Trip To Shambhala

Welcome to Manali! Nestled in the Beas River Valley, this charming hill station is a favourite among visitors from all over India. You can easily get to Manali via the national highway that heads towards the Ladakh region.

Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, home to diverse plant and animal life, and boasting several key sights, a visit to Manali is truly rewarding. Legend has it that Manu, a wise sage, restarted human civilization here after a massive flood wiped everything out. In the heart of old Manali, there’s an ancient temple dedicated to him. Other must-see places in this lovely town include the Hadimba Temple, the Manali Sanctuary, Arjun Gufa, and Jagatsukh. Once you arrive at your hotel, check-in and settle down. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel in Manali.

Today, we begin our trip to Leh and plan to spend the night at Sarchu. On our way, we’ll pass through Rohtang Pass (expenses on your own) at an elevation of 3978 meters, then move on to Keylong at 3350 meters, and cross the Baralacha Pass at 4890 meters. Our night halt is at Sarchu, which is located at 4253 meters and sits on the border between Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul) and Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh). When we reach Sarchu, we’ll check into our tent accommodation where we’ll be staying overnight.

Set off for Leh early in the morning, taking the route via Nakeela and Lachangla Pass, which is at a height of 16,617 feet. Have your lunch at Pang. Once you’re done with lunch, continue your journey towards Leh. On your way, you’ll cross Skyangchu Thang, known as the largest and highest plateau on Earth, stretching over 42 kilometres, and Tanglang La Pass, standing tall at 17,585 feet, before finally entering the Indus Valley. When you arrive in Leh, our representative will be there to greet you and help you with your check-in at the hotel in Leh.

After breakfast, we start our journey to explore Sham Valley, covering key attractions:

• Hall of Fame: A museum near Leh Airfield, dedicated to soldiers who died in Indo-Pak wars, showcasing their bravery and war artefacts.
• Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: Located 40 km from Leh, this sacred Gurudwara commemorates Guru Nanak’s victory over a demon, revered by both Sikhs and Buddhists.
• Magnetic Hill: An intriguing spot 30 km from Leh, where vehicles seem to defy gravity, attracting visitors worldwide.
• The confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers: A stunning meeting point of two rivers in the Nimmu Valley, offering breathtaking views and trekking opportunities.
• Spituk Monastery: An 11th-century monastery overlooking the Indus, known for its annual festival and a large statue of a goddess.
• Alchi Monastery: Famous for its ancient Buddhist art and murals, including the 1000 Buddhas, reflecting rich history and culture.
• Likir Monastery: A significant Buddhist monastery 52 km west of Leh, home to 120 monks and several shrines.
• Lamayuru Monastery: Located at 11,520 feet, it’s one of the oldest and most captivating monasteries, with a rich history.

Guests also have the option to experience rafting at Sangam (extra charges).

We conclude the day with a drive back to Leh for an overnight stay.

• After breakfast, we headed towards Nubra Valley. The drive from Leh to Nubra goes through Khardung La, one of the highest roads you can drive on in the world, sitting at an altitude of about 5,602 meters, and is around 39 kilometres away from Leh. The view from Khardung La is breathtaking, offering a wide panorama that stretches from the Indus valley up to the endless mountain ranges of Zanskar in the south, and towards the impressive Saser massif in the north. Nubra Valley, often called Ldumra or the Valley of flowers, is tucked away in the northern part of Ladakh. It lies between the Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges in the Himalayas, standing at an average height of about 10,000 feet above sea level.
• Once we reached Nubra, we checked into our camp or hotel in Hunder to spend the night. In the evening, we wandered through the small villages nearby to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle in this secluded area. We spent the night enjoying the peace and quiet of our camp or hotel.

After having breakfast in the morning, make your way to Turtuk, a village that became part of India during the 1971 war with Pakistan, located very close to the border. Take a look at a mosque from the 16th century, which has a mix of Turkish and Iranian styles, and also check out the old Dhards fort and monastery. Be amazed by the incredible view of the famous K2 mountain, which is the world’s second tallest peak, just after Mount Everest. Then, head back to your hotel to spend the night.

Start your day early by leaving your camp or hotel and head towards Hunder. It’s a great chance to ride a Bactrian camel, which has two humps, through the desert sands at high altitude, with beautiful snow-covered mountains all around. On your way back, stop by Diskit, the main spot in Nubra Valley, and take a nice walk around the market. You’ll see local shops and people going about their day. Then, drive to Pangong Tso through Agham and Shyok Valley. The roads might be a bit rough in places, but the views are definitely worth it. After tackling some adventurous roads, continue towards Durbuk and Tangtse until you reach Pangong. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and suddenly see the stunning Pangong Lake, which is about 14,000 feet high. Once you get there, check into your camp or hotel by the lake, enjoy your dinner, and stay overnight.

After enjoying the serene beauty of Pangong Lake in the morning, head towards Leh. Pangong Tso, famous for its appearance in the Bollywood movie “3 IDIOTS”, is a large saltwater lake in Asia, soon to be recognized as a wetland of global importance. Its vast, clear blue waters are a sight to behold.

On your way to Leh, don’t miss out on visiting Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Rancho School, and Shey Palace:

• Hemis Gompa: The largest monastery in Ladakh, known for its annual Hemis Tsechu festival and stunning Buddha statue.
• Thiksey Monastery: Resembles the Potala Palace in Tibet, famous for its 12-storey complex filled with Buddhist art, including a notable statue of the future Buddha.
• Shey Palace: A historical site near Leh, known for its large Buddha statue and once a royal summer retreat.
• Rancho School: Famous for the “Three Idiots” movie, this school is admired for its innovative, earthquake-resistant design and beautiful campus, but remember to respect the students’ privacy during your visit.

Conclude your journey by checking into a hotel in Leh for the night.

Thank you for choosing us! We promise to get you to the Domestic Airport on time for your next flight. Take with you memories that will last a lifetime.