THE GREAT HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION (EX – JAMMU)

Upon arrival at Jammu, “Jammu” discovered by Raja Jambu Lochan – the Island of the “Fearless” and the Island of “Gods & Goddesses” – popularly known as the “City of Temples”, you will be met by our driver / representative who will transfer you to Katra Hotel for check in followed by welcome drink on arrival. Katra is the base point to visit the renowned Vaishnodevi Temple, one of the most revered and visited temples in India. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Katra.

After an early breakfast in the morning, you can visit the Holy temple of Vaishnodevi (ON OWN) (Total 13 kms walk to the temple that takes about 4-5 hours. Enroute stops at Adhkwari Temple and darshan at Baba Bhaironath Temple is recommended). During summer and peak travel season it may be advisable to start the climb a day before. Once queue tickets are purchased the waiting period could be half an hour to 3 hours depending on the rush. During season, Yatra Parchi (entry tickets required to begin the uphill walk), it is recommended to purchase in advance to avoid delays. For guests looking for Helidarshan (Helicopter ride, darshan and back), morning flights are recommended for best weather and least uncertainty. Return by late evening for dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

After an early breakfast, check out from Hotel & leave for Srinagar. Upon arrival check in to the pre-arranged hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

Post breakfast we drive to Leh via Sonmarg also known as Meadow of Gold. In Sonmarg, one can take a pony ride (at additional cost) to Thajwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. Further we drive towards Kargil enroute crossing Drass Village (The 2^nd coldest inhabited place in the world) and have a magnificent view of famous Kargil War Peaks viz. Tiger Hill & Tololing. Later pay tribute to Vijay Smarak (The War Memorial) located right on the highway at the base of Tololing. After reaching Kargil, we check in at our hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

Post breakfast we drive to Leh enroute visiting Lamayuru, which belongs to Dripung Kagyu (Red Hat). After visiting the Monastery, we continue our drive along the River Indus to Uletokpo visiting Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. Later visit the famous Sangam Point which is the confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers just after 4 km from Nimmu and drive further to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up. Next pay a visit to Gurudwara Pathhar Sahib, which was built by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. Upon arrival in Leh, check in to the hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

Morning at leisure to explore the destination on your own & evening visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa & Leh Market. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

Post breakfast we drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Second Highest Motorable Road in The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level.

Upon arrival in Nubra we check in at our Camp / Hotel in Hunder for dinner & overnight stay. In the evening you can walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world.

After an early breakfast, proceed to Turtuk (A village that was won by India in the 1971 war with Pakistan) and extremely close to the border. Places to visit here comprises of a 16th Century Mosque, (comprising of a touch of Turkish & Iranian culture), ruined fort of Dhards and a Monastery. You can also admire the magnificent view of the famous K2 peak (The second highest peak in the world after Mount Everest). Later back to Hunder for dinner & overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, we check out and drive towards Hunder where you have the opportunity to ride on a Bactrian Camel (double humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high-altitude desert with snowcapped mountains on the horizon. Next stop will be at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Later we drive towards the majestic Pangong Tso via Agham & Shyok Valley. Some of the road patches in areas are extremely tough (towards Nubra side) in terms of road conditions but no doubt the journey is very scenic!  Later after crossing this adventurous part, we drive further towards Durbuk & Tangtse, you will also pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you have a sudden view of the majestic Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Upon arrival we check in at our Camp/Hotel near Pangong lake. Dinner & overnight stay at Camp in Pangong.

Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake which is famously known to show upto 5 shades of blue depending upon the time and location of the viewer. Later we drive back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs enroute visiting Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. And futher to Thiksey, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village and another 5 Kms driving through a picturesque landscape we reach to Shey Palace, the ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School. Drive further to Leh for dinner & overnight stay.

Tour concludes Through a punctual transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward destination.