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Home , Alchi Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Shey Monastery, Thikse Monastery

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364 Embassy, Koramangala, Bangalore. Ph: +91 9483958408, 9880388991, [email protected], www.takeabreak.in

BEST OF – Valley – – Leh 9 Days / 8 Nights

(Blackout Dates: 15th December to 5th January)

LEH

NUBRA VALLEY

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Overview

Destination Nights Basis RO: Room only I SC: Self Catering I HB: Half Board I B&B: Bed and breakfast I Leh 2 BB D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast I FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch I Hunder 1 BB FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily I FI: Fully inclusive Leh 1 BB HB – breakfast & dinner Pangong Tso 1 BB 2 BB

Leh 1 BB

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Leh: Leh Palace, Shanti , Sankar , Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum), Shopping Nubra Valley: (the highest motorable pass), , Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camels Pangong Tso: Pangong Tso Lake, Visit Gompa, Tiskey monastery Alchi: , Du-Khang, Lamayuru, Magnetic Hill

Day 1: LEH

Leh Tucked in the midst of hulking high peaks, at an elevation of 3500 meters, Leh, the erstwhile capital of Ladakh region in the north Indian state of and , is one of the popular hill stations in . Over the years, Leh has won the heart of the global tourists who seek to experience the indigenous culture of the Indo-Tibetans and explore the relics of ancient civilizations, Buddhist and remote villages. Some of the notable attractions in and around Leh are the Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hemis Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Monastery & Monastery. The lofty city is also the gateway to several trekking destinations in the Ladakh region and activities like river rafting, mountaineering, and mountain biking and camping.

Day Notes  On arrival you will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel  Check-in, freshen up and relax  Rest of the day at leisure  In the evening you may wish to take a walk around Leh market  Overnight at Leh

Included BB

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Day 2: LEH

Day Notes  After breakfast proceed for sightseeing  Leh Sightseeing: Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)  Return to the hotel by evening and rest of the day at leisure   Overnight at Leh

Included BB Visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Jo Khang Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum (war museum)

Leh Palace Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the in , , the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms. The palace was abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh in the mid 19th century, and the royal family moved to Palace. The ruined palace is being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. The palace is open to the public and the roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas. The mountain of Stok Kangri in the Zangskar mountain range is visible across the Indus valley to the south, with the Ladakh mountain range rising behind the palace to the north. The Palace Museum holds a rich collection of jewellery, ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns. Chinese or sooth paintings which are more than 450 years old, with intricate designs, retain bright and pleasing colours derived from crushed and powdered gems and stones.

Shanti Stupa Built in 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, the Shanti Stupa is one of the remarkable symbols of Buddhist religion that holds the relics of Lord Buddha. Tucked atop a hill in Changspa at an elevation of 4,267 meters, the Shanti Stupa is approximately 5 kilometers away from the city. Despite being a symbol of Buddhist culture, the Shanti Stupa reflects a unique architectural style, which is completely different from the Ladakhi style. The Shanti Stupa was built to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2,500 years of . The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai . The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Sankara Gompa It is a relatively modern, attractive cluster of buildings set amongst trees above the town, in the lee of Khardung La, a 5,359 m (17,582 ft) pass behind Leh leading to the and Nubra Valleys. Only 20 monks at most live here, and only a few permanently, so visiting hours are limited to early morning and evening. The place is well lit, so an evening visit is worthwhile. Climbing the steps one reaches the double doors leading into the dukang ('du khang) or assembly hall. Three green drums are on the right of the door under which is the place of the Gyeskos. The wall and entry door are richly painted. Upstairs is the Dukar Lhakang ("residence of the deity") or inner sanctuary. There is an impressive figure here of Avalokiteśvara (Tibetan: Chenrezig) with 1,000 arms (all holding weapons) and 1,000 heads. The walls are painted with a , and rules for the monks. Above the wooden stairs can be seen the rooms of the Abbot, guest rooms and the library.

Hall of Fame Museum (war museum) Hall of Fame is a small yet glorious museum constructed and maintained by in Ladakh. It is located on the - road. It exhibits items related to Ladakhi cultural heritage. The key attraction of the museum is that it has displays on memorabilia, seized arms and amenities of Pakistani Army, biographies and photographs of the brave soldiers, etc. This museum was built to commemorate the souls of all great soldiers who lost their lives in historic Siachin battle fields during Indo-Pak war. P a g e | 4

Day 3: LEH – HUNDER (140 Km / 04 Hrs 30 Mins)

Nubra Valley Passing over one of the world’s highest motorable roads, the Khardung La, Nubra is a tri-armed valley located to the north east of Ladakh valley. Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). The Shyok River meets the Nubra or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Ranges. The average elevation of the valley stretches from 3048 meters to approximately 6000 meters and mostly hosts an undulated and barren terrain except the places blessed by the Shoyok River. Diskit village the capital of Nubra is one of the popular hubs in Nubra Valley that hosts the , which is one of the ancient monasteries in Ladakh region. Foreign nationals are required to get a protected area permit to visit the Nubra Valley.

Day Notes  After breakfast checkout from the hotel at 09:00 and drive to Hunder (Nubra Vallley)  On route stopover at Khardung La (the most highest motorable pass)  Reach Hunder by 14:30, check in to the hotel and freshen up  Proceed for sightseeing by 16:00: Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camels  Return to the Hotel  Overnight at Hunder

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Included BB Visit to Diskit monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactarian double humped camel ride

Khardung La The gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys, Khardung La, at an approximate elevation of 5,359 meters, is one of the highest mountain passes in the world and is also one of the highest motorable roads that connect the ladakh region to in Kashmir. Travellers can also behold the historical significance of the silk route, stretching from Leh to Kashgar in . Today Khardung La is a hotspot destination for automobile, motorbike, marathon and mountain biking expeditions that pulls in global adventurers.

Diskit Monastry Diskit Monastery also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery (gompa) in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) of . It was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa, in the 14th century. It is a sub-gompa of the Thikse gompa.

Hunder Sand Dunes A completely contrasting feature of white sands in the midst of snow capped mountain ranges, the Hunder Sand Dunes is a unique bed of nature that is located between Hunder and Diskit villages in the Nubra Valley. It is one of the high altitude deserts in the world that covers a wide area and is cut across by a gentle stream. Being perched remotely, the Hunder Sand Dunes is yet to be explored by the leisure tourists but it is one of the popular camping sites for the adventurers. The cold desert is also dotted with many species of plants and animals like Bactrian Camels, Yaks and Pashmina Goats. The Hundar Gompa is one of the popular attractions crossing through the Hundar Sand Dunes. Well, one can even enjoy a Bactrian Camel safari through the Hunder Sand Dunes and acquaint with the intangible nature.

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Day 4: HUNDER – LEH (140 Km / 04 Hrs 30 Mins)

Day Notes  After breakfast, checkout from the hotel at 10:00 and drive back to Leh  Reach Leh by 14:00, check-in to hotel and relax  Rest of the evening at leisure  Overnight at Leh

Included BB

Day 5: LEH – PANGONG TSO (180 Km / 07 Hrs)

Pangong Tso Pangong Tso Tibetan for "long, narrow, enchanted lake", also referred to as Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake in the , nestled at an elevation of about 14720 ft above sea level, Pangong Lake is one of the charismatic and largest salty lakes in India. The breathtaking exquisiteness of this lake is enhanced by the vast barren area near it. Another attraction called the Changchenmo mountain range in proximity to the lake adds to the scenic charm. It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to Tibet. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies in Tibet. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.

Day Notes  After early breakfast, checkout from the hotel at 08:00 and drive to Pangong Tso  Reach Pangong by 15:00, check-in to campsite and relax  In the evening drive to Pangong Lake  Overnight at Pangong

Included BB Drive to Pangon Tso Lake

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DAY 6: PANGONG TSO – ALCHI (190 Km / 08 Hrs)

Day Notes  After breakfast, check out from the campsite at 09:00 and drive to Alchi  On route visit Hemis Gompa, ,  Reach Alchi by evening & check in to the hotel and relax  Overnight at Alchi

Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Hemis Gompa Belonging to the , is one of the ancient monasteries in the Ladakh region and is approximately 45 kilometers from Leh and was re-established in the mid of 17th century. Set amid a picturesque surrounding, the journey to Hemis Monastery offers a thrilling experience. It is the largest monastery in the Ladakh region with more than 200 branches in the Himalayan belt. It is also said to be the wealthiest monastery in India, having a rich collection of ancient relics of Lord Buddha, , murals and various architectural works. The grand architecture of the monastery reflects a unique Tibetan style and the vast courtyard, assembly halls, temple and veranda together arrest the imagination of the tourists. One of the major Ladakhi festivals, the Hemis Festival is celebrated in the month of June every year

Thiksey Monastery Tucked beautifully at a lofty height of 3,600 meters, the Thikshey Monastery in the Ladakh region is a 12 storied complex that was built in the 15th century by the Gelugpa sect. The monastery boasts many items of Tibetan artistic works such as , statues, thangkas, paintings and swords. With an equally impressive exterior, the Thikshey Monastery strongly resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, which is in Tibet. Further the complex maintains 10 temples, assembly hall and is a home to over 200 monks. The Thikshey Monastery also offers a clear view of the Indus valley and of Stok, Shey and Matho monasteries. The Thikshey Monastery is approximately 20 kilometers from Leh. One of the main points of interest is the Temple installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th to this monastery in 1970; it contains a 15 metres (49 ft) high statue of Maitreya, the largest such statue in Ladakh, covering two stories of the building.

Shey Monastery Built in the mid of the 17th century by Deldon Namgyal, the Shey Monastery and palace complex is noted for the 12 meter copper and gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Though most of the palace is in ruins today, the Shey Monastery is one of the major attractions in the Ladakh region, which is located approximately 15 kilometers away from Leh. Further, the monastery still holds several Tibetan artistic works that include wall paintings, murals of Lord Buddha and manuscripts. Close to the Shey Monastery, there is a small shrine that also holds several murals of Lord Buddha and of 16 . Its vicinity also boasts two Tantric shrines and also hosts vast natural gallery of rock arts depicting the five Dhyani Buddhas. P a g e | 8

DAY 7: ALCHI

Alchi The village of Alchi is situated around 70 kms. from Leh on the left banks of the . The village Alchi differentiate itself from other villages of Ladakh by being so lush green. The flood plain at Alchi is very fertile and provides good and relatively extensive agricultural land. The Alchi region too received cultural influence from other areas. Alchi had contacts with Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism; however the Alchi’s isolation helped the village and the Gompa to keep their culture and traditions intact. Alchi was also on the main trade route of central Asia. The route along the Indus via Leh was connected to the Chinese Turkestan

Day Notes  After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing  Sightseeing points: Alchi Monastery, Du-Khang and  You may wish to do rafting at Nimoo (Optional and at additional cost)  Return to the hotel by evening and relax  Overnight at Alchi

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Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Alchi Monastery Believed to be built between the 10th and 11th century amongst the oldest monastery in the Ladakh region, the Alchi Monastery is more of a monastic complex of temples in Alchi village that brings out the colours of four different ancient settlements. The Alchi complex maintains the three-storied temple, which is the main temple, an assembly hall, another temple that is also known as and Chortens. The temple walls hold a diorama of several Buddhist and Hindu kings that exude a unique artistic style. Further, within the complex there are several statues of Lord Buddha and borque-style wood carvings and other art works.

Du-khang Dukhang or the Assembly Hall is at the heart of the monastery complex, where monks perform worship and ceremonies. It is large and ancient, and the original wooden door frame is retained. Many additions were made to the ancient structure during the 12th and 13th centuries. The colonnaded veranda leads to the hall from a front courtyard and frescoes of one thousand Buddhas are depicted in the passageway. The Wheel of Life and Mahakal can be seen at the outer gate. The walls of the Dukhang, dedicated to Panch Tathāgatas, are painted with six different mandalas that surround the Vairochana, the main deity worshipped in the hall. The mandalas are set among by many paintings of Buddhas, , goddesses, fierce divinities and guardians of , and also lesser divinities.

Sum-tsek Inside the Alchi Gompa is Alchi’s most celebrated temple Sum-tsek. Standing on the left of Du-Khang, this three storey mud structure has three enormous figures of four armed Bodhisattvas. These Bodhisattvas are placed in alcove in the side and far walls while the middle part of the floor is occupied by a 14 1/2 feet figure of Maitreya Buddha with his upper right hand in abhaymudra. To his left and right is the white Avalokiteshvara and a figure of Manjushri in a vitarkamudra (gesture of explanation) respectively.

Lamayuru Located in the western region of Ladakh, amidst mountain backed badlands, is one of the most popular villages and an ideal stopover between the Kargil-Leh route. It is situated around 127 kilometers from the town of Leh. Dating back to the 11th century, Lamayuru monastery was founded by Mahasiddhacharya and belongs to Red-Hat sect of Buddhism. Also known as Yung-Drung, this monastery is home to more than 150 monks and houses a rich collection of artifacts, wall paintings, thangas, statues, carpets and an impressive 11-headed, 1000 eyed image of Chenzing. Apart from the monastery, Lamayuru also attracts tourists for its beautiful landscape which is quite similar to the lunar territory.

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DAY 8: ALCHI – LEH (70 Km / 02 Hrs)

Day Notes  After breakfast, check out from the hotel at 10:00 and drive to Leh  On route stop at magnetic hill point  Reach Leh by noon & check in to the hotel and relax  In the evening free time for shopping in Leh  Overnight at Leh

Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Magnetic Hill Can anyone ever imagine the movement of a vehicle up a steep mountain, with its ignition off? Sounds quite unbelievable! Magnet Hill is a "gravity hill" located near Leh in Ladakh, India. The layout of the area and surrounding slopes creates an optical illusion that the downhill road is actually an uphill road. Objects and cars on the hill may appear to roll "uphill" in defiance of gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downhill.

DAY 9: LEH - AIRPORT

Day Notes  After breakfast, check out of the hotel and departure to airport to take your flight back home

Included BB

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PRICE: Starts from USD 770 per person

INCLUSIONS Accommodation on double occupancy in well rated properties Breakfast plan on all days All meal plan in Pangong Usage of hotel/ resort facilities Transportation by private chauffer driven vehicle as per itinerary Sightseeing as per the itinerary – (Itinerary will be shared one week prior to the travel date) All govt. taxes as on date

EXCLUSIONS Airfare / Railway fare Expense of personal nature Meals not specified in the inclusions Additional guest requests, orders and services Additional Activities taken up at the resort Transport for personal use Exigency cost – in case of emergency Travel Insurance Entrance fees at points of interest Gratitude & Portage

NOTE - Since Leh is at an altitude of over 15,000ft, guests require to be at leisure on day 1 to get acclimatized to the weather. - This program isn’t suitable for parents travelling with infants or kids less than 3yrs of age & for guests having asthma problems - Leh as a destination is more about the natural landscape, Buddhist culture and adventure activities. - Above cost is calculated based on minimum 2 adults travelling together. Any change in the total no. of guests travelling will result in change of rates. - Most of our programs are customised and we work in line with the requirements of our clients and hence the final detailed itinerary is prepared 5 days prior to the travel date based on the weather conditions and feasibility of visiting places during sightseeing.