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Chamba Camp, Thiksey introduced by ‘The Ultimate Travelling Camp’

Nubra Valley Tour in Leh

Nubra Valley – Ldumra The Valley Of Flowers

Main Tour (5 nights / 6 days) + Extension Nubra Valley (3 Nights / 4 Days)
Total duration : 8 Nights / 9 Days
Nubra Valley Tour - Day 1
Day 01:Arrive into Leh * Check into the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
This morning, following your arrival into Leh, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your residence, The Chamba Camp, Thiksey. You will be guests of the Thiksey Monastery. Soak in the serenity of the surroundings as you are accorded the traditional welcome of Ladakh. You will be accompanied to your well appointed luxury tents, where the check-in formalities will be completed by our Guest Relations hostess.

There will be no activity on your day of arrival as it is medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable you to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels at this high-altitude. At your convenience, the Excursion Specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey will meet with you to discuss the itinerary suggested and help you plan your excursions and make changes if required, as the excursions mentioned in the program can be customized to suit your interests, choices and leisure.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Nubra Valley Tour - Day 2
Day 02:Unravel the treasures of the old city
Today brings a late start, leaving the morning free for you to enjoy a languid breakfast and walk around the camp site, taking in the sights and the atmosphere where each tent opens out on to alfa-alfa pastures with a view of the willow trees as the wind gracefully brushes the branches and the rustling sound of the poplar trees creating an aura of unmatched beauty and serenity, making you naturally unwind and relax.

Or, if you are an early riser, may we suggest setting out on our optional bird watching sojourn, with our camp naturalist, spotting and identifying a variety of birds of the Trans-Himalayan region.

This afternoon, following lunch proceed on a gentle orientation tour of Leh, located approximately 19 kilometres (1 hr) from your camp. Visit popular landmarks which include the magnificent Leh Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the palace has nine storeys’, some of which are in ruins. Some of the sections display fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. From the palace continue by foot to the LAMO [Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation] Centre on a short walking tour passing some enchanting old houses. The centre is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, Munshi (Togoche) House situated at the foot of the Leh Palace. Following a tour of the house there will be a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the old city. Enjoy a view of the old city from the terrace of the Munshi House as you sip the special Ladakhi tea with light snacks. The Heritage exploration continues from Munshi House through the old city ending in the bazaar.

End your tour at the Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of the stone strewn landscape, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea watching the setting sun.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Nubra Valley Tour - Day 3
Day 03:Discover hidden relics of Thiksey monastery and explore the Hemis Monastery
An early morning start with tea and coffee followed by a visit to the Thiksey monastery, which stands about a kilometre from your camp. This beautiful monastery houses a two storey statue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus and boasts of a spectacular view of the valley. At the monastery, you will have the privilege to participate in the morning prayer ceremony at sunrise. Continue on a guided tour of the monastery, visiting the beautiful prayer room which has many handwritten and painted books as well as the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. You will also see small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.

Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free, allowing you time to relax and take in the pristine beauty around you. Or you may like to indulge in our optional cycling trip in the vicinity of the Thiksey village and its surroundings. Or you could also choose to drive to the Saboo village for a séance session with the Oracle [Note: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]

This afternoon, proceed to explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage, the Hemis Monastery, the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 20 kilometres (1 hr) from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King Senge Namygal in the 13th century, where young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings.

This evening enjoy a drink as the sun dips under the horizon, casting exquisitely colored shadows on the snow-capped peaks surrounding the camp.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Nubra Valley Tour - Day 4
Day 04:Walk in the Footsteps of Buddha
Embark on an exploration of the monastic treasures of Ladakh. Driving through picturesque landscape along the River Indus, arrive at the fabled Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo, the Great Translator, the Alchi Gompa displays a Kashmiri influence in its art and architecture. Within the monastery you will see beautiful Tibetan and Gandhara style murals of Ladakh, frescos and images of the Buddha. Relish a picnic lunch in a picturesque setting. On your way back from Alchi, you will stop by at the Basgo fort, built in the 16th century. Basgo, literally “Bull’s Head” in the local language, was the center of power and politics in this region at one point of time and houses a copper-gilt Buddha statue in one of its prayer halls. The ruins of the fort bear the horrific evidence of the invasions of the Mongols.

Alternatively combine your visit to Alchi with our optional rafting excursion. The day begins with a drive through the pastoral countryside, arriving at the put-in point. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages, enjoying the mesmerising views, and the contrast between the greenery of the Nimoo village on one bank and the stark barren landscape of the other. Following a picnic lunch continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery.

On your return to the camp, later in the evening, as the sun sets on varied mountain hues amidst the rustic landscape with the Thiksey Monastery standing tall as a monumental back drop, you will be enchanted by a cultural dance performance, Zyabro.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Nubra Valley Tour - Day 5
Day 05:A day at the Sport of the Royals
This morning, after breakfast, you will drive 20 kilometres (1hr) to visit the Stok Palace, across the River Indus. Take a walk through the Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress, serving as the residence of the Queen Mother and Prince of Ladakh. A section of this Palace has been converted into a museum which houses some of the most interesting and priceless collections of the Royal family. Admire some of the exquisite royal perak (headgear) embedded with priceless coral and turquoise. The museum also exhibits Royal costumes, coins, photographs and paintings. Continue onwards to the Stok village. Explore the rustic beauty of the village as you walk down the narrow lanes, catching a glimpse of local village life, culminating at a quaint Ladakhi house, where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Return to the camp for lunch.

Late this afternoon, you will drive a short distance from your camp to witness the traditional fanfare and glamour associated with the game of Polo. Polo originated in the Western Himalayas in the kingdoms of Baltistan and Gilgit. King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess, was impressed with the thrill of the sport and introduced it to the region of Ladakh in the 17th century. Each team consists of six players and the game is fast and furious in this rugged terrain. The excitement builds up as goals are struck by both sides; each goal accompanied by a burst of song and music from the surna and daman, traditional ladakhi musical instruments.

*Polo excursions are available only on the dates given below. Please plan your visit accordingly to the thrilling Polo experience!

June 2014
  • 19
  • 23
  • 27
July 2014
  • 19
  • 23
  • 27
  • 31
August 2014
  • 04
  • 08
  • 12
  • 16
  • 20
  • 24
  • 28
September 2014
  • 01
  • 05
  • 09
  • 13
  • 17
  • 25
  • 29

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Extension
Nubra Valley – Ldumra The Valley Of Flowers
With our Nubra Valley package get introduved to the enchanting Nubra Valley , formed by the meeting of the Shyok River with the Nubra or Siachen River, separating the Ladakh and the Karakoram Ranges. Access to the valley is through the Khardung La pass from Leh. This drive is amongst the most beautiful and magical drives in Ladakh. One passes some of the most quaint villages and landscapes. Along the Nubra or Siachen River lie the villages of Sumur, Kyagar (called Tiger by the Indian Army), Tirith, Panamik and many others. In season the valley is an agricultural wonderland of apple and apricot orchards, willow and poplar trees and a variety of crops.
Nubra Valley
Day 06:Drive to the Nubra Valley
  • Distance: 154 kms
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Altitude: 3048 m
Following breakfast, this morning your exciting journey continues through some of the region’s most awe-inspiring and dramatic landscapes, passing through the Khardung La Pass (5580 m), considered to be the highest motorable road in the world. From the pass one gets to view the Indus Valley and rich agricultural lands interspersed with poplar and willow trees, giving the landscape a lush green look. In ancient times the legendary Great Silk Route snaked its way through this spectacular valley, surrounded by towering mountains. Following a picnic lunch in the village of Khaltsar continue onwards, driving past the famous sand dunes of Nubra, arriving into the village of Hundar. Explore this pretty village set amidst poplar and willow trees. Walk through the narrow pathways of the village admiring the old Ladakhi houses with their traditional architecture. Visit the Chamba Gompa and Monastery admiring its monastic heritage.

Later check into your camp. Dinner will be served al fresco, under the open skies.

Overnight at camp in Hunder or Diskit

(Note: Toilet facilities en-route are limited. A make shift canvas enclosure will be made available as comfort stops.)
Nubra Valley Leh
Day 07:Nubra – Explore the treasures of the valley
  • Distance: 30 kms
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Altitude: 3048 m
This morning, after breakfast, you will have the opportunity to discover some of the unique heritage wonders of the valley. The morning begins with a short drive to the famous sand dunes of Nubra. Here you will embark on an adventurous ride on the unique double hump Bactrian camel safari through a section of the dunes. The camels trace their existence to the time of the Silk Route.

After your camel safari, you will return to camp for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you have the option to relax or you may enjoy a visit to Diksit Gompa perched on a hill in the village of Diskit. Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa, in the 14th century. It is a sub-gompa of the Thiksey monastery and has a statue of the Maitreya Buddha in the prayer hall, a huge drum and several images of fierce guardian deities. An elevated cupola of the monastery depicts a fresco of the Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet.

Hundur Monastery is also located nearby, below the main road near a bridge. Situated quite near the monastery, at a slightly higher altitude, is Lachung Temple. One of the oldest temples of this area, the temple has a huge idol of Tsongkhapa, crowned with a Gelugpa yellow hat.

Time permitting visit the school run by the monastery administration, with support from a Non-Government Organization (NGO) known as the “Tibet Support Group”, which has computer facilities and teaches science subjects to Tibetan children of the region in English.

(The sequence of the excursions can be changed depending on the location of your campsite and weather conditions.)

Dinner will be at the camp.

Overnight at the camp in Hundar or Diskit
Sumur Village
Day 08:Drive back to Leh * En route visit Sumur Village
  • Distance: 220 kms
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Altitude: 3370 m
This morning, following a local breakfast begin your drive to Leh, visiting the village of Sumur en route. Situated across the Shyok and Nubra Rivers, this picturesque village is famous for the 150 year old Samstanling Monastery. Founded by Lama Tsultim Nima, the monastery houses 70 monks. Built on a hill, the gompa overlooks the valley and has a rich collection of gilded statues, murals and thangkas. Following a hot lunch continue onwards to Leh and check into your camp upon arrival.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or head to the city for last minute shopping of traditional fabrics and handicrafts.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Nubra Valley Tour Packages
Day 09:Bid Farewell To The Land Of The Lamas
  • Distance: 20 kms
  • Duration: 40 mins
  • Altitude: 3256 m
Today you bid farewell to the enchanting and breathtaking mountainous and rugged terrain of Ladakh, as you transfer to the Leh airport and board your flight to your onward destination.
 

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