Itinerary

The route from Leh takes the traveller over the Khardung-la, the highest motorable road in the world. The line of the road is different from that of the old pony trail longer and actually higher 18,300 feets. The view from the top the pass is amazing. One can see all the way south over the Indus valley to the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of Zankar range, north to the giants of the Saser masif. for several kilometres, on each side of the pass, the road covered by deep snow in winters, is rough for the rest of the way the surface is good.

Leh to Diskit (Via Khardung-la) First Day: Early morning drive from Leh to Nubra (7 hours drive). The Nubra valley lies in the north of Leh and is accessible over the Khardung-la (18,380 ft) the highest motorable road in the world. The valley was a trade route from Leh and Khasgar via Saser and Karakoram passes. Apart from unparalleled trekking opportunities the valley has several Buddhist monasteries such Sumoor, Tigar and 350 years old Diskit monastery famous for its murals. From Khardung-la discord to the village Khardung and drive through starkly beautiful country side to the Traffic Check Post (TCP) at Khalsar where permits have be registered and check. From here one has to turn to the left side from the Shayok river and drive for 24 kms over a narrow steep road to Diskit and overnight camp at Diskit.
 

Diskit Sight Seeing Second Day: After early breakfast walk up to Diskit monastery to witness the morning prayer ceremony. Its takes about 45 minutes to reach the monastery through a long scattered Chortens. The monastery is one the highest point near the villages belonging to yellow sect. The monastery has 120 resident monks. The Prayer Hall (Dukhang) has many statue one of which holds the head and left arm of Turkish invader believed to be about 5000 years old. Return to the camp for lunch and overnight camp at Diskit.
 

Diskit to Hundar Third Day: After lunch leave for Hundar village through Sany desert valley and visit old fort of Hundar village and small monastery. Return to Diskit for camping.

Diskit to Sumoor Fourth Day: After breakfast drive down towards Shayok river across an extremely rough and rocky stretch of flat ground. Cross the river over a bridge and arrive at the first village of Tirith. The scenery however is spectacular, with the snow capped Karakoram mountain in the background. The weather being much warmer in comparison to the Indus valley, the vegetation is thicker, with a variety of tress and flowers. Visit the 150 years old Samsthanling monastery at Sumoor and Tigar. It is a big complex of 7 temples including the Head Lama (Rinpochery’s room). Walk half an hour from the monastery to Tigar village where there is another small monastery. Walk through the village and explore the surroundings. Small lake lies there. Leave Sumoor village after lunch to Panamic hot spring and camp.

Panamic to Leh Fith Day: Drive from Khardong village return back to leh.