CULTURAL TOURS During this exhilarating journey we encounter hill resorts, magnificent mountain vistas and the rich

tapestry of cultures that make this secluded pocket of the Indian Himalaya so enticing that vast stretches of rugged terrain under the azur e sky present to you the most authentic, traditional, fascinating Tibetan Buddhi st communities on earth. Ladakh is separated culturally, geographically, and pol itically from Hindu and Muslim areas of India. In Ladakh, you can explore the tr anquility of remote Buddhist communities, ancient monasteries, and wild mountain s where snow leopards still roam. Ladakh is the best place in India to travel fo r cultural interactions with highland Buddhist people Ladakh is an intrepid trav eller's muse and this trip rewards the patient and persistent ecotourist with in comparable experiences, friendships and memories. Day 01: Arrive in Leh: Arrive at Leh airport by morning flight from Delhi. This flight is one of the mo st sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraf t can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on t he other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and to uch it, is the Nun Kun massif. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hote l. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the af ternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city. Overnight in a hotel. Day 02: In Leh: (Day sightseeing): After breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing of Shey palace, Thiksey and H emis monasteries and the Stok Palace. Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one o f the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and forms part of Gelukpa order. The 12-storey monastery complex co ntains numerous stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pil lar engraved with the Buddha's teachings, there are sacred shrines and a many pr ecious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Ri ngpoche acts as in-charge of the monastery. The main prayer hall has a 15 mt hig h-seated Buddha figure. Overnight hotel. Day 03: Leh to Pangong Lake: (Day trip): After early breakfast drive for a visit of Pangong Lake via Chang La pass. The d rive takes you through spectacular, amazing scenery, with breathtaking views of the snow covered Himalayas. The Lake is the highest (4267M) salt-water lake in t he world, situated along the India / China border. It is about 130 Km long and 5 -6 Km wide. The Chang - chenmo range surrounding it from the north provide a spe ctacular backdrop to the blue and green expanse of its brackish water. Overnight Hotel. Day 04: Leh to Khardungla & Gurudwara: After breakfast proceed for an unforgettable drive to the top of the world's hig hest motor able mountain pass Khardungla, at a height of about 18,300 Ft Enjoy u nbelievable but true spectacular views of the Himalayas. Return by lunch. After lunch proceed to visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, The Magnetic Hill and witness the convergence of the holy river Indus with Zankar River. Overnight hotel. Day 05: Departure: Transfer to the airport to fly to Delhi.