Ladakh - The Little Tibet

Take the overnight flight from wherever you are to New Delhi.

We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to settle in and get ready for the upcoming adventure.

We will pick you up from the hotel and take you out to explore the gems of Delhi. Ride a cycle rickshaw through the old city, stop in at a traditional perfume shop, wander the bridal bazaar and haggle for spices in the Khari Baoli market.

Later on visit the stunning sandstone tomb of the emperor Humayun, and the medieval tower at the Qutab Minar.

It’s a very special and beautiful flight this morning as you fly over the high Himalayas to Ladakh on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. On arrival in Leh, Ladakh’s capital, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

It is important that you do nothing today as you need full rest to acclimatise to the new altitude of 3500 metres/11,500 feet. Lie back in bed with a good book, sit in a chair, and don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. If you are feeling up to it in the evening you can drive out to the Shanti Stupa, a monument for peace overlooking the city. Otherwise you can rest and save this for later.

Today we will drive you out to explore some of the area surrounding Leh. Visit the historic Buddhist monastery at Shey and see its huge copper statue of the Buddha, and continue to explore the village of Stok.

Early this morning we will drive you out of town to participate in the morning Buddhist prayers at Thiksey monastery. You can stop nearby for breakfast (packed from the hotel) before continuing to Hemis, the largest monastery in the region, dating back to 1630 AD. Return to Leh town and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Leave the town of Leh today and set off for a spectacular drive through stunning Ladakhi scenery and over high mountain roads to visit Rizong and Lamayuru - a beautiful monastery perched on a steep hill. Your accommodation tonight will be in a nearby eco-friendly resort on the banks of the Indus river.

There are more beautiful monasteries to visit on your return 40-mile drive to Leh – stop off as you like at Alchi, Likir and the Basgo citadel. Check in for overnight stay in Leh.

Today’s drive takes you over the highest road in the world – crossing the Khardung La pass at 5,400 metres / 17,600 feet is a real experience. Your destination today is the remote Nubra valley, and the total drive takes about 5 hours. Check in to your hotel and head out to the sand dunes where you can opt to have a ride on the one-humped Bactrian camels which are native to this valley.

Head out with your guide today to explore the area, including the monasteries in Diskit and Samstangling with their statues and Buddhist thangka paintings.Spend the rest of your day at leisure to take in the beauty of the valley.

Check out and set off on your return drive to Leh over the Khardung La pass, to enjoy the remainder of your time in Leh.

We will collect you from your hotel and drop you at the airport for your return flight to Delhi. At Delhi we will pick you up and take you to a nearby hotel for the next day’s flight home.

We will pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the airport for your return flight home.