Ladakh Cultural Tour
Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Karzok
- Tsomoriri - Tsokar - Karzok - Leh - Delhi
Day 01 : Arrive at Delhi
Reach Delhi in the evening and relax at hotel. Overnight will be at Delhi. Delhi
is just not a city but it is a book-- a book which narrates the history of India.
The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various
events which has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city
went through the pain of being built and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India
Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of
a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past
and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi
is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors,
Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of
'Dilwalas' or for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true colour when
one goes around the lanes of Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali
In the morning you will be transferred to the station for SHATABDI EXPRESS
to Chandigarh. The car will pick you up at the station and start drive to
Manali. Late evening arrive at Manali on arrival check in the hotel for overnight
with dinner. Overnight will be at Manali.
Day 03 : Manali
Proceed for a Full Day excursion of the hill queen. Return to the hotel or
explore the local markets. Overnight will be at Manali.
Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological character
who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then
came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred
and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.
Day 04 : Manali - Jispa 
Early morning drive to Jispa after breakfast, through the Rohatang Pass 13,060
ft. around 51 km climb up to the Rohatang along a rough bridle path and once
on top, enjoy the stunning panoramas of the array of snow peaks and glaciers.
En route stop off at snow point a static point as it shifts with the snow.
After lunch at Keylong visit the monasteries than drive Jispa. Spend day walking
around the Jispa village. Overnight will be at Hotel.
Day 05 : Jispa - Sarchu
Early morning take the breakfast continue drive to Sarchu through the Darcha
village. This place is the gateway for the trekker's to Lamayuru via Zanskar
valley. We stop there for checking, because this is the last check post in
the Himachal.
Day 06 : Sarchu - Karzok Village
After breakfast drive to Pang. En route we cross the wild animal. Pang is
the tiny migrated markets in Leh-Manali road. The person who run the shops
these are Ladakhi. They are shifted there for few months as mid June till
Sep. Just cross the Pang, drive up. Overnight will be in the tent.
Day 07 : Karzok / Tsomoriri / Tsokar / Karzok
Late evening return to the camp for overnight.
Day 08 : Karzok - Leh
After breakfast drive to Leh. In the evening visit the Ladakhi kitchen. Overnight
will be at hotel in Leh.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh is a fascinating destination. Age-old monasteries,
quaint lanes, colorful markets and stunning views of the Himalayas make Leh
an exotic destination. Leh is where your adventure in Ladakh begins. You can
go trekking through the mountainous terrain of Ladakh, enjoy a game of polo
in a high altitude arena or watch an archery contest where local residents
compete in a contest that remains unchanged by time. Mountaineering, white
water rafting and wildlife tours are other adventurous attractions of Leh
Ladakh India. Though the weather can be freezing cold, the smiles on the faces
of the Ladakhi people are sure to warm your heart. Feel on top of the world
in Ladakh, on tours to Ladakh with Leh Ladakh India
Day 09 : Leh
Proceed for the full day Sightseeing of Shey, Thiksey, Hemis & Stok Palace.
In the evening watch a DANCES PROGRAM of the locals. Overnight will be at
Leh.
Shey Gompa: Situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh, Shey Gompa was
previously the summer palace of the Ladakhi kings. A prince of Ladakh installed
the 12 m tall gold-plated copper statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which can be seen
here. The Shey Gompa celebrates its annual festival on the 30th day of the 1st
month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. The Thiksey monastery located 17 Km
from Leh is 12 storeys high and has many statues of Buddha, a pillar inscribed
with Buddhist teachings, a 15 m high seated Maitreya Buddha in the main prayer
hall, and a vast collection of Buddhist art. Home to monks of the Gelukpa order
the Thiksey monastery is known for its annual festival held from the 17th to
19th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. The Hemis Gompa
is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. Located 45 Km to the south of Leh. Hemis
Gompa was built in 1630 and houses monks of the Brokpa or Red Hat sect. Tourists
can see beautiful frescoes (paintings) on the walls and the largest Thangka
painting in Ladakh, which is over 12 m in length. The Hemis Gompa is famous
for its annual Tse Chu Festival held in June-July, which is characterized by
colorful masked dances. The festival commemorates the anniversary of Padmasambhava,
the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Dancers wearing brightly colored masks that
represent good and evil characters in Mahayana Buddhism, enact an age-old tale
of the victory of good over evil. The Hemis Festival also includes a vibrant
bazaar where craftsmen sell handcrafted items. The Stokh Palace is located on
a glacial deposit of pebbles and overlooks fields of barley grown on terraces
on the mountains. Standing four storeys tall, the Stok Palace was the official
residence of the royal family of Ladakh and was constructed in 1814 by Ladakh's
last ruler. The museum at the Stok Palace has an intriguing collection of Buddhist
art, weapons, jewelry and artifacts, including thangkas painted with colors
derived from crushed precious stones. Also on display are the ceremonial headdresses
or 'peraks' of the erstwhile rulers of Ladakh. These headdresses are decorated
with turquoise, lapis lazuli and coral and gold, making them an exotic sight.
Day 10 : Leh - Delhi
Drive to Leh airport after breakfast for flight to Delhi. Spend day at Delhi
and check out late for flight to home.
