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Thiksey Monastery, Leh

Ladakh explored: Leh, Alchi & Nubra Valley

13 days from £4,140pp

Thiksey Monastery, Leh
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Tour highlights

  • Explore the monasteries around Leh, and admire their stunning locations.

  • Drive to the top of Khardung La, one of the world's highest driveable passes.

  • Ride a camel through the high altitude dunes of the Nubra Valley.

  • See the life of the monks who live at 4,000 m.

Price includes:

  • Scheduled international and domestic flights
  • Private driver throughout your trip
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • All accommodation
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

  • Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.

  • Our representative will meet you with a sign and take you to your private vehicle with your driver. You will then be driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight — perhaps take a dip in the pool, or maybe even head into Delhi for a look around.

  • Your driver will collect you from the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight from Delhi to Leh. On arrival, you will be met and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to acclimatise, although we'd recommend visiting Shanti Stupa at sunset. This white Buddhist monument sits at 4,267 m (13,999 ft) and commands excellent views over the city.

  • The day is at leisure to assist with acclimatisation. If you feel active, there are plenty of things to explore within easy walking distance of your hotel. A walking tour can be arranged on the day if you want to get out and about.

  • Today you'll explore the area to the southeast of Leh thoroughly, including the major monasteries. Visits to Thikse, Shey and Hemis are included and there is also some stunning scenery to view. Should you be interested, the monks pray every day in Thikse at 6am — despite the early start, this is a worthwhile experience.

  • You are driven westward along the Indus Valley to Alchi where Rizong Monastery can easily be seen en route. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this area is incredibly isolated and it is fascinating to see how the lifestyle of the monks is adapted to the remoteness. On arrival in Alchi, the rest of the day is at leisure.

  • Today is spent exploring Alchi and the ancient Buddhist history of the area. The rest of the day is at leisure.

  • Drive back to Leh and view the sights that may have been missed en route to Alchi, such as Basgo and Magnetic Hill — a geological feature that creates an optical illusion.

  • Today is spent exploring the surroundings of Leh, including visits to Stakna, Matho and Stok. These monasteries enjoy end-of-the-world locations, surrounded by towering peaks — ideal for some meditation.

  • A long drive over the locally claimed 'world's highest pass' takes you to the Nubra Valley. The drive takes several hours but includes a stop at a picturesque restaurant and several long stops for photos. The signs at the top proclaim it to be 5,602 m, but not only is this probably an exaggeration, but several other roads vie for the title. Whatever the truth, this is one of the highest roads you'll find and a breathtaking experience in every way.

  • Today is spent exploring the Nubra Valley, including an excursion to Diskit and a camel ride in the sand dunes of Hundar. At 3,000 m, it will feel positively tropical, a complete contrast to yesterday's glaciers.

  • You are driven back to Leh, again over the high pass. The journey should take less time as there will be fewer stops, but will still take five to six hours, and there will be plenty of time to admire the views.

  • Your driver will collect you from the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight from Leh to Delhi. You will then continue to the international terminal in time for your international flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

What our clients say about us

Alison, an Audley Travel specialist
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The specialist who designs your trip to India will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°C) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Delhi
 
Leh
 
Alchi
 
Nubra Valley
 

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