Leh – Ladakh Tour & Adventure (Leh to Srinagar)
A dream destination for any spirited traveler, Leh is a paradise in the lap of the Himalayas, and offers you the glorious landscapes full of mountains and valleys. The Ladakh region (meaning ‘Land of High Passes’) has also been described as 'The Mysterious Land of the Mystic Lamas' and 'The Broken Moonland', owing to its unique combination of unparalleled landscapes and soulful Tibetan culture.
Trikon brings you the adventure of a lifetime at Leh, Ladakh. Our carefully planned itinerary offers you the best experience possible – the joyous adventure of a road trip, the thrill of white water river-rafting in the Zanskar and the serenity of staying in a houseboat in Kashmir! We promise the trip will be a treat to all your senses, making it an experience you’ll cherish forever! So what are you waiting for?? Come, get enchanted by the mystic beauty that is Leh!
Some interesting facts about ladakh:
- Ladakh is a high-altitude desert located in the northernmost region of India, nestled between the Karakoram mountain range in the north and the Himalayas in the south.
- It is one of the highest inhabited regions in the world, with some villages located at an altitude of over 4,500 meters.
- The Ladakh region was once an important stopover on the ancient Silk Route, which connected China and Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent.
- Ladakh is home to the world's highest motorable road, the Khardung La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,359 meters.
- The region is known for its unique culture and traditions, which are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The monasteries in Ladakh are some of the most ancient and well-preserved in the world.
- Ladakh is famous for its stunning landscapes, which include snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and turquoise lakes. The Pangong Tso Lake is a popular tourist destination and has been featured in several Bollywood movies.
- Ladakh is also home to some rare and endangered species of wildlife, including the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and black-necked crane.
- The people of Ladakh are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors. Homestays and guesthouses are popular accommodation options in the region.
- Ladakh is also a popular destination for adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, and river rafting. The Zanskar River, which flows through the region, is one of the best places in the world for white-water rafting.
- Due to its remote location and harsh climate, Ladakh remains largely untouched by modern development and offers a unique glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Some Interesting facts about Srinagar:
- Srinagar is located in the Kashmir Valley, which is surrounded by the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range.
- The city is famous for its beautiful gardens, including the Mughal Gardens which were built in the 16th century.
- Srinagar is known for its houseboats, which are unique to the region. These houseboats are typically made of cedar wood and feature intricate carvings.
- The Dal Lake in Srinagar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It is known for its scenic beauty and the houseboats that are moored on its shores.
- The city is also famous for its handicrafts, including carpets, shawls, and embroidered fabrics.
- Srinagar is home to several important historical sites, including the Shankaracharya Temple which dates back to the 9th century.
- The Hazratbal Shrine, which contains a holy relic of the Prophet Muhammad, is another important pilgrimage site in Srinagar.
- The city has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes like Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Yakhni being popular among locals and tourists alike.
- Srinagar has a cool and pleasant climate during the summer months, which makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking relief from the heat.
- The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with music, dance, and poetry playing an important role in the lives of its residents.
Ex Leh: 32999/- per person ( Transport from Leh to Srinagar)
Short Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Srinagar Tour:
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization
Day 2: River Rafting; Local Sightseeing/Overnight stay in Leh
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La - 125 km (4-5 hours) /Overnight stay at Nubra Valley
Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok, Visit Sand Dunes, and Camel Safari - 140 km (4-5 hours) / Overnight stay at Pangong
Day 5: Pangong Tso to Leh – 150 km (4-5 hours) / Overnight stay in Leh
Day 6: Leh to Kargil via Lamayuru – 240 km (7-8 hours) / Overnight stay in Kargil
Day 7: Kargil to Srinagar via Drass – 200 km (7-8 hours) / Overnight stay at Srinagar
Day 8: Departure
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization
Arrive at Leh. Due to sudden temperature and weather change, the body needs some time for Acclimatization. Spend the day in local sight-seeing and take rest. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from Shanti Stupa. If time does permit,we will head out for Leh Palace as well.
Day 2: River Rafting; Local Sightseeing/Overnight stay in Leh
It’s time to experience the thrill in the chilly waters of Zanskar as we raft through 14 km of rapids, enjoying some grand views of the colorful Zanskar valley. Visit the Hall of Fame Museum, Magnetic Hill, and Gurudwara PatharSaheb. Those wishing to ride bikes, this is the day. The road is super smooth, ‘Makhan’ would be an apt slang for it, and moreover, with views a biker would die for, riding along the banks of the mighty Indus River.
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La - 125 km (4-5 hours) /Overnight stay at Nubra Valley
We make our way across the Khardung La Pass, situated at 18,380ft, the world’s highest motorable road, to enter the mystic Nubra Valley. Sandwiched between the Karakoram Range to the north and Ladakh range to the south, lie the Shyok and Nubra Rivers. The villages of Nubra are scattered along these two valley-floors. Given the relatively low altitude, a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and grains are grown in this area. Here we visit the Diskit Monastery, which is 550 years old and the largest monastery in the Nubra Valley. The day ends with an overnight tent stay under the magnificent night sky full of stars! We could also feel at home, staying in the house of locals, offering some traditional food.
Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok, Visit Sand Dunes, and Camel Safari - 140 km (4-5 hours) / Overnight stay at Pangong
After an early breakfast, we visit the white sand dunes at Hunder, a rare cold desert at this altitude. Ride the unique double-humped Bactrian camels here, the only place in the entire world where they can be found!
The most fascinating highlight of any Leh trip, today we pay a visit to Pangong Lake, which is the largest brackish water lake in Asia. Two-thirds of the lake lies in China. To get there, we travel via a road parallel to the River Shyok. Enjoy the evening by the lakeside reveling in the glorious colors of nature, a class apart from any other such sight. If you happen to be here around New Moon, enjoy the splendid view of a star-studded Milky Way galaxy at night. Sleep tight!
Day 5: Pangong Tso to Leh – 150 km (4-5 hours) / Overnight stay in Leh
The morning’s here! We wake up to an enchanting sunrise over Pangong Tso, and later head back towards Leh. On our way, we halt by the famed Hemis and Thiksey Monasteries. On reaching Leh, rest and retire for the day.
Day 6: Leh to Kargil via Lamayuru – 240 km (7-8 hours) / Overnight stay in Kargil
After the rough roads, its time to enjoy the smoothness of the Leh – Srinagar highway. En route, we visit the magical landscape of Moonland, the famous hilltop monastery of Lamayuru and the ancient Buddha Temple at Mulbek, one of the last Buddhist areas, as we move towards Kargil.
Day 7: Kargil to Srinagar via Drass – 200 km (7-8 hours) / Overnight stay at Srinagar
Leave early in the morning, stopping for tea at Drass, the second coldest place in the world. Enroute, let’s dissolve into patriotism, as we visit the famous Kargil War Memorial. Once done, be ready for a complete transformation in the terrain from that what you’ve been seing over the past few days as we cross over the amazing Zoji La, to enter the heavenly valley of Sonmarg. The spectacular views of the valley, its greenery and the Sindhu River will definitely leave you spellbound! On reaching Srinagar, enjoy a scenic shikara ride in the lake, while you also get a chance to do some shopping in the floating markets in Dal Lake before you spend the last night in the royalty of Kashmir.
Day 8: Departure
Time to fly back home from Srinagar! Trip concludes with happy memories!
Accomodation:
- Leh – Hotel Oriental/ Hotel Kingsing/ Similar
- Nubra Valley – Paramount Camps/ Similar
- Pangong Lake – Ibex Camps/ Similar
- Kargil – Hotel Chuttuk Heights / Similar
- Srinagar – Houseboat in Dal Lake
Travel Suggestions:
- Those flying into Leh, please ensure that your arrival time at Leh Airport is before 10 AM
- Those opting for flight/train out of Srinagar, please ensure that the departure time of your choice of mode of transport is post 12 PM.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation in twin / triple sharing rooms and camps at all destinations as per the itinerary
- Breakfast & Dinner at all hotels and camps
- Comfortable Non-AC Force vehicle for all days, as per the itinerary
- Airport pickup and drop service
- 5% GST
What is NOT included in the tour
- Lunch on all days
- Rafting , Camel Safari
- Train or Airfare till Leh & Return
- Any miscellaneous expenditure incurred during the tour
- Visit the famous Pangong Lake!
- Venture into the majestic Nubra Valley via Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world!
- Visit the cold desert of Hunder and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Camel Safari!
- A visit to the ancient Diskit, Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries
- Get set and experience the thrill of White Water River-Rafting in the Zanskar River!
- Road trip through Kargil, time to lose yourself in the heavenly Sonmarg Valley and Zoji La!
- Visit Drass, the second coldest place in the world!
Q: How do I get to Leh Ladakh?
A: The nearest airport to Leh Ladakh is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi and Mumbai. You can also reach Leh by road from Srinagar, Manali, or other nearby cities.
Q: What is the distance between Leh and Srinagar?
A: The distance between Leh and Srinagar is approximately 740 kilometers.
Q: Is it safe to visit Leh Ladakh?
A: Leh Ladakh is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always a good idea to exercise caution and follow basic safety measures, such as staying in well-lit areas at night and avoiding isolated areas.
Q: How do I get from Leh to Srinagar?
A: There are several ways to travel from Leh to Srinagar: By road: You can take a bus or hire a taxi to travel from Leh to Srinagar. The journey by road takes around 20 hours and passes through some breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
By air: The nearest airport to Leh is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, and the nearest airport to Srinagar is Srinagar Airport. You can take a flight from Leh to Srinagar, which takes around 1 hour.Q: How long does it take to travel from Leh to Srinagar?
A: The journey from Leh to Srinagar takes around 20 hours by road and 1 hour by air.
Q: What is the best time to visit Leh and Srinagar?
A: The best time to visit Leh and Srinagar depends on what you want to do during your trip. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing, the best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. If you want to experience the winter sports in Gulmarg, the best time to visit is from December to February.
Q: What should I pack for a trip to Leh and Srinagar?
A: It is recommended to pack warm clothing for a trip to Leh and Srinagar, as the temperatures can get quite cold, especially in the winter months. Some other essential items to pack include a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. You should also carry some basic medications, like painkillers and motion sickness pills, and a first-aid kit.
Q: What are the must-see places in Leh Ladakh?
A: Some of the must-see places in Leh Ladakh include the Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, and Shanti Stupa. You can also visit the Leh Palace, Stok Palace Museum, and the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.
Q: Is it necessary to get a permit to visit Leh Ladakh?
A: Yes, foreign nationals are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit certain areas in Leh Ladakh, including the Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. Indian nationals do not need an ILP, but they are required to register with the local authorities if they are staying in the region for more than 7 days.
Q:Is it possible to get a SIM card in Leh Ladakh?
A: Yes, it is possible to get a SIM card in Leh Ladakh. You can purchase a SIM card from a mobile network operator like Airtel or Vodafone. You will need to produce a valid identification document and fill out a form to get a SIM card.
Q: What is the local cuisine like in Leh Ladakh?
A: The local cuisine in Leh Ladakh is a blend of Tibetan and Ladakhi flavors. Some popular dishes to try include momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tingmo (steamed bread). You can also try the local Tibetan butter tea and other traditional drinks.
Q: Are there any health concerns while visiting Leh Ladakh?
A: Leh Ladakh is located at a high altitude, and some visitors may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. It is recommended to take it easy and acclimatize to the altitude gradually. You should also carry some basic medications, like painkillers and motion sickness pills, and stay well-hydrated during your trip.
Q: What is the weather like in Leh Ladakh?
A: The weather in Leh Ladakh can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In the summer months (May to September), the weather is warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. In the winter months (December to February), the weather is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C. It can snow in Leh Ladakh during the winter, so it is important to pack warm clothing if you are visiting at this time.
Q: What are the accommodation options in Leh Ladakh?
A: There are a variety of accommodation options in Leh Ladakh, including hotels, guest houses, and homestays. You can choose from budget, mid-range, and luxury options depending on your preferences and budget. It is a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Q: Can I use my credit card in Leh Ladakh?
A: Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Leh Ladakh accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to carry some cash as well, as not all places accept credit cards. It is also a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans and check if your credit card will work in Leh Ladakh.
Q: What are the shopping options in Leh Ladakh?
A: There are several shopping options in Leh Ladakh, including souvenir shops, handicraft stores, and local markets. You can purchase traditional handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, carpets, and other local items as souvenirs. It is a good idea to bargain with the sellers to get a good deal.
Q: Are there any cultural do's and don'ts in Leh Ladakh?
A: It is important to be respectful of the local culture and traditions while visiting Leh Ladakh. Some things to keep in mind include dressing modestly, removing your shoes before entering a temple or monastery, and asking permission before taking photos of people. You should also avoid touching or sitting on religious objects and avoid making loud noises in monasteries or temples.
Shopping to do from Ladakh:
- Pashmina Shawls: Ladakh is famous for its handwoven Pashmina shawls, which are made from the softest and warmest wool. They are available in a variety of colors and designs and make for a great souvenir or gift.
- Tibetan Handicrafts: Ladakh is home to many Tibetan refugees who have brought with them their rich culture and art. You can find beautiful handicrafts such as thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), prayer flags, and Tibetan jewelry in the local markets.
- Apricots and Apricot Products: Ladakh is known for its delicious apricots, which are grown in abundance in the region. You can buy dried apricots, apricot jams, and apricot kernel oil from local markets.
- Souvenir T-shirts: You can find many souvenir shops in Ladakh that sell T-shirts with beautiful Ladakhi designs and motifs. They are a great way to remember your trip to Ladakh.
- Ladakhi Tea: Ladakh is famous for its herbal tea, which is made from a variety of local herbs and spices. You can buy packets of Ladakhi tea from local markets and take them home as a souvenir.
- Handmade Carpets: Ladakh is also known for its handmade carpets, which are made from locally sourced wool. They are available in a variety of colors and designs and make for a great addition to any home.
- Ladakhi Spices: You can find a variety of locally grown spices in Ladakh, such as saffron, cardamom, and cumin. They are a great way to add flavor to your meals and make for a great souvenir.
Shopping to do from Kashmir:
- Kashmiri Handicrafts: Kashmir is famous for its exquisite handicrafts, including pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché items, wood carvings, and more. You can find these items in local markets and shops.
- Kashmiri Tea: Kashmiri tea, also known as "noon chai," is a unique tea made with special ingredients such as green tea leaves, baking soda, salt, and cardamom. You can find it in local tea shops and take it home as a souvenir.
- Saffron: Kashmir is one of the largest producers of saffron in the world. You can find high-quality saffron in local markets and shops, which makes for a great culinary souvenir.
- Dry Fruits: Kashmir is known for its delicious dry fruits such as almonds, walnuts, and apricots. You can find them in local markets and take them home as a healthy and tasty souvenir.
- Kashmiri Spices: Kashmiri cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful spices. You can find a variety of spices such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and more in local markets and shops.
- Kashmiri Embroidery: Kashmiri embroidery is a unique and intricate form of needlework that is used to create beautiful designs on shawls, sarees, and other clothing items. You can find them in local markets and shops.
Please Note:
We almost never cancel our events. But in case we cancel an event because of natural calamities (snowstorms, thunderstorms, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unexpected political unrest, curfews, local riots, government orders, unexpected global health issues, Trikon will issue a voucher for the full amount of your event fee. You can redeem the Event Voucher on any of our events over the next one year.
Disclaimer:
In the event of any emergency arising on any political/security grounds beyond the control of Trikon, We will not be responsible to compensate for cancellation of flights/rescheduling flights/additional meals or stay. We will do the utmost needful from our end for smooth conduct in any such situation.
