06 Nights - Magical Ladakh

Duration : 06 Nights / 07 Days.

Highlights : Monastery Tour, Jeep Safari to Nubra Valley (Valley of flowers) over World’s highest motorable road – Khardungla, Excursion to Sham Valley and Magnetic Hill.

Cost Validity : Valid from 01 May 2013 to 30 Sep 2013 for foreign nationals only. (Rates are subject to change without any prior notice)

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival Leh. 
Arrival Leh, Wisdom representative will meet, greet, assist and transfer you to Hotel in Leh. Rest of the day free to acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh. In the evening take a walk to the local bazaar in Leh. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.

Day 02 : Indus Valley Monastery tour (120 Kms round trip)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Thiksey village, visit Thiksey monastery and drive to Shey Village to visit Shey Palace and Gompa. Continue drive to Hemis monastery to visit one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh. Later on the way back to Leh Visit Stok Palace and Museum. Come back to Leh in the evening and relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Thiksey Gompa : 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.

Shey Palace and Gompa : Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.

Hemis Gompa : 40 Kms from Leh, it is the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held here in summer. The festival is in honor of Guru Padma Sambhava’s birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Singge Namgyal, an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal Dynasty for the royalty favored the Drugpa sect, which is managed the monastery. It is divided into two, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall (Dukhang) is also used as “green room” by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The verandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist “Wheel Of Life” (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters, besides the prayer wheel.

Stok Palace & Museum : The palace of the banished royal family, Stok has a museum which displays fabulous period costumes and jewelry of the royalty along with exquisite Thankas representing the life style of Shakya Muni. Interesting historical objects like coins, armor, weapons, precious jades and porcelain too can be seen here.

Day 03 :  Leh – Alchi (75 Kms) 
Morning after breakfast drive to Alchi with packed lunch. Enroute visit, Magnetic Hill,  Confluence of Zanskar and Indus river, Basgo Fort and Likir Monastery. Arrive Alchi and visit Alchi Monastery.  Dinner and overnight at hotel / camp in Alchi.

Magnetic Hill : Defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the Gurdwara Shri Patthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill that’s the Believe it or not of Ladakh!

Conflence Of The Zanskar & Indus : On way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wed-lock! In seasons they have different colors and flow and wildness.

Basgo Gompa : 40 Kms downstream from Leh, it was the seat of power of branch of a Namgyal family. It was here in 1680 that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three year old siege. Original 16th century murals and other arts at Basgo are well worth a visit.

Likir Gompa : Founded in the 11th century and rededicated to a different monastic order in the 15th century, its earlier Gompa was destroyed in a fire. The present Gompa dated back to the 18th century. Skilled craftsmen producing excellent Thankas, earthen pots and carved wooden folding stools, live here in the village. Majestically situated, Likir commands a spectacular view. A magnificent giant Jupiter tree, one of the few survivors of its species, stands in the courtyard.

Alchi Gompa : 70 Kms from Leh, on the banks of the Indus, is the Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attractions. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Liker monastery. This is the only monastery amongst 34 monasteries, which is not located on a hilltop.

Day 04 : Alchi -  Lamayuru - Leh. (180 Kms round trip)
Early morning drive to Lamayuru. Lamayuru is famous for its ancient monastery and the surrounding landscape which closely resembles the surface of moon. This is where Ladakh gets its name ‘The Moonland’. Later visit the Rizong monastery and Chulichan nunnery and drive back to Leh. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Leh.

Lamayuru Gompa : The oldest holy site in Ladakh, it was a bon shrine prior to the advent of Buddhism. Also known as Yung Drung (Swastika) it is sited on a high promontory overlooking the village and valley. For sheer spectacle value no other Gompa can match Lamayuru.

Ridzong Gompa : Rizong is the most isolated monastery of all the monastery of Ladakh. Rizong Gompa is known as the paradise for Meditation. Guru Padma Sambhava is believed to meditate here for years. One can still find the small caves where Lamas used to meditate for years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except for an one feet square outlet window from where they accept the one time meal of the day.

Chulichan : Chulichan, the nunnery is around one and half Kms. below the Rizong monastery; around 20 Nuns resides at Chulichan. They provide food and cloths to the monks and perform morning and evening prayers.

Day 05 : Leh - Nubra Via Khardungla Pass (140 Kms / 5 – 6 hrs) 
Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the World Highest Motorable road (5602 Mts) Khardungla pass. Arrive Nubra and proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy the camel ride (On Own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries and check in at Deluxe Camp. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the camp.

Khardungla Pass : The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardung La pass (The highest Motorable road in the world) 18,390 ft. around 39 Kms. Away from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at higher altitude than Deskit and other villages.

Deskit village : Deskit is the main village of headquarter of Nubra valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop. Spectacular view of the valley can be seen form the monastery.

Deskit Gompa : Deskit Gompa was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks are residing in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thikse Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar.

Hundar Village : Hundar is a beautiful village to stay with lot of trees and you will really enjoy your stay at Hundar. It has a small monastery and ruined fort above the village. The walk or Camel Safari (Double Hump bacterian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes for two hours is wonderful (on own).

Day 06 : Nubra - Leh
Morning after Breakfast proceed for Leh, once again driving via Khardungla pass the World Highest Motorable road. Evening explore Leh bazaar for souvenir, visit Leh Jokhang or Leh Mosque by foot. Overnight at the hotel.

Jokhang : the Ladakh Buddhist Association in 1957 built the small Gonpa opposite to SBI and known as Jokhang in the main bazaar, which is open throughout the day for visitors. The Gonpa contains statue of Joyo Rinpoche (crowned Buddha).

Leh Mosque : The Jama Masjid of Leh was built in 1666-67 AD under an agreement between Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and Ladakhi ruler Deldan Namgyal. Initialy, the architecture of the mosque bore Tibetan, Central Asian and Ladakhi style. In recent years it has been reconstructed and given a new look with minarets and domes.

Day 07 : Airport Departure.
Leave on time for Leh airport to board your flight to Delhi.

TOUR ENDS :-

Cost per person on twin sharing basis

01 TL Free above 15 paying pax.

Hotels Envisaged :

The Package Includes :

1. Accommodation in Standard room at :
   1. 04 Nights stay at specified hotels in Leh.
   2. 01 Night accommodation at specified camp in Nubra valley.
   3. 01 night accommodation at specified hotel / camp in Sham Valley
2. Stay on MAP Basis. (06 breakfasts and 06 dinners)
3. Welcome drink on arrival.
4. Traditional welcome ceremony upon arrival at hotel.
5. Transportation by NAC Quails / Tavera / Scorpio / Innova for arrival / departure transfers, sightseeing as per the itinerary. (Max. 04 full paying pax in 01 vehicle, guide and TL will share the same vehicle)
6. English speaking local guide for sightseeing.
7. Assistance at the airport while arriving and departing.
8. Mics. charges are inclusive like
   • Ladakh Royalty Fee
   • Monastery / monument entrance fee.
   • Inner-line permits
   • Potareges at hotel and airport
   • All applicable luxury/ road taxes

The Quotation Does Not Include :

• Airfares trainfare.
• Any Joy ride or rafting.
• Medical expenses (apart from first aid) and insurance of any kind.
• Tips, laundry, liquors, wines, mineral water, telephone charges, camera fee and items of personal nature.
• Transportation is not on disposal basis. It is strictly as per the programme, any extra running will be charges extra.
• All the arrangements for the tour are preplanned and prepaid. In case of not completion of the tour due to any reason whatsoever there will not be any refund for any unutilized services. Any extra expense due to the same has to be paid extra.
• Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
• Any other item not mentioned in the cost includes section.

Accommodation in Ladakh : There are a number of hotels in Leh to suit almost every pocket or preference. Most of the hotels in Ladakh are family-run establishments, offering a personalized service. The hotels are classified into Deluxe, Luxury and Premium categories with following services. Outside Leh, we will be using best available hotels which are of Deluxe categories.

Deluxe Hotels : Deluxe hotels in Ladakh are certified ‘A’ category hotels which are equivalent to 3* hotels elsewhere in India. The hotels offer comfortable rooms with attached bathroom and running hot & cold water. Other facilities include TV with cable connections, some hotels have direct dialing STD / ISD facility, doctor on call etc. The restaurants in these hotels serve Indian, Chinese, Continental and Local Ladakhi food which can be relished in luxurious Ladakhi style dining halls. These hotels are the best options combining comfort with economy.

Luxury Hotels : The hotels in this category provides the taste of luxury, superb facilities to the guests making it a comfortable affair. The hotels offer well designed and beautifully decorated spacious rooms, well furnished with modern furnishing and state of the art facilities. The décor in the rooms punctuated with the elegant lining of local materials lending a touch of Ladakh at every inch of the stay. Other facilities include Attach bath with Hot and cold shower, direct dialing STD / ISD phones, Room service etc. The restaurant at the hotels offers the guest the opportunity to feast on the multi-cuisine fares. The guests get the authentic taste of Indian Chinese and continental delicacies cooked with great care.

Premium : Hotel Grand Dragon – first Star category hotel, offers the best accommodation in terms of luxury in Leh Ladakh. All the rooms have state of the art facilities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. The hotel offers room service,  have hot showers and a lounge where you can watch your favorite music or television. They accept all major credit cards as a form of payment in the hotel. Make your bookings early to avoid any disappointments.

Payment Terms : -

• 25% advance at the time of booking confirmation.
• 75% balance 15 days prior to the travel date.

In case the booking is made within 15 days of travel, 100% advance is required at the time of confirmation.

Cancellation policy :-

• 15 Days prior to date of arrival - 25% of the total bill will be charged.
• 14 Days to 08 Days prior to date of arrival – 50% of the total bill will be charged.
• 07 Days or less, prior to date of arrival – 100% of the total bill will be charged.

All the arrangements for the tour are preplanned and prepaid. In case of not completion of the tour due to any reason whatsoever there will not be any refund for any unutilized services. Any extra expense due any alteration has to be paid extra.

Child Policy : -   Children below 5 years of age are allowed to stay free with parents without extra bed.