The road from Leh to Nubra follows the old Caravan route to Central Asia. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, passing over the Khardung la pass at a height of 18,380ft/5,602m. The road begins from Leh itself and winds its way up to reach the Khardung la. The views from here are magnificent and take in the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. After this you descend to Shyok Valley in Nubra. From the hamlet of Khalsar, which is at the far end of Shyok Valley the trail bifurcates, one heading up along the Nubra river to the Siachen Glacier and the other to the villages of Bogdang and Turtuk, which were once a part of erstwhile Baltistan, now a part of Indian administrated Kashmir.

Duration : 1 days

SUGGESTED PROGRAM :

Day 1 - ARRIVE DELHI
You arrive just after midday and transfer to the Delhi hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure - time to relax or go sightseeing in Delhi. The heat, dust, sights and sounds of India's frenetic capital are quite an initial culture shock! Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - FLY TO LEH
After breakfast you transfer back to the domestic airport for the flight to Ladakh. This surely is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the top of the Greater Himalaya before dropping down in a series of steep turns, to land at the small military airport at Leh. During the flight you should get good views of the distant Karakoram and will pass over the highest peaks in Kashmir and Ladakh. You will be met on arrival and driven through Leh to check in to the Kang Lhha Chen Hotel. Leh is at an altitude of 11,500ft/3,500m and therefore we recommend that the rest of the day is spent resting to help adjust to the altitude.

Day 3 - AT LEISURE IN LEH
Leh is very Tibetan; the national dress, ‘stove-pipe’ hats and felt boots with turned-up toes are much in evidence. The Royal Palace, which dominates the town, is very reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, large chortens, prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs are a dramatic culture change from the hot, teeming frenetic rush of Delhi. Don’t try to do too much on this first day! Visit the palace, poke around the bazaars and if you’re feeling really keen and strong, walk out to one of the villages just to the north. In the summer there are often polo matches at the polo ground in the old part of town. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 4 - AT LEH
Again take it easy today and enjoy a tour around town.

Day 5 - AT LEH
Sightseeing

Day 6: Leh - Hunder
Early morning drive in jeeps to Hunder. After 39 kms from Leh cross over the highest motorable road in the world KHARDUNG-LA (5,578 MT). The view from the top is simply amazing. Enter Nubra Valley situated along river Shayok. The valley is covered with dense thickets of seabuckthorn - a thorny schurb which the villagers use for fuel and fencing their fields. Enroute drive past the capital Diskit. Drive another 9 kms further and arrive at the small village of Hunder (3,048 mt). Overnight stay in tents.

Day 7: Hunder - Diskit
Morning visit Chamba monastery of Hunder and then start the Camel Safari on the shabby double-humped Bactrian camels, which in olden days were the main mode of transport on the Ladakh-Yarkhand (Turkmanistan) trade. The Safari goes along the soft white sandy deserts with rolling sand dunes. Arrival at the capital of Nubra i.e. Diskit. Afternoon proceed to explore the DISKIT VILLAGE. Being the main town of Nubra, it has a small market bustling with activity. Also visit the Gompa, situated on a rocky spur above the village providing a commanding view of the valley. Overnight stay in camps.

Day 8: Diskit - Tegger - Pinchmic
Morning drive to Tegger village (3,146 mt). Upon arrival visit Samstanling village off the main road and is one of the most charming villages of Nubra. Visit Samstanling Gompa. Afternoon start Camel Safari to reach Pinchimic. The Safari is comparatively short and goes along the river where the valley is well spread. Arrive Pinchimic and overnight stay in tents.

Day 9: Pinchmic - Panamic
Morning start the last leg of Camel Safari to Panamic. Enroute visit a beautiful lake chucked between two small hills. Checkin at the camps upon arrival. Afternoon explore PANAMIC VILLAGE: During the trade between Central Asia and Ladakh, Panamic was the last major settlement before the caravans cross the Karakoram range. Today, Panamic is a sleepy village, with its people quietly working in their fields. Visit the village thermal HOT SPRINGS locally reputed to have therapeutic qualities. Overnight in tents.

Day 10: Panamic - Leh
Morning after breakfast drive back to Leh. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.

Day 11: Leh - Delhi
Morning after an early breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport to board flight to Delhi. Shikhar Travels’ Representative will receive you at Delhi Airport and transfer to your hotel (Day Use Room till 2000 Hrs.). You can spend the rest of the day at leisure or take an optional tour of New Delhi covering Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate and Qutub Minar. You will check-out in the evening and proceed for your farewell dinner in one of the Indian Speciality Local Restaurants. “Momentos” will be given to you as a token of love before our representative escorts you to the International Airport to board flight for onward destination.

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