• Arrive at the International airport of Delhi. After the traditional welcome, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi - Leh

• In the early morning flight from Delhi, the plane flies over the Himalayan Range providing amazing overhead view of the whole mountain range with gigantic glaciers and glaring peaks before it brings us to Leh, a fertile valley just to the north of the mighty Indus River (this flight is subject to appropriate weather and perfect flying conditions). Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel.

• The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (3,500m). Late afternoon there is a gentle orientation walk in Leh and its bazaars. In the olden days Leh was an important trading center along the old Silk Route from China. The town is dominated by the nine- story Namgyal Palace whose faded grandeur has been likened to a mini version of the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Day 3

• Today we start our day with a visit of Sankar Gompa, an affiliate of the Spituk Gompa. From Sankar Gompa we drive to a recently built Shanti Stupa. It was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist organization and inaugurated by His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The magnificent white domed structure, the Shanti Stupa, offers spectacular views over Leh bazaar and Stok Kangri Range. We finish today's excursion with a visit of Leh Palace situated above Leh on the Namgyal Hill. The palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in 17th century but was later abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh in the mid-19th century. The majestic palace overlooks the Namgyal Hill.

Day 4

• After the breakfast, we leave Leh behind and drive to Alchi, en-route we visit famous monastery of Rizong and Alchi. Founded by Lama Tsultim Nima in 1831. Rizong is a Yellow Hat sect Gompa and is spectacularly situated on a Cliffside overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery holds special significance for Tibetan Buddhists as it belongs to Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We drive back towards Alchi Gompa, which is the largest and most famous of all of them, and is noted for its massive Buddha statues and lavish woodcarvings and artwork. The foundation of the monastery was laid by Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo in the middle of 12th century. It has three main structures known as Du-khang, Sum-tsek and the temple of Manjushri.

Day 5

• This morning hike to Mangyu Monastery, built in the village of Mangyu, begins our day. It is one of the earliest monasteries in Ladakh region and believed to be contemporaneous to Alchi Monastery and Sumda Chun. The earliest structures are supposed to be dating to the late 12th to early 13th century CE, but as per the oral history and local belief the monasteries were established by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. Later we return to Alchi.

• Driving back to Leh today we visit Likir Village first. Located in Indus Valley it is believed to be among the oldest villages of India. The monastery of Likir is believed to have been in existence since 11th century. It belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect & is also known for the 75-feet statue of Buddha. From Likir we drive past Basgo Monastery where a visit to the monastery gives us further insight into Buddhist religion. Also known as Basgo or Bazgo Gompa, this place is approximately 40 km from Leh. Although the monastery was built for the Namgyal rulers in 1680, Bazgo itself was embedded in the early days of Ladakh and is frequently mentioned in The Ladakh Chronicles when it was a political and cultural center. The monastery is situated on top of the hill towering over the ruins of the ancient town and is noted for its Buddha statue and murals. In the 15th century, a palace was built in Basgo.

Day 7

• Today we drive to Pangong Tso Lake. On our way to the lake we visit Tak Tak and Sakti villages to get some insight into the lives of the locals who inhabit this sequestered land.

• Today we explore Pangong Tso, a crystal clear lake, surely one of the most beautiful of all the lakes of altitude. Because of its saline water, micro-vegetation is almost non-existent, as are fish and other aquatic species. This lake is a small paradise for tourists, but also a favorite place for geologists to study the region. After exploring Pangong Tso Lake, we return to Leh. and check - in into the hotel.

Day 8

• The day is free for your personal exploration at Leh.

• Today, after breakfast, we visit two major gompas or monasteries, Hemis and Thikse. While Thikse Monastery belongs to Gelukpa order (Yellow hat), Hemis Monastery belongs to Drukpa order (Red hat). We first visit Thikse. Perched on top of a hill, Thiksey's red and white buildings can be seen from miles. A recently built temple within this complex contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. Next we visit Hemis Gompa that holds the distinction not only of being the biggest and the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh but also for very rich collection of ancient relics, the rare 17th century murals and the painted stone reliefs adorning the courtyard gallery, making it a true UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Leh - Hundar (3300m)

• Today we drive to Nubra Valley, also known as Ldumra (the valley of flowers) that is situated in the north of Leh. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above the sea level. The main attraction in this area is the Bactarian Camels (Shaggy double hump Camel) around Sand Dunes, Diskit and Samstanling monasteries. To reach this wonder on earth we have to wind our way over Khardung La pass (5,602 meters), the highest motorable road in the world. On arrival, we make ourself confortable in the camp at Hunder.

Hundar (3300m) - Sumur

• Today, we head for Sumur enroute visiting Diskit monastery. It is a 14th century monastery, the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra valley. After the visit, we resume our journey to Sumur. On arrival, installation in Camp.

• Visit of Samstanling monasteries, founded by Lama Tsultim Nima, only around 140 years ago and located in Sumlur village. We can also enjoy an optional camel ride across the sand dunes.

Sumur - Leh

• Today we make a return journey to Leh and enjoy the afternoon the way we want as the rest of the day is free.

Leh - Delhi

• This morning we have an early morning flight to Delhi.

• Upon arrival in Delhi we drive straight to Agra, where after check-in, we have a free evening to explore some beautiful bazaars.