After breakfast take a full day excursion to renowned monasteries and palaces of Ladakh region. Founded in 1433 by Palden Sherab, Thiksey monastery the beautiful village of Thiksey, dominated by an imposing Gelugpa monastery. This Thiksey monastery majestically overlooks the valley, a magnificent group of about 80 monks; discovery of the beautiful inner courtyard which distributes access to the various temples. The most amazing is certainly the temple of Maitreya with its gigantic interior statue which covers all floors of the building. To join the next site, we will take the path of school children.

Founded in 1632 by Lama Staktsang Raspa, Visit Hemis Monastery, it is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage. The monastery houses an amazing collection of the age-old relics such as the idol of Lord Buddha made up of copper gilt, gold and silver stupas It holds the distinction of being the biggest as well as the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. The annual Hemis festival honoring Padmasambhava is held here in June.

On the way back to Leh visit Shey (Built in 17th century by king Deldan Namgyal) capital of ancient Ladakh, is an interesting complex whose importance is still measured by the quality of the paintings and the astonishing quantity of chortens or other votive monuments that surround it, especially the copper gilt statue of lord Buddha. The Rock-carved statue of five Buddha can be seen below the palace on the roadside, which was probably carved during the reign of Singay Namgyal.

And the Stok Palace built in 1825th by king Tsespal Tundup Namgyal , residence of the present kings of Ladakh. Transformed into a museum, the collections presented evoke a recent past where the royal family ruled over this valley. O/N hotel.

After breakfast drive to Lamayuru enroute magnetic hill & visit Likir, also known as lu-Khyil gompa, the Likir Monastery was ordered to built by the 5th king of Ladakh Lhachen Gyalpo and was thus founded by Lama Duwang Chosje in 1065. The monastery is of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, visit Alchi temple Renowned as the oldest Buddhist learning centre, the Alchi Gompa is one of the magnificently built monasteries in Ladakh. Located 70 kilometres west of Leh on the banks of the Indus River, it is also the largest and most famous of the gompas built by Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo in 11th century , continue drive to visit the mesmerizing Moon landscapes and the Lamayuru monastery renowned as Tharpa Ling which means the ‘place of freedom’; Lamayuru monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Arahat Nimagon blessed the site and Naropa founded the monastery in the 11th century.
(optional) If the weather permits, gear up for river rafting in River Zanskar. O/N hotel

After the Breakfast drive to Leh, visit Rizong, according to popular belief, Guru Padmasambhava along with other lamas used to meditate in the caves around Rizong in isolation, surviving on two times meal a day and avoiding any contact with the outside world. Before building the monastery in 1831, Lama Tsultim Nima started a hermitage at the site to teach monks about Buddhism, visit a nunnery, known as Chulichan (Chomoling), is under the cover of the monastery, where 20 nuns or the Chomos reside and worship at the temples of the monastery, perform chores like milking, spinning wool and getting oil for the temple lamps. Arrive at Leh by evening. O/N hotel

After breakfast, proceed to Tsomoriri Lake via Mahe Bridge. Then long wonderful drive from Leh to Tsomoriri gives us tremendous opportunities for photography. The changes in landscape are difficult to imagine. We pass through many typical Ladakhi villages. One stop at Chumathang for the picnic and visit the medicinal hot springs, continue drive to Tsomoriri lake which is breeding grounds for numerous species of birds. The Lake is 8Kms wide & 28 Kms long., Karzok is one of the most high altitude settlements in Ladakh. O/N camp

Today we will walk from Karzok to end of the Lake with a few ups and downs. Overall it is completely different walking day with a similar experience of walking on the beach. The difference of walking here is the narrow tails mostly rocky and sand sometimes. Chances are of spotting wild animal in this area. walk along the west bank of the lake, you will have fantastic views of the Mentok range on the right and Chamser & Lungser Kangri across the lake. The Camping site is just at the end of the Lake, before the river. There is no toilet facility. O/N camp

From Kyangdam the scenery changes dramatically and you enter the river valley of Parang Chu. Today is again an easy walking on the flat ground to Nurboo Sumdo. You will have to wet your feet as soon as you leave camp. Pass through spring (Chumik Sharte) and the campsite is a deep ground near the river and spring. You can also camp at Skitpodangsa on the another side of the Parangchu but water level can be high in the afternoon if you are trekking in the month of early July & August. O/N camp

After a short walk you have to cross the river several times. It is very important to cross the river in the morning otherwise the water level is too high. If you camp at Nurboo Sumdo don’t forget to carry sandal with you for water crossing. The river is full of small pebbles, which hurts your feet without sandal. After crossing the river you will walk towards south for the next few days. Gradually you walk along the river. Camping site is just after small ups and down. Also, The hip deep water is quite cold as it comes straight from the glacier you will cross the other day. So, Sandals are highly recommended. After crossing the river you can warm up your frozen feet during a walk along the river uphill. You will be rewarded with amazing views over the river. Enjoy the beautiful rock scenery formed by the power of water and wind. On the way you see two 6000m mountains. Your camping ground is on the river. O/N camp

Go further up that valley until you reach the end of the valley. After final crossings of the river (probably not so often and deep as yesterday morning, anyway sandals are recommended) you reach a very nice camping ground. That is surrounded by many snow capped mountains. From here you see the target of the next day Parang-La with its magestic glacier.

Option: You can split this 1 day stage in 2 days stages by camping in Tharang Yogma.

That is the longest and hardest day on the trek. There is another river crossing in the morning. Follow the pass on the left side of the glacier (and cross the river) up to 5.400 m. You cross the glacier for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until you reach the pass of Parang-La 5.580 m (18.300 ft). That means walking on a mixture of ice and snow and you feel like you will never reach the end.

There is an amazing view all the way back and a completely different landscape on the other side of the pass. Going down the steep path you might think: “Thank you for not having to climb it.”

Follow the path until you reach a narrow gorge with a river (first water supply after the pass). Follow the river for 1.5 hours (several river crossings are necessary) and climb a side valley for 200m until you reach the camp side Tangltak 4.515 m (14812 ft). Tangltak is the first campsite with water supply. That makes it a very long day trek.

After that hard day yesterday the last day is a very easy and short. Climb a small pass for about 30 minutes. At the left you can enjoy the view of the snow capped mountain Shilla (7.026 m). Follow a broad green valley until you see the first village after a couple of days. Go down a gorge to the river and climb up for about 200 m till you reach the prosperous looking village Kibber. Here you can find a few new guest houses. From here you can visit the Key monastery.

Our next journey begins, in our comfortable car through Spiti (Literally, ‘In between land’ as it was a buffer zone between the old kingdom of Tibet and India). First we visit Ki Gompa, a monastery high above the Spiti River. There are spectacular views both down and up of valley from here. Then on to the very different Dhankar Gompa, perched at 4000m, with some beautiful wall paintings, before we arrive at Tabo, where we spend the night. Tabo monastery along with Alchi in Ladakh, is one of the oldest gompas in the Buddhist world, dating back to 966, and, like Alchi, centers around a Dukhang (assembly hall) set on the ground floor (with the spreading of Buddhism, later monasteries, like Ki and Dhankar, were built on hillsides to reflect the enhanced status of Buddhism) and it still has a flourishing art school. Tabo is enough off the beaten track to feel pleasantly isolated from the tourist trail, and we have time to explore both the prayer halls and the surrounding countryside. O/N hotel

Leave Kaza, drive to Kaza (3800m) Kaza is situated at the foot of steep ridges and on the left bank of river Spiti. Drive continues to Kunzom la (4590m), highest pass on Spiti Lahaul road. The lofty Shigri Glacier is seen in front in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chorten of stones erected ages ago. Then drive to Khoksar. It is desolate and regarded as the coldest place in Himachal Pradesh. Finally reach Keylong, the capital of Lahaul and Spiti. Visit the town. O/N hotel

Morning Drive to Manali, en route visiting Rohtang la 3978m. Here, one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. Then you dip into Manali region and another 51 Kms drive will take you to Manali. O/N hotel

Manali is named after the lawgiver Manu. The word Manali comes from “Manu-Alaya” which literally means “the abode of Manu “located at an altitude of 2050M in the Beas River valley. Visit Manali which is circled by beautiful glades of deodars and flowering horse chestnuts. Visit Hadimba Temple, a four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest. Afternoon visit Naggar 1760m. It is located on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view. It was the capital of erstwhile Kullu state for about 1400 years. Here, visit Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures. O/N hotel

You will be transferred to airport or any other location in Manali.

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