They speak Shina which, unlike the Tibetan-originated
Ladakhi dialects spoken elsewhere in Ladakh region, belong
to the Indo-European linguistic family. Their ancestral sport,
Horse Polo, which the Darads play with particular zeal, resembles
our modern polo. The Drass vallley starts from the base of
the Zojila pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. For centuries
its inhabitants are known to have negotiated this formidable
pass even during the most risky period in the autumn or early
spring, when the whole sector remains snowbound and is subject
to frequent snow storms, to transport trader's merchandise
across and the to help stranded travelers to traverse it.
By virtue of their mastery over the pass they had established
a monopoly over the carrying trade during the heydays of the
Pan-Asian. A hardy people enduring with fortitude the harshness
of the valley's winter, the inhabitants of Drass can well
be described as the guardians of Ladakh's gateway.
Day 2 : Kargil to Lamayuru
The caravan move toward the Kargil and the way passing through
the: Kargil :
the valleys of Suru, Drass Wakha and Bodkarbo lie midway
between the alpine valleys of Kashmir, and the fertile reaches
of the Indus valley and Ladakh. The region is politically
part of India, ethnically part of Baltistan and geographically
and integral part of Ladakh. Geographically, there is little
doubt that one has crossed the Himalayan watershed. The
steep barren hills now stretch to the snow line. As the
snows melt, the waters flow freely down into the heavily
irrigated valleys. Here Tibetan-style settlements thrive.
Whitewashed mud and stone houses contrast with deep-green
barley fields.
Shergol :
Between Kargil and Shergol you cross the dividing line between
the Muslim and Buddhist areas. The small village of Shergol
has a tiny gompa perched halfway up the eastern slope of
the mountain. In the afternoon tourists will reach to Kargil.
Mulbekh :
There are two gompas on the hillside above the village of
Mulbekh. As in other villages, it is wise to Enquire if
the gompa is before making the ascent. Just beyond Mulbekh
is a huge Chamba statue, an image of a future Buddha, cutting
to the rock face beside the road. It's one of the most interesting
stops along the road to Kargil.
Day 3 : Local Sight Seeing, Lamayuru, Likir and Alchi
& in the evening hotel at Leh
Whole day is dedicated for the local sight seeing,
Lamayuru :
After exploring villages around the area, it comes as a
surprise to find that Lamayuru is a scruffy little place.
The gompa, is the completely overshadowed and most famous
spectacular monastery in Ladakh.
Alchi and Likir Monasteries :
These two monasteries are located near Saspol on the Srinagar-Leh
road. They house many gigantic clay statue of Buddha in
various forms. The primary attraction of these monasteries
is , however, their 1000-year old wall painting which make
a visit more than worthwhile.
Day 4 : Rest at Leh
Day 5 : Shopping and Cultural programme in the evening
(Ladakhi Dance, Depending upon the strength of group)
The whole day is dedicated to the shopping and to discover
some interesting things about Ladakhi art and cultural by
the visiting the Tibetan refugees camp Choklamsar, Library
and Ecological Development etc.
Day 6 : Leh to Pangong Lake/ Tso Moriri Lake 9 hours,
On way sight seeing of Hemis monastery
Hemis Monastery :
This is biggest and the most important monastery in Ladakh.
It is situated 49 kms to south of Leh, a little off the
main Leh-Manali road. It was built in the 17th century by
Chapgon Gyalshas and ever since has enjoyed the patronage
of the royal family. Hemis is the headquater of the Drukpa
order and all the monasteries throughout Ladakh are administered
by it.
Shey Palace and Monastery :
Also on the way to Hemis Gompa and 15 kms from Leh is the
summer palace of the erstwhile, Raja of Leh, set upon a
hill sitting Buddha wrought with copper and gold that leaves
one lama before hand. Many chortens can be seen to the east
of the monastery. After the Shey tourists reach to Leh,
Main Centre of Ladakh. With the inhabitants of 50,000, Leh
is located in small valley just the north of Indus valley.
Day 7 : Around lake of Tsomoriri lake/ Pangong lake
Pangong Lake/ Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri lake is situated in the middle of the elevated
district of Rupso. It name is characteristic of its situation.
Nestle in the midst of 20,000 feet, peals which completely
shut the lake. A kilometres ahead is a picturesque village
of Korzok consisting of about a hundred families. Visiting
the monastery on the top of the village, belonging to the
yellow sect and has about 35 resident monks. The night camp
along the side of Lake. The main attraction Changla region
is the Pangong Lake situated at 14,500 feet (4,297 m) a
long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven
kilometres at its widest point and over 130 kms long, it
is bisected by international border between Indian and China.
The farthest point to which foreigners are permitted, is
only some seven kilometres along the southern shore from
the head of the lake. Another attraction of this lake is
sight os eastern cranes and other migratory black necked
cranes birds.
Day 8 : Tsomoriri lake/ Pangong lake, to Keylong
The tough journey will begin toward Manali. On the descent
tourists are leaving the Ladakh region and the last village
is the Upshi and one can enjoy the beautiful landscape and
magnificent valley views. The next pass is Taglang La, the
second highest motorable road of the world, 5328 metres.
The next destination is the Pang. Just after this pass tourist
are entered to the tent site called Sarchu. Lachlung La,
5060 metres, is the second highest pass on the Leh-Manali
road. While next move is the , which is 4883 metres means
crossroads pass Baralachala. The journey becomes more adventurous
and interesting while passing the this pass. Darcha is the
another major tent site on this road.
Day 9 : Keylong to Manali
The journey will begin toward Manali in the morning, Rohtang
Pass 3978 metres not high, but treacherous all the same-starts
the ascent to Manali. Keylong is the last town of any size
on the journey to Manali.