The Gems of Ladakh
Remote, unexploited and sparsely populated, Ladakh or ‘Little Tibet’ is a heavenly place to visit during the Indian summer. Described as being ‘the roof of the world’ it forms a high altitude, barren plateau interspersed with green oasis, isolated settlements, farmland and both huge and tiny, medieval gompas (monastery).
- Explore the monasteries around Leh, and admire their stunning locations
- Drive to the top of Khardung La, one of the world's highest drivable pass
- Ride a camel through the high altitude dunes of the Nubra Valley
- See the life of the monks who live at 4,000 m
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
Day 02 - In Delhi
Explore Delhi today starting with Old Delhi in the morning: enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk followed by the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. In the afternoon, drive past Lutyens's New Delhi and visit the tomb of Humayun and the Qutab Minar. Spend some time at the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple for blessings and see & participate in the community kitchen.
[Optional : Cooking Class experience with a local]
Day 03 - Fly to Leh
This morning fly to Leh. Only open to tourists since 1974 the area of Ladakh, and its capital Leh, is a magical and remote high Himalayan escape far from the hustle and bustle of modern India. A true frontier region, Ladakh borders China to the east whilst to the west lies Pakistan and the Kashmir valley.
Day 04 - In Leh
The capital of the Ladakh region, Leh, is nestled in a fertile valley of the Indus framed by snow-capped peaks. Presided over by the old white-washed Leh Palace, which sits precariously on a hill to the north of the town, the town grew to become a historically important trading centre. Explore Leh with your local guide where you will visit the 16th century palace, Sankar Gompa, the 15th century Tsemo Gompa and Shanti Stupa, where you can enjoy beautiful views.
Day 05 - In Leh
Today explore the architectural gems of Hemis and Shey. Hemis is the largest and wealthiest monasteries of Ladakh and houses an important library of Tibetan books. Take your time exploring this wonderful complex this morning. Later visit Shey – a former royal residence of the Kings of Ladakh. Be impressed by the 17 metre high Maitreya Buddha made of copper, brass and precious stones. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 06 - Drive to Nubra Valley
A long drive over the locally claimed 'world's highest pass' takes you to the Nubra Valley. The drive takes several hours but includes a stop at a picturesque restaurant and several long stops for photos. The signs at the top proclaim it to be 5,602 m, but not only is this probably an exaggeration, there are also several other roads which vie for the title. Whatever the truth, this is one of the highest roads you'll find and a breathtaking experience in every way.
Day 07 - In Nubra Valley
Today is spent exploring the Nubra Valley, including an excursion to Diskit and a camel ride in the sand dunes of Hundar. It will feel positively tropical down at 3,000 m and a complete contrast to yesterday's glaciers.
Day 08 - Drive Back to Leh
You are driven back to Leh, again over the high pass. The journey should take less time as there will be fewer stops, but will still take five to six hours, and there will be plenty of time to admire the views.
Day 09 - Fly to Delhi
Fly back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, spend time at leisure for any last minute visits.
Day 10 - Departure Transfer
At time transferred to Delhi Airport for your flight back home, or continue with your onward journey with us
Quick Enquiry
Starting from USD 1175 Per Person
Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, domestic flights, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.
When to Travel?
Most people travel in summer June-September when there are hot, sunny days and the nights are pleasant. Also, the roads, trekking routes, hotels and restaurants are open, with high passes closing during the later winter months.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
The Imperial
New Delhi
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Claridges
New Delhi
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Colonels Retreat
New Delhi
BASIC, B&B
Chamba Camp by TUTC
Near Leh
OPULENT
The Grand Dragon
Leh
FIRST CLASS
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & Personalized service with your own experienced Private guide
A private Car & Driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from Hand-picked hotels; from Luxury Palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & Discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their Indus Bound holidays and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
Need more Ideas?
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