CONCSIOUS FOOTPRINTS

DAY 1 – Arrival and Acclimatization

• Day 1 is strictly meant for acclimatization. From the airport, you will be driven to Phyang Himalayan Farm stay. At the Farmstay, witness the authentic Ladakhi lifestyle. You will see the day to day activities of the villagers from milking the cows to working in the farms. This pastoral getaway from the daily bustle in the midst of the Himalayas is an unparalleled experience. • In the evening, you will be driven to , which was built in 1515 and is headed by H.H Drikung Skyabqon . • From the monastery, you will be driven to Shanti Stupa (11,841 feet) which provides a panoramic view of the Leh city. You can enjoy the moments of silence and mindfulness at the Stupa and witness the beautiful sunset from the place. • From the Stupa, you will be taken for a culinary experience at Syah Restraunt, Saboo Village, which is a 20 - minute drive from Leh market. Syah, named after a Ladakhi wild rose, offers farm – to – table fine dining experience. The kitchen is helmed by Mr. Pankaj Sharma, previously the executive sous- chef at a 5- star hotel in Delhi. • Post - dinner, you will be driven to your Farmstay for the overnight stay.

DAY 2 – SECMOL Tour and Village Phyang to Alchi – 58 kms

• Post Breakfast at Farmstay, you will be taken to SECMOL, which is an alternative education school started by world- renowned education reformist Mr. Sonam Wangchuk. A detailed campus tour will be given by one of the students. Lunch will be served at SECMOL with the students. • Post- lunch, you will be driven towards Alchi village. Alchi, a small village situated on low land, is about 70 km to the west of and is located on the banks of the River Indus. Alchi Village is of great religious and historical importance and is famous for which was built by Guru Rinchen Zangpo in 11th century A.D. At the monastery, one can visit five different temples (Lhakhangs), namely Sumtsek Lhakhang, Vairocana Lhakhang, Lo Tsawa Lhakhang, SomaLhakhang and Jamyang Lhakhang. • En route Alchi, you will also visit Sangam, where you can see the confluence of two major rivers of Valley – The Indus and The , experience the optical illusion at Magnetic Hill and visit the Gurudwara Pather Sahib. • From Alchi, you will be driven to the farm stay.

DAY 3 – Phyang to Altitude of Tso Moriri - 14, 836 feet

Distance from Leh – 240 kms

• After an early breakfast, you will be driven to Tso Moriri. Tso (meaning lake) Moriri in Changthang region of Ladakh is one of the most beautiful, calm and sacred (for Ladakhis) high altitude lakes in . This beautiful blue pallet lake is a twin to and is about 7 km wide at its broadest point and about 19 km long. • Explore the lake and spend some time in solitude with this gem of nature. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 4 – Tso moriri to Leh • Post – breakfast, you will be driven to Phyang. • Arrival at Farmstay by evening and overnight stay.

DAY 5 – Phyang to via Leh to Khardung la– 40kms Altitude of Khardung la – 18,370 feet • After an early breakfast, you will be driven to Khardung la which is the highest motorable pass in the world. • From Khardung La, you will be driven towards Nubra Valley, where you will reach .

Turtuk – Khardung la to Turtuk – 164 kms • Called the last Indian Village on Indo – Pakistan border, Turtuk, was annexed to India in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani war, when the province of was partitioned between the two countries. As a military border, it remained closed to outsiders – even other Indians – until locals, weary of their long isolation, petitioned for the remote, scenic valley to open up. Finally, in 2010 it was opened to Indian Tourists. • This beautiful hamlet is flanked by Nubra on one side and Baltistan on the other and lies along the shores of River. Being at a lower altitude as compared to other regions of Nubra, Turtuk is greener and has apricot plantations. • The locals here speak an interesting that uses old Tibetan sounds no longer used in modern Tibetan. It is a beautiful elope for urban people looking forward to spend time with oneself and nature. • Overnight Stay at Turtuk.

Day – 6 Turtuk to Phyang via Hunder and Turtuk to Hunder – 85 kms Hunder - • Post breakfast, you will be then driven towards Hunder. • Hunder is a small village where the meets . Hunder lies on the ancient silk route, once an important international trade route. Today it is one of the most strategic points located close as it is to the , the world highest battle ground between India and Pakistan. • Hunder is most popular for the camel rides in the high altitude cold desert. The camel safaris are done on Bactrian Double-humped Camels which are reminder the bygone era of Silk Route trade. The vast stretch of sand dunes between Hunder Village and Diskit is where you will see the Bactrian Camels grazing in the sea- buckthorn forests. It is also where most of the safari rides are offered.

Diskit – Hunder to Diskit – 13kms Diskit to Phyang – 130kms • Amidst the stark and barren Nubra valley, you will be driven towards beautiful which is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra. At an altitude of 3142 meters (10, 315 feet), Diskit Monastery belongs to the yellow hat of , also known as the Gelugpa order. • Impressive 106 feet long statue of the Jampa () Buddha facing the Shyok River on top of a hill below the monastery is a must visit. • After Diskit, you will be driven towards Leh where you will be given some time for shopping and visiting the local market. • Post shopping, you will be driven towards Phyang for the overnight stay.

Day – 7 Phyang to Tso_Mo_RiRi Lake today you will be drive to one of the most beautiful lake in Ladakh. Whole of its lake is in India it is around 30km in length which lies in a village called Korzok (Changthang). Changthang region is known for its wildlife on the way you will encounter with Himalayan marmots, Yak and others animals. Day -9 Tsomoriri to Phyang via Tsokar Lake After breakfast you will drive back to Leh via Tsokar Lake. You will be amazed with the wild life as all the wildlife like kyang, mountains goats, fox etc are found near tsokar Day 10 _ Rafting Today you will be doing a Rafting in rapid 3+ after lunch you will be in leh where you can spend time in leh market. Overnight in Leh Day 11 Departure from Leh Today you will be drive to leh airport for your onward journey with the memories of ladakh