Get the Land of Gompas

Upon arrival and Delhi, transfer to the hotel.

Flight to Ladakh, the last Shangri-La, mythical land of majestic peaks and ancient monasteries, hotel accommodation and rest of the day available to acclimatize to the average altitude above 3500 meters: here the Karakorum and Himalaya massifs dominate, here The magnificent "gompas", the fartificated monasteries, amaze with their beauty and their location in the most unexpected places.

Day dedicated to visiting the first monasteries. Located on a hill, the former summer residence of the royal dynasty, the Shey monastery houses a huge copper statue of Buddha. Thiksey, 19 km. da leh is one of the largest and most beautiful gompas in Ladakh, with a rich collection of ancient Tibetan texts, thankas and statues: from the top of the cig hill it also offers a magnificent view of the Indo valley. Hemis is one of the most famous monsters in the country: decorated with gold statues and stupas adorned with precious stones, it boasts a superb collection of thankas, including one that, exhibited only every 12 years, appears to be the largest in the world.

Visit of the monastery of Spituk, built in a dominant position on the trada that connects Leh to Srinagar. Among the oldest monastic settlements, expanded and renovated several times, it currently houses over 100 monks, a large college of fine masks and a large statue of the goddess Kali whose face is revealed only once a year.

Phyang statues, bronzes, paintings and a well-stocked library. Free afternoon to devote to the lively market of the capital which offers interesting encounters with local ethnic groups who sell their mirci, shawls, carpets, wool and velvet garments, silver jewelry, amera, turquoise, coral.

Transfer to Alchi, 72 km. about with the célèbre gompa. The only one built in the valley and not on high ground. Five temples dating back to different periods, paintings, architectures with evident Indian and Kashmir influences, and the valley in all its beauty.

Continue to Lamayuru, literally "city" of the lamas ``. Visit to the spectacular monastic complex, a triumph of niches that enclose erect statues adorned with jewels, columns, refined and luminous colors, skilfully carved woods. Return to Leh with a journey of approximately 4 and a half hours.

Move to Stok and visit the palace, still inhabited today by the descendants of the last king of Ladakh, which houses the museum with a nice collection of royal thangkas and turquoise. Stop at the village of Choglamsar, known for its Tibetan culture, and return to Leh.

Free day during which sports enthusiasts can try their hand at an exciting rafting experience on the indus river from Phyang to Nimmu (extra for a fee).

Breakfast. flight to Delhi and, in the afternoon, visit the new part of the city, with the Qutb Minar, a towering Persian tower, the tomb of Humayun, which recalls the structure of the Taj Mahal, of Agra, the splendid Sikh temple, the India Gate, The ambasciate area, Connaught Place and its shops.

Breakfast. if time allows, visit the Jama mosque and the Raj Ghat in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. Before transfer to the airport.