MANALI TO KEYLONG STAY
As we start our journey, leaving the lush green countryside of Manali towards Rohtang pass (3,978 Mts.). Rohtang Pass – Few places on the Earth can mark so dramatic a change in landscape as the Rohtang Pass. To one side, the lush green head of Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, chocolate – colored mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that shine in the dazzlingly crisp fight. On the Valley floor, we drive through the field of potato and peas, dotted by Lahauli Villages, and we encounter the local inhabitants working in the fields. After crossing a bridge at Tandi, the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers, which later becomes Chenab, These Rivers originate from Baralacha Pass, and flows all the way into the plains of Punjab. From Tandi, the road goes North along the Bhaga Valley on the left flank to Keylong – The district head quarter of Lahaul and Spiti.. O/n Hotel
KEYLONG TO LEH STAY
After morning breakfast on day 2, hit the road to Sarchu, crossing Bara-lacha pass (4890 meters). This road journey is going to be amazing because of the surrounding natural beauty of the majestic Himalayas. Move to your camps after reaching the Sarchu plains. After driving towards Leh through Taglang La (5328 meters). Cross the great plains of Moree. After arriving in Leh, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel. The evening is free at leisure-take a stroll around the city center, interact with the locals, visit the local bazaar etc. Stay overnight.
LEH STAY
The morning of day 3 after breakfast is free. In the afternoon, proceed for sightseeing visiting the Shanti Stupa – a white-domed Buddhist chorten that is not only highly revered as a religious spot but is also well-known for the panoramic views it offers, Sankar Monastery- a Buddhist Gompa, home to around 20 monks. Later, visit the now ruined Leh Palace – the former residence of the royal family, built during the 17th century. The evening is for exploring the local market. Stay overnight.
HUNDER DISKIT THOSE SIGHTSEEING VIA KHARDUNGLA
After morning breakfast check out from leh. An early start should ensure that one reaches Khardungla La without encountering lot of traffic. Despite all the hype surrounding Khardung La, drive/ride to the summit is relatively easy. Few kms down the road from Khalsar the road bifurcates into two, road on the left leading to Diskit while the road on the right goes to Panamik. After then drive to Hunder 8 kms down the road from Diskit is the village of Hunder. Hunder is set amidst fields of rye and barley and surrounded by fruit orchids and sand dunes; for people used to seeing the moonscape scenery of Ladakh, Hunder is a welcome break.
HUNDER TO PANAMIK TO HUNDER
After breakfast cover Panamik. Further 20 kms will take you to the village of Panamik, another town where a lot of people prefer to stay while visiting Nubra Valley. There are several budget guest houses available here. Panamik has a 250 year old Ensa Gompa but the primary attraction is its hot water spring. Locals have constructed bathrooms around the spring and there is a proper bathing arrangement. It is highly recommended that you take a dip here and feel your tiredness melting away. Return to for overnight stay.
HUNDER / DISKIT – SHYOK VILLAGE OR WARI LA – PANGONG TSO
Take direct route to Pangong Tso via Shyok Village (shorter) or Wari La (longer) whichever is open. Overnight at Pangong Tso.
PANGONG TO HANLE
Anyhow, after a bit of uncomfortable night I was awake at 4 AM and so was everyone around, with noises which can be heard of people talking to each other. We had plan to leave at 5 AM so as to cover the routes in the hopes that police posts will allow the tourists in early morning hours to cross over. There were loads of questions running in mind with mix feelings of what will happen if we are turned back from Chusul, what happens to Hanle then, which route will we take to return, the Erath – Harong Wetlands one OR will we be allowed on Mirpal Tso lake route to Mahe OR it will mean killing the day, etc.. Holding on to these anxious nerves somehow I left it on time to answer the anxiety within.
HANLE STAY
Hanle in the Changthang region of Ladakh is one of the most beautiful, enchanting, calm and soul losing places in India. Hanle has a lovely Hanle Monastery offering some great aerial views of the whole village that is a home of about 1000 people. Cover Hanle Monastery and Hanle Observatory. A leisure walks in the pasture lands of Hanle. You can also plan to visit Kyon Tso twin lakes too. Overnight at Hanle
HANLE TO TSO MORIRI
After breakfast leave for Tsomoriri Lake (14,000 ft), 3-4 hrs one way drive on the way visiting Nyoma-Mahe bridge. Dinner and overnight in Tsomoriri.
TSO MORIRI STAY
After breakfast and a couple of hours looking and capturing the lake, you will start driving towards the Tso Moriri Lake. On the way, you will be crossing Chumathang (hot springs), Mahe and Puga Sumdo. The Lake of Tso Moriri is approximately 28kms long and 8 km wide and is the breeding for many migratory and rare birds. Dinner and overnight at camps of Tso Moriri
TSO MORIRI TO LEH
After breakfast drive back to Leh visiting Puga Sulphur Mine, Tsokar Lake and through Taklang La Pass (17585 ft) second highest motor able road in the world. Evening free to explore the local markets of Leh. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Leh.