Tour Destinations
Highlights
Start in Srinagar and end in Leh! With the Hiking & Trekking tour Escorted Kashmir Ladakh Tour Package, you have a 15 days tour package taking you through Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Leh, Nubra Valley, and Pangong TSO Lake in India. Escorted Kashmir Ladakh Tour Package includes accommodation, expert tour guide, meals, transport and more.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
On arrival at Srinagar Airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the houseboat. Rest and relax at the houseboat, later enjoy a Shikara ride on the Dal lake, visit 'Char Chinar' i.e. four big chinar trees standing in middle of the whole lake, 'Floating Gardens', interesting canals, and the striking boat houses in the backdrop of the scenic view of the hills and the ranges. Dinner and overnight stay at the houseboat.
After breakfast at the houseboat, leave for Pahalgam known as the Valley of Shepherds. On arrival check in at Hotel. In Pahalgam, Enjoy the nature & walk around the banks of River Lidder. Pahalgam is famous for some trekking routes also & is the base camp for Amarnath Pilgrimage. Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Srinagar. Enroute visiting the Awantipura Ruins of 9th Century & Mattan Temple Complex. In Afternoon, visit Mogul Gardens "Nishat" (The Garden of Pleasure) and "Shalimar" (Abode of All). Drive along the Lake side on Boulevard On return visit a local Handicrafts Emporium for hand-knotted specialty silken carpets, shawls, jewellers ornaments. Also visit Shankaracharya Temple. Overnight at the hotel in Srinagar.
Full Day return excursion to Gulmarg, called as 'Meadow of Flowers'. Gulmarg is 53 Kms from Srinagar at an altitude of 8700-ft. Gulmarg also referred as Meadow of Flowers is a famous Ski Resort & the world's highest 18 hole Golf Course. The place was prominent during the British time. Enjoy the scenic view of Kongdori on a Cable Car Ride - OPTIONAL (Gondola). Later in evening, return to Srinagar for dinner & overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast Drive directly to Kargil (204 Kms) & drive through Sonamarg. Situated at an altitude of 9000 Ft.
Sonmarg - also called as 'The meadow of Gold' has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Stop at Sonamarg for Photography/tea (If the clients are interested, they can visit the Glaciers of Thajwas on ponies on direct payment basis) these glaciers remain throughout the year.
Continue your toward Kargil and passing over Zojila Pass. Stop at Drass, the 2nd coldest inhabitant place in the World for & enjoy cup of tea. Here, you visit War memorial hall and Museum also known as Vijay path. The memorial was constructed by the Indian Army in the memory of the soldiers and officers of the Indian Army who laid their lives in Kargil War. Then drive along the Drass River till one arrives at Kargil and Check in at hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Kargil.
After breakfast, proceed for Leh. Enroute pass the confluence of Indus - Zanskar Rivers and the effects of Magnetic Hill (Defiance of the law of gravity). Visit Gurudwara Patthar Sahib and Kali Mata temple and reach Leh in the evening. Rest for the day. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Today morning is free for leisure. After Lunch visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Local Market. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Leh. Shanti Stupa (Japanese Peace Pagoda): Shanti Stupa/Japanese peace pagoda is built 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.
Leh Palace: The Namgyal Tsemo (victory Peak) was built by King Tashi Namgyal after the reunification of upper and lower Ladakh and victory over Hor and their bodies are placed under an image of Mahakala, the guardian deities to stop further invasion of Hor. The Leh palace known as 'Lechen Palkhar' was built by Singay Namgyal around in the beginning of 17th Century A.D. The nine-storied palace is now deserted, and the ASI (Archeological Survey of India) has taken up the renovation work.
Hall of Fame: Hall of Fame in Leh is a must visit for every individual of India. This is constructed by the Indian Army. You will find memorabilia, eminent defence personalities biographies, images and weapons used during Kargil war and belongings of enemy soldiers found at war site.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a mesmerizing drive to the Nubra Valley - known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers in Leh. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram & Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 ft. above sea level. On the way to Nubra Valley, cross the Khardungla Pass which is 18360 ft. above the sea level and is the highest motorable pass in the world. As we drive through this, you witness stunning vistas encompassing snow-capped peaks, majestic mountains, and experience the drive which will take you through the bridge that has been laid on a glacier and also made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Upon arrival at Nubra Valley, check-in at the camp.
Fresh-n-up at the camp, later proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can also enjoy a camel ride here.
Nubra Valley: Popularly called the orchard of Ladakh, Nubra valley offers a graceful view of yellow and pink wild roses in summer and a carpet of wild lavender in the post-monsoon season. You will definitely be overwhelmed to see the Bactrian Camels (Shaggy double hump Camel) around sand dunes. Thereafter, check in at comfortable Camp or Hotel. Evening at leisure. Dinner & overnight stay at the camp or hotel.
After breakfast drive towards Turtuk border village that sits on the crossroad of Himalayan and Karakoram ranges overlooking the Shyok river is home to the people of Balti tribe with its unique culture and tradition. Baltis are also known for their sumptuous cuisine. The village was used to be under Pakistani occupation until 1971 when India won it back in a fierce war fought against the Pakistani army. Atop the village you also get a view of Pakistani side of the border. Almost every family is divided and some of the relatives now reside on the other side of the border. You would get some of your best shots here in Turtuk. The place is also known for quality apricots and sword dance which they perform on important occasions and marriages. As someone rightly said that 'only smiles are sweeter than apricot in Turtuk'. Evening back to Nubra for overnight stay.
Morning after Breakfast proceed for Diskit Monastery. Post the Diskit Monastery, proceed for backward journey to Pangong via Shayok.
Pangong Lake: The picturesque lake is one of the major draws of the Leh-Ladakh valley. a location of several film shootings and known for its pristine waters surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, Pangong Lake is a prime tourist attraction. The long and narrow lake lies in the neighbourhood of the famous Chushul Mountains. The mirror-calm water is cold, clear and extremely salty. The lake is a breeding ground for a variety of birds. In the evening check in to your camps at Pangong Lake. Dinner and overnight stay at the camps.
After an early breakfast we check out from our Camp or Hotel and drive to Hanle, by crossing Chushul Village, Tsaga La (15,200 Ft) enjoy the drive upto Hanle, is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. The location of the village and the observatory are highly sensitive due to the close proximity of the tibetan/Chinese border, India set up the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, a 2m gamma ray telescope. Once complete the Major Atmospheric Cerenkov Experiment Telescope gamma ray telescope under construction they will be the world's largest telescope at the highest altitude and the second largest gamma ray telescope in the world. As per history, it is believed that King Singge Namgyal died here at Hanle while on his return from an expedition Mongols. Overnight stay at Hanle.
Post breakfast check out and drive to Tsomoriri Lake enroute cross Nurpa Pass (16,100 Ft) later cross Mahe Bridge, on the way to the Tsomoriri Lake located at 14,000 ft. near a small village of Korzok. Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese boarder, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes, Tsomoriri Lake is also the breeding ground for numerous species of birds, like the bar headed goose, crested grebe, the Brahmini duck (ruddy sheldrake) and the brown-headed gull.
The Tsomoriri Lake is 8 kms wide and 28 kms long. Upon arrival we check in at our camp for overnight. Spend your evening on lake by leisure walk on the banks of lake. Overnight Stay at Camp or hotel in Korzok.
After an early breakfast we check out from our camp and visit Korzok village with its houses and its Gompa appearing like a mirage. The few barley fields at Korzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world. Later we drive to Tsokar, the nomadic people Changpas are most outstanding feature of this area. They can be seen moving from one place to other grazing herds of goats, sheep and yaks. Changpas pass their Days with their animals and move with their flocks, their only wealth from pasture to pasture according to changing season. Their flocks, their yaks, and goat's hair furnish the raw material of which they make their ropes, their clothes and shoes. All Day long men and women are busy milking, churning the milk into butter, making ropes, weaving mats and other fabrics. These people have been completely beyond the pale of all civilizing influences. Even towards the fag end of the twenty first century, they belong to a primitive prehistoric age, The Drive is scenic and Tsokar lake is one of the best. And after spending some time we proceed further to Leh. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Leh.
Today, we will proceed for the sightseeing tour of some ancient monasteries in Leh.
Shey Gompa: It is approximately 15 kms from Leh and used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Gompas and Stupas built around the palace. Shey palace was built in the beginning of 17thcentury AD by Deldan Namgyal. The major attraction of Shey Gompa is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue located inside the Dresthang Gompa.
Thiksey Gompa: Nestled close to Shey, Thiksey Gompa is approximately 17 kms away from Leh. This monastery is regarded as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. This monastery is 600 years old and one of the oldest and finest Monastery. The monastery houses many temples, beautiful murals, books, painting and most attractive Buddha statue on the entrance.
Hemis: Hemis Monastery is approximately 45 kms south of Leh and one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. Hemis monastery was founded in the early 17th century and belongs to the Drukpa order. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. This monastery is well decorated from all the sides, through which it holds some different attraction as compared to other monasteries.
3 Idiots School/Rancho School: This school became famous after the Aamir Khan's movie Three Idiots. Th name of this school is Druk Padma Karpo School, this is also known as Druk White Lotus school. The clean and eco-friendly structures of the school is designed to withstand seismic disturbances. This school was conferred on of the most beautiful schools in the world by BBC London in the year 2016.
Sindhu Ghat: Sindhu Ghat is a river bank near Shey Monastery in Leh. Located 10 Km upstream the Indus River, it originates from the Man Sarovar Lake and Mount Kailash in Tibet. The scenic landscape of thi attraction near Leh seems surreal. The barren mountains, rocky terrain, and river traversing the region is a sight to behold. Visit this ghat during the Sindhu Darshan Festival in June to experience the cultural extravaganza that Leh has to offer. The festival comprises sightseeing trip, campfire and many more exciting activities.
Later, return back to the hotel/guest house for an overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to the Airport to board the flight to your home or onward destination.
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What's Included?
Accommodation
Meals
Guide
Transport
Additional Services
What's Excluded?
Flights
Additional Services
Good To Know
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 60 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 60 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
No additional cancellation fees apply for this tour. You can cancel the tour prior tour starting date and avoid paying the full amount, but the deposit you have paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within of tour starting date.
It is the sole responsibility of each individual traveller to get the required visa(s) for this tour, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with the Embassy of India in your home country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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