Leh Ladakh (7N/8D)

Pick up from Leh airport and transfer to the hotel at Leh. Check into the hotel and relax for the day. In the evening you can visit the local bazaar of Leh which is famous for its pearls and coral jewellery. Also, visit Shanti Stupa- Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop. It was built by a Japanese Buddhist in 1991 and holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself. It was built to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism. Back to hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, proceed to visit Thiksey Gompa- one of the most beautiful monasteries of Ladakh, belongs to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism. This monastery is said to be the Mini Potala of India as it resembles Potala Palace in Tibet. exhibits the gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha called the Maitreya Buddha. Then proceed to visit Indus Valley Monastery. In the afternoon visit Stok Palace which lies on the bank opposite to Tsangpo River. It was built in 17th centenary by King Sengge Namgyal for his royal family. Back to hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, visit Shey Palace- the old summer Palace of the kings of Ladakh. It is located 15 km. from Leh towards Hemis and is built in more than 555 years ago. The palace has the largest golden Buddha statue in Ladakh named Shakyamuni Buddha. This is a 12 metres (39 ft) icon covering three floors of the monastery. The walls on both the sides of Buddha display the 16 Arhats (saints who achieved Nirvana). The Hemis monastery also has an important library of Tibetan styles books and a very impressive and valuable collection of Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones. It is famous for its festival, which features elaborate mask dances and goes on for two days in June- July. Back to hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, drive straight to Spituk. Visit Spituk Gompa yet another beautiful monastery, on the hilltop near Indus about 18 km. from Leh on Srinagar road. It houses the enormous statue of the goddess and its face is open to the public only once a year during the festival time. After the visit starts trekking along the Indus River to reach Zingchen. It is around 4 hours trek and you will cross a couple of streams and nearby villages. Overnight stay at the tent.

Today, get ready to continue trekking for Rumbak- a high altitude (4050 M) tiny village of 9 households set amidst rolling mountains & green valleys in the Hemis National Park. Enter the Hemis National Park and see some wildlife. Rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight stay at the tent.

Today, climb uphill towards Stok La Pass. It is a bit tough trek and takes you through the sharp and zigzag path. On top view the breathtaking view of the Snow Leopard Kingdom and the daunting Indus valley and the enormous Himalayas. Overnight stay at the tent.

Today, leave for a gentle and easy trek descending in the valley towards to Stok village. Stok village is the present seat of the Royal Family of Ladakh. Visit Stok palace-the palace has now been converted into a museum which displays fabulous costumes, pieces of jewellery, coins, weapons, armours etc. which are a few centuries old. Thereafter drive to Leh. Overnight at the hotel.

Check out from the hotel and proceed to Leh airport for your onward journey.