Ancient Monasteries Tour

Tour Destination: Srinagar - Sonmarg - Kargil - Rangdom - Padum - Kargil - Uletkpo - Leh Ladakh

Travel Duration: 13 Nights/14 Days

DAY 1: SRINAGAR

Arrival at Srinagar Airport and transfer to hotel. In the evening move around the town and revel in the scenic surroundings. You can take a long ride in the Shikara on the beautiful Dal Lake. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: SRINAGAR

After breakfast visit the beautiful city of lakes-Srinagar.

DAL LAKE-This lake is one of the important tourist attraction of Srinagar. The Dal Lake comprises of a number of lakes, including the Nagin Lake which also has many houseboats stationed there. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Later you take on a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake. 

MUGHAL GARDENS- These Gardens were laid by the Mughal epitomizing love for mankind. They are located between Dal Lake and Zabarwan Mountain range.

NASIM BAGH- One of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens, Nasim Bagh is constructed in 1586 AD by Great Mughal Emperor Akbar. This garden serves as a brilliant example of natural beauty merged with the man made marvelous designs. This is the oldest Mughal garden and has camping facilities in the enchanting lawns of the Gardens.

NISHAT BAGH- It was designed by Asaf Khan, brother of Noor Jehan, in 1633 AD. It is largest of the Mughal gardens and is situated on the banks of Dal Lake.

SHALIMAR GARDENS- Garden of love was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan in 1616.It is 2 major houses which is called the Diwan e Khas and Diwan e Aam.

CHESHMASHAHI- Royal springs are situated in the foothills of the Zabarwan range. It was laid by Ali Mardan Khan in 1632. 

PARI MAHAL- It is a school of astrology built by Prince Dara Shukho eldest son of Shahjahan who had keen interest in astrology and sufisim. One can capture a splendid view of the Srinagar city and Dal Lake.

SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE- The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit in Srinagar.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: SRINAGAR - SONMARG - KARGIL

In the morning start your drive to Kargil, military area. Enroute you can visit

SONMARG, MEADOW OF GOLD- A valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. You can view the beautiful flower and laden meadows, panoramic view of the snow covered Himalayan peaks. Here you can visit Thajiwas Glacier, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Manasbal Lake.

DRASS WAR MEMORIAL- Maintained by the Indian Army, the memorial depicts war photos, stories of soldiers and explains the difficulties Indian soldiers faced in the Kargil war, all topped with 100 feet high flagpoles.

By evening reach Kargil. Evening free for leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: KARGIL - RANGDOM

Today move towards the Zanskar valley, en-route visiting Panikar and Parkachan villages. Enjoy the sight of Nun and Kun peaks. In the evening reach Rangdom. Transfer to tents.

Overnight at Tents.

DAY 5: RANGDOM - PADUM

In the morning visit Rangdom Gompa and further drive to Padum

RANGDOM GOMPA- Nestled at an altitude of 11,998 feet above the sea level, Rangdom Gompa is situated halfway between Kargil and Padum. It was founded by Losang Geleg Yeshe Drogpa in the 18th century. It rises above a centrally ascending mountain, established around the diverged route of a mountain stream. It appears like an ancient fortification, which stands as a guardian of a mystical mountain valley. 

Later proceed to Padum, the Capital of Zanskar valley. En-route crosses Pensila Pass (4401 m). Also enjoy the view of some ancient Buddhist villages. Once you cross Tungri bridge, you cover Sunni Gompa. In the evening reach Padum. Transfer to tents.

Overnight at Tents.

DAY 6: RANGDOM - PADUM

Today go on an excursion trip to Pipitong, Thonde Gompa and Zangla (3450 m). This one of the most beautiful villages houses the Zangla Gompa. Next in line is another ancient monastery, Karsha Gompa. 

Overnight at Tents.

DAY 7: PADUM

In the morning go on a trek tour to the Bardan Gompa (7 to 8 hours). In the evening visit Padum market and Padum Gompa.

Overnight at Tents.

DAY 8: PADUM - KARGIL

After breakfast, drive back to Kargil. Day free for leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: KARGIL - ULEKTOKPO

In the morning drive to Uleyktopo, crossing Fotula pass, the highest pass on Srinagar- Leh route. On the way visit two of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. 

MULBEKH MONASTERY- Enshrined with the 9 meter tall idol of Maitreya Buddha (future) chiseled in the rocks.

LAMAYURU MONASTERY- This is one of the most beautiful and oldest monasteries. Murals, frescoes and column paintings exemplifying the Kashmiri style of Buddhist iconography are what stand out in this monastery.

Later continue your drive to Uleyktopo. In the evening visit to the Rizong Monastery.

Overnight at Tents.

DAY 10: ULEYKTOPO - LEH

In the morning to Heaven on Earth- Leh. En-route you can visit

ALCHI MONASTERY- Alchi Monastery is a Buddhist worshipping place and study center and is managed by the monks of Likir. The monastery was built, according to local tradition, by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958AD and 1055AD. The building is said to have been built during the 11th century and the architecture of the place is also excellent.

Continue to Leh. Retire for few hours to enable yourself to acclimatize with the high altitude. In the evening go out in the Leh markets which are famous for Pashmina Shawls, Pearls, Chinese Cutleries and Ladakhi wooden handicraft items.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11: LEH MONASTERY TOUR

After breakfast enjoy full day Monastery Tour, visiting

HEMIS MONASTERY- Hemis Monastery is revered as the largest monastic institution in Ladakh. Hemis Monastery is the wealthiest monastery in India and famous for its rich collection of ancient remnants like the statue of Buddha made of copper, stupas made of gold and silver. Monastery also has sacred Thangkas, murals and various artifacts. The Tibetan style architecture of the monastery is very colorful and attractive. Also visit the Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary and a number of Gompas in and around the area.

THIKSEY MONASTERY- Thikse Gompa, of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect, is around 19 kms to the East of the main city of Leh. The architecture of the largest monastery in central region of Ladakh is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This 12-storey building complex consists of a number of things related to Buddhist art such as Thangka paintings, statues, stupas, swords, and so on. A major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970. The statue of future Lord Buddha in this temple of 49 feet high, which is also the largest in the region. 

STOK PALACE- Located close to the Indus River; it was built in 1825 AD by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal. Well known for its architecture and design, beautiful gardens and amazing views, the palace presents a collection of royal attires, crown and other royal materials.

SHEY MONASTERY- It is one of the most revered Buddhist learning centers in the valley of Ladakh. The renowned monastery was built in the mid of the 17th century by King Deldon Namgyal in the memory of his late father Singay Namgyal. The Shey Monastery still holds the  glimpses of the bygone rule.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 12: LEH - KHARDUNG LA PASS - NUBRA VALLEY

After breakfast, drive to Khardung La Pass, world's highest motorable road. 

KHARDUNGLA PASS- Best known as the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok valleys in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Khardung La Pass, commonly pronounced as Khardzong La, is a very important strategic pass into the Siachen glacier and claims to be the world's highest motor able pass at an elevation of 5,602 m. The pristine air, the scenic beauty one sees all around and the feeling that you are on top of the world.

Later in the afternoon continue your drive to Nubra Valley. Transfer to hotel. After freshen up visit

DISKIT MONASTERY & HUNDUR MONASTERY- Both are popular Buddhist monasteries of Nubra. Also known as Diskit/ Diskit Gompa, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra valley, belonging to Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Diksit has been named as "The orchard of Ladakh". Diksit monastery also has a school which is run in collaboration with an NGO named "The Tibet support group".

MAITREYA BUDDHA- This is a 32 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha facing towards the Shyok river. This statue has been recently built, with 8 Kg gold which was donated by the head of Gompa and was sanctified by H.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 13: NUBRA VALLEY - LEH

After breakfast, visit

SAMSTANLING MONASTERY- The Monastery is in Sumlur village and was founded by Lama Tsultim Nima, 140 years ago. The monastery houses 50 monks and this is the main monastery of the region.

On the way and around the monastery the landscape is enchanted with the yellow-red trees, vibrant and colourful prayer flags, berry bushes, golden-grey mountains reaching out to cuddle the pristine blue skyline. 

BACTARIAN CAMEL SAFARI- They is white sand dunes where you partake in Camel Safari on double-humped camels and were the major mode of transport to travel to silk route. 

Later drive back to Leh. In the evening visit

SHANTI STUPA- It is an impressive white-domed structure located on a hilltop at Changspa in Ladakh. Built by a Japanese Buddhist organization named 'The Japanese for World Peace' - the stupa was inaugurated by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama in 1985. Built in commemoration of 2500 years of the spread of Buddhism, Shanti Stupa was aimed at promoting World Peace. A magnificent white-domed structure which is wonderfully illuminated at nights.

LEH PALACE- The Leh Palace, also known as 'Lhachen Palkhar' is one of the most historically rich edifices. This grand structure was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal as a royal palace, and the King and his family were the former residents of the majestic mansion. The Leh Palace is also one of the tallest buildings of its time with nine stories in all, and offers marvellous panoramic views of the entire town of Leh, as well as of the Stok Kangri and Zanskar mountains of the mighty Himalayan ranges, thereby giving the palace a strategic position.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 14: LEH DEPARTURE

Day free for shopping.

SHOPPING- Leh markets which are famous for Pashmina Shawls, Pearls, Chinese Cutleries and Ladakhi wooden handicraft items.

Later in the evening, travel back by car/flight towards onward destination.