Manali – Leh (THE HIMALAYAN JOURNEY)

After an early breakfast we check out from the hotel and ride north on the Manali-Leh Highway. You get to see some of the most breath-taking landscapes that the Western Himalayas can offer. The scenery gets starker and barren as we climb up to the 16,500-foot high Baralacha La, the second mountain pass on our journey. From the pass beautiful views of meadows and snow-capped mountains can be seen. And we proceed further through Nakeela and Lachangla Pass 16,617 ft. for your lunch at Pang. After Lunch drive to Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang (Biggest and Highest Plateau on Earth stretching upto 42 Kms), Tanglang La Pass17,585 ft. and Indus Valley. Upon arrival in Leh, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel for dinner &overnight stay.

After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. And start our sightseeing with Hall Of Fame (Museum Constructed by India Army) near Leh is worth a visit for every Indian, and proceed further to Gurudwara Patthar Sahibsituated at an altitude of 3600 Mtrs about 22 Kms from Leh, the Gurudwara was constructed in the memory of Guru Nanak Dev ji.A drive of another 4 km will take you to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. As you move ahead from Magnetic Hills, just before Nimmu Village, there comes a famous point, popularly known as Sangam Point which displays theconfluence of Two Rivers, Indus River coming from Tibet (left) and Zanskar River coming from Zanskar Valley (right). Next, we head to Alchi Gompa, The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century. After visiting Alchi we return back towards Leh enroute visiting Likir Monasterywhich was built in the 11th century and was again re-built in the 18th century and houses a 25 feet gold covered statue of Lord Buddha. Later we drive back to Leh for dinner & overnight stay.

HALL OF FAME An important stopover on the tourist circuit, the Hall of Fame encapsulates the essence of patriotism and displays exhibits relating the bravery of Indian soldiers and their courageous accomplishments. As you pass through the OP Vijay Gallery, which showcases weaponry that was used in the Kargil War, and see the elaborate display of the documents of the war, uniforms that were worn at the Siachen glacier and others, you will be filled with a sense of pride. The letters written by soldiers to their families, photographs clicked during wars fought in the region and a 30-minute documentary on the Kargil War, are some of the highlights. On the second floor, guns and equipment that were detained by the Indian Army during its confrontations with the Pakistan army have been put up as exhibits. The museum also houses a souvenir shop for tourists. The hall has been built inside a museum that was erected by the Indian Army in the honor of soldiers who perished during the various wars that have been fought in this region.

MAGNETIC HILLPerched at an altitude of 14,000 ft, Magnetic Hill is one of the most intriguing spots in the country. This tiny hillock is said to defy gravity as it tends to pull vehicles upwards. It is quite thrilling to defy the laws of science and be pulled in the opposite direction. The scientific theory states that there is a strong magnetic force emanating from the hills that defies gravity at this particular spot. It is a good pitstop on the highway and serves as a break in between mundane road travel. Do note that it is best to visit between May to September, when the road is easily accessible. There is a board that marks the location of magnetic hill, so it cannot be missed while driving down the highway. Local Ladakhi superstition believes that the road is a straight stairway to heaven.

SANGAM POINT: The Indus Riveroriginates from the great Himalayan ranges and Zanskar river originates from the Zanskar ranges. Zanskar river is shiny blue in color, on the other hand Indus looks a little green. Zanskar meets Indus in Nimmu valley from the north-east. This is a scenic view for the visitors and they find it fascinating to mark both the rivers even after their confluence.

GURUDWARA PATHAR SAHIB is a highly revered gem located 25 miles away from Leh town on Kargil-Leh Highway. Devoted to Guru Nanak Devi Ji, the founder of Sikh Religion, the sacred place beautifully commemorates his visit to Ladakh. Dating back to 1517, the Gurudwara houses a boulder with imprints of the head, shoulders and backside of Shree Guru Nanak Dev.

ALCHI GOMPA 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.Wall paintings are the major attractions here as they depict details of both Buddhist and Kashmiri style. The complex houses a huge statue of the Buddha and lavish wood carvings and artwork, similar to baroque style.

Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Second Highest Motorable Road in The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level.Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at our Camp / Hotel in Hunder for dinner & overnight stay. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world.

After an early breakfast, proceed to Turtuk (A village that was won by India in the 1971 war with Pakistan) and extremely close to the border. Places to visit here comprises of a 16th Century Mosque, (comprising of a touch of Turkish & Iranian culture), ruined fort of Dhards and aMonastery. You can also admire the magnificent view of the famous K2 peak (The second highest peak in the world after Mount Everest). Later back to Hunder for dinner & overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, we check out and drive towards Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a BactrianCamel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high-altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. Next stop will be at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Later we drive towards the majestic Pangong Tsovia Agham&Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic!  Later after crossing this adventurous part, we drive further towards Durbuk&Tangtse, you will also pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you have a sudden view of the majestic Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Upon arrival we check in at our Camp/Hotel near Pangong lake. Dinner & overnight stay at camp in Pangong.

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake which is famously known to show upto 5 shades of blue depending upon the time and location of the viewer. Later we drive back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. And futher to Thiksey, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village and another 5 Kms driving through a picturesque landscape we reach to Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh &3 Idiots Rancho School. Drive further to Leh. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

Tour concludes Through a punctual transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward destination.