Leh | Indiano Tourism

Tourism is one of an economic contributor to the union territory of Ladakh in Northern India. The union territory is sandwiched between the Karakoram mountain range to the north and the Himalayas to the south and is situated at the height of 11,400 ft. Ladakh is composed of the Leh and Kargil districts. The region contains prominent Buddhist sites and has an ecotourism industry.

Day 1

Dehli - Leh (130 KM, 1 Hr, 30 Min by flight) - ArrivalTake an early morning flight from Delhi to Leh . Get transferred to hotel in Leh. Once the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, Leh now sits in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Today the town is still dominated by the former Leh Palace , built around the same time and in similar style to Potala Palace , and was once the home of the royal family of Ladakh. The 28,000 residents of the city are predominantly Buddhists and as such, Leh is the heart and soul of Buddhist culture in the region. Have dinner and stay overnight in hotel.

Day 2

Hemis Festival Celebration & Sightseeing-( Namgyal Tsemo, Stok Palace, Shankar Gompa & Cham Dance)After breakfast enjoy the celebration of the Hemis Festival , which commemorates the birth of Guru Padamasambhava , who is said to have brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet . Revered throughout the Himalayan ranges and considered the second Buddha, Padmasambhava was invited from India in the 8th century to conquer the dark forces and transform them into guardians and protectors of the pure dharma. In the process the guru brought Vajrayana Buddhism - a revelation of the complete and perfect path to awakening. Then make your way to the Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh. At 9 AM the birthday celebrations of Guru Padamasambhava begins in the courtyard, filled with local Ladakhis and Buddhist pilgrims. A raised platform with a richly cushioned seat and a finely painted small Tibetan Table is placed with the ceremonial items - cups full of holy water, uncooked rice, tormas made of dough and butter and incense sticks. A number of musicians play the traditional music with four pairs of cymbals, large-pan drums, small trumpets and large size wind instruments. Next to them a small space is assigned for the lamas to sit.

Day 3

Time to Explore-Leh Bazaar-Jokhang-Local TourAfter breakfast you have free time for you to independently explore the area. You may wish to return to the Hemis Grompa today as the festival continues on a smaller scale with a program of music, song, dance and drama. Transportation to the monastery can be arranged locally. If staying in town for the day, head to the Leh Bazaar where you'll find Jokhang – a Buddhist Temple built in the 1980s by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, and an imposing 17th century mosque – which reflects a mixture of Islamic and Tibetan Architecture and accommodates more than 500 worshippers that sit opposite each other. Return to hotel. Enjoy dinner and comfortable night.

Day 4

Monasteries & Palaces-Shey & Thiksey Monastery-Indus ValleyAfter breakfast, enjoy guided touring of the Shey and Thiksey Monasteries , plus the Stok Palace. Situated on a hilltop outside of Leh, the Shey Monastery was once the summer palace of the royal family and it is believed that the Kings of Leh were born here. The monastery is also home to an impressive two-story high-seated image of Buddha cast from copper and covered with gold leaf. Thiksey Monastery is also located on a hilltop and the views of the green Indus Valley from its rooftop are splendid. This monastery has a number of colourful murals in its courtyard and chambers full of statues and stupas. In many respects this imposing structure is a replica of Potala Palace in Lhasa. Stok Palace now operates as a museum, where in the Sengge Namgyal family heirlooms and relics can be seen on display. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5

Leh to Delhi-(1227 km, 1 Hr 30 Min)-DepartureEarly in morning (by flight times) we transfer to the airport for our flight (booked independently and in addition to our tour cost) to Delhi arriving at approximately 8:30 AM. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward international flight.

Overview

Ladakh is divided into 2 areas: "East Ladakh" administered by India and "West Ladakh" administered by Pakistan. Eastern Ladakh held by India is further subdivided in three regions: Western, Central and Eastern areas of East Ladakh.

Policy

Inclusions

What all are included in this?

Accommodation as per your selected package.
Guided tours and activities specified in your itinerary.
Transportation as outlined in your package.
Customer support throughout your journey.

Exclusions

What all are not included in this?

Airfare is not included unless specified.
Travel insurance is not part of our packages.
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and extra activities are not covered.
Visa, passport fees, and vaccinations are your responsibility.
Gratuities are optional but appreciated.