The Indus & The Nubra Valley
- Ancient monasteries of the Indus Valley
- Interaction with the local people of beautiful villages of Ladakh
- Experience the Ladakhi lifestyle
- Enjoy a ride on the Bactrian double humped camel
| Title | The Indus & The Nubra Valley |
| Details | Delhi – Leh – Ulleytokpo – Hunder – Sumur – Delhi |
| Duration | 11 Nights / 12 Days |
The Indus valley which offers fabulous huge and rough landscapes alternating with vast and green oasis constitutes the major axis of Ladakh. The valley is full of all the colors of ladakhi’s life and their Buddhist and Tibetan cultures. The most prestigious monasteries of Ladakh are the soul of this valley. These Gompas are decorated with splendid frescos, which force us to evoke the multiple aspects of their thoughts.
South east of Leh sprawls the picturesque Nubra Valley. Once a halting place for the ancient caravans that travelled on the traditional trade routes to the bazaars of Central Asia, Nubra now plays host to a number of visitors from all over the world. Lying on the other side of the Ladakh range across the highest motorable road in the world Nubra is a mixture of desert and lush fields of barley, wheat, peas, millet, buckwheat, and apricot orchards. It is here also that you will find the rare Bactrian Double Humped Camel once used as a pack animal by traders coming in from China. This safari crosses the Khardung La (above 18,000ft) the highest mountain passes in the world and enters the Nubra valley. Two rivers flow through this beautiful valley – the Shyok and the Nubra. Visit the villages of Panamik, Tirirt, Khalsar, Diskit, and Hunder. An unforgettable drive through the Ladakh ranges.
Some of them which could cherish your mind with the beauty of places are Red fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi – a truly memorable experience. A visit to Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India.
Flight to Ladakh. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.
In the morning you will leave for the sightseeing of the East Indus Valley visiting the monastaries of Thiksey, Chemrey & Hemis. Everning drive back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay at the guest house.
After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus. Just before Saspol a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery, which is situated at the head of the village by the same name. In the afternoon you visit Ridzong Monastery. There is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley. The first view of the Monastery is dramatic.
Today after breakfast you proceed to the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery, which is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. According to legend, the arhat Madhyantika, a disciple of Buddha offered “torma’ (sacred food) and water to the spirits inhabiting the site to satisfy them.
On your return drive to Leh you first visit the 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 a hot lunch at Alchi you proceed to Basgo, which lies astride the road to Leh.
The road journey from Leh to NUBRA VALLEY passes over KHARDUNG LA (the highest motorable road in the world) at 5602 M / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. Before proceeding to your camp at Hunder, stop to visit DISKIT MONASTERY perched on a rock overhanging next to a stream, which provides the source of energy used by mills in the area.
After breakfast you will get the unique opportunity to ride on a bacterian camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snow capped mountains on the horizon. On the return journey you stop by to visit SAMSTANLING GOMPA founded by Lama Tsultims Nima.
After breakfast drive to Leh over Khardung La. Afternoon rest and relax or take a walk to the local market.
Today is a free day at leisure. You can also have optional activities life rafting on the Indus or the Zanskar rivers. Or explore the Leh town on foot or a mountain bike on your own.
In time transfer to the Leh airport to board your flight back to Delhi. You are met upon arrival at Delhi airport and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon & evening is at leisure to enable you to do some shopping so as to take some souvenirs back home.
Depending on your flight. Afternoon City tour Of Old Delhi. Later in time transfer to the International Airport to connect your flight for home / onward journey.