Classical Ladakh
Ladakh is a land of very high mountains and unspoiled nature, whose prevailing religion is Buddhism witnessed by ancient temples, frequented by monks and devotees, prayer wheels to recite mantras, tall statues of Buddha, multicolored flags hanging in the wind to spread the prayers inscribed therein.
Day 01: Arrive in Delhi
Upon arrival, meeting with the staff of our staff for presentations. Later transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, tour in Old and New Delhi, visit from outside the Red Fort, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2007 and built in 1639 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (the creator of the Taj Mahal). Visit of the Jama Masjid, one of the most impressive Indian mosques, also commissioned by Shahjehan and completed in 1656. We pass through the characteristic and ancient market of Chandni Chowk built in the 17th century by the emperor himself. Visit the Raj Ghat, a black marble platform that marks the site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation on January 31, 1948 one day after his assassination. Continue on to New Delhi to the district of the Government buildings which represent the largest liberal democracy in the world and Connaught Place. Stop at India Gate. the arch erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who left their lives fighting for the British army during the First World War. Visit of the Qutub Minar complex, a 73 meters high tower, engraved with verses from the Koran, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak is one of the most beautiful monuments in India and in the world. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Delhi / Leh
In the morning, flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh located at 3,400 meters above sea level, which requires a day of rest to acclimatize. In the late afternoon, stroll through the center of Leh. Full board.
Day 04: Leh
After breakfast, visit the Buddhist-Tibetan monastery of Hemis, 45 km from Leh. It already existed before the 11th century and is still revered today as the largest monastic institution in Ladakh. It is famous for its rich collection of ancient texts, the Buddha statue, gold and silver stupa. Then visit the Thiksey monastery, on the top of a hill, at an altitude of 3600 meters, about 11 km. from Leh and that so much resembles the Potala of Lhasa. It houses many objects of Buddhist art and the and the statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future. Stop to photograph Shey Monastery. Afternoon visit the Shanti Stupa, built in 1991, at a height of 4,267 meters and from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the valley. Free time for a tour of Leh, among its traditional bazaars. Possibility to visit the Sankar Gompa, reachable with an easy half-hour walk from Leh. Full board.
Day 05: Leh / Valle di Nubra
Transfer to the Nubra valley (average altitude 3048 meters) through the spectacular KardungLa pass at an altitude of 5602 meters. Accommodation in a tented camp. In the afternoon visit the Diskit Monastery, the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in the Valley. On the top of the hill in front of the monastery, a large statue of Buddha 32 meters high, the construction of which began in April 2006 and which was consecrated by the Dalai Lama on 25 July 2010. Visit of the Samstaling monastery, built in the early 19th century. Century, about 120 km. from Leh and located in one of the most remote villages of the Nubra Valley, in a particularly picturesque landscape. Towards the end of the day, walk on the sand dunes with the optional possibility of a camel safari. Full board.
Day 06: Valle di Nubra / Leh
In the morning, return to Leh. Free afternoon for shopping and individual walks up to Sankar Gompa and Leh castle. Full board.
Day 07: Leh / Uletokpo
Transfer to Uletokpo along the Indus valley. Along the way, visit two of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh: Likir, founded in 1065 and Alchi, dating back to the 11th century, rich in frescoes and with the great golden statue of Maitrya 23 meters high. Lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Lamayuru monastery, the oldest Gompa in Ladakh, located at 3510 mt. high, on top of an incredible valley that resembles a lunar landscape. Return to Leh. Full board.
Day 08: Uletokpo / Leh
In the morning, return to Leh. Visit of the Spituk monastery, 8 km away. From Leh, 11th century. Then visit the one in Phyang, 15 km from Leh and founded in 1515, which houses a collection of bronzes, ancient paintings and Tantric rooms. Afternoon visit to the small monastery of Stakna and that of Matho, located in a suggestive landscape. Descent on foot through the pretty village. Full board.
Day 09: Leh / Delhi
Transfer to the airport for boarding the flight to Delhi. Free lunch. Free afternoon for individual initiatives. Room available to settle down and freshen up. After dinner, transfer to the airport.
Day 10: Depart from Delhi
Boarding the flight for the return home.