Destination: Delhi-Leh-Shey-Thiksey-Hemis-Leh-Nubra Valley
Duration :10 nights / 11days

In the culturally and historically important Ladakh, we journey through isolated monastic settlements, tread upon world-record high passes and raft down on the sacred Indus river that has its origins in Tibet. This journey is one behind time, blessed with the same mystical yet alluring touch that seems to extend from neighbouring Tibet. This trip is very much off-the-beaten track and offers an exotic combination of adventure and ancient Tibetan culture. If we travel in June/July, we will visit Hemis to witness the most magnificent Tibetan festival outside of Tibet

DAY 1: Arrive Delhi
Welcome to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel for check-in. Overnight in Hotel.  DAY 2: Delhi – Leh Morning flight to Leh, capital city of Ladakh. Ladakh is one of the most rugged region in the entire Himalayan Range, positioned between the Great Himalayan Range and the vast Tibetan plateau. It is also one of the highest regions in India, with attitudes, even in the depths of the valleys, rarely falling below 3000m. After your hotel check-in, you will visit the old Leh Palace. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 3: Leh - Shey / Thiksey / Hemis
Today, capture the essence of Ladakhi culture. Visit the ancient and most symbolic monasteries of Ladakh: Shey, Thikey and Hemis gompas. Shey Gompa is situated in the ruins of the old palace of the Kings of Ladakh. Thiksey Gompa (affectionately known as 'mini-Potala') is built on the model of the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet) and contains a magnificent, three-storeyed statue of Maitreya Buddha. Hemis Gompa, the highest monastery in Ladakh, contains gold statues and stupas decorated with precious stones and many priceless old Thankas. Each year the Hemis Festival attracts more than its share of pilgrims & tourists. Held during the full moon in June, is a series of colourful masked dances performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums & long horns. We'll camp & stay with the maroon-robed lamas tonight. (BLD)

DAY 4: Hemis – Leh
During the big event, we dedicate a full day to witness & photograph the entire ceremonial process including the possible glimpses of the Dalai Lama. We bid farewell to our friends & head back to Leh for our overdue shower in the afternoon. Overnight in Hotel. (BLD)

DAY 5: Leh - Indus River Rafting
After your local breakfast, set off for a visit to the old Leh Palace, the Shanti Stupa & shop at the local bazaar. In the afternoon, gear up for an exhilarating rafting adventure on Indus River passing between amazing rock formations & granite outcrops interspersed with open stretches of cultivated land. An occasional gompa dots the barren landscape with the ever-present mountains, stark & inspiring, looming above. At the end of the raft, we'll drive back to Leh in the early evening glow of the setting sun. Overnight in Hotel. (BLD)

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DAY 6: Leh - Khardungla Pass - Nubra Valley
Today, after sufficient acclimatisation, be prepared for an arduous but spectacular journey across the Khardungla Pass (5500m), the highest motorable pass in the world, to the Valley of Nubra in the far north by the Tibetan border. Sandwiched between the Great Himalayan range and the icy ramparts of the Karakoram, Nubra was once a busy stop on the caravan route used by ancient traders of silk, tea and spices. The valley is predominantly Buddhist and the villages are typified by scores of prayer flags and long mani walls heralding entry into them and by prayer wheels all over. The Gompas and monasteries are very impressive and mysterious. In Nubra, traveller feels like having taken a giant step back in time. Overnight in tents. (BLD)

DAY 7: Nubra Valley
After breakfast & breaking camp, we'll drive to Panamik, where one can view the hot springs that are known for the therapeutic properties for many diseases. Enroute, visit to the 150-year old Samtanling Gompa at Sumur, a large complex with 7 temples and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1962. The prayer rooms that are open to the public house an impressive collection of Thankas and excellently restored frescoes. Panamik was the first or last stop along the ancient trade route between Ladakh and Central Asia. Overnight in tents. (BLD)

DAY 8: Nubra Valley - Khardungla Pass – Leh
Return journey to Leh over the Khardungla Pass again. Remember to glance back at the top of the pass where endless snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram Range present a great sight. Overnight in Hotel. (BLD)

DAY 9: Leh
We will appreciate that this day is dedicated to our rest and leisure in Leh, as most travellers will find the journeys to and from Nubra valley tiring, though rewarding. It's a great opportunity to make exotic discoveries in and around the local bazaars and shops for exotic souvenirs among exotic, weather-beaten Ladakhi faces. Overnight in Hotel. (BLD)

DAY 10: Leh – Delhi
Morning transfer to catch our flight back to dust of Delhi. Tonight we gather for our farewell dinner. (BD)

DAY 11: Depart Delhi
Morning transfer to airport for our homebound flight. (B)