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364 Embassy, Koramangala, Bangalore. Ph: +91 9483958408, 9880388991, holiday@takeabreak.in, www.takeabreak.in

BEST OF LADAKH

Leh – Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso – Leh 7 Days / 6 Nights

(Blackout Dates: 15th December to 5th January)

LEH

NUBRA VALLEY

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Overview

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Leh: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum), Shopping Nubra Valley: Khardung La (the highest motorable pass), Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camels Pangong Tso: Pangong Tso Lake, Visit Hemis Gompa, Tiskey monastery

Day 1: LEH

Leh

Tucked in the midst of hulking high peaks, at an elevation of 3500 meters, Leh, the erstwhile capital of Ladakh region in the

north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the popular hill stations in India. Over the years, Leh has won the heart of

the global tourists who seek to experience the indigenous culture of the Indo-Tibetans and explore the relics of ancient

civilizations, Buddhist monasteries and remote villages. Some of the notable attractions in and around Leh are the Shanti Stupa,

Leh Palace, Hemis Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Thiksey Monastery & Shey Monastery. The lofty city is also the gateway to several

trekking destinations in the Ladakh region and activities like river rafting, mountaineering, and mountain biking and camping.

Day Notes

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel

Check-in, freshen up and relax

Rest of the day at leisure

In the evening you may wish to take a walk around Leh market

Overnight at Leh

Included

BB

Day 2: LEH

Day Notes After breakfast proceed for sightseeing

Leh Sightseeing: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)

Return to the hotel by evening and rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at Leh

Destination Nights Basis

Leh Hunder Leh Pangong Tso Leh

2 1 1 1 1

BB BB BB BB BB

RO: Room only I SC: Self Catering I HB: Half Board I B&B: Bed and breakfast I D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast I FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch I FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily I FI: Fully inclusive

HB – breakfast & dinner

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Included

BB

Visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)

Leh Palace

Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa,

Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated

the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms. The palace was abandoned when Dogra forces took control

of Ladakh in the mid 19th century, and the royal family moved to Stok Palace. The ruined palace is being restored by the

Archaeological Survey of India. The palace is open to the public and the roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the

surrounding areas. The mountain of Stok Kangri in the Zangskar mountain range is visible across the Indus valley to the south,

with the Ladakh mountain range rising behind the palace to the north. The Palace Museum holds a rich collection of jewellery,

ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns. Chinese thangka or sooth paintings which are more than 450 years old, with

intricate designs, retain bright and pleasing colours derived from crushed and powdered gems and stones.

Shanti Stupa

Built in 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, the Shanti Stupa is one of the remarkable symbols of

Buddhist religion that holds the relics of Lord Buddha. Tucked atop a hill in Changspa at an elevation of 4,267 meters, the Shanti

Stupa is approximately 5 kilometers away from the city. Despite being a symbol of Buddhist culture, the Shanti Stupa reflects a

unique architectural style, which is completely different from the Ladakhi style. The Shanti Stupa was built to promote world

peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base,

enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also

due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Sankara Gompa

It is a relatively modern, attractive cluster of buildings set amongst trees above the town, in the lee of Khardung La, a 5,359 m

(17,582 ft) pass behind Leh leading to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys. Only 20 monks at most live here, and only a few

permanently, so visiting hours are limited to early morning and evening. The place is well lit, so an evening visit is worthwhile.

Climbing the steps one reaches the double doors leading into the dukang ('du khang) or assembly hall. Three green drums are on

the right of the door under which is the place of the Gyeskos. The wall and entry door are richly painted. Upstairs is the Dukar

Lhakang ("residence of the deity") or inner sanctuary. There is an impressive figure here of Avalokiteśvara (Tibetan: Chenrezig)

with 1,000 arms (all holding weapons) and 1,000 heads. The walls are painted with a Tibetan calendar, mandalas and rules for

the monks. Above the wooden stairs can be seen the rooms of the Abbot, guest rooms and the library.

Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)

Hall of Fame is a small yet glorious museum constructed and maintained by Indian Army in Ladakh. It is located on the Spituk-

Kargil road. It exhibits items related to Ladakhi cultural heritage. The key attraction of the museum is that it has displays on

memorabilia, seized arms and amenities of Pakistani Army, biographies and photographs of the brave soldiers, etc. This museum

was built to commemorate the souls of all great soldiers who lost their lives in historic Siachin battle fields during Indo-Pak war.

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Day 3: LEH – HUNDER (140 Km / 04 Hrs 30 Mins)

Nubra Valley

Passing over one of the world’s highest motorable roads, the Khardung La, Nubra is a tri-armed valley located to the north east

of Ladakh valley. Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). The Shyok River meets the Nubra

or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. The average elevation of the valley

stretches from 3048 meters to approximately 6000 meters and mostly hosts an undulated and barren terrain except the places

blessed by the Shoyok River. Diskit village the capital of Nubra is one of the popular hubs in Nubra Valley that hosts the Diskit

Monastery, which is one of the ancient monasteries in Ladakh region. Foreign nationals are required to get a protected area

permit to visit the Nubra Valley.

Day Notes

After breakfast checkout from the hotel at 09:00 and drive to Hunder (Nubra Vallley)

On route stopover at Khardung La (the most highest motorable pass)

Reach Hunder by 14:30, check in to the hotel and freshen up

Proceed for sightseeing by 16:00: Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camels

Return to the Hotel

Overnight at Hunder

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Included

BB

Visit to Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camel ride

Khardung La

The gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys, Khardung La, at an approximate elevation of 5,359 meters, is one of the highest

mountain passes in the world and is also one of the highest motorable roads that connect the ladakh region to Srinagar in

Kashmir. Travellers can also behold the historical significance of the silk route, stretching from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia.

Today Khardung La is a hotspot destination for automobile, motorbike, marathon and mountain biking expeditions that pulls in

global adventurers.

Diskit Monastry

Diskit Monastery also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery (gompa) in the

Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded by

Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa, in the 14th century. It is a sub-gompa of the Thikse

gompa.

Hunder Sand Dunes

A completely contrasting feature of white sands in the midst of snow capped mountain ranges, the Hunder Sand Dunes is a

unique bed of nature that is located between Hunder and Diskit villages in the Nubra Valley. It is one of the high altitude deserts

in the world that covers a wide area and is cut across by a gentle stream. Being perched remotely, the Hunder Sand Dunes is yet

to be explored by the leisure tourists but it is one of the popular camping sites for the adventurers. The cold desert is also dotted

with many species of plants and animals like Bactrian Camels, Yaks and Pashmina Goats. The Hundar Gompa is one of the

popular attractions crossing through the Hundar Sand Dunes. Well, one can even enjoy a Bactrian Camel safari through the

Hunder Sand Dunes and acquaint with the intangible nature.

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Day 4: HUNDER – LEH (140 Km / 04 Hrs 30 Mins)

Day Notes

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel at 10:00 and drive back to Leh

Reach Leh by 14:00, check-in to hotel and relax

Rest of the evening at leisure

Overnight at Leh

Included

BB

Day 4: LEH – PANGONG TSO (180 Km / 07 Hrs)

Pangong Tso

Pangong Tso Tibetan for "long, narrow, enchanted lake", also referred to as Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas,

nestled at an elevation of about 14720 ft above sea level, Pangong Lake is one of the charismatic and largest salty lakes in India.

The breathtaking exquisiteness of this lake is enhanced by the vast barren area near it. Another attraction called the

Changchenmo mountain range in proximity to the lake adds to the scenic charm. It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from

India to Tibet. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies in Tibet. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point.

During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.

Day Notes

After early breakfast, checkout from the hotel at 08:00 and drive to Pangong Tso

Reach Pangong by 15:00, check-in to campsite and relax

In the evening drive to Pangong Lake

Overnight at Pangong

Included

BB

Drive to Pangon Tso Lake

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DAY 6: PANGONG TSO – LEH (180 Km / 07 Hrs)

Day Notes

After breakfast, check out from the campsite at 09:00 and drive to Leh

On route visit Hemis Gompa, Thikse monastery, Shey Monastery

Reach Leh by evening & check in to the Hotel

Freshen up and proceed for local shopping in Leh

Overnight at Leh

Included

BB

Visit the below sightseeing points

Hemis Gompa

Belonging to the Drukpa Lineage, Hemis Monastery is one of the ancient monasteries in the Ladakh region and is approximately

45 kilometers from Leh and was re-established in the mid of 17th century. Set amid a picturesque surrounding, the journey to

Hemis Monastery offers a thrilling experience. It is the largest monastery in the Ladakh region with more than 200 branches in

the Himalayan belt. It is also said to be the wealthiest monastery in India, having a rich collection of ancient relics of Lord

Buddha, thangkas, murals and various architectural works. The grand architecture of the monastery reflects a unique Tibetan

style and the vast courtyard, assembly halls, temple and veranda together arrest the imagination of the tourists. One of the

major Ladakhi festivals, the Hemis Festival is celebrated in the month of June every year

Thiksey Monastery

Tucked beautifully at a lofty height of 3,600 meters, the Thikshey Monastery in the Ladakh region is a 12 storied complex that

was built in the 15th century by the Gelugpa sect. The monastery boasts many items of Tibetan artistic works such as stupas,

statues, thangkas, paintings and swords. With an equally impressive exterior, the Thikshey Monastery strongly resembles the

Potala Palace in Lhasa, which is in Tibet. Further the complex maintains 10 temples, assembly hall and is a home to over 200

monks. The Thikshey Monastery also offers a clear view of the Indus valley and of Stok, Shey and Matho monasteries. The

Thikshey Monastery is approximately 20 kilometers from Leh. One of the main points of interest is the Maitreya Temple installed

to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in 1970; it contains a 15 metres (49 ft) high statue of

Maitreya, the largest such statue in Ladakh, covering two stories of the building.

Shey Monastery

Built in the mid of the 17th century by Deldon Namgyal, the Shey Monastery and palace complex is noted for the 12 meter

copper and gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Though most of the palace is in ruins today, the Shey Monastery is one of

the major attractions in the Ladakh region, which is located approximately 15 kilometers away from Leh. Further, the monastery

still holds several Tibetan artistic works that include wall paintings, murals of Lord Buddha and manuscripts. Close to the Shey

Monastery, there is a small shrine that also holds several murals of Lord Buddha and of 16 Arhats. Its vicinity also boasts two

Tantric shrines and also hosts vast natural gallery of rock arts depicting the five Dhyani Buddhas.

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DAY 7: LEH - AIRPORT

Day Notes

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and departure to airport to take your flight back home

Included

BB

-----------------------------------------------------------------End of your Vacation--------------------------------------------------------------

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PRICE: Starts from USD 586 per person

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation on double occupancy in well rated properties

Breakfast plan on all days

All meal plan in Pangong

Usage of hotel/ resort facilities

Transportation by private chauffer driven vehicle as per itinerary

Sightseeing as per the itinerary – (Itinerary will be shared one week prior to the travel date)

All govt. taxes as on date

EXCLUSIONS

Airfare / Railway fare

Expense of personal nature

Meals not specified in the inclusions

Additional guest requests, orders and services

Additional Activities taken up at the resort

Transport for personal use

Exigency cost – in case of emergency

Travel Insurance

Entrance fees at points of interest

Gratitude & Portage

NOTE

- Since Leh is at an altitude of over 15,000ft, guests require to be at leisure on day 1 to get acclimatized to the weather.

- This program isn’t suitable for parents travelling with infants or kids less than 3yrs of age & for guests having asthma problems

- Leh as a destination is more about the natural landscape, Buddhist culture and adventure activities.

- Above cost is calculated based on minimum 2 adults travelling together. Any change in the total no. of guests travelling will

result in change of rates.

- Most of our programs are customised and we work in line with the requirements of our clients and hence the final detailed

itinerary is prepared 5 days prior to the travel date based on the weather conditions and feasibility of visiting places during

sightseeing.