Delhi – Ladakh – Delhi (14 Days)
Safari to remote Padum area in Zanskar + Monastery tour
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Delhi – Leh
Arrival in Leh. Rest of the day free for acclimatisation due to high altitude.
Day 3: Leh
Indus Valley monastery tour visiting Shey Monastery, the former capital of Ladakh, known for its large gold-gilded Buddha statue. Continue to Thiksey Monastery, a prominent hilltop complex with a towering statue of Maitreya Buddha. Visit Hemis Monastery, one of Ladakh’s largest and most important monasteries, renowned for its annual festival dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. Later visit Stok Palace Museum, housing royal artefacts, thangkas, and historical relics.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 4: Leh – Likir – Alchi – Lamayuru
Drive to Likir Monastery, founded in the 12th century and known for its large seated Buddha statue and collection of thangkas. Continue to Alchi Monastery, famous for its well-preserved wall paintings and unique ground-level setting. Optional visit to Ridzong Monastery, a secluded hill monastery known as the “Mountain Fort.”
Continue to Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, set amid dramatic landscapes and known for its ancient murals and spiritual significance.
Overnight stay in Lamayuru.
Day 5: Lamayuru – Kargil
Morning visit to Lamayuru Monastery to witness daily rituals. Later drive to Kargil via scenic mountain terrain.
Overnight stay in Kargil.
Day 6: Kargil – Rangdum
Drive through the Suru Valley along the Suru River, with views of the Nun and Kun peaks, among the highest mountains in the region. Arrival at Rangdum in the Zanskar region.
Overnight stay in tented camp.
Day 7: Rangdum – Padum
Visit Rangdum Monastery, dramatically located on a rocky hill. Continue drive to Padum, the administrative centre of Zanskar.
Overnight stay in Padum.
Day 8 & Day 9: Padum
Explore monasteries and villages around Padum over two days.
Overnight stay in Padum.
Places that can be visited in and around Padum
Karsha
Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest Gelug-pa monastery in Zanskar, known for its murals and hilltop location. En route, visit Kalachakra Gompa.
Sani – Zongkhul
Drive to Sani village and trek to Zongkhul Cave Monastery, associated with the Buddhist master Naropa.
Thongde
Visit Thongde Monastery, known for its protector shrine and panoramic valley views.
Zangla
Explore Zangla Palace and visit the historic suspension bridge and Zangla Nunnery.
Bardan – Pibting
Visit the villages of Bardan and Pibting to experience traditional Zanskar village life.
Day 10: Padum – Rangdum
Drive back to Rangdum.
Overnight stay in tented camp.
Day 11: Rangdum – Kargil
Return drive to Kargil. Short town visit showcasing traditional architecture.
Overnight stay in Kargil.
Day 12: Kargil – Leh
Drive back to Leh with an en route visit to Basgo Monastery, known for its historic Buddha statues.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 13: Leh
Day at leisure or optional visits to nearby monasteries.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 14: Leh – Delhi
Departure from Leh. Tour concludes.
