Ladakh lies in the far north of India although culturally and geographically it is closer to Tibet. It is one of the last remaining enclaves of Tibetan Buddhism. Shrouded in a mist of myth and mystery, this land of monks and monasteries rises gracefully from the lands of the Indus basin. Lies between the vast ranges of the Karakoram and the Himalaya in the far north of India, Ladakh is the highest, most remote and least populated region in the whole country. The name is derived from Ladags, which means ‘the land of high passes’. Its corrugated, arid landscape is often described as a mountain desert, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dark gorges and wide valleys.
Explore the town of Leh, with its vibrant market and discover the monastires and valleys of the Indus valley, with your private guide and vehicle.

Amidst starkly beautiful and majestic mountains, gradually merging into an oasis of green fields, Leh, the capital of Ladakh is situated on the banks of the Indus, at a height of 11,000 feet (3500 meters). For seven months a year, Leh airport is Ladakh's only link with the outside world. Leh is a complete beauty in itself. Leh has quite a few amazing places to offer. The most striking sight of Leh is the group of women, traditionally attired, selling fruits, vegetables and household articles, spinning and knitting, and exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by.

Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, now the Leh District in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The town is still dominated by the now ruined Leh Palace, former home of the royal family of Ladakh, which resembles a mini-Potala Palace. Leh lies at an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,483ft), and is surrounded by the Indian Himalaya mountain range. The majority of Leh's population is Buddhist.

Relax and enjoy an airport transfer in a private vehicle, with driver, and English-speaking assistant.

Enjoy your flight from Delhi to Leh. The flight duration is approximately one hour.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Departure tax will be charged at Delhi airport, paid in cash by the passengers: 5US$ per person for domestic flights, and 27US$ per person for International flights.

Enjoy the day at leisure to rest at your hotel and allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude of Leh. Try to minimize physical activity to avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

One of the finest hotels in Leh, the resort comprises of tastefully and beautifully constructed Ladakhi Style Cottages, located in lush green and peaceful Changspa area of Leh. The resort is surrounded by green fields in a quite peaceful environment with magnificent view of high snow capped Himalayan mountains. It has beautiful garden overlooking charming countryside, which offers space for leisurely walk and provides peaceful secluded corners. The main market of Leh town, Post office, Tourist information office, Taxi stand, Bus stand, Bank, etc. are within 10 to 15 minutes of walking distance from the Resort. The Resort is known for its quality service and best location overlooking the entire valley. Spectacular view from every individual cottage.

Overnight at Mantra Cottages.

Start your day with a visit to Leh Palace- a castle built in the tradition of Tibetan architecture said to have inspired from the Potala Palace in Lhasa in Tibet. The palace was built in the 17th century and had nine storeys, but it is nowadays dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas'- traditional Tibetan paintings.

Following the visit to the Palace, continue to the main Leh bazaar where you will visit the colourful vegetable, jewellery and curio streets. You will also visit the Shanti Stupa - built by the Japanese fund for World Peace. Its state of the art work attracts a lot of tourists to Ladakh and is spectacular to watch.

Drive to the Spituk Monastery and Stok Monastery, which stands prominently on the top of a hillock, 8 km from Leh, and commands a panoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles. Many icons of Buddha and traditional paintings can be found in 15th century monastery. There is also a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe inspiring image of Mahakal.

Overnight at Mantra Cottages.

Drive 25 km south of Leh, to Thikse. Situated on a crag, overlooking the flood plains on the east bank of the Indus, the 500-year-old Thikse Monastery is one of the largest and most imposing monasteries in Central Laddakh, and was part of the Gelugpa order in the 15th century. The impressive 12-storey monastery is painted deep red, ochre and white with typical tapering walls and has 10 temples, a nunnery and 60 lamas in residence whose houses cling to the hillside below. Continue to Shey Gompa, which lies on the left side on the way to Hemis on the top of a hill and houses the largest victory Stupa with golden top.

From Shey, continue to Hemis on the west bank of the River Indus. The Hemis Gompa, founded 350 years ago by Stagtshang Rinchen, guest of King Senge Namygal, is built on a green hillside, surrounded by spectacular landscape, hidden in a gorge, is the largest and wealthiest Gompa in Ladakh. Walking past the chortens (reliquaries or funeral mounds built in honour of the dead) and mud walls, visit the main temple, which houses the golden statue of Buddha. Visit the Drukpa monastery, flagged by colourful flags from the four corner poles. Your private guide will explain about the two assemble halls; the main temple that contains some silver gilt chortens and a Kashmiri lacquered wood throne. The murals in the verandah, depicting guardian deities and the wheel of life are well preserved.

Overnight at Mantra Cottages.

Your private guide and vehicle will pick you up at your hotel for the 2 hrs drive to Alchi (65 km), en route visiting the Likir Monastery. Likir was 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. The stunning location and the beautiful landscape ads up to the experience. 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. Alchi is situated on the left banks of the Indus River. The village has been described as one of the monastic jewels of Ladakh. The village Alchi differentiates itself from other villages of Ladakh by being so lush green. The main centre of attraction in the Alchi village is the Alchi Gompa (monastery and temple complex). The Alchi monastery dates back to nearly one thousand years and so the effect of the Tibetan influence can be seen in the local culture. Inside the monastery you will witness marvellous murals.

Overnight at Mantra Cottages.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Enjoy your flight from Leh to Delhi today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Delhi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.