Trip length- 8N/9D

SUMMARY- A unique trip that highlights the three lakes of Ladakh- this one is a photographer’s delight, as well as a chance to meet the nomadic tribes of the Changthang region.

Highlights:

-A photographer’s delight- a visit to the three famous high altitude lakes of the region
-Visit some of the most famous monasteries of the region
-Opportunity to spot some rare birds
-An adventurous road trip through the upper Himalayas

Detailed itinerary :

Day 1: Fly into Leh via one of the most visually stunning flights in the Himalayas. Check in to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude terrain.

Day 2: Travel to the Sham valley- stopping at a couple of points for photo ops during the day. The Hall of fame, Magnetic Hill, Gurdwara Pather Sahib, confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers, are interesting stopping points on the way. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the Alchi monastery, a quaint monastic complex dating back to the 10th century AD.

Day 3: Kick off the main leg of the tour, driving to the famous Pangong lake via the Chang La. You may want to stop at the Thiksey monastery on the way. Gorgeous vistas wait for you at the lake itself- and after the sun sets, the night sky is especially clear from this region.

Day 4: Return back to Leh after taking your fill of the lake and its surroundings. Evening at leisure.

Day 5: Spend the day as you like, exploring the old town, with a book at a quaint café in town, or just shopping for souvenirs.

Day 6: We leave Leh again to drive towards the Changthang plateau- over the Taglang La, to visit the Tsokar lake- a salt encrusted lake with some great birding opportunities. In earlier times, the Changpa nomads would collect salt from the lake to trade for other essentials in Leh.

Day 7: We drive further from the Tsokar lake, and reach the Tsomoriri lake, after a drive through the Changthang region of about 4 hours. Walk along the lake, or enjoy meeting the Changthang nomads as they rove across the plains with their livestock.

Day 8: Return back to Leh after a leisurely breakfast.

Day 9: Departure