Lamayuru Alchi Trekking Tour

This is a beautiful and interesting trek where we will come across some of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh, founded around 11th century by Lotsawa Rinche Sangpo. Lamayuru, Wanla, and Alchi are too important to be missed because of their historical value. This trek is unique in that it offers an opportunity to see not only the many natural beauties of Ladakh, but also some of its most famous monasteries.

Tour Information
Season:	May - October
Total Duration:	11 Days
Trekking days:	05 Days
Total trekking hours:	30 hours approx.
Special Features:	Monasteries & Nature
Trek Grade:	Moderate -Strenuous
Max Alt.:	5250 m

Day 01:Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi by International flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in .After some rest, have your breakfast at the coffee shop in the Hotel. After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of Delhi at 1100 hrs. Beginning with a morning sightseeing trip to Old Delhi and followed by visits to the 1648 Red Fort, India's largest mosque - Jama Masjid and Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. Afternoon tour includes visits to India Gate & President's House. Later on time we drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02:Delhi -Leh (By 9W-609) Dep:0645hrs / Arr:0800hrs

Early morning transfer to the Domestic Airport to connect to the flight for Leh. Upon arrival at Leh Airport our representative would assist you at the Airport and transfer to Hotel. Check in to the hotel. Post breakfast rest of the day for rest for acclimatization. Later in the afternoon a walk around Leh town (3500mtr) includes a visit to Leh Market, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Gompa - This walk shall help us in a getting acclimatized at this height. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03:Leh -Lamayuru (3-4hrs drive)- Wanla 3250 m (3-4 hrs)

We drive from Leh in the morning towards Lamayuru (3 hrs) along the Indus River through Sham valley. Lamayuru monastery, was founded by Rinche Zangpo in the 10th century. This gompa is located amidst the massive mountains. The spectacular setting of this gompa and its renowned collection of carpets, thangkas and frescoes has been attracting many people over a long time. It is believed to be the oldest in central Ladakh. After visiting the Lamayuru Monastery, we pack our backpacks, watch the horses get ready and set off for our first day's trek. After following the stream for sometime, we will gradually move up to the small Pass of Prinkti La (3750m). We will the walk down a narrow gorge to the small village of Shilla, and the last 3 km will take us to Wanla (3250m).

Day 04:Wanla -base of Tarla 4200 m (8 hrs)

Today we will follow the dusty road along the river's left bank and arrive at the small village of Phenjilla (3410 m). From Phenjilla, we will follow the left side of the valley along a small stream for around a hour and arrive at the scattered Ursi village .We will walk a little further to arrive at our campsite.

Day 05:Base of Tarla -Tar (6-7 hrs)

The trail from the camp is clear but challenging, as we will have to trek up and down a few times before reaching the Tarla (5250 m).Our hard labor will be rewarded with the splendid view of the mountains around. Climbing down is difficult due to a mass of fallen rocks strewn about. It takes 3-4 hrs for us to reach our campsite at the village of Tar.

Day 06:Tar -Mang Gyu (4-5 hrs)

From Tar, the path heads up along the mountainside to a small Pass. We will have a easy descent to Mang Gyu village ,where there are traditional Ladakhi houses and a Ancient monastery worth visiting. It is believed that the monasteries of the Mang Gyu and Alchi were built on the same day.

Day 07:Mang Gyu -Alchi (4/5 hrs trek)- Leh (3hrs drive)

We will end our last day by walking down a very beautiful arrow valley covered with rosebushes all along the path. We will reach the village of Gera, where we'll find our vehicle waiting to take us back to Leh. But before that we will visit the beautiful and famous monasteries of Alchi and Likir.

Alchi, is Ladakh's most loved monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike other monasteries which are usually on a cliff top or cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level an is nestled in the shade of a garden. Later we drive to Likir and visit Likir gompa situated atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. It was founded in the 12th Century although the preset construction dates back to the 18th century as the original one was destroyed by fire. In its courtyard is yellow-coloured 3-storey high mammoth statue of the Lord Buddha, which was constructed by a resident monk. The top floor has an impressive museum containing old thangkas and weapons used many centuries back. We reach Leh by evening. Upon arrival in Leh we check in at our pre-arranged hotel for an over night stay.

Day 08:Leh Sightseeing

Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa, a impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa ,founded in the 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyall. Hemis is one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh. The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. Later we visit the Stok Palace, the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museum that has a rich collection of Ancient Ladakhi artifacts including old Thangkas, precious stones, arms and armoury, the Queen's necklace and the crown of the King of Ladakh among others. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

Day 09:Leh -Delhi (By 9W610) Dep:0840hrs /Arr:0955hrs

Transfer to the Airport to catch the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi we assist you to check in at your Hotel. Later in the afternoon we depart for Delhi sightseeing that includes Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar. Later we drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10:Delhi -Agra - Delhi (220 Kms.-04hrs - One way)-Optional Tour

After a early breakfast, we drive at 0730 hrs to Agra, the erstwhile capital of India under the great Mughals and known for The Taj Mahal It has always fascinated Indians and foreigners alike. On the way we visit Sikandra (Tomb of Emperor Akbar). At Agra after lunch (own lunch) we visit the incredible architectural excellence of the Taj Mahal, built by emperor Shah Jahan memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort -Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565,the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort. After visiting the fort we drive back to Delhi at 1700 hrs. Upon arrival in Delhi we will have a farewell dinner and later we transfer you to the International airport.

Day 11:Depart Delhi

Our tour concludes: Caper thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the International airport for your onward travel to your next destination.