Wonders of Ladakh (9 Days and 8 Nights)

You will be welcomed at New Delhi International Airport by our tour leader. Drive to a hotel for check-in. There will not be any excursions during the day.

After breakfast, visit the India Gate – an arch built in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. The India Gate is 42 meters in height and was dedicated to the nation in 1931. Catching a glimpse of the president’s house, you will then head for Birla House, where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. A museum inside the building complex shares detailed information about his life and his contribution to the freedom struggle of India.

Next, visit the famous Sikh shrine of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The shrine is associated with the life of the eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Harkrishan. The museum inside the shrine complex shares in-depth history of Sikhism in India through pictorial representations.

After lunch, visit the Qutub Minar – one of the tallest minarets in the world. It is believed that Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim conqueror of Delhi, laid the foundation of the Qutub Minar in 1192 AD. The height of the Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters, and there are 379 steps to reach its top. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Fly to Leh on a morning flight (80 minutes duration). Upon arrival, check-in at a hotel. Later in the day, visit the Stok Palace and the Shanti Stupa. The Stok Palace, a three-story structure, was constructed in 1820 AD by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal and used to be the summer palace of the royal family. After the invasion of Ladakh by the Dogra forces in 1835 AD, the royal family moved to the Stok Palace, which was later converted into a heritage hotel in 1980. The palace houses a museum exhibiting interesting artifacts associated with the royals. The Shanti Stupa, built in 1991 as part of the Peace Pagoda mission, enshrines relics of Lord Buddha at the base. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Embark on excursions to two of the most important and popular monasteries of Ladakh: The Hemis and the Thikse Monasteries. The Hemis Monastery, located 48 km from Leh, was founded in 1630 AD and boasts the largest number of resident monks in Ladakh. Its annual festival in June/July, coinciding with the birthday of Guru Padamasambhava, attracts tourists from around the world. The Thikse Monastery, founded in the 15th century AD, features an impressive multilevel structure with shrines containing images of Sakyamuni, Avlokiteshvara, and a giant-sized idol of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery's terrace offers a panoramic view of the nearby mountains and valleys. After the visit, drive back to the hotel for leisure time in the evening and an overnight stay.

Check-out from the hotel and drive to Nurla (80 km). Enroute, visit the shrine of Pathar Sahib and the Likir Monastery. The shrine of Pathar Sahib is dedicated to Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. It is built at the spot where Sri Nanak Dev had an encounter with a demon in 1517 AD. Further along the route, make a short halt at Magnetic Hill to experience an interesting gravity-defying phenomenon. At a specific spot on the highway, when a vehicle is placed in neutral gear, it is pulled up the slope for some distance. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by the geological attributes of the hill exerting a magnetic force on the vehicles.

Continuing towards Nurla, drive past the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, known as the Sangam. It offers a beautiful sight. The Likir Monastery, established in the 12th century AD and later restructured under the Ge-lug-pa sect of Buddhism, is impressive. The main prayer hall houses images of Sakyamuni, Maitreya, and Tsong-kha-pa with his two disciples. The murals and thangkas of the monastery add to its charm. Upon reaching Nurla, check-in at a riverside hotel for your stay.

There will not be any excursions during the day, allowing you to relax and unwind in the serene valley of Nurla. You are free to plan your own activities and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

The first half of the day is free for you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Nurla at your own pace, as there are no planned excursions during this time. Post lunch, drive to Lamayuru (33 km, 45 mins) to explore the Buddhist monastery. It is estimated that the Lamayuru Monastery was established in the 11th century AD, making it the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Belonging to the Kagyu-pa sect of Buddhism, the monastery holds a revered status. Lama Naropa's meditation cave, located near the main assembly hall, offers a peaceful ambiance for reflection. The monastery also houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Early morning flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival in New Delhi, your memorable journey with us comes to a close as you proceed to your onward destination. Thank you for choosing us for your adventure, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.