Tour Code : LC-LHAL-67
High Altitude Lakes
Duration – 6 nights / 7 days
Synopsis
Set among a barren and mountainous landscape, Ladakh’s high-altitude lakes, also known as “Tsos” are even more stunning than one can imagine.
Pangong Lake, or Pangong Tso, is the highest saltwater lake in the world (4267m), situated along the India-China border. It is about 130km long and 5-6km wide. The Chang-Chenmo range surrounding it from the north provides a spectacular backdrop to the blue and green expanse of its brackish waters.
Tso Moriri is situated in the middle of an elevated valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. This valley is inhabited by a small-scattered population of nomadic shepherds. The area is rich in wildlife including the “Kyang” (Wild Ass), Red Fox, Black-necked Crane and geese.
Tso Kar is a small lake with the backdrop formed by a chain of snow peaked mountains. The waters are deep blue in colour and the surrounding mountains, like the rest of the Ladakhi landscape are of varying shades of brown and purple with snow-capped peaks.
This tour is specially designed to help you create beautiful memories of these scenic lakes.
Itinerary
Day 01: Delhi – Leh
Arrive at Leh airport by morning flight from Delhi. This flight is one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Allow yourself 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 afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to explore this fascinating city. Overnight in hotel.
Day 02: In Leh – Shankar Gompa & Castle
The morning is at leisure to acclimatize to the rarefied air. You may choose to stroll along the main bazaar – observing the varied crowds. Looking into curio shops is an engaging experience. A particularly attractive sight is the line of women from nearby villages sitting along the edge of the footpath with baskets of fresh vegetables brought for sale. Behind the main bazaar, Chang Gali is less bustling but has interesting little shops selling curios and jewellery. Further on are the labyrinthine alleyways and piled-up houses of the old town, clustering around the foot of the Palace Hill. In the other direction, down the bazaar, are the Tibetan markets where one can bargain for pearls, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli and many other kinds of semi-precious stones and jewellery, as well as carved yak-horn boxes, quaint brass locks, china or metal bowls, or any of a whole array of curios. When tired of strolling, one can step into any of the several restaurants; some of them located in gardens or on the sidewalks and serve local Tibetan, Indian and Continental cuisine.
Also walk to the Leh Palace & Shankar Gompa, which belongs to Gelukspa school of Tibetan Buddhism. This small Gompa is a branch of Spituk Gompa, founded by the first incarnation of Skyabje Bakula (head monk of Spituk monastery). Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 03: Chang La Pass – Pangong Lake – Leh
After an early breakfast, drive for a visit of Pangong Lake via Chang La pass. The drive takes you through spectacular, amazing scenery, with breath-taking views of the snow-covered Himalayas. The Lake is the highest saltwater lake in the world (4267m), situated along the India-China border. It is about 130km long and 5-6km wide. The Chang-Chenmo range surrounding it from the north provides a spectacular backdrop to the blue and green expanse of its brackish waters.
Drive back to Leh. Arrive Leh by evening. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Leh – Takthok Gompa – Chemrey Gompa – Hemis Monastery
The day’s tour of monasteries begins with a visit to Takthok Gompa in the morning. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa Sect.
Returning from Takthok, the Chemrey Gompa rises majestically on a hill with the residences of the lamas spilling along its contours.
Continue your drive to Hemis Gompa, the most famous of Ladakh’s monasteries, crossing over the Indus River at the village of Karu.
By the evening drive back to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 05: Leh – Tso Moriri – Karzok
Tso in the Ladakhi language means a Lake. Tso Moriri is one of the most exciting places in Ladakh; some rate it better than Pangong Tso. A visit to Ladakh is incomplete without visiting Tso Moriri. It is a brackish water lake about 28 km long and 8 km wide at an altitude of 15,000 ft above sea level. The complete area is considered as a protected wildlife sanctuary and special permits are required for the visit.
Tso Moriri or “Mountain Lake” is situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by snow-capped peaks. This valley is inhabited by a small-scattered population of “Changpas” who are nomadic shepards who also engage in trade and work in Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti. The area is rich in wildlife including the “Kyang” (wild ass), red fox, black necked crane and geese.
On arrival check in to your accommodation. In the afternoon explore the surrounding areas of the Lake. The village of Karzok is besides the lake. It is the Nomad Headquarters. A large meditation center has also come up besides the lake a little ahead of the village. One can visit the ancient Karzok Monastery or take the opportunity to catch hold of some nomadic tribesmen to get a glimpse of their lifestyle. The lake itself is surrounded by mountain peaks with a strong wind causing waves in the lake. As the sun is about to set it gives a golden tinge to the peaks: the dense blue colour of the lake contrasts with the golden coloured peaks against the backdrop of a light blue sky, which is simply captivating. After an early dinner, do not miss seeing the sunset and the reflection of a clear starry sky in the waters of the lake.
Retire to your tents for an overnight stay.
Day 06: Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh
Rise early in the morning to capture some unforgettable snaps of the deep blue waters of the lake against the backdrop of rocky mountains of unimaginable hues.
After breakfast you continue your journey to Tso Kar. An hours’ drive brings you to Polo Kongka Pass (4920m). This is a long and wide pass and gives you the feeling of driving on a tabletop. The descent takes you through a deserted nomad village, whose houses now only have half-standing walls.
On getting to the bottom of this descent you get your first glimpse of Tso Kar also called “White Lake” because of the salt deposits around it. It is a small lake with the backdrop formed by a chain of snow peaked mountains. The waters are deep blue in colour and the mountains, like the rest of the Ladakhi landscape are of varying shades of brown and purple with snow-capped peaks. A Nomad Headquarters (Samad Rockchen) is located next to the lake.
After lunch at the lake, you commence your journey back to Leh. You arrive in Leh by the evening and spend the night at your hotel.
Day 07: Leh – Delhi
Transfer to the airport to fly to Delhi.
Please let us know the number of people travelling on this tour and we will send you the total cost. We also specialize in customizing the tour. Should you need any changes we would be happy to modify the itinerary.
The tour may include arrangements such as accommodation, travel, meals, permit, guides, activities etc. or services as required by the client.