CELESTIAL LAKES OF LADAKH

CELESTIAL LAKES OF LADAKH

Activities:
Ladakh
Duration:
9 Days
Trek Style:
Road Trip
Best Seasons:
May – Sep.
Highest Elevation:
5602m/18,380 ft.
Grade:
Moderate
Accommodation:
Hotel – 04, Guesthouse – 01, Deluxe Tented Campsite – 03

Leh, the high-altitude mountain kingdom famed for its Buddhist culture, rarefied air, and three extremely beautiful lakes: Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar.  Apart from the astounding location and natural beauty of each lake, each has a special significance. Pangong Tso for instance is at the base of Garnet Hill of which it is said there could still be some live mines left from the war. The surreal beauty of the lakes with their clear water reflecting the azure blue of the skies and surrounded by the brown hues of the surrounding mountains is ethereal and picture perfect!

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Heavenly Nubra valley and visit the tranquil, pristine and ethereal Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri & Tso Kar Lakes.
  • Amazing landscapes dotted with quaint monasteries.
  • Extremely scenic route and travels over some of the highest motorable passes in the world.
  • Visit Hanley for its remoteness.

Itinerary In Detail

  • Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3500m/11,484 ft.)

    We have pick-up at the airport and drive to our hotel. The rest of the day is spent in acclimatization walks and an orientation walk in the market of Leh. To aid acclimatization it is necessary to have plenty of water along with rest. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

  • Day 02: Leh - Full day sightseeing

    This day is for taking in the sights of Leh and to use this as an opportunity to acclimatize further. We visit Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and Stok Palace.

    Hemis stands on the western bank of the Indus River. The monastery also boasts of a very rich collection of ancient relics. The Hemis Monastery also serves as the venue of an annual festival known as the Hemis Festival.

    Thiksey houses one of the largest Buddhist statues, the 15-meter-tall Champa, the Buddha of Future. Thiksey is one of the most frequented and photogenic monasteries in Ladakh. About a hundred plus monks live here.

    The Stok Palace is where the current royal family lives. The museum at the Stok Palace has an intriguing collection of Buddhist art, weapons, jewellery and artefacts, including thangkas painted with colours derived from crushed precious stones. Also on display are the ceremonial head dresses or ‘peraks’ of the erstwhile rulers of Ladakh. These head-dresses are decorated with turquoise, lapis lazuli and coral and gold, making them an exotic sight.

    We then visit Leh Palace, Hall of Fame and head to Shanti Stupa which is a Buddhist white domed stupa on a hilltop in Changspa. We enjoy the panoramic view of the city at sunset. From here we can choose to leave the vehicles and walk down to Leh taking some quite back roads and into the Leh market to wander around at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

  • Day 03: Leh – Nubra Valley (3047m/9997 ft.; 125 km; 6 hrs)

    Back on the road this time towards Khardungla pass (5602m/18,380 ft.), the world’s highest motorable pass. After a photography session and acclimatization break on the pass, we cross it and head towards Nubra valley. Nubra valley is sandwiched between the Karakoram Mountains to the north and the Ladakh range to the south, in between lie the Shyok and the Nubra Rivers. The villages of Nubra valley are scattered along these two valley floors. This is a beautiful region that once formed a part of the Silk route into Afghanistan. Because of the lower altitude, a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and grains are grown, creating an impression of abundance. We go to Hundar village and check into a hotel. After a late lunch the group sets off to visit the white sand dunes and if lucky one can take a ride on the double-humped Bactrian camels. Dinner and overnight stay at Deluxe Tented Campsite in Nubra Valley.

  • Day 04: Nubra Valley – Leh (3500m/11,484 ft.; 125 km; 6 hrs)

    After breakfast, the group sets off to visit the white sand dunes once again and then head to Diskit Monastery, right on the top behind Diskit Monastery stands a 106 ft. tall Buddha statue, the tallest in the Ladakh region. Return back to Leh. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

    Option: We can organize for Mountain Bikes to cycle down from Khardung La to Leh at an additional cost.

  • Day 05: Leh - Pangong Tso (4350m/14,272 ft.; 150 km; 4-5 hrs)

    Today post breakfast we set off for Pangong Tso, the world’s highest brackish water lake – Pangong Tso, 134 km long and 5 km wide at its broadest point, spans two countries, India & China (2/3rd of the lake lies in China). The sun paints its various hues on the canvas of the surrounding mountains as we watch spellbound while walking on the shores of the lake. We are to spend the night in this magical setting and we check into our deluxe tented campsite and spend the evening watching the drama of light over water as the sun sets. Dinner and overnight stay at Deluxe Tented campsite in Pangong Tso.

  • Day 06: Pangong Tso - Hanle (3500m/11,484 ft; 251 km; 7-8 hrs)

    We get up early morning, and experience the sunrise at Pangong Tso. Post breakfast, drive to Hanley via Nyoma. Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse in Hanle.

  • Day 07: Hanle – Tso Moriri (4595m/15,076 ft.; 160 km; 6-7 hrs)

    After breakfast we start our drive to Tso Moriri. Tso Moriri is a breeding ground for numerous species of birds. Chief among them is the Bar Headed Geese, found in great numbers, Crested Grebe, the Brahminy Duck (Ruddy Shelduck) and the Brown Headed Gull. The Tso Moriri Lake is 8 km wide and 28 km long. We visit Korzok village with its houses and its gompa appearing like a mirage. Dinner and overnight stay at a Deluxe Tented Campsite in Tso Moriri.

  • Day 08: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh (240 km; 8 hrs)

    After breakfast, we drive to visit Tso Kar. Tso Kar means salty lake in the local language and salt was extracted from this lake in earlier times. While passing through this route we come across Changpa Nomadic Tribes, Yaks, Wild Asses, and migratory birds. Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

  • Day 09: Leh - Final departure

    After breakfast, we drive to Leh Airport for final departure.

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Any Question?
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Whats Include and Exclude

Services Inclued

  1. Accommodation & Food: Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
Place Classic Hotel or Similar Premium Hotel

or Similar

Leh Mahey Retreat Ladakh Serai
Nubra Valley (Hunder) Royal Desert or Karma Inn Nubra Serai
Pangong Tso Paradise or Yak Camp Pangong Serai (Superior Tents)
Hanle Guesthouse Guesthouse
Tso Moriri Nomadic Camp & Resort Nomadic Camp & Resort

 

Food: Leh – Bed & Breakfast basis; Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Hanle & Tso Moriri – Breakfast & Dinner basis.

  1. Travel: Transfers & sightseeing in SUV/MUV.
  2. Others:
  • Complimentary Sack & Cap.
  • Permit fees.

Services not Inclued

  • Goods & Service Tax if applicable.
  • Travel to & from Leh.
  • Camel ride in Nubra Valley.
  • Monument visit fees.
  • Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry, liquor, etc.
  • Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation, etc.
  • Tips to hotel staff, drivers, guides, etc.
  • Any extra costs incurred due to extension/change of the itinerary because of natural calamities, flight delays, road blocks, vehicle breakdown,s etc. factors beyond the control of “Asiatic Roads” and its associates.
  • Items not specified in the above in “Cost Includes”.
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com

Reviews

In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.

Steven Stone

Steven Stone

Traveller

In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.

Steven Stone

Steven Stone

Traveller
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com
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