Day 5: Visit Shey, Thikse and Hemis
Today take a picnic lunch and explore some of Ladakh's ancient gompas (Buddhist temples). Visit Shey Palace, the oldest in the region, built in 1645 as a summer residence for the kings of Ladakh. Also see Thikse Gompa, the most picturesquely situated of all Ladakh’s monasteries, perched high on a hill overlooking the Indus. Finally tour Hemis Gompa, Ladakh’s wealthiest and most important monastery. Built in 1620 by the king-architect Singe Namgyal, a great patron of Buddhism.
Day 6: Rafting in the Indus Valley
After breakfast drive up the Indus valley to begin an easy rafting trip. The journey downstream is a fascinating experience as you pass between amazing rock formations and granite outcrops interspersed with open stretches of cultivated land. An occasional gompa dots the landscape with the ever-present mountains, stark and awe inspiring, looming above.
Day 7: Visit Spituk and Phyang
After breakfast visit Spituk Gompa. The name Spituk is probably derived from the Tibetan language and means ‘Effective as an Example’, referring to the fact that this was the Tibetans' first monastery in Ladakh. Continue on to Phyang Gompa, beautifully situated on a hilltop above the small village of Chhiwang, about 22kms west of Leh.
Day 8: Visit Stok
Today visit Stok Palace & its associated museum. The Palace itself is the residence of the Queen of Ladakh belonging to Namgyal Dynasty. The museum is home to a superb collection of thangkas (paintings) said to be the best in the world. Some of them have been worked in pure gold and paints made of crushed semi-precious stones. Afternoon is at leisure to relax at the HOTEL or explore Leh’s colourful bazaars.
Day 9: Leh to Delhi – by air
Return by air to Delhi and stay at the Imperial Hotel, The Oberoi or the Hotel Taj Mahal.
Day 10: Delhi to Your Return Destination
Early morning depart for your return/forward destination.
Optional Inclusions
Add a day trip to Agra for viewing of Taj Mahal
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