Lamayuru - Alchi Trekking 11 Days

- Overview
- Full Itinerary
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This is the short yet distills the very fundamental nature of Ladakh. It provides unique and extensive experience of the land, its people and culture by linking two of the most important and oldest monasteries of Ladakh, The Lamayuru Monastery and Alchi Monastery. Lamayuru Monastery is one of the earliest founded monasteries having a remarkable history and the surrounding area presents an interesting topography that is spread with yellow loess formation it is here where our walk trek begins. We end our trek at Alchi which is named after the most famous and largest of all the Gonpa built by Rinchen Zangpo in 11th Century. The monastery houses some of the best murals and frescoes representing Tibetan Buddhist iconography. The trail passes through dramatic desert mountains cape with vividly verdant villages tucked away into the hillsides.
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Short Itinerary |
| Day 01: Onboard Flight to New Delhi. Day 02: Arrive New Delhi. Day 03: New Delhi – Leh , Leh sightseeing. Day 04: Leh- Lamayuru/ Wanla (5 hrs trek). Day 05: Wanla/ Urshi (6 hrs trek). Day 06: Urshi -Tarla/ Tar (7 hrs trek). Day 07: Tar- Mangyu (5 hrs trek). Day 08: Mangyu -Gera – Alchi. Day 09: Alchi – Leh. Day 10: Leh-Delhi. Day 11: Departure. |
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Trip Cost > |
3375$/P
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International Flights > |
$1450/Person
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Regional Flights > |
$230/Person |
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Travel Innsurance > |
From $250/P |
Cost Includes:
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Cost Excludes:
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| - All airport transfers. - Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis. - Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. - North Face Tents during the treks. - Private vehicles. - Local English Speaking Escort/guide. - All sightseeing with entry fees. - Inner Line Permit. - All applicable govt. taxes. |
- All flights. - All applicable airport taxes. - Special entry fees for camera / video camera. - Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc. - Tips. - Travel and Personal Insurance. - Passport and Visas. - All other services different from above mentioned. |
Sector
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Hotel/Camping
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Nights
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| New Delhi | Imperial Hotel | 02 |
| Leh | The Grand Dragon Leh | 02 |
| Trekking | Camping | 05 |
Our representatives will receive you at the airport with warm welcome, and drive you to your hotel. In the afternoon, proceed to the sightseeing tours of the prime locations of Delhi.
India Gate: India Gate of New Delhi, the war memorial arch, was built by the British in the honor of the unknown martyrs, who lost their lives in the First World War and Second Afghan War. Originally known as All India War Memorial, it has the names of the soldiers who died in the wars inscribed on its walls. Since 1971, there is the eternal soldier's flame burning under it, known as 'Amar Jawaan Jyoti'. It is the ceremonial boulevard of the Indian republic that boasts of ornamental parks, pools and gardens alongside. It is here that the much-awaited event of Republic Day Parade takes place on 26th January every year.
Presidential Residence of India: Also known as President's House, the building holds a prominent position in New Delhi. Designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, this classical building uses colors and details peculiar to Indian architecture. It was in 1950 that President started living in this ceremonial building and the formally known 'Viceroy's House' was renamed as 'Rashtrapati Bhavan.' It has 340 decorated rooms and a floor area of 200,000 square feet. It presents a spectacular blend of Mughal and European architectural styles.
Red Fort: It is one of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. It has walls extending up to 2 kms in length with the height varying from 18 meters on the river side to 33 meters on the city side. The Fort sports all the obvious trappings befitting a vital center of Mughal governance - halls of public and private audiences, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque, and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the Fort is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is still a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort.
Day 02: Fly New Delhi to Leh, and Leh Sightseeing.
Our representatives from Leh will receive you at the airport, and drive you to your hotel. After refreshment and brief rest, we proceed to the full day sightseeing tours of the following prime locations of Leh.
Thiksey Monastery: It is a glorious Buddhist monastery located in the top of hillock about 12 kms from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. It encloses numerous Stupas, Thangkas, statues, swords, wonderful wall paintings, and a large pillar carved with Buddha’s teachings. A marvelous Buddha statue in the seated position is adorning the main prayer hall. Thiksey Festival, a major attraction for tourists and Buddhist devotees, is conducted here with splendor and much pomp.
Shey Palace: It is situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh. Around 12 feet of Lord Buddha's statue, the largest in the region, made by copper guilt is housed here. There is another statue of the Buddha three stories in height also with various stone carvings and many chortens scattered around.
Sankar monastery: Also situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. It was constructed by the first king of Ladakh. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kings.
Day 03: Drive from Leh to Lamayuru, and Trek to Wanla (3200 m, Trek: 4 5 hrs).
Today we drive to Basgo, and visit the ruins of the Royal palace called Ser Zung Temple, which is known for its great frescoes, and also go see the temple with an enormous gold and copper statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Then, we continue to drive to Likir, and visit Likir gompa, which is situated atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. Then we drive and cross the River Indus and reach Alchi, which is Ladakh's most renowned monastery. After Alchi, we have an option to visit the impressive Ridzong Gompa before finally reaching to Lamayuru Gompa, which is located amidst the massive mountains. The spectacular setting of this Monastery & its renowned collection of carpets, Thangkas, & frescoes has been attracting many people from all over the world over a long time. We will also be part of the prayer ceremony inside the prayer hall among the monks. The experience will be very soothing and spiritual.
Likir Monastery: It is situated atop a windy cliff-top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. In its courtyard is yellow-colored 3-storey high mammoth statue of the Lord Buddha. The top floor has an impressive museum containing old Thangkas and weapons used many centuries back.
Lamayuru Monastery: It is situated in Ladakh on a steep rock mountain. The monastery is made up of a number of shrines and also has a very rich collection of thangkas and magnificent wall paintings. At the outset, the Lamayuru Monastery consisted of five buildings, out of which only the central one exists today.
Day 04: Trek Wanla to Urshi (Trek: 6 hrs).
After early morning breakfast, we follow Yapola river for about 2 hrs until reaching Penji-la. Then we cross the bridge and trek upto the valley and go straight north along the stream which leads to Urshi. The total distance will be covered in about 3 ½ hrs. This trekking route is the most popular in Lamayuru - Alchi trek tour. At night, we fix our tents in one of the campsite of Urshi.
Day 05: Trek Urshi to Tar La Pass (5250 m), and Trek to Tar (Trek: 7 hrs).
The path will be quite difficult one ascending towards Tar La Pass, but after 4 hours of good walking we reach Tar La Pass (5250m), and then descend towards the Tar village, which will take about 3 hours. There are masses of fallen rocks on the slope which creates a few problems for horses. At night, we will be resting in our tents.
Day 06: Tar to Mangyu (Trek: 5 hrs).
Today we trek toward Mangyu through Mangyu La Pass (3935 m). Mangyu is a beautiful village with a Monastery. We find a nice campsite by the stream, where we will have a nice dinner and a nice rest in our own tents.
Day 07: Mangyu to Gera to Alchi (Trek: 4/5 hrs).
While walking toward Alchi via Gera village, we cross a bridge across the Indus river that leads to Kargil Leh road. Following Indus river upstream, we pass Lardo until reaching the main highway. And then after another hour and half of trekking, we reach Alchi, where we will be having our lunch. Then we will be off to visit Alchi Gompa built in 11th century housing six temples with incredible wall paintings.
Alchi Gompa: Built by Rinchen Zangpo, who brought thirty-two sculptors and wood carvers from Kashmir for the construction of the Alchi Monastery. One can easily see an Indian touch in this monastery, especially in the way its paintings have been made. In its courtyard is yellow-colored 3-storey high mammoth statue of the Lord Buddha. The top floor has an impressive museum containing old thangkas and weapons used many centuries back. There are various sacred temples and number of religious images inside the monastery.
Day 08: Drive Alchi - Leh (Drive: 2 hrs.).
We drive for about two hours covering 60 kms and get back to Leh. We check into our hotel and have a nice lunch, before proceeding to another sightseeing tour of following locations of Leh.Leh Palace: This is used to an old palace of the Ladakh rulers, and it overlooks the town from the southwest slope of the Tsemo hill. It has eight stories and was at the same time around the famed ‘Potala of Lhasa’, which resembles this palace quite a bit. The damage to the palace on one side, which is gaping open now, stems from the Kashmiri invasions of the last century.
Leh Gompas: There are a number of Gompas in the old town of Leh - such as the Guru Lakhang to the left of the palace, Chamba Lakhang to the south of the palace, and the Chenrezig Lakhang to the southeast. In the centre of Leh, the Buddhist association of Ladakh built the new monastery containing an image of Lord Buddha that was brought form Tibet. Meetings of the Buddhist association are held in this monastery. Shanti Stupa: A relatively new addition to the rocky skyline around Leh is the white Shanti Stupa inaugurated in 1983 by the Dalai Lama. It is also known as the "Peace Pagoda", whose sides are decorated with gilt panels depicting episodes from the life of the Buddha.
The Ecology Centre: Five minutes' walk north of the main bazaar, the Ecology center is the headquarters of LEDeG (the Ladakh Ecological Development Group) - a local non government organization that aims to counter the negative impact of western style "development" by fostering economic independence and respect for traditional culture. This involves promoting "appropriate" technologies such as solar energy, encouraging organic farming and cottage industries, and providing education on environmental and social issues through village drama, workshops and seminars.
Day 09: Fly Leh to Delhi, and Delhi Sightseeing.
After early breakfast, we drive to airport to catch a flight to Delhi. We have a nice lunch at our hotel in Delhi, and then immediately proceed to the sightseeing tours of Qutab Minar and Lotus Temple.
Qutab Minar: ‘The victory tower’ whose foundation was laid in 1199 A.D., and is undoubtedly one of the finest stone towers in India, and one of the most important landmarks of Delhi. The tower tapers from a base of 14.32 m to 2.75 m at its top, and was taken 20 years to complete. Built in red sandstone, this tower sports the inscriptions of verses of Holy Quran and some intricate carvings.
Lotus Temple: The 40 m high Lotus Temple is the most beautiful temples in India built in the shape of a half-opened Lotus flower. Completed in 1986, this pure white marble temple is also known as Taj of Modern India. Surrounded by carefully manicured lawns, it has been constructed using marble, cement, sand and dolomite. The temple structure has 27 giant white marble petals and nine pools, indicative of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the ‘Baha'i faith’, which believes in oneness of all religions and mankind. The faith emphasizes on ‘prayer’, which is described as 'Conversation with God,' and ‘meditation’, which is described as 'Key for opening the doors of mysteries'. The temple represents the broad views and scientific ideas of Baha`i faith and signifies the purity and the universality of the Lord. A perfect silence is maintained in the main hall of prayer, to allow the devotees to meditate and pray peacefully.
Day 10: Departure from Delhi.
We thank you for being with us on your thrilling adventure, and after one last meal at the hotel, we drive you back to your airport for your safe trip back home.
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Trip Info
- Arrival Info:
Our representative will be arriving at the airport you will be landing. Please look for a board with your name or South Asian Holidays. Upon welcome greetings, you will be transfered to hotel. - Hotel Info:
Hotel we book are carefully selected and located in the city center unless you requested different hotel by name and category. - Guide Info:
We carefully select our guides who knows the route well and lead several group for the same trip you booked.





