Times have changed and so has our way of living. Even though we have benefited from tremendous progress, better life styles and facilities, we still often crave for peace of mind and, maybe, the simplicity of the past.
NEI
has planned a safari tour in the "hidden kingdom" - Zanskar, where
modern influences are decades away and where life is as simple and pure as
it was in ancient times. Padum, the capital of Zanskar, is a fabulous place
with some of the most impressive and lonely imnasteries in the entire
Himalayan region. The Gompas are studded beautifully in the mountains like
castles and forts-some, seemingly hanging from the mountain cliffs. We will
visit some of the most amazing gompas - Karsha, Bardan, Thonde, Sani, Zangul
- and see the monks and Lamas praying and meditatig. A brief meeting with
His Highness Punchok Dawa, the King of Zanskar, will be a highlight of our
trip. Karsha monastery is a treasure trove of Buddhist, highlighted by the
500 year old wall frescoes in the teaching room. Camp at Parkachik will be a
perfect spot for a magnificent view of the majestic twin peaks of Nun and
Kun (7,135 M & 7,077 M) glowing golden in the light of the setting sun.The safari from Leh to Padum and back, is planned to allow for visits to the important monasteries of Lamayuru and Alchi on the way. Alchi Gompa contains stunning murals and old manuscripts and is situated majestically, like a castle on a hill top, on the bank of the River Indus. Further along the road is Lamayuru, camouflaged by the surrounding desert "moonscape". This is an enchanting Gompa, which is believed to be the oldest in Ladakh.
We spend a couple of days in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, visiting Hemis and Thikse gompas; the ruined royal palace at Shey; Leh City Palace (a look-a-lioke of the Potala in Lhasa) and will also drive to the famous Khardung La Pass, at 18,330 ft. on the highest motorable road in the world, offering stunning panoramic views of the Indus Valley, the Karakoram range and in the far distance, the hidden land of Tibet.
ITINERARY
Day 1 London - DelhiDay 2 Delhi
Day 3 Delhi - Leh
Day 4 to 15 Safari - Leh
Padam-Leh
Day 16 Leh
Day 17 Leh-Delhi
Day 18 Delhi - London
Safari days - 10