Camel Safari In ladakh

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Camel Safari or Caravan with camels has been a life line for Ladakh since 17th century till partition 1947. Camel Riding or Camel Safari is mainly done in Nubra Valley from Hundar to Diskit with other tailor made camel treks. The double hump Bactrian camels are also called the 'Real Camel'. These are the descendants of those camels, which were used for riding and transportation in the 'Silk Route' in17th, 18th and 19th century.

The most distinctive feature of the Bactrian camel is its two humps. These humps, contrary to popular belief, are designed to store fat and not water. Bactrian camels are classified as herbivores. They prefer vegetation that is prickly, dry, salty, and/or bitter. However, when food is scarce they will eat bones, and various types of animal flesh.

This trip involves three days of seeing in the desert from over a camel.

Day 01: Delhi- Leh

You will be met upon arrival at the Leh airport and transfer to hotel. The day is left free to relax and rest and get acclimatized with the high altitude. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Leh -Sightseeing around Indus Valley

Morning proceed to visit the most important monasteries of central Ladakh along Indus River. Visit Shey Gompa (It was the ancient capital of Ladakh). The monastery has a huge copper gilted image of Sakayamuni Buddha and a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue, Thiksay Gompa (one of the most fascinating Gompa), the monastery is actually a complex of buildings on a crag rising in a tier upon tier above the village. The Chamba Dhukang enshrines a huge image of Maitraya Buddha. Drive further down to cross over the bridge at Kharu and visit the largest and the richest Hemis Gompa (wander through the many darkly lit prayer halls with exquisite thankas, paintings, murals, silver stupas etc). Drive back to Leh. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Leh - Hunder

We take early morning drive in jeeps to Hunder. After 39 kms from Leh, we cross over to the highest motorable road in the world Khardung-la (5,578 m). The view from the top is simply amazing. Enter Nubra Valley situated along river Shayok. The valley is covered with dense thickets of sea buckthorn - a thorny shrub which the villagers use for fuel and fencing their fields. En route we will drive past the capital Diskit. Drive another 9 kms and arrive at the small village of Hunder (3,048 mt). Stay overnight in tents.

Day 04: Hunder/Diskit - Camel Safari

In the morning visit Chamba monastery of Hunder and then start the Camel Safari on the shabby double-humped Bactrian camels, which in olden days, were the main mode of transport on the Ladakh-Yarkhand (Turkmanistan) trade. The Safari goes along the soft white sandy deserts with rolling sand dunes. Arrival at the capital of Nubra i.e. Diskit. In the afternoon proceed to explore the Diskit Village. Being the main town of Nubra, it has a small market bustling with activity. Also visit the Gompa, situated on a rocky spur above the village providing a commanding view of the valley. Overnight stay is in camps.

Day 05: Diskit/Tegger - By Jeep

In the morning drive to Tegger village (3,146 mt). Upon arrival visit Samstanling village off the main road and it is one of the most charming villages of Nubra. Visit Samstanling Gompa. In the afternoon start Camel Safari to reach Pinchimic. The Safari is comparatively short and goes along the river where the valley is well spread. Arrive at Pinchimic and overnight stay in tents.

Day 06: Pinchimic/Panamic - Camel Safari

Morning start the last leg of Camel Safari to Panamic. Enroute visit a beautiful lake chucked between two small hills. Check in at the camps upon arrival. Afternoon explore Panamic Village. During the trade between Central Asia and Ladakh, Panamic was the last major settlement before the caravans cross the Karakoram range. Today, Panamic is a sleepy village, with its people quitly working in their fields. Visit the village thermal HOT SPRINGS locally reputed to have therapeutic qualities. Overnight in tents.

Day 07: Panamic/Leh - By Jeep

In the morning visit to Ensa Gompa across the river clinging precariously to the mountain surrounded by few trees. Return back and drive to Leh. After the arrival in the evening; check in at the hotel. Overnight stay is at hotel.

Day 08: Leh

Today is a day to relax and spend in leisure or exploring the market. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Leh-Delhi

In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.

Travel Package:

Group: Min 3