Divine Moonlad

After breakfast full day sightseeing to the massive Tibetan Buddhist Gompas of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. A few kilometers up the Indus is Shey, the ancient capital, with its palaces, temples, and vibrantly colored murals, cleaned and restored in the mid 1980’s. Later we drive to visit the fortress styled monastery of Thiksey. Afterwards, we drive to visit the Hemis monastery. This monastery is known to be the most famous and rich Buddhist temple in the entire region. The Murals and frescoes here date back to 17th century. After we explore the sacred monastery, we drive back to our hotel in Leh. In the evening, we will spend some time roaming around the markets. Overnight at your hotel.

After early breakfast drive for a visit of Pangong Lake via Chang La pass. The drive takes you through spectacular, amazing scenery, with breathtaking views of the snow covered Himalayas. The Lake is the highest (4267M) salt-water lake in the world, situated along the India / China border. It is about 130 Km long and 5-6 Km wide. The Chang - chenmo range surrounding it from the north provide a spectacular backdrop to the blue and green expanse of its brackish water. Later drive back to Leh. Overnight Hotel.

Today we drive on the Indus river route to visit the lovely oasis of Alchi situated in the outer Zanskar region. As we drive past colorful villages and hill side monasteries the journey will get more interesting. We cross the bridge and arrive at Alchi a bit early in the afternoon. We spend the time exploring the small village. One of the interesting aspects of this village is its monastery. Mainly known for its wall paintings of the 11th century, the monastery was built by the great translator "LotsawaRinchenZangpo". The wall paintings in Alchi Monastery are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh and reflect artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir. Later as we wrap up our Alchi visit, we drive to visit the Lamayuru monastery. The Indian scholar MahasiddhacaryaNaropa founded Lamayuru monastery in the 11th century (allegedly on the site of a dried-up lake) after spending many years meditating, Lamayuru is the one of the largest and also one of the oldest gompa in Ladakh with a population of around 150 permanent monk’s resident. After we explore this beautiful monastery we will head back to Leh. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast proceed for an unforgettable drive to the top of the world's highest motor able mountain pass Khardungla, at a height of about 18,300 Ft Enjoy unbelievable but true spectacular views of the Himalayas. Return by lunch. After lunch proceed to visit Stok Palace. The palace is home to the erstwhile Ladakhi royal family and houses an immense treasure of cultural and traditional artifacts. Later we will drive back to the hotel for our overnight stay.