Ladakh: Overland Safari
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Introduction
Trek Grade: Easy
Far Horizon takes you to the lands beyond the Himalaya. Ladakh is a place where there are lakes so blue and clear that you can see the reflection of mountains. Drive to treacherous heights through high motorable passes in Khardungla Top and ride on the back of double humped camels in Nubra Valley. Visit beautiful monasteries of Leh and Alchi as you trek through pristine little towns cherishing glimpses of the lives of mountain folks and such natural beauty that leaves you mesmerized and in awe. Experience Introspection coupled with an adrenaline rush as a magnetic hill pulls your car and colorful prayer flags rustle in the wind.
Tour Highlights
- A 16 days mountain safari with a hiking tour from Old Manali to Solang Valley, a firsthand glimpse into the lives of mountain folks with views of the Dhauladhar Ranges of the Himalayas.
- 4 wheeled drive over the spectacular passes of Rohtang, Shingo La, Baralacha La, Lachung and Khardungla with views changing from lush green valleys to a lunar landscape of high altitude deserts.
- Drive along the Tso Kar & Tso Moriri lakes with camping at the Tso Moriri enjoying panoramic alpine views. If lucky meet the Changpas who herd the Paschmina goats.
- Visit the Nubra Valley and the beautiful monasteries in Leh and Alchi.
- Enjoy the charm of Old and New Delhi as the gateway city
- Prices on request
Destinations Covered
Delhi
The City of GloryDelhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Manali
Himachal Pradesh covers the north front of the country, offering the tourists with some of the most wonderful hill stations in the world and Manali is undoubtedly one of the most visited one. The main credit goes to its snow-covered peaks, alluring ambience, gorgeous valleys and lush greenery. It is a charming slope station located at the reservoir of the River Beas. The tourists from all parts of the world, look for the best tour packages for Manali, every year, as it is the most appreciated getaway in India.
Jispa
Jispa is a Scenic village at the Lahaul District of Himachal Pradesh in the banks of Bhaga river. The village of Jispa offers numerous sightseeing opportunities for the tourists.You are surrounded by picturesque views of the mist-covered mountains and clouds, both of which make the village look like a brilliantly painted portrait. What better thing to do here than soak in the dreamy scenery encompassing you. Enjoy a pleasant walk by the river or enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnicking spots around the Jispa village.
Sarchu
Situated at an altitude of 14,500 ft, Sarchu is nestled between Baralacha La Pass and Lachulung La pass. It is a favoured destination for adventure seekers and is located on the boundary of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Tso-Moriri
Tso-moriri is mind-numbingly beautiful, calm and sacred lake for Ladakhis. Tso-moriri is slightly higher than Pangong Tso and the water is far less brackish supporting more birdlife. The water is crystal clear and of a deep blue color. However, since the Tso-moriri Lake has no outlet, its waters are consequently brackish, although not very detectable to the taste. In fact, the Tso-moriri Lake was once a popular source of salt. Tso-moriri Lake is situated in the middle of the elevated district of Rupshu.
Leh Ladakh
A land of scenic beauty and creations
Nubra
A serene valley of OrchardsNubra Valley was originally called “ldumra” which means the valley of flowers. Now, it is also known as Orchard of Ladakh. Nubra Valley is a Tri-armed valley, which is located to the north east of Ladakh valley. Nubra valley is formed by the Shyok River, which is a tributary of the Indus, and the Nubra or the Siachen River. Nubra Valley is about 150km north from its principal town, Leh. Nubra Valley was the ancient gateway for the famous Silk Route. Nubra valley is famously known as “broken moonland” because in winter, the whole valley looks like the landscape of the moon.
Alchi
A low land village in LadakhAlchi, a small village situated on low land, is about 70 km to the west of Leh district and is located on the banks of the River Indus. Alchi village is very fertile and it is all green with apricot trees on both sides of the road. It is a perfect place to relax and experience the quintessential scenery.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Delhi
- Day 2 Delhi to Manali
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Day 3
Manali
Manali
Half day hiking tour from Old Manali to Solang Valley
Today, after an early breakfast set-off for a half day hiking tour from Old Manali to Solang Valley.
An easy trail that starts from the Manalsu Bridge in old Manali, meandering along the bank of Beas River, leading you through the villages of Goshal, Shanag and Burwa to get you to Solang Nala.
From the very beginning of the trek you will get a promising perspective of the magnificent snow covered peaks, so seemingly close and so obviously remote. As you walk by, on the left you can study various rocks in their rich varieties and forms. On the right, across the river you will get an overview of Vashihst Village.
You will get a firsthand glimpse into the everyday lives of the mountains folks. Traditional wooden houses, women weaving, women working in fields of wheat, potato, peas and apple orchards, ,men pasturing cattle, old women sitting and talking and older men playing cards. You will find the old with the new as you pass through these villages, how slowly but steadily modernization is taking over these small hamlets. Isolated Goshal with its wooden houses hardly resembles with the well-constructed mansions and fancy jeeps parked in Burwa.
A friendly Namaste can get you invited for a cup of chai (Tea)! As you get closer and closer, the scenery becomes more and more spectacular leading you to the adventure hub of Manali- Solang Nala! Solang Nala is popular with adventure sport enthusiasts as it offers activities including skiing, paragliding, ATV rides and zorbing etc. The trek can be completed in 5-6 hours.
Notes:
Reporting time: - 08:00 AM
Duration Approx.: 5-6 Hours
Max. Elevation: 2500 Meters Approx.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Thereafter, return to the hotel en-route visiting Old Manali and Vashisht.
Dinner on own
Overnight at the hotel (B, Packed L)
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Day 4
Manali – Rohtang La – Keylong – Jispa
Jispa
(Approx. 88 Miles / 140 kms / 6–7 hours’ drive)
Leave Manali after an early breakfast as the path carved by your journey leads you to the Beas watershed where you will climb and cross the first high pass of your journey, the Rohtang La pass (12960 ft.) The bustling town of Keylong greets you as you pass through it to reach Jispa where you may spend the rest of the day relaxing after the long journey.
Arrive & check-in to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
- Day 5 Jispa – Shingo-la – Jispa
- Day 6 Jispa – Sarchu
- Day 7 Sarchu / Tso-Moriri
- Day 8 Tso-Moriri
- Day 9 Tso-Moriri – Leh
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Day 10
Leh – Hemis – Thiksey – Leh
Leh Ladakh
(Approx. 38 miles/ 60 Km. / 1 hour drive – One way)
Start your day with the visit to Hemis Gompa, the biggest monastery in Ladakh. Located 45 Km to the south of Leh, it is built on a green hillside surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and hidden in a gorge. The Monastery belongs to Dugpa Kargyutpa order and houses monks of the Brokpa or Red Hat sect. One can see beautiful frescoes (paintings) on the walls and the largest Thangka painting in Ladakh, which is over 12 m in length. Within the monastery there are to be seen a copper-gilt statue of the Lord Buddha, various stupas made of gold and silver, sacred thangkas and many objects.
The Monastery was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630, who was invited to Ladakh by King Singay Namgial and offered a religious estate throughout the region.
The monastic festivals of Ladakh are governed by the Tibetan calendar (luni-solar) and dance-dramas in the gompa courtyards are conducted. The performers are the lama monks themselves who wear colorful garments and often frightful, at times comic masks. The monks perform mimes representing various aspects of the religion, be it the progress of the individual soul and purification or the triumph of good over evil.
We make our way towards the Thiksey Gompa – an impressive imitation of Lhasa’s Potala Palace dramatically perched on a slope overlooking the Indus Valley. Thiksey is the most beautiful of all monasteries in Ladakh, belonging to the Gelukpa order. The Gompa was first built at Stakmo by Changsem Sherab Zangpo of Stod. Later the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, Spon Paldan Sherab, founded the Thiksey Gompa on a hilltop to the north of the Indus River in 1430 AD. There are sacred shrines and many precious objects to be seen there.
Later, return to Leh and spend time at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 11
Leh – Nubra
Nubra
(Approx. 109 miles/ 174 Km. / 5 hours’ drive)
Check-out after breakfast and drive to Nubra valley (approx. 5 hrs. drive) driving over the Khardungla Pass, this is the World's highest motorable road at 18832 feet above sea level. At Khardungla pass, the snowcapped peaks and the mountain views are amazing. The road then passes through a bridge laid on a Glacier which finds its way in Guinness Book of world records. Drive through the Valley which is extremely beautiful for photography.
Arrive Nubra and check-in to your tented camp.
Later visit the Samstanling Monastery.
Overnight at the Tented Camp (B, L, D)
- Day 12 Nubra
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Day 13
Nubra - Leh - Likir - Alchi
Alchi
(Approx. 149 Miles / 238 Km. / 8-9 hours’ drive)
After early breakfast, drive to Alchi over the Khardung-La pass enroute visit Likir monastery.
The Likir Monastery or Gompa is one of the oldest and well-maintained monasteries in Ladakh. The Monastery is located in Likir village and is believed to have been in existence since the 11th century. The Monastery is also known for the 75 feet statue of Buddha. The Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism which is also referred as Yellow Hat sect. It was founded by Tsongkhapa in the 15th century. After the visit drive on to Alchi (14 miles / 22 Kms/ approx. 45 mins)
The village of Alchi is situated around 70 kms from Leh on the left banks of the Indus River. The main attraction in Alchi village is the Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa. The Alchi Monastery dates back to nearly one thousand years. There are five shrines in the Choskor temple complex which has some splendid wall paintings.
Arrive and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)
- Day 14 Alchi – Lamayuru – Basgo – Leh
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Day 15
Leh – Delhi
Delhi
After an early breakfast, depart to the airport to board the flight to Delhi.
In Delhi, you may refresh yourself at the hotel and enjoy a tour of Old Delhi and a visit to the Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
Also a tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Parliament House.
Thereafter, a visit to the capital’s most striking monument, the 70 meter high Qutub Minar, looming majestically across the wide plains of Delhi will mark the end of your incredible journey.
Lunch & dinner on own.
Overnight stay at the hotel (B)
- Day 16 Depart Delhi
