Tour Code: Ladakh and Kashmir tour. Season: June to September Cost in INR: Rs: 23,500/- Person minimum 4 pax group. Post breakfast we depart for AM Sightseeing tour to Phyang & Spituk Later we drive back to hotel on time for lunch Dinner and overnight at Hotel. After breakfast drive to Nubra Valley the road to the Nubra Valley goes through the highest motorable pass in the world at Khardung La (5602m) The Pass is almost permanently covered in fog and snow, On arrival in the Nubra valley Nubra means green used to be on the trading roué connecting Tibet with Turkistan, and was the navy of Turkisatn which invaded it several times. Also know as the Valley of flowers, Nubra has always been well cultivated and fertile, with the best climate in Ladakh, so grains and fruit, such as apples and apricots, have always been plentiful. Ninety per cent of Nubra's population is Buddhist. Nubra's very known monastery, Samstaling is situated on the mountainside just above Sumur. This was the route taken by the trade caravans, and Panamik, the last village on this circuit, was at that time a busy centre, the last major settlement before the caravans plunged into the mountains of the Karakoram and the Kun-Lu. Here they invariable halted for a few days to make final preparations for getting over the mountains, or to recuperate afterwards. There would be no supplies, not even grazing for the animals, for about 12 days after Panamik, so they had to carry all their provisions for that time. Basgo, The seat of power of a branch of the Namgyal family. It is here in 1680 A.D. that invading Mongol and Tibetian armies were held in check over a three year long seige. Original 16th century murals and other arts of Basgo are well worth a visit. Then we drive and cross the River Indus and reach Alchi, Ladakh's most loved monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike other monasteries, which are usually on a cliff top or cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level and is nestled in the shade of a garden. After Alchi, we have an option to visit the impressive Ridzong Gompa, reached from the road head after a 30-minute uphill walk. It’s an impressive monastery well hidden in the lap of the mountains until you’re face to face with it. It is situated on the mountainside wedged in between 2 ends of a ridge. It is about 100 years old and the name means 'mountain fort' aptly describing this isolated Gompa. It also has a nunnery of female monks. Overnight stay at Alchi Camp or Hotel. Day 09 Alchi – Lamayuru – Kargil: Post breakfast we check out from Camp and drive to Lamayuru monastery, founded by Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century. This Gompa is located amidst the massive mountains. The spectacular setting of this Gompa and its renowned collection of carpets, tangkhas, and frescoes has been attracting many people over a long time. It is believed to be the oldest in central Ladakh. After visiting the monastery we drive straight to Kargil over Fatu-la [13,489 ft] which is the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road. Upon arrival in Kargil check in at Footprints mobile camp for Overnight stay Day 10 Kargil to Srinagar: Today our guide takes you to Srinagar by car. While entering in to the Kashmir valley you will pass through the Zoji-la and Sonamarg. Drass - Located at an altitude of 3230 m in the west of Kargil, Drass is a small township in the centre of the valley. It is also regarded as the coldest inhabited place in the world. During spring and summer it is one of the most visited place in the valley for its picturesque beauty. The valley mainly starts from the Zojila pass which is known as Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. Upon arrival in Srinagarr, The Valley of Kashmir - Set like a jeweled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faceted diamond, changing character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. The contrast of Kashmir valley led the poets of all nations to speak of it as an "Emerald set in Pearls. In the heart of Kashmir valley is Srinagar, the Capital city. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 meters above sea level. No destination is quite so romantic & no setting as enchanting as Srinagar. Srinagar is a unique city because of its Lakes. Upon arrival in the Paradise city transfer to Deluxe Houseboats for 02 nights Day 11: Srinagar : In the morning proceed for sightseeing tour - visiting Shankaracharya Temple & Mughal Gardens. Shankaracharya Temple - It is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The Shiva temple was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in the year 371 B.C. and as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir. The temple, besides a prominent Hindu religious place, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Srinagar City. Nishat Garden - The Garden of Pleasur e - Empress Noor Jahan's brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in the year 1633 AD. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. The largest of the gardens, Nishat has seven terraces with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. These terraces rise dramatically off the mountains from the eastern part of the lake, and these together with the flowerbeds, a riot of brilliant colors, present an unforgettable sight. Shalimar Garden - The Garden of Love - Built in the year 1619 A.D. for Empress Noor Jahan by Emperor Jehangir and was later extended in the year 1727 A.D. by Shah Jahan. The Garden has four terraces; the 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. The garden is 539 x 182 meters shaded by magnificent Chinar trees; the Shalimar is a series of stones of pavilions and flowerbeds. The Garden blooms with innumerable varieties of flowers in spring and autumn. Later return to houseboats for Dinner & Overnight stay. Stay overnight at Houseboat Day 12: Srinagar – Delhi (By Air): Shikara boatride on Dal Lake - A Shikara boat ride is one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Early morning visit the floating vegetable market in a Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir. En route the market, watch many species of aquatic birds on lakes, nestling on surrounding trees on floating marshes used for growing vegetables by locals. Return to houseboats for breakfast. |
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