The Land of High Passes
10 days - Delhi, Leh, Tingmosgang
10 days - Delhi, Leh, Tingmosgang
For the intrepid traveler, this journey takes you to India's Ladakh, the mountainous region in Jammu and Kashmir. The name Ladakh has its origin in the words La - meaning mountain passes, and Dakh - meaning in great number, thus known as the "Land of Mountain Passes." The passes, surrounded by fascinating landscapes often referred to as "moonland," were once major trade junctions on the ancient silk route from China. The town of Leh was once the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh, and today serves as its capital. Located at the crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir, it is a bustling tourist town with large numbers of Kashmiri traders. Leh is dominated by the ruins of the Leh Palace, the former residence of the Ladakh royal family, and is easy to navigate on foot. Tingmosgang was the captial of Ladakh in the 15th century, and is one of the regions largest villages. Then King Drag-pa-Bum chose the area for its beauty and size, and his palace and temple, located atop a hillock in the center of the village, are still in existence. Tingmosgang is a village of clean air saturated with the fragrance of flowers and incense, beautiful valleys, and a roaring stream which divides the village in two. Discover a world unchanged with the passage of time; where monasteries, villages and markets as old as time still exist, and where forgotten valleys, secluded monasteries, and lost tribes are waiting to be discovered by the modern traveler.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Leh. Rise early and fly to Leh, the largest town in the Ladakh region, India's northernmost state. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for rest, and to acclimatize to the high altitude of the Himalayan plateau region. (lunch, dinner).
Day 3: Leh. This morning explore Leh town and bazaar on foot. Leh has for centuries been an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley. The character of the bazaars and thriving trade has not changed, and it seems as if daily life has been frozen in the mists of time. Afterward proceed for a visit to Shanti Stupa, which contains relics of Buddha enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. Built by Japanese buddhists, from the stupa's location great panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains can be enjoyed. After an afternoon at leisue, visit Sankar Gompa, a buddhist monastery of the Yellow Hat Sect. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 4: Leh. Today is dedicated to exploring Leh and the surrounding areas. Early morning depart for Thiksey Monastery in time to observe the prayer ceremony. Afterwards join the monks for a typical Ladakhi breakfast in the monastery kitchen and dining area. From here we continue to visit the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. The Hemis Museum, located within the monastery, contains exquisite Tibetan silk paintings, or thangka, and religious manuscripts and artifacts. Proceed to Shey village for a picnic lunch. Walking through the village see Shey Monastery, noted for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha; and Shey Palace, built first in 1655 by the King of Ladakh. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Hemis Shukpachan/Tingmosgang. Depart on a scenic mountain drive to Hemis Shukpachan, located in the lower valley of the Ladakh region known as Sham Valley. From here we finish with a trek to the village of Ang, and then to Tingmosgang, This soft trek takes about 2-3 hours, and contains one steeper climb in the middle. Tingmosgang is famous for its monastery, and is perhaps the most affluent village in the Sham Valley with orchards of apricots, apples, and nuts. The afternoon is free to explore the village on your own. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Dah/Hanu/Tingmosgang. Embark on a full day excursion to Dah and Hanu, the main villages of the Dards in the Ladakh district. The Dard people are nominally Buddhist, but also worship their own pantheon of gods. Indo-European in appearance, folklore says that the Dards made an appearance in the region with Alexander the Great and have preserved their traditions and rituals since that time. (breakfast, packed picnic lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Lamayuru/Leh. Visit Lamayuru, one of Ladakh's oldest and largest monasteries, with a population of around 150 monks resident. From the monastery one can observe Lamayuru's unique topography known as "Moonland." Afterwards visit the village at the foot of the monastery before continuing to Leh. En route a stop will be made at Alchi Monastery. The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir are reflected in the wall paintings that are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Leh. This morning drive to Saboo village. The village is famous for its Lady Oracle, who is considered to have healing powers and also foretells the future. During the visit enjoy a traditional Ladakhi welcome and lunch hosted by the family members of a local household. This evening see a cultural show showcasing the different attires and costumes of various Ladakhi tribes. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 9: Delhi. Return to Delhi this morning on an early flight. Later explore Old and New Delhi on a city tour. Start with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi to see Red Fort and colorful Chandni Chowk market. Also visit Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. In New Delhi visit two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
Day 10: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Six breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,190.
Note: Ladakh resides at a high elevation and altitude sickness is a possibility. Please insure that you are medically fit to travel to this region.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Leh. Rise early and fly to Leh, the largest town in the Ladakh region, India's northernmost state. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for rest, and to acclimatize to the high altitude of the Himalayan plateau region. (lunch, dinner).
Day 3: Leh. This morning explore Leh town and bazaar on foot. Leh has for centuries been an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley. The character of the bazaars and thriving trade has not changed, and it seems as if daily life has been frozen in the mists of time. Afterward proceed for a visit to Shanti Stupa, which contains relics of Buddha enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. Built by Japanese buddhists, from the stupa's location great panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains can be enjoyed. After an afternoon at leisue, visit Sankar Gompa, a buddhist monastery of the Yellow Hat Sect. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 4: Leh. Today is dedicated to exploring Leh and the surrounding areas. Early morning depart for Thiksey Monastery in time to observe the prayer ceremony. Afterwards join the monks for a typical Ladakhi breakfast in the monastery kitchen and dining area. From here we continue to visit the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. The Hemis Museum, located within the monastery, contains exquisite Tibetan silk paintings, or thangka, and religious manuscripts and artifacts. Proceed to Shey village for a picnic lunch. Walking through the village see Shey Monastery, noted for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha; and Shey Palace, built first in 1655 by the King of Ladakh. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Hemis Shukpachan/Tingmosgang. Depart on a scenic mountain drive to Hemis Shukpachan, located in the lower valley of the Ladakh region known as Sham Valley. From here we finish with a trek to the village of Ang, and then to Tingmosgang, This soft trek takes about 2-3 hours, and contains one steeper climb in the middle. Tingmosgang is famous for its monastery, and is perhaps the most affluent village in the Sham Valley with orchards of apricots, apples, and nuts. The afternoon is free to explore the village on your own. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Dah/Hanu/Tingmosgang. Embark on a full day excursion to Dah and Hanu, the main villages of the Dards in the Ladakh district. The Dard people are nominally Buddhist, but also worship their own pantheon of gods. Indo-European in appearance, folklore says that the Dards made an appearance in the region with Alexander the Great and have preserved their traditions and rituals since that time. (breakfast, packed picnic lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Lamayuru/Leh. Visit Lamayuru, one of Ladakh's oldest and largest monasteries, with a population of around 150 monks resident. From the monastery one can observe Lamayuru's unique topography known as "Moonland." Afterwards visit the village at the foot of the monastery before continuing to Leh. En route a stop will be made at Alchi Monastery. The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir are reflected in the wall paintings that are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Leh. This morning drive to Saboo village. The village is famous for its Lady Oracle, who is considered to have healing powers and also foretells the future. During the visit enjoy a traditional Ladakhi welcome and lunch hosted by the family members of a local household. This evening see a cultural show showcasing the different attires and costumes of various Ladakhi tribes. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 9: Delhi. Return to Delhi this morning on an early flight. Later explore Old and New Delhi on a city tour. Start with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi to see Red Fort and colorful Chandni Chowk market. Also visit Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. In New Delhi visit two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
Day 10: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Six breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,190.
Note: Ladakh resides at a high elevation and altitude sickness is a possibility. Please insure that you are medically fit to travel to this region.
Our deluxe India tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
