Ladakh Photo Tour
Ladakh Photo Tour
16 Days/ 15 Nights - Ladakh Tour
14 June- 29 June 2023
03 June- 18 June 2024
DELHI – LEH - NUBRA- DISKIT- TURTUK- LEH - TSOKAR- TSOMORIRI LAKE - THIKSEY - LAMAYURU - DAH- LEH - HEMIS FESTIVAL -LEH- DELHI
Overview
Ladakh Photo Tour is a perfect opportunity to capture magical landscapes, ancient heritage, and culture of monasteries and the most famous Hemis festival of Ladakh. Indian Maharaja Tours has specially designed the exclusive Ladakh Photo Tour for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the magical land of snow-covered elevations of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Ladakh- the Land of High Passes is a canvas of unparalleled beauty, breathtaking views, and cultural diversity. A photographer’s paradise, Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and fascinating Buddhist cultures. Strongly influenced by Tibetan culture, it is also called “Little Tibet‘.
Ladakh is home to some ancient monasteries amongst high-altitude passes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. Nomadic tribes and Tibetan traders with yaks, pashmina goats and Bactrian camels gently cross arid landscapes against cobalt blue skies and crystal blue lakes. Ladakh inhabits some of the ethnic communities including the Brokpa tribe, the descendants of Aryans and the stunning Perak, adorning their turquoise stone headdresses.
The dominant religion is Buddhism, you will visit the famous monasteries of this region. Our photo tour of Ladakh includes the Hemis Festival of Hemis monastery, the grandest monastery in Ladakh. Traditional dances are performed by monks dressed in vibrant and colourful silk garments and different facial masks, as they portray old legends and stories – truly a portrait photographer’s dream come true.
The magnificent interior decoration of the monasteries contrasts starkly with the stunning scenery, and any photographer will be delighted by the way the light and shadows play on the mountains. Despite leading very difficult lives, we have discovered that these folks are among the friendliest people. With the help of our excellent tour guides, many are willing to engage with you as you take their portrait photographs.
We have taken utmost care in selecting a transportation for our Ladakh Photo Tour. Despite the Ladakh terrain, the roads are surprisingly good. Our first priorities are your safety and comfort, we keep enough space in SUV vars or Minivans for you and your camera bags.
Our Ladakh photo Tour will take our travelers from Delhi to Leh, Lamayuru Moon land to the Aryan valley of villages of Dah and Hanu, deserts of Hunder to the monastery of Diskit, Turtuk village of Baltistan to Sakti Village, the vastness of Tsomoriri Lake to nomadic herders of Yak and Pashmina goats, and monasteries of Thiksey to Hemis festival – covering all the key locations of Leh and Ladakh. Our experts at Indian Maharaja Tours also make sure to take our travellers to the note-worthy Buddhist monasteries in the region. Of course, visiting the stunning Zanskar lake in Ladakh is also a must. Our measured approach has made our Ladakh photo Tour package highly coveted by all.
Highlights of your journey
Day 1 – Delhi | Arrival
Day 2 – Flight to Leh | Acclimatization
Day 3 – Monasteries around Leh | Shanti Stupa
Day 4 – Leh – Nubra valley | Khardungla Pass
Day 5 – Bactrian camels at Hunder | Diskit Monastery
Day 6- Nubra valley – Turtuk | Baltistan region
Day 7 – Turtuk – Leh | Streets and Landscapes
Day 8- Leh – Tsokar | Nomadic Herders
Day 9 – Tsokar – Tsomoriri Lake | Turquoise Blue Lake and wildlife
Day 10 – Tsomoriri Lake -Thiksey Monastery | Ancient Monastery
Day 11 – Thiksey Monastery – Lamayuru | Moonland and Star trails
Day 12- Lamayuru – Dah | Aryan valley
Day 13- Aryan Valley | Brokpa tribe
Day 14- Dah – Leh | Confluence of Indus and Zanskar
Day 15- Hemis Festival | Cham Mask Dance
Day 16- Leh – Delhi (Flight)| Departure
Day 1
Arrival at Delhi: India
- On arrival, you will be received at the airport in New Delhi and transferred to the hotel.
- Rest day at leisure. Orientation program for Ladakh Photo Tour followed by dinner. Overnight in Hotel.
Note: Hotel check-in time is 12 Noon
Hotel Pride Plaza, Delhi Aerocity
Day 2
Delhi- Leh
- Early morning transfers to the airport to board a flight to Leh.
- On your arrival at Leh airport, transfer to Hotel in Leh City.
- Day at leisure, to acclimatize yourself.
- In the evening, a stroll along the main bazaar, observing the varied crowd and peering into the curio shops, is an entrancing experience.
- Welcome dinner in the evening.
Hotel Yak Tail/ Similar
Day 3
Discover Ladakh with a Camera
- Ladakh Photo Tour starts from Leh sightseeing.
- Early in the morning, we will visit the Spituk monastery – Matho monastery– Shanti Stupa.
- Spituk Monastery was built in the 11th century to help develop an exemplary religious community in Ladakh.
- Matho Monastery or Matho Gonpa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located 26 km southeast of Leh in Ladakh
- Shanti Stupa- Evening we visit Shanti Stupa at Sun Set time. A magnificent white-domed structure, The Japanese for World Peace built the Shanti Stupa, at Changspa, on the hilltop, and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. From there one can see the nice spectacular view of Leh town. The stupa looks best at night when it is beautifully illuminated with glittering lights. Late evening Photography at Shanti Stupa.
- Back to Hotel & Dinner.
Day 4
Leh- Nubra via Khardungla (170 Kms/5 hrs) Hunder- Diskit
- Having gotten used to 10,000+ feet heights, we will now head towards the highest point that we will ever reach during the tour. Be ready to see the mountain scapes as you have never seen before.
- We will continue driving past Khardung La and descend on the other side at Nubra, known for its wide valley, green landscapes, a gushing river, gentle streams, lush agrarian landscapes and shepherds herding their sheep in the evening hours.
- There is more! In these mountain landscapes with greenery unusual for Ladakh, you will also see a stretch of white-sand dunes that springs a sudden surprise.
- See Bactrian Camels roaming the Sea buckthorn jungles of Nubra. It is going to be a pleasant evening today in Nubra, amidst the greenery at the river bed and a beautiful sunset.
- Dinner and stay in Nubra valley.
Hotel – Deluxe Swiss Camps/ Similar
Day 5
Explore Nubra valley – Hunder and Diskit
- We will start early for the shoot of the nomadic Tibetan camel herders on the sand dunes of Hunder which has stunning mountain backdrops. For ages, traders from Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe had travelled these high mountain trade routes as Nubra was originally an important transit station along the ancient Silk Road.
- We head back to the valley for a lunch break after the morning shoot with the nomads.
- Afternoon visit to the 500-year-old Diskit Monastery It’s an amazing piece of architecture that has been very well preserved over the years and features a lot of Tibetan Buddhist art. The huge golden statue of the Buddha here is a sight to behold.
- Night in Nubra valley
Day 6
Nubra Valley – Turtuk ( 90 kms/ 2.5 hrs)
- Today we will visit Turtuk and the remote Baltistan region. Turtuk is one of the northernmost villages of India on the banks of the Shyok River. The village offers interesting picture opportunities of a very small ethnic community, the Balti, as well as interesting street photography opportunities. The Balti belongs to Tibetan and Dardic culture, and are known for their sharp features and light complexion.
- The last outpost before Pakistan, Turtuk also serves as one of the gateways to the Siachen Glacier. Here, the Himalayas and Karakoram, two of the tallest mountain ranges in the world, collide. The view with its golden barley field foregrounds is unable to resist.
- Visit the Royal Palace of the Yabgo Dynasty, and meet and photograph their descendants.
- Overnight in Turtuk.
Hotel – Deluxe Swiss Camps/ Similar
Day 7
Turtuk – Leh ( 200 kms/ 6 hrs)
- Morning shoot on the streets of Turtuk village. Learn about their way of living and their culture.
- Drive to Leh. Evening at leisure.
Hotel – Hotel Yak Tail/ Similar
Day 8
Leh – Tsokar (150 Kms / 4 hours)
- After breakfast, we will drive to the incredible salt lake called Tso Kar. In the past, the lake used to be a source of salt for the people of Ladakh and Tibet. Despite the high salinity of the water, the lake is a marvellous habitat for a large number of bird species including the rare black-necked crane.
- Tso Kar is also home to nomadic people. Changpas, some of whom have made their base at the remote Thukje Village where we will be staying. The residents of this village take their cattle out to graze on the Morae plains during the summer and then they retreat to Thukje in the winter. Both of these incredible lakes are not only home to nomadic tribespeople but also wonderful Himalayan wildlife like Kiangs.
- Overnight in Tsokar.
Hotel – Deluxe Swiss Camps/ Similar
Day 9
Tsokar – Tsomoriri Lake (110 kms / 3.5 Hours)
- Today we will drive from high-altitude pastoral areas of Tso Moriri. En route, we will stop to visit nomadic herders and sightseeing in small villages.
- Tso Moriri Lake in the Changthang region of Ladakh is one of India’s most picturesque and deep blue high-altitude lakes. Many animals around the lake include marmots, blue sheep, kiang (wild ass), rare Tibetan wolves and migratory birds.
- In the evening, this place is one of the best places to photograph the landscapes with a great sky forming the backdrop of this picturesque lake. We will also capture Milky Way here. Overnight in Tsomoriri.
Hotel – Deluxe Swiss Camps/ Similar
Day 10
Tsomoriri Lake – Thiksey (210 Km /5 Hours)
- Early morning, we will capture landscapes of the Tsomoriri Lake and mountains for mirror-like reflections.
- Today we will drive to Thiksey via Mahe Bridge and Chumathang hot spring on the way.
- On arrival, check-in at the hotel—day at leisure.
- Apart from visiting Thiksey monastery, one can also find some rare and precious stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords in the monastery.
- As we will stay very close to the monastery, we can spend more time in the monastery with monks for some candid shots.
- Overnight in Thiksey.
Hotel – Hotel Chamba/ Similar
Day 11
Thiksey – Lamayuru (127 km/ 3 hours)
- Early morning, visit Thiksey monastery. Due to its proximity to Leh, the Morning Prayer at the monastery attracts huge crowds. The monastery offers a clear view of the Indus Valley and some monasteries like Shey, Stok and Matho can also be seen from here.
- After breakfast, drive to Lamayuru. Lamayuru is one of the largest and oldest gompas in Ladakh. Lamayuru is famous for moon-like landscape similar to the lunar terrain. The landscape founds favour with photographers and trekkers. With the passage of time, erosion from wind and water had created curious patterns all over the slopes some look like castles, some like sand dunes and some like massive cheese with holes in them.
- Check-in at Hotel. Day at leisure. After dinner, it’s an ideal place to shoot Milky Way. Overnight in Lamayuru.
Hotel – Deluxe Swiss Camps/Cottages/Similar
Day 12
Lamayuru- Dah (74 km/ 2 hrs)
- Morning at leisure. You can visit the monastery or walk around the village.
- Visit Lamayuru monastery in the morning.
- After breakfast, drive to Dah village of Aryan valley to portray the Brokpa tribe. Nestled deep in the mountains, the Brokpas are a small community of Dard people. According to popular belief, the Brokpas were part of the army of Alexander the Great and came to the region over two thousand years ago. The Drokpas have a unique sense of dressing, especially women wearing ornate head-coverings made from silver, beads and artificial flowers.
- They consider themselves to be the pure bloodline of the Aryans. Mountains, trees, water and flowers are considered very pure. Thus every Brokpa household grows flowers. Flowers are considered auspicious and the Brokpas of Ladakh wear beautiful floral headgear, have long flowing sheepskin coats, they have distinct features- tall and statuesque, with green eyes, high cheekbone, fair with flawless skin and some with blonde hair.
- Overnight in Swiss camps/ cottages.
Hotel – Deluxe Swiss Camps/ Similar
Day 13
Dah and other villages of the Aryan Valley
- Morning shoot of the Brokpa tribe in a nearby village.
- Evening visit a house of the Borkpa community to shoot their daily life.
- Stay in Swiss camps and cottages.
Day 14
Dah – Leh(195 Km/ 4 hrs)
- After breakfast, drive to Leh.
- Visit the confluence point of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers. Zanskar River is shiny blue in colour, on the other hand, Indus looks a little green. Zanskar meets Indus in Nimmu valley from the northeast. This is a scenic view for the visitors and they find it fascinating to mark both rivers even after their confluence.
- Later drive to Leh. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
- We will also photograph some women in Traditional Ladakhi dresses with headgear made of blue turquoise.
Hotel – Hotel Yak Tail/ Similar
Day 15
Leh – Hemis Festival – Leh (45 Km/ 1.5 hrs)
- After breakfast, drive to Hemis monastery. The birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, Hemis Festival is the most important Buddhist celebration in Ladakh.
- Hemis Monastery is revered as the largest monastic institution and richest monastery in Ladakh. The Hemis Monastery also has an important library of Tibetan books and a very impressive and valuable collection of Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones.
- On this day of Hemis Festival, Hemis Monastery is adorned beautifully to host the ceremonies. Cham Dance and other traditional dances are performed by monks wearing colorful robes and elaborately decorated frightful masks in Hemis Monastery on the beats of drums and cymbals and on the tunes of long pipe-like Tibetan music instruments.
- In the evening, back to Leh. Overnight in Hotel.
Hotel – Hotel Yak Tail/ Similar
Day 16
Leh – Delhi (Flight). Departure
- On-time, transfer to Leh airport for flight to Delhi.
- You can stay in Delhi for further tour extension or a Taj Mahal photo tour.
- On time, departure to the International airport for flight back.
Hotel – NA
End of the services
Tour Package Cost
Group Size – 4-6 participants
Price per person – 3850 USD per person
Single Room supplement – 1550 USD per person
Flight Supplement – 245 USD per person
- Prices are in USD, Per Person, based on double occupancy.
- The prices mentioned are for a Group Tour.
- Also available customized tours
- Flights supplements depend on the time of booking.
Package Inclusion
- 15 Nights accommodation at listed hotels or similar
- Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Full board basis)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle in Delhi for arrivals and departures.
- Private non-airconditioned vehicle during the tour in Ladakh
- All activities and visits specified in the itinerary
- English-speaking photography Tour guide.
- Unlimited bottles of mineral water.
- Sightseeing & Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Camera fees and video fees, wherever applicable.
- All permits a) Monastery Entrance Fee (M.E.F) b) Inner line permit (I.L.P)
- All service tax (GST) included.
Package Exclusion
- Internal flights as mentioned- Delhi-Leh-Delhi
- Personal extras, such as drinks, laundry, telephone, etc
- Tips & gratuities to porters, drivers and guides.
- Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, sleeping bags, down jackets and other special clothing etc.
- Medical expenses (apart from first aid) and insurance of any kind.
- All the arrangements for the trip as preplanned and prepaid. In case of not completing the tour due to any reason whatsoever, there will not be any refund for any unutilized services. Any extra expense due to the same has to be paid extra.
- Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay/cancellation/hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
- Visa fees and Airport taxes
- Optional tours
- Travel Insurance
- Any other item not mentioned as included
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All the Photos are clicked by our Co-Founder Harsh Agarwal.
All rights reserved worldwide. This image may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without a prior written permission from the copyright holder.
