Leh Ladakh Tour Package with Kashmir

On your arrival in Srinagar, you will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to your houseboat and check-in. Later, get ready for an hour long Shikara ride (at extra cost) in the lake on the same lake as the houseboat. This boat ride glides you past some wonderful vegetable gardens and aquatic life. Dinner and Overnight stay in Houseboat.

After breakfast, check-out from the houseboat and proceed to Pahalgam via Pampore, Avantipura and the village of Bijbehara which remains famous as the bread basket of Kashmir. We switch from the national highway 1A at Khanabal and drive through the second largest city of Anantnag. From here the road turns scenic as we drive parallel on the Lidder River flowing from the opposite direction. On Arrival check in to hotel.

In Pahalgam, you can visit Chandanwari (3288 metres above sea level), Aru Valley and Betab Valley

Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. The trip takes about four-five hours on a semi-road that has the Lidder river meandering on the one side, and lofty, snow-capped mountains on the other. "Snow fights" is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Chandanwari is also known for its natural attractions. It has some of the best picnic spots and is reachable by road. The weather can be very unpredictable at the place so do carry some warm clothes and rain coats as well.

Aru Valley is a pristine scenic village situated in the region of Trans-Himalaya. Clear blue canopy over the head, misty surroundings, whispers of the native pines and conifer forests and beautiful meadows create a captivating diorama for travelers thronging the place. Though the village is the smallest hill station in the state, but still its breathtaking beauty and interesting activities like trekking, hiking and horse riding make it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam. Apart from the trekkers, the village also caters to the skiing desires of tourists who love to visit the place during winters. Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 12 km from Pahalgam.

Betaab Valley is a perfect gateway to enjoy the heavenly pleasure of Mother Nature. Earlier known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon, Betaab Valley got its present name after the blockbuster Bollywood movie 'Betaab' was shot there in 1983. The experience is even more heightened by the musical whispers of several birds. Being a precious jewel of Jammu and Kashmir tourism, Betaab Valley is among a handful of Pahalgam tourist places to visit that should not be missed. Situated at a walking distance from the main center of Pahalgam, the valley is also an excellent camping site for trekkers and explorers.

Later, return to your hotel for overnight stay. 

After breakfast in the morning, check out from your hotel and proceed towards Gulmarg. En route, you get to see the beautiful Tangmarg town and drive ahead on a scenic drive of 14 kilometres to Gulmarg. Check in to your hotel and proceed for sightseeing covering Maharani Temple, St. Mary's Church and Gondola ride (cable car optional at extra cost).

Maharani Temple is known to be built in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh - the last Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is here that the Rajesh Khanna – Mumtaz starrer Aap ki Kasam was shot. You can enjoy pony rides to Maharani Temple (at extra cost).

St. Mary's church was built during british rule. The 110-year-old St. Mary's Church in Gulmarg was given a new look in 2003 with a renovated façade and the first Christmas mass was held in 14 years. Saint Mary's Church was constructed in early 20th century, it is made of grey stone walls looks most scintillating during the winters especially when surrounded by snow. The green tiled roof, wooden decorated walls and the overall size indicates it could be more like a countryside chapel.

The two-stage gondola lift ferries to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 3,747 m (12,293 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The timing of the Gondola ride is from 10 AM to 5 PM (subject to change without prior notice, gondola operations are highly dependent upon the weather at both stages).

Later, return to your hotel for an overnight stay at Gulmarg Hotel.

After breakfast in the morning, check out from your hotel & get ready to proceed to Srinagar. On arrival at Srinagar check in to hotel and get ready for Srinagar sightseeing. Visit the famous Mughal Gardens, along with a visit to Shankaracharya Temple & Hazaratbal Shrine. All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. The distance from Srinagar to the gardens is about 12 to 15 kms respectively. Enroute, visit the carpet-weaving factory and old Srinagar city.

Nishat Bagh is one of the most beautiful terraced Mughal gardens located at the side of the famous Dal Lake near Srinagar. The Garden of Gladness or Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley located on the bank of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains at the back and offers a magnificent view Pir Panjal mountain range.

Shalimar Bagh is the largest mughal garden in India located at northeast of Dal Lake near Srinagar city along with other famous lake garden Nishat Bagh. The Bagh has Dal Lake in the background and considered to be very beautiful during the autumn and spring seasons.

The Chashme Shahi is one of the beautiful mughal garden built around a spring in the Zabarwan Range. A fresh water spring, terraces, water pool and a large fountain makes it the most charming of the gardens near Srinagar along the banks of the Dal lake.

Spread over an area of about 12 hectares, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia's largest tulip garden (only operational in April). Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is situated at the foothills of Zabarwan Range. Overlooking the iconic Dal Lake, the garden is opened in 2007. Adorned by 70 varieties of tulips, the garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar. To add more magnetism to the garden, several rose beds are also cultivated.

Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient temple that finds its origin in the 4th century. Located on Gopadari Hill in the south-east of Srinagar, Shankaracharya Temple lies at a height of 1100 feet above surface level of the city. In 371 BC, the temple is said to have been built by Raja Gopadatya. At that time, the temple was named as 'Gopadari', after the name of the King. It is believed that Shankracharya, the great philosopher, lived here during his trip to Kashmir. The legend left the place centuries ago, ever since, the temple came to be known as Shankaracharya Temple. The main shrine is in the shape of a circular chamber and provides a breathtaking view of the valley. The first work of renovation is considered to have taken place during the reign of Lalitaditya. When the temple got damaged in an earthquake, the second repairs were done by Zain-ul-Abideen, under the rule of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din. The stone steps that lead to the main shrine, are known to be built by Maharaja Gulab Singh.

The Hazratbal Shrine is set on the left bank of the Dal Lake. The Hazratbal Shrine takes its name from Kashmiri language where the word 'Hazrat' stands for holy and 'bal' stands for place. The shrine is considered extremely sacred among the Muslims.

Later, return to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, hit the road to Kargil.

On your drive to Kargil, road passes through the panoramic village of Sonamarg (2740 mts). Sonamarg, or the 'Meadow of Gold', has been described as another spectacular facet of the countryside in Kashmir in Sindh Valley. Sindh Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir.

After this, be prepared for a mostly rough road ahead as you cross wet Zojila pass (3527 mts), also the Gateway of Ladakh. Continue to drive towards Drass - the second coldest inhibited place in the world. After a further two and half hour drive, we will have arrived in Kargil (2710 mts), open to tourists in Ladakh since 1974.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kargil.

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and hit the road to Leh. On your way, visit the monasteries of Mulbekh and Lamayuru.

Mulbekh Monastry: Mulbekh Monastery or Mulbekh Gompa is said to consist of two gompas, one Drukpa and one Gelugpa Buddhist monastery in the Zanskar region in the state of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. The double gompas are dramatically situated at the very top of a crag 200 metres (656 ft) above the road. They were connected with the nearby palace of Rajah kalon of Mulbekh below. They may be reached by a steep footpath winding up from behind.

Lamayuru Monastry: Located at Lamayuru Leh district, this is the famous Buddhist monastery at a height of 11520 ft. This splendid monastery is considered as one of the fascinating places that one must visit. Lamayuru monastery is a place where many legends were associated with. In the earlier days, this huge construction was a collection of five gigantic building out of which only one survives now. But still, this remains the largest monastery and houses near about 150 Buddhist monks permanently, in earlier days the number was 400.

You will also be passing through Namkila Pass and Fatula Pass, the highest mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh road. Fotu La pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway of the Himalayan Zanskar Range stands at a height of of 13,478ft (4,108m) above the sea level. This mountain pass is referred to as the highest point on the highway, going beyond the well-known Zoji La. The drive through the pass is a beautiful journey where you can stop to get an amazing view of the snow-clad mountain ranges. Along with Namika La, the Fotu La is one of two high mountain passes between the regions of Leh and Kargil.

Continue to drive towards Leh. En route, also visit 1000 year-old Alchi monastery, Likir Monastery, Sangam of the Rivers of Indus & Zanskar Rivers.

Alchi Monastry: Alchi Monastery is a group of ancient Buddhist shrines that together form one of the most important religious centres in Ladakh. This gompa attributes its establishment to the legendary translator Rinchen Zangpo, who built it in AD 1000 by bringing 32 wood carvers and sculptors from Kashmir. The monastic complex consists of several temples and chortens, which belong to different time periods. Some of the oldest existing wall paintings of Ladakh are preserved in this monastery. The mural of 1000 Buddhas forms the highlight of the ancient artworks displayed here. Imposing statues of Lord Buddha and other deities are present in this shrine. These idols have beautiful wooden carvings and artworks, which can be compared to the artistic style of the Baroque period.

Likir Monastry: Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa, is located in a village named Saspol , approximately 52 km (32 miles)west of Leh. This is a monastery of Gelugpa monastic order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built by Lama Duwang Chosje, under the command of the fifth King of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo. The complex of the monastery houses a number of shrines. Presently, there are 120 Buddhist monks.

Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River: Nimmu is a beautiful valley that marks the confluence of the Indus River and Zanskar River. The Indus River drains the dry and deserted terrains of Ladakh's landlocked valley and serves as its lifeline. Zanskar, on the other hand, is a tributary of this river and merges into it from the north-eastern direction. On its way to the meeting point, the river passes through the spectacular Zanskar Gorge, which is a dream destination for trekkers.

On your drive along Indus River, visit famous Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame.

Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: Situated 25 miles from Leh in Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib stands at the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion and the first guru, is believed to have vanquished a demon. Though the region is predominantly Buddhist, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is also worshipped and venerated by Buddhists. Tibetan Buddhists venerate Guru Nanak as Guru Gompka Maharaj and as Nanak Lama.

Magnetic Hill: The popular Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is said to be a gravity hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. The hill lies at a distance of 30 km from the town of Leh, at an elevation of around 14,000 feet above sea level. To the eastern side of the hill flows the Sindhu River, originating in Tibet and is an almost essential stopover for all those who travel to Ladakh. An optical illusion or actuality, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has mysterious magnetic properties that draw tourists from across the globe.

Hall of Fame:The Hall of Fame, located near the Leh Airfiled, is a museum constructed as well as maintained by the Indian Army in the memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives during the Indo-Pak wars. It is also termed as a memorial for the war heros. This building consists of two floors. While on the ground floor, there is information about the brave soldiers as and a souvenir shop but on the first floor, there are artifacts of various wars (mainly Kargil war) such as the weapons used during the war and some important documents, related to the same. There is another section dedicated to the Siachen glacier.

Upon arrival in Leh, check-in and get comfortable. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh. 

After breakfast, we proceed to visit Indus Valley Monasteries starting with Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, 3 Idiots Rancho School & Sindhu Ghat.

Hemis Gompa: Hemis Monastery, 40 kms towards the south-east of the main city of Leh, is the largest as well as the most well-known monastery (Gompa) in Ladakh. This monastery was built by under the reigns of the King Singge Namgyal, in 1672 AD. This monastery plays host to an annual festival that is held in the month of June, which is also a major tourist attraction. This colorful day-long festival is called Hemis Tsechu which is also a state holiday. The monastery has beautiful paintings and a statue of Lord Buddha, which are the highlights too.

Thiksey Monastery: Thikse Gompa is around 19 kms to the East of the main city of Leh. The architecture of the largest monastery in central region of Ladakh, is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This 12-storey building complex consists of a number of things related to Buddhist art such as Thangka paintings, statues, stupas, swords, and so on. The building also has a nunnery. A major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970. The statue of future Lord Buddha in this temple of 49 feet high, which is also the largest in the region.

Shey Palace: Shey palace is located near Leh city. The palace is comes under archaeological survey of India and mostly ruins now. It was constructed in 1650 by the king Deldan Namgyal of Ladakh which was used as a summer retreat. The palace has the largest CHANGCHUP (Chorten stupa) in Ladakh, the top of which is made of pure gold. Later on, king also constructed Shey monastery in the memory of his father. The Royal palace and monastery built in sixteenth centrury A.D. enshrines the DU-KHANG with the copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha rising to a height of three storeys. Later on the royal family of Ladakh shifted to Stok Palace in 1834. The three storeyed palace has 7.5 meters statue of seated Sakyamuni Buddha made of from copper and brass plated with gold silver and studded with gems and precious stones.

3 Idiots Rancho School: This school became famous after the Aamir Khan's movie Three Idiots. The name of this school is Druk Padma Karpo School , this is also known as Druk White Lotus school. The clean and eco friendly structures of the school are designed to withstand seismic disturbances. This school was conferred one of the most beautiful schools in the world by BBC London in the year 2016. On arrival here you will be taken inside the campus with a guide and can visit different parts of the school. You are not allowed to disturb students or take any photographs of them. There is a café and one souvenir shop available inside the campus. Minimum time required is 15 to 20 minutes to visit this beautiful school campus.

Sindhu Ghat: Sindhu Ghat is a river bank near Shey Monastery in Leh. Located 10 Km upstream the Indus river, it originates from the Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash in Tibet. The scenic landscape of this attraction near Leh seems surreal. The barren mountains, rocky terrain, and river traversing the region is a sight to behold. Visit this ghat during the Sindhu Darshan Festival in June to experience the cultural extravaganza that Leh has to offer.

After visiting the above places we drive back to Leh. Evening is at Leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and we drive to the 'valley of flowers' Nubra Valley (120 kms/4-5 hrs). After you hit the road, your journey to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (5602 mts, 18,390 ft, 39 km from Leh) - the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass, one can expect stunning views of Indus valley and the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and the giants of the Saser massif to the north. Nubra Valley is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas.

Upon arrival in Nubra, check in to your hotel/camp in Hunder. In the evening, take a walk around the tiny villages to get an idea of the way locals live. A visit to a Ladakhi home can also be arranged (subjected to availbality at extra cost if applicable). Overnight stay at camp / Hotel.

After breakfast today, really important day and also a highly anticipated one visiting Turtuk Village, the last border village open to visitors before the Pakistan border. It must be one of the most under-rated locations in Ladakh. Turtuk was captured by Indian army in the year 1971 war from Pakistan. This village has a similar culture and language to Ladakhi. The religion of Turtuk is mostly Nurbakshi Muslim; some villages are Shai community. You will be stunned to notice the colour on various mountains. It just kept changing as you go along. Some mountains had multiple shades of brown, while some had a greenish tinge on the rocks. The winding roads, the green Shayok River and the colourful mountains will make your journey from Hunder to Turtuk one of the best of our trip. The scenery is especially amazing near Changmar village.

Overnight stay at Nubra Valley.

After an early breakfast, we check-out from camp/hotel and drive towards Hunder where you have opportunity to ride on a Bacterian Camel (double humped) (on direct payment basis by the customer) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road is Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains.

On the return, stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley.

Diskit monastery also known as Diskit Gompa is situated in the Nubra valley of Ladakh. This Buddhist center is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. The Diskit monastery was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. The prime attraction of the Diskit monastery is 100 foot high Maitreya Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the holy Dalai Lama. From the top of the Gompa, where the divine statue is settled, one can have a panoramic view of the Nubra valley.

Later we drive towards Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic! Later after crossing this adventurous part we drive further towards Durbuk & Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong Lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the "Indo China Border". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. After the success of hindi movie 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world.

Upon arrival we check in at our Camp Near Pangong lake. Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.

After a morning of leisure and relaxation exploring the beauty of Pangong Lake, hit the road to Leh. Tibetan for 'high grassland lake', Pangong Tso is one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. You may recognize its timeless beauty from its feature in Bollywood film 3 IDIOTS (2009). This disputed territory and saline water lake is in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It will be a first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under convention! At the first glimpse of the azure, tranquil waters and shaky lakeshore, it is hard to imagine that the lake sprawls over an area.

On your way to Leh, visit Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Hemis Gompa: Hemis Monastery, 40 kms towards the south-east of the main city of Leh is the largest as well as the most well-known monastery (Gompa) in Ladakh. This monastery was built by under the reigns of the King Singge Namgyal, in 1672 AD. This monastery plays host to an annual festival that is held in the month of which is also a major tourist attraction. This colorful day-long festival is called Hemis Tsechu which is also a state holiday. The monastery has beautiful paintings and a statue of Lord Buddha, which are the highlights too.

Drive further until you reach Leh. Check in to your hotel and get comfortable. In the evening, take an indulgent stroll around the marketplace for last minute souvenir shopping, if you wish.

We thank you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination with a lifetime memory.