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Nubra
NUBRA VALLEY
The land which is known for it’s white sand dunes, flowers, orchards, and double humped Bactrian camel. It was originally called Ldumra which means valley of flowers.
Nubra lies North east across the Khardungla pass from the town of Leh. The road is open through out the year. There is also another route over the Wari La from Sakti connecting the road to Nubra via Agham. The main town of Nubra valley named Diskit is 150 kilometres from Leh.
The view of the valley is picturesque and breathtaking. Nubra valley is high altitude cold desert which has very rare precipitation and scanty vegetation except along the river beds. The main river of the valley is Shyok. The Shyok river meets the Siachen River to form a broad valley on whose one side are the Ladakh ranges and other sides are the Karakoram mountains.
A journey across the high Khardungla, and then a descend towards North Pullu and ultimately into the wide valley makes your heart pound with excitement and thrill. The drive goes along the Shyok River and then you reach Diskit. Diskit is the headquarters of Nubra, so it more like an overgrown village which has a lot of government offices. There are ample hotels, guest houses, Home stays and tented campsites here.
Hunder is located 7 kilometres from Diskit. Till 2010 tourists were allowed to come as far as this place. The areas beyond this place was closed for tourism. Hunder is a quite little village with small houses, which are scattered. There is also ample amount of greenery near the village, because of the water of the streams. The thing which is interesting is the area huge area of white sand, which gives an impression of a desert. The formation of ripples on the small dunes with snow capped mountains in the horizon is amazing. On one side steep cliffy mountains, then white sand area, and a river flowing nearby just takes your breath away. Here you can find the rare double humped bactrian camel. You can take a ride on it for a decent sum.
Sumur is a quite and peaceful village in the Nubra valley. It has wonderful green and yellow mustard fields. It has the famous Samstemling Gompa, which was founded by Lama Tsultrin Nima about 150 years ago. Sumar also has it’s own sand dunes and camel rides. The road to Sumur bifurcates just before Diskit. It is 23 kilometres off the main road. There is also the village of Tegar near Sumur.
If you continue on the road ahead you will reach Panamik, which is surrounded by snow capped mountains. The scenic beauty and it’s hot sulphur springs attracts lots of visitors every year. Panamik is 22 kilometres from Sumur.
Turtuk is a tiny hamlet at the end of the road before the Line of control. It is the extreme corner of the Indian border, so it is a challenge reaching here. The road is treacherous at places after Hunder , and there are a lot of landslide areas. There are a lot of sensitive army bases here so permits were not issued before 2010. Now you get permits from the D.C. office in Leh to go there. The drive is along the River Shyok, and there are views of snow capped mountains all along the way. But once you reach Turtuk, you will forget the fatigue and you will know why this place is termed as heaven on earth. Turtuk is basically a muslim dominated village unlike buddhist dominated Ladakh. This village is also known for its wonderful, and welcoming people. It is also at a lower elevation than most habited Nubra. Unlike the barren landscape of Ladakh, Turtuk is full of green pastures. Apples, Apricots, Tomatoes, Cauliflowers and cabbages are grown in plenty. This place has a few humble home stays. Turtuk is still culturally intact and there are still very few visitors. In all Turtuk is a travellers paradise, here the smiles of the people are more sweeter than the apricots.
Srinagar ladakh Manali 2016
Srinagar Ladakh 2016
Day 1. Chandigarh
Day 2. Chandigarh to Jammu. (370 Kms)
Drive on the highway to Pathankot, and then reach Lakhanpur, where we officially enter the state of J and K. Reach Jammu in the evening and check into a comfortable hotel.
Day 3. Jammu to Srinagar ( 340 Kms)
Driving on the Highway 1D, we cross the hill station of Batot and Patni top. We drive along the river for some time and reach Banihal. After Banihal we have to cross a 2.85 Kms long tunnel known as Jawar tunnel. This tunnel is at an elevation of 2194 metres. This tunnel is guarded by military round the clock, photography or videography inside or nearby the tunnel is strictly prohibited. Once the vehicle enters the tunnel, it has to maintain the same speed throughout the tunnel. CCTVs are installed in the tunnel for continuous monitoring. We are in Kashmir valley now, and the first village on this side is Quazikund. You are treated to breath taking landscapes on the way. There is place called Sangam, which is a Willow bat paradise. You can see a long line of shops on both sides which are manufacturing cricket bats. This place makes one of the finest cricketing bats in the world. We reach Srinagar in the evening. This night will be spent in a house boat at the Dal lake.
Day 4 Srinagar to Kargil (220 kms ,7 hrs)
the day early. You will cross the beautiful meadows of Sonmarg today. After this we cross the 12000 m high Zojilla Pass. Zojilla can be tough sometimes with the road conditions and traffic jams. so It is important to leave Srinagar early. After Zojilla, We enter the Dras valley. You will be able to feel the contrast in the landscape as you move further. The lush green Kasmir valley will give way to the more desolate and barren Ladakh Landscape. Dras has a war memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the 1999 War. Then you driving though beautiful alluring landscapes and reach the town of Kargil. this is going to be your halt for the night. Overnight stay in a Hotel.
Day 5 Kargil to Leh ( 215 Kms, 7 Hrs)
You cross over the river at Kargil and then you get your first feeling of landscape transition. The greenery starts to lessen, and you are into the cold desert zone. The landscape is strewn with wonderful coloured barren mountain, which is a sight to behold for ever. You cross the famous 4018 m Fotu La pass on the way, which is the highest point on the highway. The Fotu La Pass at the beginning of a descending road that leads past the Lamayuru Monastery down to the Indus River. This winding road descends almost 4,000 ft or 1,219 m from the pass to the river. has a very beautiful monastery with a backdrop of a wonderful moon like landscape. After crossing the village of Lamayuru you drive along the Indus once gain. You will be able to see the great confluence of the zanskar and indus river at Nimmo. You will reach Leh by evening. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 6 Tour of Hemis, Thiksey, Shey Monastery, 3 Idiots School Campus ( Around Leh)
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45 km west of Leh. Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, we drive back on the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hilllock with formidable views of the Indus Valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and its Dukhang assembly hall, which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that, we continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace – the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh, and 3 Idiots school campus. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.
Day 7 Leh to Pangong (150 km)
After early breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. which is the 3rd highest motor able road in the world. Pangong Tso is the highest land locked lake and the highest salt water lake in the world, shared by two countries: India and China. The lake is one beautiful sight to behold in your memories for life time. The colour of the lake goes dark blue in the evening and has a wonderful contrast with the adjoining mountains that give a golden yellow tinge.You will appreciate the changing colors as the evening progresses. Enjoy this moment as you are going to miss it for life.Overnight stay at camp.
Day 8 Pangong Lake to Leh (150 Kms)
Next morning, we drive back to Leh and spend evening exploring Leh market. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.
Day 9 Leh to Khardung La (18832 ft), Nubra Valley, Hundur Sand Dunes ( 130 Kms)
After Breakfast, we drive for 120 km (4/5 hrs) to reach Nubra Valley via Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380 ft. The journey to Khardung La is an amazing experince with amazing views of Stok mountains as we reach great elevation while driving on a gradual gradient. After reaching the top, we sip a cup of hot tea at the army canteen and quickly visit the sovereign shop.
Then the road descends toward Khardung village. We are in Nubra Valley now. Hereon, we drive along the Shyok River to reach Diskit, which is the headquarters of Nubra. We cover another 8 km to reach Hundur famous for sand dunes and rare bactrian camels. Overnight stay in a guesthouse/hotel.
Day 10 Diskit- Monastery-Leh (130 Kms)
After breakfast, we visit 515-year-old Diskit Monastery and drive back to Leh on the same route, crossing Khardung La. We reach Leh by evening and spend some time to explore Leh market. Overnight stay at a hotel here.
Day 11 Leh to Keylong
Day 12 Keylong to Manali
MANALI LADAKH JEEP JOURNEY 2016
MANALI LADAKH JEEP JOURNEY
Destination: Himachal +Ladakh
Type: Culture
Duration: 8N/9D
Best Time: June-Sep
Grade: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 5602m (18380ft)
Requisite group size: Minimum 04 Pax | Maximum 08 Pax
Overview
It’s not just a typical tour, it’s a real journey for wandering in the Himalayas and exploring in its true style. Youthful experience for adventure travelers who like to explore the inside of region’s remote and breathtaking high altitude landscapes, Ladakh remains an ideal getaway for them. The forces of nature have conspired to render a magical realist landscape of extremes, desert and blue waters, burning sun and freezing winds, glaciers and sand dunes across the valley. Tibetan-style traditions and culture remain apparent.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Manali
On arrival day at Manali you will be checked in to a Hotel. Relax, check your bag if you have missed on any item for the tour, you will have ample time to buy it in the local market. You can also explore Manali Bazzar and go on an evening walk around the mall road, and come back for an overnight stay at the Hotel. In the evening we will have a brief Introduction and briefing session.
Day 02: Manali-Rohtang Pass-Koksar-Keylong (120 Kms)
Next morning, we will depart from Manali early in the morning. Our first halt is at Marhi. Green slopes, beautiful landscape offering extensive views of the valley and snow-capped mountains await us. We proceed to Rohtang Pass, situated at an altitude of 3790 m. Being one of the highest road points and gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley, the pass is very popular with visitors. Pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snow from November to May end. Just like Rohtang, visitors can see similar high altitude topography, forest of Birch, Fir and Spurce. Once we cross the Rohtang Pass, we drive into the barren Himalayas with completely different landscape. Khoksar is the first village and gateway into Lahaul. We reach Keylong for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Keylong- Jispa-Sarchu-Leh (350 Kms)
We start early in the morning from Keylong and reach Jispa in half an hour. This beautiful spot is 22 km away from Keylong and 4 km ahead of Ghemur. The village is situated at the junction of two nullahs with the main river Bhaga. Jispa has a very large dry river-bed, a rarity in Lahaul. Jispa is a new tourism centre coming up with the monasteries of Yarji and Photang, where his Holiness the Dalai Lama gave the Kal Chakra sermon a few years back to the Buddhists all over the world. The mountaineering Institute of Manali has a sub-centre here for adventure tourism.
Darcha is situated at the junction of Yotche Nullah and the Zangskar chhu which takes off from the Shinkun La. Both the nullahs meet with the main river Bhaga at this place. The valley broadens out from Darcha. The altitude of Darcha is about 3500 m, which makes it an ideal basecamp for acclimatization. Darcha is the jumping-off point for treks to Padum over three mountian passes Shinkun La, Baralacha La and Phirtse La, and mountaineering expeditions to Leh and peaks of Chandra Bhaga series. However, no tourist bungalow or rest house facilities are available on either side of the nullahs. A police checkpost is also there.
Darcha is the last village where one can see sparse growth of trees. You will see not even a single tree on either side of the highway beyond Darcha. Landscapes start looking desolate and absolutely barren.
Sarchu is the last inhabited point in Himachal Pradesh on the Manali-Leh route, which is regarded as one of the highest highways in the world. The journey goes through Nakeela and Lachung La at 16,617 ft and you reach Pang by afternoon. Lunch break at Pang. After crossing More Plains, stretched across 42 km between moutains on both sides, and Tanglang La – the second highest motorable road in the world at a height of 17,585 ft – we reach Upshi. From here, we drive upstream on the Indus River on the road passing through villages with terraced fields and neat whitewashed houses to reach Leh.Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 04: Tour of Hemis, Thiksey, Shey Monastery, 3 Idiots School Campus ( Around Leh)
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45 km west of Leh. Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, we drive back on the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hilllock with formidable views of the Indus Valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and its Dukhang assembly hall, which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that, we continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace – the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh, and 3 Idiots school campus. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.
Day 05: Tour of Khardung La (18832 ft), Nubra Valley, Hundur Sand Dunes ( 130 Kms)
After Breakfast, we drive for 120 km (4/5 hrs) to reach Nubra Valley via Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380 ft. The journey to Khardung La is an amazing experince with amazing views of Stok mountains as we reach great elevation while driving on a gradual gradient. After reaching the top, we sip a cup of hot tea at the army canteen and quickly visit the sovereign shop.
Then the road descends toward Khardung village. We are in Nubra Valley now. Hereon, we drive along the Shyok River to reach Diskit, which is the headquarters of Nubra. We cover another 8 km to reach Hundur famous for sand dunes and rare bactrian camels. Overnight stay in a guesthouse/hotel.
Day 06: Diskit- Monastery-Leh (130 Kms)
After breakfast, we visit 515-year-old Diskit Monastery and drive back to Leh on the same route, crossing Khardung La. We reach Leh by evening and spend some time to explore Leh market. Overnight stay at a hotel here.
Day 07: Tour of Pangong Lake (150 km)
After early breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft. which is the 3rd highest motor able road in the world. Pangong Tso is the highest land locked lake and the highest salt water lake in the world, shared by two countries: India and China. The lake is one beautiful sight to behold in your memories for life time. The colour of the lake goes dark blue in the evening and has a wonderful contrast with the adjoining mountains that give a golden yellow tinge.You will appreciate the changing colors as the evening progresses. Enjoy this moment as you are going to miss it for life.Overnight stay at camp.
Day 08: Pangong Lake to Leh (150 Kms)
Next morning, we drive back to Leh and spend evening exploring Leh market. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh. Time to bid farewell.
Day 09: Depart From Leh
You can depart from Leh by flight to Delhi, or by road though Srinagar or back to Manali. We can help you in arranging the transport and stay.
Cost 43,000 per pax.
Inclusion
Assistance upon arrival and departure
Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per itinerary listed above or similar
Daily breakfast,Lunch, Dinner ( packed lunch will be provided during long day trips)
Return airport transfer along with all sightseeing in non-AC Innova Xylo or equivalent jeep.
Inner line permits to restricted areas
Environmental fee
All taxes
Exclusion
Airfares, items of any personal nature such as drinks etc.
Extra hotel nights due to flight cancellations, extra expenses incurred due to mishandled luggage,
Insurance
Personal expenses or optional tours/extra meals ordered
Tips
Laundry
Phone Calls
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of due to bad weather,ill health,roadblocks &/or any factors beyond control.