Leh Ladakh Tour Package

About this tour

Leh Ladakh is a Union Territory in northern India, established on 31 October 2019. It spans approximately 60,000 square miles (100,000 sq. km) and consists of two districts, Kargil and Leh, with a population of around 300,000. The region is known for its rugged terrain and is surrounded and bisected by some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. The great Himalayan Range runs through Ladakh, separating it from the Vale of Kashmir.

Early Inhabitants and Historical Evolution

First Inhabitants: The initial settlers in Ladakh were a mix of nomadic herders from the Tibetan Plateau and early Buddhist refugees known as the Mons. In the fourth or fifth centuries, Dards joined them, an Indo-Aryan tribe that introduced irrigation and settled agriculture.

First Kingdom: In the 9th century, Nyima Gon established the first independent kingdom in Ladakh following the collapse of the Guge Empire in western Tibet. Buddhism, spread by wandering sages like Padmasambhava, gradually replaced the local Bon shamanistic traditions.

Medieval Period: Around the 14th century, Ladakh’s rulers shifted their allegiance from Indian to Tibetan Buddhism. This change coincided with the rise of the Gelug-pa (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsongkhapa. By the 17th century, under the rule of Sengge Namgyal, Ladakh expanded territorially and saw significant cultural and religious developments.

Modern History

18th and 19th Centuries: Ladakh experienced a decline in power due to internal conflicts and external invasions. In 1834, Zorawar Singh, a general under the Maharaja of Kashmir, annexed Ladakh. The royal family shifted to Stok Palace. During these times.

20th Century to Present: After Indian independence in 1947, Ladakh became part of Jammu and Kashmir. It was granted Union Territory status in 2019.

How to Reach Ladakh

By Air:

• Regular flights from Delhi to Leh (1 hour 10 minutes).
• Connections are available from Jammu and Chandigarh.
• Limited flights from Srinagar to Leh.

By Train:

The closest railway stations are Chandigarh (for the Manali-Leh route) and Jammu or Udhampur (for the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh route).

By Road:

• Manali-Leh: Leh is approximately 1050 km from Delhi. To follow this route, you must take multiple(minimum two nights) to reach Leh. 
• Srinagar-Leh: Leh is approximately 450 km from Srinagar, with a stopover at Kargil.

By Bike:

• Popular routes include the Leh-Srinagar Highway and Leh-Manali Highway.
• Bikes with higher displacements, like Royal Enfield and KTM Duke, are recommended.
• Different travel companies offer bikes for rent from Srinagar or Manali. However, due to issues between the bike unions of these territories, bikes from Srinagar or Manali are sometimes prevented from entering Ladakh. Therefore, it is better to rent a bike from Leh to Leh or take your private motorcycle. 

By Jeep/Taxi:

• Jeep safaris offer a more comfortable alternative to bike rides.
• One can hire a cab from Manali, with prices starting at around INR 12,000.
• Shared taxis are also available, costing around INR 1,200 to INR 1,500 per person.

Festivals in Ladakh

Sindhu Darshan Festival: Held in June during Guru Purnima, this three-day event honours the Sindhu (Indus) River, symbolising peace and communal harmony, and pays tribute to soldiers who protect the country. Initiated in 1997 by Krishna Advani, who rediscovered the river’s significance, the festival draws tourists and foreign delegates. Festivities include participants bringing water from their local rivers to merge with the Sindhu, symbolising unity, and organising cultural events by the Ladakh Buddhist Association. 

Galdan Namchot Festival: A festival celebrated in Tibet, Mongolia, and the Himalayan regions to celebrate the birthday and Buddhahood of Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419 AD), a revered Tibetan Buddhist scholar who founded the Gelug school. Marking the start of the New Year celebrations in Ladakh, the festival falls on the twenty-fifth daytime of the tenth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. People light lamps during Galdan Namchot, and monasteries and homes are illuminated with light, symbolising the eradication of darkness and traditional dishes like Thukpa, Momo, and Butter tea. Historically, Ladakh began celebrating the festival two months early due to a war during Raja Jamyang Namgyal’s reign.

Losar Festival: Losar, the New Year festival of Ladakh and Tibet, blends ancient Bon traditions with Buddhist rituals, symbolising renewal and prosperity. Preparations include cleaning homes and rehearsing performances. The festival features cultural events, stage fights, and traditional dances, creating a joyful atmosphere. Monks from Namgyal monastery lead prayers to Goddess Palden Lhamo on the first day, while the second day, King’s Losar, involves dignitaries exchanging greetings. Festivities then escalate with music, dance, and communal celebrations, showcasing the community’s vibrant spirit and unity in welcoming the New Year.

Spituk Gustor Festival: Spituk Gustor Festival is celebrated annually on January 3rd-4th at Ladakh’s Spituk Monastery, which honours the ‘Sacrifice of the 29th day’ in Tibetan Buddhism. Dating back to the 11th century, it signifies the triumph of good over evil and aims for world peace and happiness. Preceded by a week of prayers, the festival features the Cham mask dance, portraying guardian divinities and Geluk-pa order deities. Monks wear elaborate clay and paper masks adorned with gold and silver, accompanied by traditional instruments like horns and cymbals. Pilgrims gather to receive blessings and witness the burning of effigies representing evil forces, making Spituk Monastery a global attraction during this festive occasion.

Dosmoche Festival: Dosmoche is a significant annual prayer festival in Leh, derived from Lhasa’s ‘Great Prayer’ ceremony. Held on the 28th and 29th days of the 12th Tibetan month, typically in late February, it concludes the New Year celebrations alongside Losar. The festival features sacred mask dances and ritual offerings, symbolically cleansing the town of evil spirits to ensure prosperity and ward off calamities for the upcoming year. Lamas from various monasteries participate, accompanied by folk dances, vibrant attire, and musical performances, creating a lively and spiritually charged atmosphere in Leh.

Yargon Tungshak Festival: The Yargon Tungshak Festival in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley, held annually in mid-February, showcases vibrant cultural traditions. Central to the festival are masked dances depicting Tibetan gods and legends, emphasising the triumph of good over evil. Musicians accompany dancers with traditional instruments, creating a mystical atmosphere. Attendees enjoy local delicacies like skyu, gurgur cha, and thupka. Chants in Sanskrit and Tibetan, led by monks, add spiritual depth, complemented by elaborate costumes adorned with velvet, gold, silver, and turquoise. This festival celebrates cultural heritage and offers a unique glimpse into Ladakhi traditions and culinary delights.

Stok Guru Tsechu Festival: Stok Guru Tsechu is a prominent Buddhist festival in Ladakh, celebrated annually in February, just before Matho Nagrang. Held over two days in Stok village, the festival features masked dances performed by monks from Spituk monastery. Unlike Matho Nagrang, Stok Guru Tsechu involves laypeople acting as oracles prepared by monks to invoke deities and spirits. This festival, rooted in spiritual traditions, attracts locals and visitors alike, highlighting the vibrant cultural heritage of Ladakh amidst the majestic landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Matho Nagrang Festival: Matho Nagrang is a vibrant festival held in the village of Matho, 26 km from Leh in Ladakh. Celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, it features masked dances by specially chosen monks from Matho Monastery. These monks, selected through a lottery nine months in advance, undergo purification rituals, including fasting and meditation. They perform remarkable feats, including blindfolded acrobatics, believed to be empowered by divine guidance for predicting futures. Visitors flock to witness these extraordinary displays amidst the scenic backdrop of Ladakh, making it a unique cultural experience blending spiritual traditions with colourful festivities.

Saka Dawa Festival: Saka Dawa Festival in Ladakh, celebrated in June, honours the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Monks gather in monasteries to take vows against killing and stealing. Devotees light candles and incense before Buddha statues. The festival includes prayers, a midday meal for the poor, and donations of money and clothes. Special pujas at 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm pay homage to Buddha, with a movie screening on his life at 2 pm. The evening culminates in a candle-lighting ceremony, offering a profound spiritual experience in Leh.

Hemis Festival: The Hemis Festival at Hemis Monastery, Ladakh, is celebrated annually and honours Guru Padmasambhava’s birth on the tenth day of the Tibetan calendar month. Established in 1630 by Sengge Namgyal, it remains famous for its Cham Dance, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Every twelve years, an exhibition showcases local handicrafts. Participants and locals dress in colourful attire, performing rituals, singing, and dancing. The festival features vibrant masks and costumes, accompanied by traditional music from cymbals and drums, creating a festive atmosphere. This cultural event offers a profound insight into Ladakhi traditions and spiritual heritage, attracting visitors worldwide.

Yuru Kabgyat Festival: The Yuru Kabgyat Festival in Lamayuru, Ladakh, attracts global participants for its vibrant celebrations over two days in July-August, following the Tibetan calendar. Originating from the Mahayana tradition in the 8th century, the festival centres around masked dances performed by Lamas to appease deities and ward off calamities. Colourful masks, handmade and painted locally, adorn the dancers who perform in circular formations. Local music and songs accompany the rituals, honouring an idol of Lord Buddha believed to embody his presence during the festival. This energetic festival showcases Buddhist culture and offers a profound cultural immersion for visitors to Ladakh.

Sunday Gustor Festival: Ladakh, a spectacular destination in India, becomes even more enchanting during its vibrant festive seasons. Festivals here epitomise wanderlust with their colossal colourful masks and elaborate robes, offering a unique cultural experience. One grand event is the Stongday Gustor festival, celebrated fervently throughout Ladakh’s Zanskar region. The festival’s highlight is the mesmerising masked dance performed by monastery monks. Held annually in June according to the Tibetan calendar at the Stongday monastery, this festival attracts locals and tourists alike. For an unforgettable experience, visit Ladakh’s Zanskar region in July to witness the Stongday Gustor festival in all its splendour.

Karsha Gustor Festival: People celebrate the Karsha Gustor Festival at Karsha Monastery in Zanskar, and it marks the victory of good over evil through sacred dances performed by Gelupka monks. Held annually, it commemorates the birth of Tsongkha-Pa, founder of the Gelupka order. Festivities span two days with elaborate masked dances portraying battles against evil spirits and historical villains. The Dharmapala Masks worn during the dances symbolise ferocious yet protective deities in Tibetan Buddhism. According to lunar cycles, the festival includes rituals like the preparation and symbolic cutting of sacrificial cakes to dispel negativity. Karsha Gustor blends spiritual reverence with a vibrant cultural display, attracting visitors to Zanskar in July or August.

Thiksey Gustor Festival: Thiksey Monastery, a prominent Gelupa-order monastery in Ladakh, hosts the annual Thiksey Gustor Festival, which spans two days. Held on the 17th and 18th days of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar (typically in November), it features sacred dances by monks wearing symbolic masks of guardian divinities. Rituals include prayers, liquid offerings to invoke divine presence, and a sacrificial cake’s symbolic “killing” to dispel evil. The festival culminates with the burning of an effigy representing malevolent forces, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Thiksey Gustor Festival attracts visitors seeking spiritual insight and cultural immersion in Ladakh’s vibrant Buddhist traditions.

Tak Tok Festival: Tak-Thok Tse-Chu is a vital festival in Ladakh, held in July and August on the 10th day of the Tibetan calendar. It features Chham dances performed by monks and locals, depicting wrathful deities, compassionate figures, and animals. This festival is a cultural highlight, believed to confer spiritual merit and protect attendees from evil forces. It also serves as a vibrant social gathering, where locals dress in their finest attire and jewellery, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Tak-Thok Tse-Chu attracts numerous tourists, offering them a deep immersion into Ladakhi culture and traditions amidst the region’s picturesque landscapes.

Geography of Ladakh

Its mountainous terrain and arid climate characterise Ladakh. The region receives only about 2 inches (5 cm) of rain annually. The Indus River runs through Ladakh, with the Indus River Valley being the region’s heartland. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is situated at about 11,350 feet (3,500 meters), with surrounding peaks reaching 22,500 feet (7,000 meters).

Ladakh’s Religious and Cultural Heritage

Ladakh is predominantly Buddhist, with influences from Tibetan Buddhism. Key figures such as Tsongkhapa and Padmasambhava have significantly shaped the region’s religious landscape. The area holds monasteries, including Hemis, Thiksey, and Spitich, which serve as centres of spiritual and cultural activities.

Places to visit during Winter Ladakh

The Hall of Fame Museum in Leh, constructed and maintained by the Indian Army near Leh Airfield, commemorates soldiers lost in the Indo-Pak wars. Spanning two floors, it houses a ground floor segment honouring courageous soldiers with exhibits of weapons and documents from various conflicts. A dedicated area showcases the Siachen Glacier, while the top floor displays guns and equipment captured from the Pakistan Army. The museum also features exhibits on Leh’s culture, history, and wildlife. Room no. 15 exhibits soldiers’ attire worn in -50ºC temperatures.

Additionally, it screens a 30-minute film documenting the 1999 Kargil War, providing a comprehensive insight into the conflict.

Shey Monastery 

Shey Monastery, located in the Leh district of Ladakh, was founded in the 17th century by a Ladakhi king. It is situated about 15 kilometres south of Leh atop a hill. It is the second largest monastery in Ladakh after Thiksey Monastery.

The monastery houses giant statues of Lord Buddha and other deities and a significant collection of ancient manuscripts, frescoes, and wall paintings. The main highlight is a copper-gilded statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha, installed in 1655 by the king. Shey Monastery also features thangka paintings that are reputed to be over 300 years old. Surrounding the monastery is a 925-meter-high wall, easily accessible from the Leh-Manali road. The entrance gate has dragon-headed figures.

Additionally, the monastery includes a small temple dedicated to the goddess Tara, a Buddhist protector. Shey Monastery is a popular tourist attraction in Ladakh, offering stunning views and hosting various ceremonies and festivals.

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery, situated in the Indus Valley of Ladakh, India, exemplifies Ladakhi architecture and belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in the 15th century by Palden Sangpo, it stands atop a hill in Thiksey village, 19 km east of Leh. This monastery is renowned for its grandeur, comprising 12 stories and housing a rich array of statues, stupas, wall paintings, and ancient swords. A highlight is the 49-foot statue of Maitreya, installed in 1970.

The monastery complex includes a nunnery, a temple devoted to the goddess Tara, a library, and shops, offering visitors insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture. Thiksey Monastery overlooks the picturesque Indus Valley and Stok Kangri mountain range, providing a breathtaking backdrop. Annually, it hosts a vibrant festival featuring masked dances and music, drawing tourists and locals alike. With over 150 monks residing there, the monastery supports the community with education and Healthcare services. Open year-round, Thiksey Monastery offers a profound cultural experience and panoramic vistas for all who visit.

The Leh Palace

Leh Palace, constructed in the 16th century by King Sengge Namgyal, towers over Leh town as a nine-storey marvel blending Tibetan and Indian architectural styles at 3,500 meters above sea level. Once the residence of the Namgyal dynasty, it showcases intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and a rich cultural legacy. Damaged in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1947-48 and later abandoned, it was declared a protected monument in 1975 and opened to the public in 1990 as a museum. Today, it attracts visitors with exhibitions of traditional attire, jewellery, manuscripts, photographs, and paintings depicting the palace’s history. The museum includes a library with regional history books and a temple honouring the royal family’s guardian deity. Leh Palace stands as a symbol of Leh’s royal heritage, offering stunning views and serving as a cherished destination for cultural enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Leh Market

The Leh Main Market is a vibrant and bustling hub in Ladakh, offering diverse goods from jewellery and clothing to groceries and local delicacies. This market has small pathways and streets, each dedicated to specific items such as clothes, artefacts, spices, food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. The locally handwoven woollen garments are particularly renowned, reflecting Ladakh’s cold climate and cultural heritage.

The market is situated centrally and provides easy access to nearby attractions like Jama Masjid, Leh Palace, Zorawar Fort, Hall of Fame, and Shanti Stupa. Visitors can shop for artistically crafted Pashmina shawls, traditional Ladakhi and Kashmiri carpets, and intricate Tibetan handicrafts, including Thanka paintings, prayer wheels, and wooden artefacts.

Magnetic Hill

The Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is a mysterious natural phenomenon surrounded by various theories. Local villagers believe in a superstition that the hill once served as a direct path to heaven, pulling deserving souls while others couldn’t reach it. A more scientific theory suggests a solid magnetic force from the hill pulls vehicles uphill, which has been experienced and verified by travellers worldwide. Interestingly, this magnetic influence has even prompted Indian Air Force planes to alter their flight paths to avoid interference. However, another theory proposes that the hill’s effect is an optical illusion. According to this view, the layout of the road creates an illusion where a downhill slope appears as an uphill one. So, when vehicles move uphill on Magnetic Hill, they are descending. This optical trickery fascinates visitors who witness this unique phenomenon on the Leh-Kargil highway, adding to the mystique and allure of the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh.

Khardung La

Khardung La Pass, one of Ladakh’s highest motorable routes, is 18,380 feet above sea level. This path is renowned for its steep slopes and numerous sharp turns, attracting thousands of tourists seeking the thrill of navigating such extreme heights. Motorcycle enthusiasts especially flock here to set personal altitude records. Managed by the Indian Army, Khardung La Pass is a crucial link to Nubra Valley and the Siachen Glacier, known as the world’s highest battleground. Visitors require Inner Line Permits, checked at checkpoints like North Pullu and South Pullu. While accessible year-round, the pass is often snow-covered, making driving difficult due to icy conditions. Despite its fame, newer passes like Umling La Pass in Eastern Ladakh now surpass Khardung La in elevation.

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery is a popular tourist spot in Nubra Valley, known for its stunning location and impressive 106-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha statue just below the monastery. Located at 10,308 feet, Diskit Monastery is about 15 kilometres northwest of the Khalsar-Panakil route, near the desert edge of Nubra Valley. Perched on a hill along a road connecting Partharpur and Those, it boasts beautiful interiors adorned with intricate frescoes and wall paintings. The prayer hall, known as Dukhang, houses large drums and images of Buddhist guardian deities, while the monastery’s repository stores numerous Mongolian and Tibetan religious texts alongside several shrines.

Adjacent to the monastery is Lachung Temple, renowned for its sizable statue of Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect. Offering splendid views of Diskit Village and the surrounding landscape, Diskit Monastery is a serene and culturally rich destination in Ladakh’s picturesque Nubra Valley.

Pangong Lake

Pangong Tso Lake is known for its stunning beauty, which surpasses expectations upon visiting. Located at a high altitude of around 4,350 meters, it is a saltwater lake renowned in Ladakh. Its popularity stems from its breathtaking scenery and role as a sensitive border point along the Line of Actual Control between India and China. Featured prominently in the Bollywood film “3 Idiots,” the lake spans approximately 5 kilometres in width. It stretches 134 kilometres, with about one-third of its expanse in India and the remaining two-thirds in China. Notably deep, Pangong Lake reaches depths of nearly 328 feet.

Chang La Pass

Ladakh boasts some of India’s most famous high-altitude mountain passes, and Chang La Pass is among them. Ranked as the world’s third highest motorable pass, it lies along the route to Pangong Tso Lake, a top tourist destination in Ladakh and a must-visit during motorcycle journeys.

At nearly 5,360 meters above sea level, the Indian Army maintains a road that stretches about 15 kilometres.

The pass is challenging, featuring loose dirt and slush on its sides. Small streams intersect during summer, adding to the difficulty for bikers.

Key attractions include the Chang La Temple, where visitors can seek blessings, a tea point for refreshments, and a signpost marking the pass, perfect for memorable photographs. The pass is renowned for its stunning vistas and panoramic views