OVERVIEW.
Ladakh (La-Dags – “land of high mountain passes”) is mainland India’s most remote and sparsely populated region, a high-altitude desert cradled by the Karakoram and Great Himalaya ranges and crisscrossed by myriad razor-sharp peaks and ridges. Variously described as “Little Tibet” or “the last Shangri-La”. The population of Ladakh is predominantly Buddhist and Ladakh has been deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which follows the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. In these forms of Buddhism, Buddha is worshipped a deity who has attained Nirvana (freedom from the cycle of birth and death). This journey is a perfect blend of culture and nature. As the journey proceeds, this land of mysteries and legends will unfold a unique culture and life before you. You will visit ancient monasteries and palaces and learn how Buddhism came to this remote kingdom, land locked by high mountain passes and deep river gorges.
The mythology of Tibetan Buddhism has many tales of various spirits and demons. These representations of both good and evil qualities are depicted in the form of masks and their stories are enacted as masked dances during the annual festivals of various Gompas in Ladakh. You will definitely feel blessed to be part of the Hemis festival and the annual international Yoga day in these beautiful landscapes of Ladakh. This journey gives you an insight of living like a local, interact with Lamas, you will attend the morning prayers in the monasteries, archery games , cycle in the Himalayas, stories of Pashmina, horse polo and lot of other activities. You will definitely cherish the memories of this trip for the rest of your lives.
International Yoga Day, India 2018.
HIGHLIGHTS.
➔ Celebrate International Day of Yoga in the valley
The participants will celebrate the IYD in the Himalayas – where it all began – with the beautiful backdrop of the valley and serene surroundings. This will give you an insight into the age old philosophy – a means of discovering self.
➔ Participate in a monastic festival – Hemis Tsechu
More than six centuries ago, a great Guru trekked through the Tibetan and Indian Himalayas. On his way, he set up 108 monasteries – centers of Buddhism to study and meditate in. Following the Rimpoche, these monasteries soon became famous as centers of learning and spreading of non-violence throughout the high Himalayas. Naropa is a festival that occurs once in 12 years – celebrating Buddha’s teachings at Hemis Tsechu. An immense Thangka is unrolled during this time. The 100ft tall cloth depicts various aspects of Buddha’s life – and significant changes that occurred to him. An event that will inspire each and everyone of you.
Celebrate in the local festivals.
➔ Interact with the the Lamas
Explore the waterways around which these hamlets reside and meet the local inhabitants. Along with the physical, though, the culture of Ladakh also encompasses a great deal of the spiritual. With Lamas in the many monasteries (Thiksey,Shey Monastery and Spituk Gompa) acting as mediators between this world.
➔ Morning prayers in the Monasteries
Attend the morning prayer session with the monks in Thiksey monastery and light up 100 butter candles in the honor of the Buddha.
➔ A game of horse polo (as a player or a spectator)
An opportunity for you to to play (or witness) the local sport of Ladakh. Every major village has a polo ground and the game is an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Ladakhi people where music, especially drums, accompany the scoring of each goal.
➔ A session of archery
Archery is a local sport and there are so many key learnings from this sport. It is about precision, balance, composure, and teamwork. It is so much about how one hits the target than just hitting the target.
➔ Cycle around the Himalayas
Cycling in the Himalayas is a dream for everyone. Such is the beauty of the place. It is not the easiest of the task though. It will test your endurance, skills, and awareness. Lessons learnt during this exercise will help you counter difficult situations at work.
Explore the Himalayas.
➔ Excursion to Alchi and Lamayuru Monasteries
➔ Excursion to Turtuk village – the last village on the India-Pak border
➔ Excursion to Pangong tso
Unique excursions to Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries.
ITINERARY.
| Day | Date | Program |
| 01 | Monday, 18 June | Arrive Delhi.
You will board the connecting flight to Leh. You will be greeted by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Evening is at leisure. Welcome dinner will be served at an exclusive venue. Overnight in Leh. |
| 02 | Tuesday, 19 June | This day is at leisure to get acclimatised to the high altitude. As most of the destinations and attractions of Ladakh including Leh are positioned on the high altitudes, above 10, 000 feet, travelers and other visitors might suffer from headaches, dizziness and Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS. Thus, a little planning for acclimatization to the high altitudes of Ladakh surely becomes one of the most important things to do during your Ladakh tour. You will spend the day at leisure or you can stroll around in the evening. Overnight in Leh. |
| 03 | Wednesday, 20 June | This morning after breakfast drive to Wari La to cycle with the wind. Wari La is one of the most scenic passes in Ladakh, Wari La is also the fourth-highest motorable road in the world. This pass connects two of the most exotic valleys in this trans-Himalayan region. Here you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Nubra valley, which lies beyond the pass, as well as the many villages that dot the Indus valley. Wari La was opened only in the year 2008 as an alternative route into the Nubra valley. Post a short safety briefing session at the top, you’ll be ready to cycle down the best track that the Ladakhi Himalayas have to offer. The road criss-crosses its way on the mountain side into the green oasis of Sakti village. This exhilarating ride comes to an end at Kharu town.
Return to the hotel for lunch. After lunch leave for the orientation tour of Leh. Visit the famed Leh Palace, a nine storied wonder that is home to some of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. Make your way through endless winding alleys and stairways that burrow around series of old mud-brick Ladakhi houses and chortens. Other well-restored buildings that is part of your itinerary includes the 17th-century Munshi Mansion, which was once home to the Ladakhi Royal Secretary, and now houses the vibrant LAMO Arts Centre. No cultural tour in Leh and Ladakh can be complete without a walk through its many hamlets. These tiny oases serve as a relieving sight from the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the region. The true sources of the traditional way of life in Ladakh, these silent sentinels of traditions are a sight to behold. Make your way through mud-bricked lanes, lined with poplar trees along the path. Explore the waterways around which these hamlets reside and meet the local inhabitants. Along with the physical, though, the culture of Ladakh also encompasses a great deal of the spiritual. With Lamas in the many monasteries (Thiksey,Shey monastery and spituk gompa) acting as mediators between this world. In the evening stroll in the Leh market to witness the locals and their ways of earning their livelihood. Overnight in Leh. |
| 04 | Thursday ,21 June | This day is dedicated to celebrate the international Yoga day in the serene environs of Ladakh. Early morning proceed to an exclusive venue for Yoga sessions with the Yoga guru. Indulge in this ancient art based on a harmonizing system of development for the body, mind, and spirit. The continued practice of yoga will lead you to a sense of peace and well-being, and also a feeling of being at one with their environment. This is a half day activity. Late morning breakfast will be served at the venue. Return to the hotel. After lunch attend the lecture on Buddhism, spirituality and also meditate with the monks. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Leh.
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| 05 | Friday, 22 June | Excursion to Lamayuru and Alchi : This day after attending the morning prayer at monastery, you will leave for Lamayuru (2.5 HRS). Arrive Lamayuru and visit the Lamayuru Gompa or the famous monastery in the Lamayuru region. It is hard to say whether the monastery is named after the place or the place got its name from the monastery, as it is one of the most famous monasteries situated in Kargil, Himalayas. The region lies at an altitude of 3510 meters. A tour to Lamayuru Gompa is an essential part of a visit to Leh and Ladakh, along with the world famous monument in the Kargil district. Lamayuru is believed to be the oldest and the biggest Gompa situated in Ladakh. In this monastery, a total of 150 monks live as permanent residents. After lunch proceed to Alchi monastery – known for the beautiful wall paintings that date back to the year 1000 A.D. It was built by Rinchen Zangpo. The wall paintings in Alchi Monastery are of great artistic expertise and depict the spiritual ideals of Buddhism and Hinduism in the lives of the Kings of Jammu and Kashmir. Alchi Gompa comprises of temples of Rinchen Lhakhang at Lotsa Lhakhang, Jamyang Lhakhang (Manjusri temple) and the Sumtsag Lhakhang. There are a number of Buddhists images and statues too, in the monastery. The main image is that of Vairocana. The paintings in the monastery reflect the Indian style. In the evening drive back to Leh for overnight stay.
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| 06 | Saturday, 23 June | Hemis Festival: Based on Tibetan and Buddhist Legends, Hemis Festival is said to have its origins back in 8th Century. Lord Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rimpoche is believed to be the local savior who banished demons and evil spirits. The festival highlight is the Dance performances and plays by masked Lamas. The masked dance represents the good prevailing over evil. The participants of the spellbinding performance are dressed in vibrant costumes and bright masks. It’s time to celebrate the Ladakhi Hemis festival. In the quaint Hemis Jangchub Choling Monastery, the colorful extravaganza of celebrating the birth of local savior Lord Padmasambhava is under fervent preparations. 45 kms from Leh, capital city of Ladakh Witnesses’ international crowds come to join the festivities. Dance, music, prayers, masked performances and a medley of colors will be seen everywhere you see. The otherwise quaint and rugged landscape of Ladakh turns vibrant and chaotic during this monastery festival. Return to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Leh. |
| 07 | Sunday, 24 June | This morning after breakfast indulge in Archery session followed by a game of horse polo. After lunch leave for Nubra valley driving over the Khardung La pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The road winds down from the pass to the lowlands where winding channels of the Shyok and Nubra Rivers crisscross the wide and flat Nubra valley. From far the valley seems parched and dry but as you go closer the valley mainly consists of prime farmland, the reason why it is also called the Orchard of Ladakh. In the evening, we will have a performance by a Ladakhi cultural group who will enchant you with their elaborate, colourful, and majestic dance with slow and gentle movements matched by their traditional dresses. Overnight in Nubra Valley. |
| 08 | Monday, 25 June | After breakfast, drive to Turtuk – the land of Balti people, located at an altitude of 9846 feet above the sea level , this beautiful village is on the edge of Shayok valley. Until the year 1971, Turtuk was a part of Baltistan and was under the control of Pakistan. The story that goes around in Turtuk by the elders is one worth hearing about how on that one eventful evening they went bed in Pakistan occupied Kashmir or PoK and woke up in India. To enter Turtuk one has to walk over a wooden bridge that crosses over the road and flowing stream. The village is very scenic with plenty of small colorful flowers and apricot trees all over the village. The village grows four different varieties of apricots and this fruit is the major source of income to the people. There are so many apricot trees in the village, that climbing on one of the trees and plucking the fruit is a must do thing for everyone who visits this beautiful village during the month of July and August.
The elders from the village are generally busy all day in their farms. A stroll through the village is very pleasant taking you through lush green wheat field where you can meet cute little smiling children. Nearly all the women in the village work in the hay fields along with their teenage children, while the men are mostly shepherds and tend to their apricot business. They also provide mules and porters to the army. The village is situated on a flat plateau amidst the mighty Trans-Himalayas and the village really gives travellers a feel of what heaven on earth might look like. With its small colorful flowers and rosy cheeked children wandering the village lanes like naughty angels, while they play and run around the place, Turtuk makes people feel like they are in paradise. Drive back to Diskit monastery and Hunder sand dunes for a joyrides on the Bactrian camels. Native to the steppes of central Asia, the Bactrian camel has two humps, in contrast to the single-humped camels. The Bactrian camels, found only in Hunder, were the main mode of transport when Ladakh was an important stopover on the ancient trade routes with Central Asia. In the evening return to hotel for overnight stay. |
| 09 | Tuesday, 26 June | This morning is at leisure to explore on your own. In the afternoon drive back to Leh and explore the markets for the amazing souvenirs shopping and interact with the people. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Leh.
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| 10 | Wednesday, 27 June | Day excursion to Pangong Tso – Pangong Lake also known as Pangong Tso is a beautiful endorheic lake situated in the Himalayas and is 134 km long, extending from India to China. Pangong Lake is situated at a height of 4350 m and is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the country. The beauty and allure of this lake has attracted people from all over the country and beyond.The one factor that makes this Lake so popular is the fact that it keeps changing colors. Situated in the Himalayan range it is approximately 140 km from Leh. The name of the lake Pangong was got from a Tibetan word Banggong Co that means a narrow and enchanted lake. And now you know that the lake has got its name rightfully.Spend the day soaking into the breathtaking views of the lake with picnic lunch. Return to Leh in the evening. Overnight in Leh.
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| 11 | Thursday, 28 June | This morning you will drive to Leh airport to board the flight for Delhi where you will board the international flight for onward journey. |
HOTEL OPTIONS.
| Destination | 04 star | 05 star |
| Leh | Grand Dragon/ The Zen Ladakh | TUTC Chamba Luxury camp |
| Nubra | Lchang Nang Retreat | TUTC Diskit Luxury camp |
DATES.
18 – 28 June 2018.
COSTS.
Starts from $3400 per person sharing in luxury 4 Star Hotels.
INCLUSIONS.
The rates given in the quotation include the following specific services:
- Meeting and assistance on arrival and departure by our representative
- Accommodation in the hotels mentioned, or similar for a total of 10 nights
- Meal Plan: All meals are included in the cost.
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transportation by an air – conditioned vehicle in Delhi and non air-conditioned in Ladakh as per the itinerary .
- Services of an accompanying guide throughout the trip in Ladakh.
- All entrance fee and permit fee.
- Presently applicable Government taxes, which are subject to change.
- Professional and service charges for preparation and operation of the tour program.
The rates include only the services listed above.
The rates do not include:
- International airfare
- Insurance
- Visa
- Items of a personal nature such as cost of telephone calls, torches, beverages, tips and gratuities.
Assumption of risk and liability:
- While we make every effort to provide on-time service, we do not guarantee tour start and finish times, which may be delayed by any number of factors, including weather, traffic, road conditions, mechanical problems or any other conditions beyond our control. We are not liable for any inconvenience or expense caused as a result of such delay.
- In event of illness, accidents, flight cancellation or delay caused by occurrences beyond control. Indian Outskirts, its associates and agents shall not be responsible or liable for damage whatsoever. Indian Outskirts is however committed to making all available arrangements for your care and safety. Moreover the best mutually acceptable alternatives and adjustments in the itinerary will be offered on the spot.
- Indian Outskirts further reserve the right to change, alter or cancel a trip when considered necessary, to ensure the safety, or due to unforeseen factors beyond control.
- We provide no insurance cover.
Note : Prices are subject to revise in case of any steep increase in fuel price, addition/ revision in Tax structure or any other unforeseen reasons.
PAYMENT TERMS & POLICY.
Payment Terms:
Payment for the above tour will be in Rand by one of the following options based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of transaction after mutual confirmation:
- By Bank transfer : Also known as ‘SWIFT’ payment which is done through the bank. Our bank details will be specified in the invoice, and any applicable bank charges will be borne by you.
- By International Credit Card : By way of PayGate.
Payment Policy:
On confirmation of tour, an advance deposit of 50% of the tour cost + full airfare. Balance should be credited to our account 45 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policy:
| If the tour is cancelled | Cancellation charges |
| Up to 50 – 45 days prior to the date of arrival | 15% of the total tour cost |
| Less than 45 days and up to 30 days prior to the date of arrival | 40% of the total tour cost |
| Less than 30 days and up to 15 days prior to the date of arrival | 75% of the total tour cost |
| Less than 15 days | Full tour cost |
Liability:
The above quotations are subject to amendment should suppliers amend their rates prior to commencement of the tour. Unforeseen conditions may necessitate some modifications to the itinerary. Indian Outskirts reserves the right to make such changes, alter or omit any part of the itinerary as the situation demands.
Indian Outskirts, while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodation and other services only act as an agent on the clear understanding that they shall not be, in any way responsible or liable for any accident, damage, loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with the travel facilities, whether arranged by the Company, its employees & agents or not.
All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond control.
Indian Outskirts is not responsible for the re-routing of the itinerary due to flight and/or train cancellation. Any additional expenses necessitated by such an event will be borne by the clients.
In case of cancellations or re-scheduled services by air companies, hotels, Transport Companies or other suppliers, passengers will be assisted by Indian Outskirts and any extra cost arising from this assistance, not provided for under the program, will be charged separately.
“If you want to know your past life, look at your present condition.
If you want to know your future life, look at your present actions.”
Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)
We look forward to welcoming you!
