Thiksey Gompa - Reach early to participate in the morning prayers. This is a picturesque monastery atop a craggy hill. Houses the statute of Maitreya (The Future Buddha). This 15m tall statue was made to commensurate the visit of the Dalai Lama to the Gompa.

Hemis Gompa - Famous for the spectacular monastic festival in the month of June. World's biggest Thangka (Religious paintings/scrolls) is housed here and is on display every 12 year.

Shey palace - The summer residence of the King. Strategically located on a spur jutting out in the Indus valley. The palace houses a large statute of The Buddha built by Nepalese artisans.

Drive early to Kargil. En route visit Nimu, the confluence point of Zanskar & Indus rivers. This is the gateway of the Chaddar winter expedition when Zanskar River is frozen. Also visit Basgo - A Ruined fortress that houses a statue of Maitreya and Alchi Choksor. Overnight in hotel at Kargil.

Drive to Rangdum. Visit Gompa perched on a steep sugar loaf hilltop. The walls more Ornate than in Ladakh valley with Buddha relief's carved in stone with Chortens and Mandalas in the background. Over night, Camp/Guest house.

Drive to Padum - the head quarter of the Zanskar region. Located on the southern part of wide fertile plains and at the confluence point of Tsarap & Stod River. The township clings to hillock. At leisure to explore the area. Overnight camp/Guest house.

Visit Karsha Gompa, the largest and most important Gompa in the Zanskar Valley. Across the Doda river, after 2 to 3 hr. walk, is a treasure trove of Buddhist art, highlighted by the 500 Years old wall frescos in the teaching room. Overnight Camp /Hotel.

Drive to Kargil. Enjoying the scenic beauty En route. Overnight Hotel.

Kargil - Leh - Visit the Lamayuru Gompa En route the Kargil - Leh road.

Spituk - A 15th century Gompa on the site of an 11th century temple. This is the first Gompa of the Yellow Hat sect (Gelkupas). Good view of Indus Valley. Overnight Hotel in Leh.

Full day to explore the Leh town - King Palace, Leh mosque, Leh Gompa and Leh Bazaar.

Departure.