belongs to Gelugpa sect or Yellow Hat sect. The monastery was founded in the year 1065 by Lama DuwangChosje under the reign of the fifth king of Ladakh. The monastery houses a 25 ft high gold covered Buddha statue. It is a repository of old manuscripts, magnetizing array of Thangkas, and ancient costumes. It has very colorful buildings and offers breathtaking views over the mountains.

Day 05 : Uleytokpo – Ridzong – Lamayuru -Uleytokpo
After breakfast drive to Lamayuru Monastery which was built in the 10th century. The monastery is situated between Kyagar and Sumur villages. Belonging to Red- hat sect of Buddhism, the monastery is famed for its opulent wall paintings, murals, scriptures, collection of Thangkas and statutes of different form of Buddha.Later drive to Rizong Monastery, located in the remote end of the valley. The monastery provides an impression of rocky fortress. Lama TsultimNim founded the monastery and the Gompa follows strict monastic disciplines. Return to Uleytokpo Village which is one of the largest villages in Ladakh, situated on the banks of the Indus river. Overnight stay in camp.

Day 06 : Uleytokpo – Phyang – Sputuk – Leh
After breakfast drive to Leh.En-route stop at Phyang monastery which is named after the blue mountain that is situated behind the monastery. The monastery complex features numerous shrines along with a wide array of exquisite paintings that date back to royal period. The oldest temple in the monastery complex is Gomkhang which was founded in the 16th century. Then visit Spituk monastery located on the hill top offering a commanding view of Indusriver. The SpitukGompa was founded in 11thcentury There is a collection of ancient masks, antique arms and fine thangkas. The terrifying face of Vajrabhairva is unveiled only at the annual festival in January. Continue drive to Leh and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07 : Leh – Nubra
After early breakfast at hotel we shall leave for the Nubra valley with lunch box.In the north of Leh, capital of Ladakh is the Nubra Valley. The natural beauty of this place will leave you spellbound. This high altitude valley in the tranquil region of Leh – Ladakh serves as the ideal place for the finest serene trekking routes as well as a few ancient Buddhist monasteries. Stop en-route and visit Diskit and Hunder Monastery.Diskit Monastery is the oldest and the largest monastery in Nubra Valley. The monastery was established in the 14th century and belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Buddhism. The monastery was constructed in Tibetan style and houses beautiful murals and frescos. The monastery also offers picturesque view of the Nubra valley. Hunder Monastery is situated just below Diskit monastery. It is a very beautiful monastery housing a huge statue of Buddha. Arrive and check in at camp for overnight stay.

Day 08 : Nubra
After breakfast, visit Panamik village. This is the last village that is accessible to foreigners. The green valley of Panamik is the sight to behold because the village is surrounded by snow clad mountains. The village is renowned for its curative hot springs. The destination is worth a visit as it has sulfur springs and Saichan glacier in close proximity. The village is also famous for Bactrian camels and Pashmina goats.Return to camp for lunch and in the afternoon visit Samtaling monastery in Sumur village. It is a very beautiful monastery located in Nubra Valley.
The monastery houses numerous shrines with intricate wood carvings.Later in the evening return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 09 : Nubra – Leh
After a breakfast we shall leave for Leh with a lunchbox.En-route stop at the Khardung-La Pass. The Khardung-La Pass is a high mountain pass located in Ladakh region and is 39 kms from Leh. The pass is the gateway to Nubra Valley. Some of the locals claim the pass to be the highest motorable road in the world. Continue drive to Leh. Arrive and check in at hotel. The rest of the day is free for exploring local bazaar and independent activities.Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10 : Leh
In the morning transfer to Leh airport to catch your flight.

Hemis Festival Tour Packages

Hemis Festival Tour, a package of 05N / 06D, offers you a chance to relish the festivities during the extremely well-recognised Hemis festival along with exploring the travel attractions of Leh. This two-festival is organized on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month at the Hemis monastery, the largest and richest monastery in India. During this tour, you also relish a same day trip to Pangong Lake and Khardung La Pass.