Leh - Sham Valley(E) - 3 Monastery(E) - Local - Flyback frm Leh

Upon your arrival at Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, prepare for an unparalleled experience even before you land. The flight into Leh is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas, offering a spectacular introduction to the rugged beauty of Ladakh. After clearing immigration and baggage collection, meet your representative who will facilitate your transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Leh.

Once you've checked into your hotel, the most crucial activity for your first day in Leh is acclimatization. Leh is situated at a high altitude (around 11,500 feet or 3,500 meters), and it is vital to rest and allow your body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. We highly recommend spending the majority of your day relaxing at the hotel, avoiding strenuous activities, and staying well-hydrated.

Afternoon & Evening Leisure in Leh:

In the late afternoon or early evening, once you feel adequately rested, you may opt for a very gentle stroll to explore the immediate surroundings of your hotel.

• Leh Market Exploration - Walk Only No Vehicle provided
• Shanti Stupa Viewpoint - Walk Only No Vehicle provided
• Local Cafe Experience - Walk Only No Vehicle provided

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant and prepare for a restful night's sleep, ensuring you are refreshed for the adventures ahead in Ladakh.

Note:

• Vehicle is provided strictly based on the itinerary, and charges has been calculated accordingly. In case of detour or additional pickup/drop due to known and unknown reasons, additional cost must be incurred by the traveller.
• In the peak time, pickup/drops can be provided different vehicles (Including Ecco Vans) than mentioned in the package.

Embark on an enriching full-day excursion to Sham Valley, renowned for its captivating landscapes and significant cultural sites. Your journey begins from Leh, heading westward along the scenic Srinagar-Leh Highway. Sham Valley is approximately 35 km away from Leh, and the entire round trip covering all major attractions will take around 4-5 hours, including travel and sightseeing time.

En route to the heart of Sham Valley, you will visit the following attractions:

• Hall of Fame: A museum commemorating the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, showcasing their history, achievements, and the rich culture of Ladakh.
• Spituk Monastery: Perched majestically on a hilltop overlooking the Indus River, this ancient monastery houses a colossal statue of Kali (Vajrabhairava) and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
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Continuing your drive further into the valley, prepare to be amazed by more of Ladakh's unique natural phenomena and spiritual sites.

Once deeper into the Sham Valley area, explore these fascinating sights:

• Magnetic Hill: Experience the intriguing optical illusion where vehicles appear to defy gravity and move uphill on their own, even with the engine off.
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: A revered Sikh pilgrimage site, believed to be visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is a peaceful place of worship, maintained by the Indian Army.
• Sangam (Confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers): Witness the spectacular meeting point of the turquoise waters of the Indus River and the muddy currents of the Zanskar River.

After soaking in the beauty and wonder of Sham Valley, begin your return journey to Leh in the late afternoon, concluding a memorable day of exploration.

Note: Visit for Light and Sound Show @ Hall of Fame is not included. If you are interested, please consult with the driver for the additional charges.

Embark on a captivating full-day excursion exploring the cultural and scenic highlights nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Leh.

Your day begins with a drive towards the scenic Indus Valley. The first stop is Shey Palace, located approximately 15 km from Leh, taking about 25-30 minutes to reach.

• Shey Palace: Once the summer capital of Ladakh, Shey Palace houses a giant copper-gold gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Explore the palace ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the Indus Valley.

From Shey, proceed a short distance to the magnificent Thiksey Monastery, approximately 5 km away, a drive of about 10 minutes.

• Thiksey Monastery: This impressive monastery is often called 'Mini Potala' due to its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It is known for its 12-story complex, housing many stupas, statues, thangkas, and a magnificent 49-foot Maitreya Buddha statue.

After immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Thiksey, you may enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant or cafe before continuing to your next destination.

The next stop is the famous Druk White Lotus School (also known as the 3 Idiots School), located around 5 km from Thiksey Monastery, an approximate 10-minute drive.

• 3 Idiots School (Druk White Lotus School): Gain insights into sustainable modern architecture and education at this award-winning institution, famously featured in the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots.”
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As the afternoon draws to a close, begin your return journey to Leh, a drive of approximately 15-20 km, taking around 30-40 minutes. Arrive back in Leh with cherished memories of the day's exploration of Leh's iconic monasteries and cultural landmarks.

It is a free and relax day for the travellers who can decide anything at their own. You can choose to hire a bike to enjoy these sights or relax back at the hotel or walk in the most stunning market.

Here are some recommended sightseeing spots and activities for your day in Leh, to be explored at your own pace:

• Leh Palace: Dominating the town from above, this imposing 17th-century royal palace offers panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding mountains.
• Shanti Stupa: A white-domed Buddhist stupa built for world peace, it offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Leh cityscape and the Indus valley. It's a serene spot for reflection and photography.
• Leh Main Market: Stroll through the bustling heart of Leh, where you can find everything from traditional Ladakhi handicrafts, pashmina shawls, and Tibetan artifacts to fresh produce. It's an excellent place for souvenir shopping and people-watching.
• Sankar Gompa: Located just a short drive from Leh town, this small but beautiful monastery is home to impressive murals and a magnificent statue of Avalokiteshvara with 1000 arms and 1000 heads. It offers a peaceful retreat.
• Leh Old Town: Wander through the narrow lanes of the ancient quarter, soak in the traditional Ladakhi architecture, and experience the local way of life. Discover hidden cafes and local eateries.
• Namgyal Tsemo Monastery: Perched on a hilltop above Leh Palace, this monastery offers stunning views and houses a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha, along with ancient scriptures and frescoes.

In the evening, consider trying some authentic Ladakhi cuisine at a local restaurant, perhaps Thukpa (noodle soup), Momos, or Tingmo (steamed bread). Reflect on your day of self-guided discovery in the serene ambiance of Leh.

As your memorable Himalayan journey draws to a close, spend your last morning in Leh soaking in its unique atmosphere and collecting final memories before your departure.

After a leisurely breakfast, you might opt for a final exploration of Leh's iconic landmarks (At an additional cost if vehicle required.) if time permits.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will then be transferred to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) for your onward journey, carrying with you cherished memories of Ladakh's pristine beauty and unique culture.

Note:

• In the peak time, pickup/drops can be provided different vehicles (Including Ecco Vans) than mentioned in the package.
• Vehicle shall stick to the itinerary strictly. If there is additional cost arises due to additional sights or detour due to natural, administrative and human reasons, it must be strictly borne by the client.
• If sights are repeated in the itinerary, those will be covered only once during the trip. In addition, No alternative sightseeing would be provided on behalf of such sights.