We have a very early start today for the flight to Leh. Sometimes we might have to leave the hotel at 2am and drive straight to the airport to board early morning exciting flight which is worth over the Himalayas. Flying straight to the high altitude of Leh (11,485ft/3,500m) can take your breath away (literally) and so we have to focus on familiarizing for the first few days.

In the morning, we rest and catch up on sleep. In the afternoon, there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh and its bazaars.

Kochi Sightseeing

Today, view 16th century St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. Head to the harbor where local fishermen continue to use cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, distinctively unique to Kochi, living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast dating back to the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan.

. In time drive to Munnar for your overnight stay

Today you will explore two of the major gompas [Buddhist monasteries]. First, we shall drive to Shey, a former majestic palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple encompassing a 350-year-old copper-and-gold statue of the Buddha.

Then from Shey, we walk across the fields approximately for two hours on a good, level trail to Tikse, where we visit the hilltop monastery; its red-and-white edifices can be seen for a great distance. We can sightsee the temples and courtyards and can convene with red-robed monks who live here. In one of the temples, there is a 50ft (15m) high statue of the Future Buddha. Later return back to Leh for leisure and rest. Night stay is in Leh

Today we will take a familiarization walk round the Leh Valley. Established above Leh on the Namgyal Hill are the remains of the Old Royal Palace; from here, a curving path takes us to the Tsemo Monastery, where our energies are pleased with splendid views of the whole of Leh and its surrounding villages
Inclining round the back of the palace, we walk via Sankar to the newly built Japanese Peace Pagoda. This huge stupa overlooks Leh and we have spectacular views of the town and the Stok mountain range across the valley.

If you want then you can take an optional 4 X 4 trip to the nerve-jangling Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 18,379ft (5,602m) above sea level and once a route for Silk Road traders. On a clear day, we adore views over the mighty peaks of the Himalaya, including the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. The journey to the top and back takes coarsely four to five hours and can be booked on direct payment basis.

Today we leave Leh this morning, and incline to the Indus River with great vistas of the Zanskar River when it meets the mighty Indus. Plunging to the village of Nimmu, the road climbs to Basgo village where an old fort and temples seem to be built out of the mud cliffs. Ascending out of Basgo, we take a short stretch of straight road before turning off to Likir, to explore the monastery. The gompa is well kept and there is an active school for young monks.

Next drive will be to Yangtang village (12,083ft/3,683m). If time permits than we can discover the village and maybe visit the small school or watch the Ladakhis sowing barley and potatoes, the staple crops of these hardy mountain people. From Yangtang, there are delightful views over the village to the Zanskar mountains beyond.

Accommodation: Village homestay

We leave Yangtang and head north with impressive rock formations surrounding us.
During the first couple of hours of the walk today, we come across to some appealing erosion features, including peaks with rock boulders unstably balanced upon them. We arrive to our housing around lunchtime. In the afternoon, there is the chance to walk higher up the valley. This area is well famous for ibex, while snow leopards have also been seen here.

Accommodation: Village lodge

Today we will go on an easy trail, climbing to our first pass, the Spangpo La (13,392ft/4,082m), with great views of the hills ahead and down to Hemis Shukpachen (12,018ft/3,663m). This peaceful village with a small gompa, green pastures and a clear stream is a lovely place to stay for the night. In the midafternoon, we can visit the monastery and can have a view around the village.

Accommodation: Village lodge

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Activity hours: 4hr 30min

Today we cross the grasslands in a northwesterly direction, skirting the sides of the fields. After a stop at a chorten (a Buddhist shrine), we follow the track past the mature juniper trees (known locally as shukpa), after which the village is named. The route climbs easily to the Mebtek La (12,454ft/3,796m), from where we can admire the pink and mauve mountains ahead.

Then we slope down to the next valley and the trail ahead can just be made out as it zig-zags up the mountainside in the distance. The path curves till Lago La (12,572ft/3,832m) and from the top there are beautiful views across to the south side of the Indus Valley. The track slopes sharply from the pass to the village of Ang. This area is viewed as the richest in Ladakh and fields of barley, potatoes and orchards provide more than suitable food for these villages.

From Ang, it is an easy walk (might be somewhat hot and dusty) along the 4×4 track to Temisgam (10,682ft/3,256m). This is the largest, most prosperous village on the trek with fertile fields, spreading apple and apricot orchards, and large, white-washed Ladakhi homes, plus castle ruins and some temples you can visit.

Accommodation: Village homestay

Distance covered: 8mi (13km)

Activity hours: 5

Today we continue our hike through Temisgam village which will continue to Bong Bong La (11,910ft/3,630m), our last pass. As we trek up, we will see wide views of the Sham Valley, with streams and the Tia Monastery in the background. From here, we walk down to the nearest road to Khalsi. Later we shall be picked up and driven to Lamayuru. Shortly before the evening falls, we can get to know the village on a short walk.

Accommodation: Lodge

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Activity hours: 5hrs to 6hrs

In the morning, we see the 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery, which houses more than 150 monks and some of the largest thangas (traditional Buddhist paintings) in the world. On the ensuing journey, we cross one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Ladakh, which is called Moon Land due to the forms of erosion and unusual colours. In the afternoon we shall reach Alchi and can take a leisurely stroll through the village and see many barley fields, apple orchards and apricot trees.

Accommodation: Lodge

In morning time we visit Alchi Monastery, a mesmerizing complex said to have been built around the 11th century by the Tibetan translator Richen Zangpo. Where other gompas in Ladakh are constructed on hilltops, Alchi was erected on the plains with gorgeous architecture including a Kashmiri-style assembly hall and wall paintings representing Ladakh kings in an captivating mixture of Buddhist and Kashmiri styles. After our stopover, we drive to Leh and check in to our hotel for overnight stay.

This day is schemed for yet another adventure at the Hanle village so that is what we will be doing! Post breakfast, we will be heading towards Hanle. Hanle village was named after the Hanle River and is known as the world’s highest observatory for stargazing. Are you a stargazing lover? If yes, then enjoy yourselves star gazing at some precious stars and other constellations in the sky for free!

According to some historical books, it is believed that King Singge Namgyal lost his life in Hanle while returning from an excursion with the Mongols. After interacting with locals for a while, we will stay back at Hanle’s hotel.

After breakfast we shall be driving back to Leh and will check in at the hotel. If you wish then you can spend some time for shopping to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. Night stay is in Leh

In time get transferred to Leh airport to board your flight for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Rest of the day is for leisure and shopping.

In time get transferred to New Delhi airport to board your flight for onwards journey. Tour Ends