Valleys of Ladakh

DURATION : HIGHLIGHTS : 06 Nights / 07 Days. Indus Valley Monastery tour, Sunset Point, Jeep Safari Sham Valley, Nubra Valley (Valley of flowers) over Worlds highest motorable road Khardungla, and Jeep Safari to Pangong Lake on Indo China border. Valid from 15th April 2012 to 30 Sep 2012. Valid for Indian Nationals only

COST VALIDITY : ITINERARY - :

Day 01 : Arrival Leh drive to Likir. (60 Kms / 1 Hrs) Arrival Leh, Wisdom representative will meet, greet, assist and transfer you to your hotel in Likir. Rest of the day free to acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh. In the evening take a walk in the serene and calm Likir village and visit Likir Gompa. Return to Hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Likir. LIKIR GOMPA: Founded in the 11th century and rededicated to a different monastic order in the 15th century, its earlier Gompa was destroyed in a fire. The present Gompa dated back to the 18th century. Skilled craftsmen producing excellent Thankas, earthen pots and carved wooden folding stools, live here in the village. Majestically situated, Likir commands a spectacular view. A magnificent giant Jupiter tree, one of the few survivors of its species, stands in the courtyard. Day 02 : Drive to Leh via Alchi. After breakfast at the hotel drive to Alchi village to see 1000 years old Alchi Dhammchakra Centre. Later drive to Leh, enroute visiting Confluence of Indus and Zanskar river, Basgo fort, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and Spituk monastery. Evening free to stroll around Leh market. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Leh. ALCHI GOMPA: 70 Kms from Leh, on the banks of the Indus, is the Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attractions. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Liker monastery. This is the only monastery amongst 34 monasteries, which is not located on a hilltop. CONFLENCE OF THE ZANSKAR & INDUS : On way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wed-lock! In seasons they have different colors and flow and wildness. BASGO GOMPA: 40 Kms downstream from Leh, it was the seat of power of branch of a Namgyal family. It was here in 1680 that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three year old siege. Original 16th century murals and other arts at Basgo are well worth a visit.

GURDWARA SHRI PATTHAR SAHIB: The Shrine known as Gurdwara Patthar sahib is situated about 25 kms. Short of Leh town on the Leh-Srinagar road. Built in the everlasting memory of Shri Guru Nanak Deve Ji the great prophet who sanctified the place by his sacred visit during the year 1517 while on his second missionary tour (2nd Udassi 15151518). The Guru reached here via Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet Yarkand and Leh after having spiritual discourses with the sidhas at Mount Sumer (Central Himalayas). On the hill features across the road, there used to live a wicked demon that terrorized the people of the area. Their miseries multiplied day by day. As their miseries became unbearable they prayed for divine help. It is said that the Great Guru heard their woes and came to their rescue. The Guru settled down on the bank of the river flowing nearby. The people sought for help and the Guru blessed the people and became very popular in the area. The locals called him as Nanak Lama. The Demon got enraged and started making plans to kill Guru Nanak. One morning, when the Guru was sitting in meditation, he rolled down a big boulder from the hilltop with the aim of killing the Guru. But on the very touch of Gurus body, the solid rock melted like wax and Gurus back got embedded on it like a cushion. The Guru kept on sitting in meditation undisturbed. Thinking that the Guru must have been killed, the demon came down but was taken aback on seeing the Guru in meditation, undisturbed. With a rage of anger he tried to push the rock with his right foot but the rock had already became like wax his foot also got embedded into it. On this , he realized his folly and powerlessness as compared to the spiritual power of the Great Guru. He fell on the feet of Guru and humbly prayed to be pardoned. The Guru advised him to get rid of his wickedness and lead the life of a nobel person, in the service of humanity. This changed the life style of demon and he started serving the people. The Guru there after continued his Holy journey towards Srinagar and Kashmir via Kargil. The boulder having imprint of the Gurus back is lying in the Gurdwara to this day. MAGNETIC HILL : Defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the Gurdwara Shri Patthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill thats the Believe it or not of Ladakh! SPITUK GOMPA: 8 Kms from Leh, it stands prominently on the top of hillock commanding a panoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles. Many icons of Buddha and fine Thankas are to be found in this 15th century Gompa. The Gompa also houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image of Mahakaal. The face of the Kali image is kept covered and is revealed only at the annual function at January every year. Day 03 : Monastery tour and Leh sightseeing. Morning after breakfast, drive to Thiksey village, visit Thiksey monastery and drive to Shey Village to visit Shey Palace and Gompa. Later return to Leh for lunch. Post lunch visit Ladakhs only donkey Sanctuary and Shanti Stupa for beautiful sunset view. Return to hotels for dinner and overnight stay. THIKSEY GOMPA: 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.

SHEY PALACE AND GOMPA: Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here. DONKEY SANCTUARY : The sanctuary is situated just off the road leading to Khardungla Pass. The public is encouraged to visit the sanctuary and friendly signs will direct you to the sanctuary from the center of Leh. Once at the sanctuary, the artistic surprise awaiting you is well worth the effort. It is open to the public throughout the day and donations and juicy carrots are most welcome and used exclusively for improving the lives and welfare of these wonderful animals. SHANTI STUPA (Japanese Peace Pagoda) : Shanti Stupa/Japanese peace pagoda is build by a Japanese religious organization headed by Head monk Nakamura with the help from the organization and local people. It is situated at a hill top in Cahngspa village providing a bird eye view of the Leh town and the surrounding mountain peaks. Architecturally it has the Japanese touch with small clean rooms on the side for meditators and the main Japanese shrine at the entrance. Day 04 : Leh - Nubra Via Khardungla Pass (140 Kms / 5 6 hrs) Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the World Highest Motorable road (5602 Mts) Khardungla pass. Arrive Nubra and proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy the camel ride (On Own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries and check in at Deluxe Camp. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the camp. KHARDUNGLA PASS: The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardung La pass (The highest Motorable road in the world) 18,390 ft. around 39 Kms. Away from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at higher altitude than Deskit and other villages. DESKIT VILLAGE: Deskit is the main village of headquarter of Nubra valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop. Spectacular view of the valley can be seen form the monastery. DESKIT GOMPA: Deskit Gompa was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks are residing in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thikse Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar. HUNDAR VILLAGE: Hundar is a beautiful village to stay with lot of trees and you will really enjoy your stay at Hundar. It has a small monastery and ruined fort above the village. The walk or Camel Safari (Double Hump bacterian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes for two hours is wonderful (on own). Day 05 : Nubra - Leh

Morning after Breakfast proceed for Leh, once again driving via Khardungla pass the World Highest Motorable road. Evening explore Leh bazaar for souvenir, visit Leh Jokhang or Leh Mosque by foot. Overnight at the hotel. JOKHANG: the Ladakh Buddhist Association in 1957 built the small Gonpa opposite to SBI and known as Jokhang in the main bazaar, which is open throughout the day for visitors. The Gonpa contains statue of Joyo Rinpoche (crowned Buddha). LEH MOSQUE: The Jama Masjid of Leh was built in 1666-67 AD under an agreement between Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and Ladakhi ruler Deldan Namgyal. Initialy, the architecture of the mosque bore Tibetan, Central Asian and Ladakhi style. In recent years it has been reconstructed and given a new look with minarets and domes. Day 06 : Excursion to Pangong Lake (280 Kms round trip) Morning after breakfast drive to to Pangong Lake on the Indo China border. Evening back to hotel in Leh for dinner and overnight. THE PANGONG LAKE : This route takes the visitor past the picturesque villages of Shey and Thiksey, and turns off the Indus valley by the side valley of Chemrey and Sakti. The Ladakh range is crossed by the Chang-la (18,000 feet / 5,475 M) which despite its great elevation is one of the easier passes, remaining open for much of the year even in winter, apart from periods of actual snowfall. Tangse, just beyond the foot of the pass, has an ancient temple. But the main attraction of this circuit is the Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 M). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometers at its widest point to which foreigners are permitted, is only some seven km along the southern shore from the head of the lake, but it affords spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range to the north, their reflection shimmering in the everchanging blues and greens of the lakes brackish water. Above Spangmik are the glacier and snowcapped peaks of the Pangong range. Day 07 : Airport Departure. Leave on time for Leh airport to board your flight to Delhi. TOUR ENDS - : Cost per person on twin sharing basis :
NUMBER OF PAX 01 Single traveling alone Min 02 pax Min 04 pax Min 06 Pax Single supplement Extra Bed (above 05 years) Deluxe Rs. 58065.00 Rs. 31030.00 Rs. 23075.00 Rs. 20425.00 Rs. 11120.00 Rs. 12145.00 Luxury Rs. 66265.00 Rs. 38556.00 Rs. 30600.00 Rs. 27950.00 Rs. 11800.00 Rs. 13455.00 Premium Rs. 79180.00 Rs. 44987.00 Rs. 37035.00 Rs. 34380.00 Rs. 18280.00 Rs. 18705.00

2nd Child below 12yr. W/O bed Per person Supplement cost for AP basis (for complete tour)

Rs. 5840.00 Rs. 2756.00

Rs. 7156.00 Rs. 3745.00

Rs. 11355.00 Rs. 5056.00

Hotels Envisaged :
Place Likir Leh Deluxe Hotel Lukhil Mantra Cottages Lharimo Eco Resort Lehchen Alpine Villa Khasdaan Grand Willow Tirith Camp Royal Camp Mystic Meadows Lharimo North Luxury Hotel Lukhil Mantra Deluxe Reenam Ladakh Residency Spic n Span Caravan Centre Royal Ladakh Lharisa Desert Himalaya Camp & Resort Premium Hotel Lukhil Grand Dragon (Std. room)

Nubra

Desert Himalaya Camp & Resort

Supplement for English Speaking Local Guide (optional) : Rs. 1200.00 per day. THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1. Accommodation in Standard room at : 01 night stay at specified hotel in Likir with attached bath. 04 nights stay at specified hotels in Leh with attached bath. 01 night stay at specified camps / resort at Nubra Valley. 2. Stay on MAP Basis. (06 breakfasts and 06 dinners) 3. Transportation by NAC Quails / Tavera / Scorpio / Innova (as per availability) for arrival / departure transfers, sightseeing as per the itinerary. 4. Assistance at the airport while arriving and departing. 5. Mics. charges are inclusive like Inner-line permits Potareges at hotel and airport All applicable luxury/ road taxes THE QUOTATION DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfares trainfare. Any monastery entrance fees, Any Joy ride or rafting. Medical expenses (apart from first aid) and insurance of any kind. Tips, laundry, liquors, wines, mineral water, telephone charges, camera fee and items of personal nature. Transportation is not on disposal basis. It is strictly as per the programme, any extra running will be charges extra. Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses. Any other item not mentioned in the cost includes section.

Cancellation policy : 15 Days prior to date of arrival - 25% of the total bill will be charged. 14 Days to 08 Days prior to date of arrival 50% of the total bill will be charged. 07 Days less prior to date of arrival 100% of the total bill will be charged. All the arrangements for the tour are preplanned and prepaid. In case of not completion of the tour due to any reason whatsoever there will not be any refund for any unutilized services. Any extra expense due any alteration has to be paid extra. Child Policy : - Children below 5 years of age are allowed to stay free with parents without extra bed. Children between 5 12 years have to take an extra bed at the prescribed rate. 02nd child between 5 12 years sharing parents bed have to pay extra as per the prescribed rate. All Indian tourists are required to carry valid Photo IDs issued by any govt. institution, for the innerline permits. Children accompanying the parents are required to carry date of birth certificate. Non submission of the above documents will result in denial of entry to the restricted areas in Ladakh.