8 Days Ladakh Monastery Circuit by Car
Ladakh
7 Night 8 Days
Starting from ₹ 45000
-4% ₹ 43000
What will you experience
Adventure
Hotel
Bonfire Night
Live Music
Meals
Tour Guide
Transportation
About the trip
Quick Info:
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Start/End Location: Leh, Ladakh
- Vehicle: Comfortable SUV or similar
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Group Size: 4-6 persons per vehicle
Embark on a spiritual and cultural journey through the mystical land of Ladakh with the "Ladakh Monastery Circuit by Car" tour. This carefully curated itinerary takes you to some of the most significant monasteries, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spiritual practices and rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. As you travel through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ladakh, you'll witness the serene beauty of the Himalayas, crystal-clear rivers, and high-altitude desert landscapes. This tour is perfect for those seeking a blend of spirituality, culture, and adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.
Highlights
- Visit ancient and revered monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit.
- Scenic drives through the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh.
- Experience the spiritual ambiance and rituals of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Explore the traditional Ladakhi culture in remote villages.
- Spectacular views of the Indus River Valley and Nubra Valley.
- Enjoy serene moments at Pangong Lake.
- Interact with monks and learn about monastic life.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Leh
- Arrival at Leh airport and transfer to the hotel.
- Rest and acclimatization to the high altitude.
- Evening visit to Shanti Stupa and Leh Market.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 2 : Leh - Hemis - Thiksey - Shey
- Full-day excursion to Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh.
- Visit Thiksey Monastery, known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace.
- Explore the ancient Shey Palace and Monastery.
- Return to Leh for an overnight stay.
Day 3 : Leh - Alchi - Likir
- Drive to Alchi, home to one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh.
- Visit Likir Monastery, known for its giant Buddha statue.
- Enjoy the beautiful drive along the Indus River.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 4 : Leh - Diskit - Hunder (Nubra Valley)
- Drive to Nubra Valley via the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
- Visit Diskit Monastery and its impressive Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Explore the sand dunes of Hunder and enjoy a camel ride.
- Overnight stay in a Nubra Valley camp or hotel.
Day 5 : Hunder - Sumur - Panamik - Leh
- Visit the lesser-known Sumur Monastery.
- Explore the hot springs of Panamik.
- Return to Leh via Khardung La.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 6 : Leh - Pangong Lake
- Early morning drive to Pangong Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in the Himalayas.
- En route, visit Changla Pass, the third highest motorable road in the world.
- Explore the beauty of Pangong Lake and enjoy a peaceful evening by the lake.
- Overnight stay in a camp near Pangong Lake.
Day 7 : Pangong Lake - Hemis - Leh
- Return to Leh, visiting Hemis Monastery once more for its morning prayers.
- Free evening to relax or explore Leh Market.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 8 : Departure from Leh
- Transfer to Leh airport for your onward journey.
- Tour ends with beautiful memories of Ladakh.
Things to Carry
- Valid ID proofs and necessary travel documents.
- Warm clothing, including thermals, woolen caps, and gloves.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm for sun protection.
- Comfortable trekking shoes and a pair of extra shoes.
- Personal medication and first aid kit.
- Snacks, energy bars, and water bottles.
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
- Power bank and chargers.
- Lightweight backpack for day trips.
- Flashlight or headlamp.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels and camps on a twin-sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel/camps.
- All transfers and sightseeing by a private SUV or similar vehicle.
- Inner Line Permits for restricted areas.
- Entry fees to monasteries and monuments.
- Experienced driver with local knowledge.
- Oxygen cylinder in the car for emergencies.
- First aid kit.
Exclusions
- Airfare to and from Leh.
- Lunches during the trip.
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, and tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any kind of drinks (alcoholic, mineral water, or aerated).
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to take the Ladakh Monastery Circuit by Car?
The best time to take the Ladakh Monastery Circuit by Car is between May and September when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are accessible. During this period, you can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and visit the monasteries comfortably.
Which monasteries will be covered in this tour?
The tour typically includes visits to prominent monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, Diskit, Shey, Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru, and Spituk. These monasteries are known for their rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance.
How challenging is the driving route for this tour?
The driving route covers both paved and unpaved roads, including some high mountain passes. While the journey is scenic, drivers should be experienced in navigating steep and winding roads. Hiring a local driver is recommended if you're unfamiliar with such terrains.
What kind of vehicle is recommended for this tour?
A sturdy SUV or 4x4 vehicle is recommended for this tour to handle the rugged terrain and varying road conditions. Vehicles like the Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Innova, or a similar model are ideal choices.
Is acclimatization required before starting the tour?
Yes, acclimatization is crucial due to Ladakh's high altitude. It is recommended to spend at least a day or two in Leh before starting the monastery circuit to adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
What accommodations are available during the tour?
Accommodations range from guesthouses and homestays to standard and luxury hotels, depending on the location. In remote areas, options might be limited to basic guesthouses with essential amenities.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Meal inclusions depend on the specific tour package. Some packages include breakfast and dinner, while others may only include breakfast. It's advisable to confirm meal details when booking the tour.
What should I pack for the tour?
Pack warm clothing, even during summer, as temperatures can drop at higher altitudes. Other essentials include comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, personal medications, and a good quality camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Are permits required for this tour?
Yes, Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for certain areas in Ladakh, including Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. These permits can be arranged through your tour operator or directly from the DC office in Leh.
What kind of cultural etiquette should I be aware of when visiting the monasteries?
Visitors should dress modestly, removing shoes before entering prayer halls, and refrain from loud conversations or inappropriate behavior. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so always ask for permission before taking photos.
Policies
Confirmation Policy
- Payments can be made either all at once or in 4 parts.
- After processing the booking amount, you will receive an email regarding your booking confirmation.
- Once you have paid 100% of the amount for your booking, you will receive an invoice containing all the information about the trip.
Payment Terms Policy
- Booking amount: 4,000/-
- 30 days before the trip departure: 50% of the total cost.
- 20 days before the trip departure: 70% of the total cost.
- 10 days before the trip departure: 100% of the total cost.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made before 30 days from the date of travel will result in a charge of 20% of the total trip cost.
- Cancellations made between 15 to 30 days from the date of travel will result in a charge of 50% of the total trip cost.
- Cancellations made between 5 to 15 days from the date of travel will result in a charge of 70% of the total trip cost.
- Cancellations made between 0 to 5 days from the date of travel will result in a charge of 100% of the total trip cost.
Refund Policy
- Refund amount will be processed within 15 business working days
- All applicable refunds will be done via Bank Transfer only.
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