Around 125 km, west of Leh, on a spectacularly beautiful road, lies
the earliest surviving monastery of Ladakh, known as Yung-drung or the
Swastika. The Gonpa is remarkably built on sand stone and dates to the
11th Century. The monastery has a remarkable history and the
surrounding area presents an interesting topography that is spread
with yellow loess formation. The Alchi monastery lies 69 km, west of
Leh, the most famous and largest of all the Gonpa built by Rinchen
Zangpo in 11th Century. The monastery houses are some of the best murals
and frescoes representing the Kashmiri style of Buddhist iconography.
Each monastery in Ladakh is distinct in itself and for those who wish
to experience the uniqueness of Ladakhi monasteries this is an ideal
opportunity.
Best Time to visit: May to October
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Leh – Lamayuru - Wanla – Base of Tarla - Tar - Mang Gyu - Alchi - Leh - Delhi
Price:
2/3 400 euro per person
4 and above 350 euro
Day 01: Arrive Delhi -You arrive in Delhi by International flight.
After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist
you at the airport and to our hotel for check-in. After some rest,
breakfast at coffee shop in the Hotel. After breakfast we will go on a
guided tour of Delhi at 1100 hrs., beginning with a morning
sightseeing trip to Old Delhi and followed by visits to the 1648 Red
Fort, India's largest mosque - Jama Masjid and Gandhi Memorial at Raj
Ghat. Afternoon tour includes visits to India Gate & President's
House. Later on time we drive back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day
02: Delhi - Leh (BY 9W-609) Dep: 0645hrs / Arr: 0800hrs - Early
morning transfer to Domestic Airport to connect the flight for Leh.
Upon arrival at Leh Airport our representative would assist you at the
Airport and transfer to Hotel. Check in to the hotel. Post breakfast
rest of the day for rest for acclimatization. Later in the afternoon a
walk around Leh town (3500m) includes a visit to Leh Market, Leh
Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Gompa - This walk shall help us in a
getting acclimatized at this height. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
03: Leh -Lamayuru (3 ˝ hrs drive) -We leave Leh in the morning for
Lamayuru. Along the way, we come across some of the oldest and most
famous monasteries in Ladakh, founded around 11th century by Lotsawa
Rinchen Sangpo Lamayuru, Likir and Alchi offer truly memorable visits
on account of their age and history. After reaching Lamayuru (3420m)
we will spend the day exploring the ancient monastery and to prepare
for the next day.
Day 04: Lamayuru - Wanla (3-4 hrs) - We pack our
small backpacks, watch the horses get ready, and set off for this
first day of our adventure. A gentle trail leads up to the small pass
of Prinkti La (3750m) before heading down to the village of Shilla and
the last 3 km to Wanla (3250m).Here we set up camp for the night and
spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun or exploring the gompa in
Wanla, before we gather around for a good dinner.
Day 05: Wanla -base
of Tarla 4200 m (8 hrs) -Today we will follow the dusty road along the
river's left bank and arrive at the small village of Phenjilla (3410
m). From Phenjilla, we will follow the left side of the valley along a
small stream for around a hour and arrive at the scattered Ursi
village .We will walk a little further to arrive at our campsite.
Day
06: Base of Tarla -Tar (6-7 hrs) - The trail from the camp is clear
but challenging, as we will have to trek up and down a few times
before reaching the Tarla (5250 m).Our hard labor will be rewarded
with the splendid view of the mountains around. Climbing down is
difficult due to a mass of fallen rocks strewn about. It takes 3-4 hrs
for us to reach our campsite at the village of Tar.
Day 07: Tar -Mang
Gyu (4-5 hrs) -From Tar, the path heads up along the mountainside to a
small Pass. We will have a easy descent to Mang Gyu village ,where
there are traditional Ladakhi houses and a Ancient monastery worth
visiting. It is believed that the monasteries of the Mang Gyu and
Alchi were built on the same day.
Day 08: Mang Gyu - Alchi (4/5 hrs
trek) - Leh (3hrs drive) - We will end our last day by walking down a
very beautiful arrow valley covered with rosebushes all along the
path. We will reach the village of Gera, where we'll find our vehicle
waiting to take us back to Leh. But before that we will visit the
beautiful and famous monasteries of Alchi and Likir. Alchi, is
Ladakh's most loved monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings
are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal
Pradesh. Unlike other monasteries which are usually on a cliff top or
cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level an is nestled in the
shade of a garden. Later we drive to Likir and visit Likir gompa
situated atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of
Likir. It was founded in the 12th Century although the preset
construction dates back to the 18th century as the original one was
destroyed by fire. In its courtyard is yellow-coloured 3-storey high
mammoth statue of the Lord Buddha, which was constructed by a resident
monk. The top floor has an impressive museum containing old thangkas
and weapons used many centuries back. We reach Leh by evening. Upon
arrival in Leh we check in at our pre-arranged hotel for an over night
stay.
Day 09: In Leh - Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery
tour. We start with a visit to Shey - The ancient capital of Ladakh.
The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni
with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then we visit
Thiksey Gompa, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill
above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated
statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to
visit Stok Palace, the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the
Museum that has a rich collection of Ancient Ladakhi artifacts
including old Thangkas, precious stones, arms and armory, the Queen's
necklace and the crown of the King of Ladakh among others. Overnight
stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 10: Leh - Delhi (By 9W610) Dep: 0840hrs
/ Arr: 0955hrs - Transfer to the Airport to catch the flight for
Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi we assist you to check in at our Hotel.
Later in the afternoon we depart for Delhi sightseeing that includes
Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar. Later we drive back to
hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11: Departure Delhi- Day is free for
your personal activities. After lunch, just transfer to Airport /
Railway station for Flight/Train onward journey.
It is a very interesting route to explore oldest Monasteries like Wanla, Mang gyu and Alchi dating back to the 11th century built by the great translator Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. This trek is unique in that it offers an opportunity to see not only the many natural beauties of Ladakh, but also some of its most famous Monasteries.
You can ask for itinerary if you are thinking of doing just short trek around ladakh of 5 days.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Land transportation as mentioned in the program by a private vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur.
- Accompaniment: the assistance of a local staff: guide, cook (and cook helpers for large groups).
- The Jeep for the carrying of individual camping, cooking and collective material.
- Lodging : hotel in Delhi and Leh, camping during the Nature Safari
- Meals : full board except the meals in Delhi and Leh
PRICE DO NOT INCLUDES:
- Domestic flights (Delhi - Leh - Delhi)
- International flights
- International airport taxes
- Visa fees
- Repatriation assistance
- Main meals in Delhi and Leh
- Admission fees for the visits of temples, monuments, monasteries and museums planned
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
