Leh – Ladakh

Morning after breakfast drive to Alchi. Enroute visit Magnetic Hill,  Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Confluence of Zanskar, and Indus river. Visit Alchi Monastery and drive back to Leh. Just before reaching Leh visit . Arrive at a hotel in Leh for dinner and overnight. 

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. Believe it or not.

GURDWARA SHRI PATTHAR SAHIB: The Shrine known as Gurdwara Patthar sahib is situated about 25 kms. Short of Leh town on the Leh-Srinagar road. Built in the everlasting memory of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji the great prophet who sanctified the place by his sacred visit during the year 1517 while on his second missionary tour (2nd Udassi 1515-1518). The Guru reached here via Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet Yarkand and Leh after having spiritual discourses with the sidhas at Mount Sumer (Central Himalayas). On the hill features across the road, there used to live a wicked demon that terrorized the people of the area. Their miseries multiplied day by day. As their miseries became unbearable, they prayed for divine help. It is said that the Great Guru heard their woes and came to their rescue. The Guru settled down on the bank of the river flowing nearby. The people sought for help and the Guru blessed the people and became very popular in the area. The locals called him Nanak Lama. The Demon got enraged and started making plans to kill Guru Nanak. One morning, when the Guru was sitting in meditation, he rolled down a big boulder from the hilltop with the aim of killing the Guru. But on the very touch of Guru’s body, the solid rock melted like wax and Guru’s back got embedded on it like a cushion. The Guru kept on sitting in meditation undisturbed. Thinking that the Guru must have been killed, the demon came down but was taken aback on seeing the Guru in meditation, undisturbed. With a rage of anger, he tried to push the rock with his right foot, but the rock had already become like wax and his foot also got embedded into it. On this , he realized his folly and powerlessness as compared to the spiritual power of the Great Guru. He fell on the feet of Guru and humbly prayed to be pardoned. The Guru advised him to get rid of his wickedness and lead the life of a noble person, in the service of humanity. This changed the lifestyle of the demon, and he started serving the people. The Guru thereafter continued his Holy journey towards Srinagar and Kashmir via Kargil.

The boulder with the imprint of the Guru’s back is lying in the Gurdwara to this day.

CONFLUENCE OF THE ZANSKAR & INDUS: On the way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wed lock! In seasons they have different colours and flow and wildness.

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.

Early morning proceeds 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 Your Own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Camp / Hotel.

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 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 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 views of the valley can be seen from 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 reside in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thiksey Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar.

HUNDAR VILLAGE: Hundar is a beautiful village with a 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 bactrian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes for two hours is wonderful (on its own).

After breakfast, drive to Turtuk (which was first opened for tourists in 2010) which is a place Annexed by India only after the 1971 war, the village of Turtuk is one of the only Balti villages in India and lies right next to the LOC. The village with the whole population of Muslims still resembles mini-Pakistan. The village's inhabitants still use traditional utensils which are crafted from stone. Exploring the village of Turtuk the village offers views of a beautiful valley, part of Shyok Valley. On clear days you can have a glimpse of K2 mountain peak located across the border in Pakistan. Though a Muslim village, there are few gompas located on the plateau above Shyok River and there is a old royal house to see in village. Return to Hundar by the evening.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Pangong Lake on the Indo China border. Pangong Lake main attraction of this circuit is the Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 M). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometres at its widest point to which foreigners are permitted, is only some seven km along the southern shore from the head of the lake, but it affords spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range to the north, their reflection shimmering in the ever-changing blues and greens of the lakes brackish water. Above Spangmik are the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Pangong range. Overnight stay at Pangong. (Approx 5000/- for SUV & AMP; 8000/- for Tempo Traveller Extra for Warila Route – If Shayok route is Closed)

Post Breakfast, Leave for Hanle 180Km. The village has recently been opened for tourists and travellers. Drive through man, merag,  and Chgushul village and later cross Tsaga la pass (15290Ft) and drive towards Hanle. Cross Indus River at Loma and drive to Hanle. Arrive Hanle and check-in at Local Guest house. Later Drive to visit Indian Astronomical observatory which is the world’s highest observatory in the world at a staggering height of 4500 Metres.  with an installed telescope of about 2.01 meters (6.5 feet) diameter.  If desire members can visit Hanle monastery, the views from the top of the monastery are just breath-taking. The place is very scenic and feels out of the world. The night sky view in Hanle seems almost unreal as one can see the Galaxy with naked eyes. Dinner and overnight at Hanle house.

Post Breakfast, drive to Leh via Mahey Bridge A nice wilderness drive upto Mahey. We cross Nyoma village which the headquarter of nyoma block. Later drive to leh. On the way members can enjoy lunch in a local Dabha/Restaurant. Drive to leh along with River Indus.  Arrive leh by evening check in at hotel. Dinner and overnight at Leh hotel.

Leave on time for Leh airport to board your flight.