Ladakh Photo Tour

In association with BuffyFish, a startup travel company brings you a 11-day photo tour of Ladakh. Book before 10th August 2016 and get this entire photography package with return flights from Mumbai to Leh for INR 60,000/- (*conditions apply). Dates - 25th August 2016 – 4th September 2016.

Summary

The primary goal of this trip will be to try and better your photography skills. Our expert professional photographer/guide Ganesh Ravi Iyer will accompany you on the tour.

On this trip you will witness the local culture of Ladakh first hand - try the delicious, local food, learn about the history of Ladakh, interact with the locals, do some street photography, walk and discover cafes and restaurants in Leh and other towns and villages, visit some beautiful monasteries, visit high passes, visit beautiful mesmerizing lakes of Ladakh, star gaze under the clear skies of Ladakh, walk around small villages and quaint towns, shop and much more.

Here is what you will learn in the photography sessions which will be conducted on the Ladakh photo tour

Landscape, Himalayan lifestyle and portrait photo opportunities. On location Hands-on photography assistance. Extensive learning off-field during travel and hotel sessions. Daily Image-reviews, post-processing discussions. Post-Tour guidance, advice and assistance. Sunrise and sunset photography. Suitable for beginners and amateurs. One to one attention with small group (max 10).

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – 25th August 2016, Thursday - Leh

Arrival and acclimatization day

You will arrive in Leh on this day.

This is a rest day for acclimatization. We will take it slow and get used to the altitude. We will have local food for breakfast (not included) as we will reach early in the morning in Leh.

We will rest for a couple of hours after arrival and settle down in the hotel.

For lunch, visit a vegetarian restaurant called Norlakh, situated in the main bazaar neat state bank of India and indulge in some local Tibetan cuisine.

Post lunch you can go back to the hotel or choose to sit in a café and gossip.

In the evening, we will go for a small walk around Leh and visit the Shanti Stupa, which gives a panoramic view of Leh city, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

We will also visit old Leh which has narrow lanes and alleys, mud-brick houses and quaint ruined gompas. The peculiarity of the houses in this area is that they do not have windows.

Indulge in the local food in the cafes of Leh. Try the thukpas, which is a local noodle soup served with spicy chutney. Try the thukpas with the “khambir”, local baked bread. You can try the momos too. These can be found at any restaurant or café in Leh.

Overnight at hotel in Leh.

Day 2 – 26th August 2016, Friday

Hemis, Thiksay and Shey Monasteries

Post breakfast, we will visit the Thiksay, Shey and Hemis monasteries.

Thiksay monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh. It serves as the residence of approximately eighty monks. It holds the huge indoor Maitreya Buddha statue in a two storied building. It is also a smaller version of the Potala palace in Lhasa.

Following this, we visit the Shey Palace. This was the summer capital of the old rulers of Ladakh.

We will then visit Hemis monastery which is situated 45kms from Leh. It is the biggest gompa in Leh. It is situated on a green hill, amidst surrounded some spectacular mountains.

After returning to Leh, we will visit the Hall of Fame which is open till 7:00pm.

Dinner at the Desert Rain restaurant in Leh. This restaurant has the best espresso café in town.

Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 3 – 27th August 2016, Saturday

Turtuk (via Khardung-La, Diskit, Hunder)

Post an early morning breakfast, we will start our drive towards Nubra valley, the cold desert. We will cross Khardung-la, which is the highest motorable pass in Ladakh, located at an altitude of 5,359m (18,380ft). We will stop for a cup of tea at the pass and view the valley of Nubra and the mountains from here.

We will then visit the Chamba statue of Diskit (headquarter of Nubra valley). The chamba statue is 100 ft tall situated on a hill overlooking the entire beautiful valley.

We will get to see some double hump Bactrian camels of Hunder, which are only found in this area. We will also see some famous sand dunes of Hunder.

Later in the evening we will reach the quaint, last village on the border of India and Pakistan, called Turtuk.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Turtuk.

Day 4 – 28th August 2016, Sunday

Turtuk - Leh

We will have breakfast early in the morning and walk around the town of Turtuk.

Turtuk is the last village on India-Pakistan border. Civilians are allowed to visit it. Turtuk is the only part of Baluchistan which is in India now. The village was in Pakistan until 1971. In the war that happened in 1972, India won Turtuk. We will get to see the India-Pak border and check-posts. We will take a small walk around the village and see some quaint architecture. We start our journey back to Leh after a short visit to the village, and reach Leh by evening. The journey from Turtuk to Leh is 8 hours by road.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Dinner at Zoya café in Leh. Learn about history of Buddhism with the monks there and enjoy the artists paint their renditions of Leh.

Overnight at the hotel in Leh

Day 5 – 29th August 2016, Monday

Leh - Pangong tso

We will start our journey, early in the morning post breakfast. We will go through some beautiful mountain ranges of Ladakh and reach the mesmerizing, blue Pangong lake.

Enroute we pass Chang la (17,000 plus ft) known as the third highest motorable road in the world. We will reach Pangong-tso by lunchtime. We will stay at a campsite on the bank of the blue waters of the mighty Pangong-tso.

In the evening we will witness the beautiful sun set behind the golden mountains near Pangong-tso.

Rest of the evening you can walk around the lake and soak-in the beauty of the lake and surroundings by being with yourself.

Dinner and overnight at campsite in Pangong-tso.

Post dinner you can choose to watch the stars above the lake.

Day 6 – 30th August 2016, Tuesday

Pangong tso – Leh

We will wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise at Pangong-tso. Post breakfast, we will start our return journey for Leh.

After returning to Leh, we will vist the Leh Palace and Chamba temple before 4pm. Visit the main square of the city of Leh. You can visit the area around the Jama Masjid which is situated the main square.

You can also indulge in some street photography.

You can visit Lala’s art café in Leh in the evening and spend time talking and gossiping.

Dinner at KC Garden restaurant in Leh.

Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 7 – 31st August 2016, Wednesday

Leh-Alchi-Lamayuru-Alchi

Early morning, post breakfast, we will begin our journey towards the Srinagar-Leh highway and reach Lamayuru.

Enroute we will visit the Magnetic hill, the confluence of Zanskar and Indus.

Lamayuru is situated right after the Fotu-La, and is famous for its moonland landscapes that are carved out in the mountains nearby. If time permits, we will climb the meditation hill near the monastery and view the spectacular moonland landscapes.

We will then make our way for Alchi, which has the famous 12th century UNESCO world heritage monastery. It is a beautiful monastery located on the banks of the Indus river. There are plenty of apricots that are found in abundance in Alchi. We will walk around the villages near Alchi.

Dinner at a restaurant in Alchi,

Overnight at hotel in Alchi.

Day 8 – 1st September 2016, Thursday

Alchi-Leh

Early morning, post breakfast, we will begin our return journey for Leh. If time permits, we will visit the Likir monastery.

After reaching Leh, go for a walk and visit the donkey sanctuary.

Visit Pumpernickel German bakery for an evening snack with coffee and cakes. Indugle in conversations with the owner of the cafe. You could also try some butter tea with some cakes at any other café.

Dinner at Nirvana Garden Restaurant. Enjoy some live music.

Overnight at hotel in Leh.

Day 9 – 2nd September 2016, Friday

Leh – Tso-moriri

Post an early morning breakfast, we will begin our drive for the Tso-moriri wetland conservation reserve. It is a long 7-hour drive. Tso-moriri is located at an altitude of 4,522m. Enroute you will see some purple mountains and some quaint, beautiful villages. After reaching Tso-moriri we will visit the lake and walk around. We will also visit the Korzok village and walk among the fields. If time permits, we will visit a nomadic encampment and spend time with the nomads.

Dinner and overnight at campsite near Tso-moriri lake.

Day 10 – 3rd September 2016, Saturday

Tso-moriri – Leh

Post a heavy early morning breakfast, we will begin our return journey for Leh.

Enroute stop for lunch.

We will reach Leh around 3-4pm.

Post lunch you can visit the Leh markets and do some shopping.

Evening at leisure.

Farewell dinner at Bon-appetit restaurant in Leh.

Overnight at hotel in Leh

Day 11 – 4th September 2016, Sunday

Leh Departure

Early morning, drop off to the Leh airport to catch your return flight to your hometown.

End of trip.

Cost of the 11-day trip

INR 60,000/- including return airfare from Mumbai to Leh

• Flights are subject to availability of seats.
• Offer is valid only for confirmed bookings
• Offer is valid only till 10th August 2016

Inclusions

• Accommodation in standard hotels and campsites (at the lakes) for the days in the itinerary mentioned above.
• Breakfast is included as mentioned in the itinerary above.
• Return airfare/transport to Leh from your hometown
• Lunches, dinners and evening snacks on all the days from 25th Aug – 3rd Sept are included.
• Local English speaking guide.
• Point to point transport
• All inner line permits, parking fees and other permits.
• Guide/Photographer and excellent photography tips.
• All entries and fees for monasteries and museums and other sights.

Exclusions

• Camel rides and other activities in Hunder.
• Any medical expenses, medical evacuation, other evacuation.
• Any other kind of transport.
• Any entry to ongoing festivals in Ladakh.
• Any other costs introduced by government or hotels or other body, at the last minute, due to various reasons.
• Rafting is not included in the itinerary.
• Bike costs are not included.
• Any personal or shopping expenses of any kind
• Beverages, alcohol, table drinks etc.
• Any snacks or meals not mentioned in the inclusions section above.
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions section above.

What to carry on the trip to Ladakh

Pack light! If you want to use your throw away clothes you can bring them on the trip. It is the best way to get rid of them. If you want reuse the clothes that you will be wearing you can do so. That will ensure you have packed light.

Carry warm clothes – you will be wearing layers of clothes to keep yourself protected from the cold at all times.

1. A mediums sized, rucksack or a duffel bag or a stroller
2. 1 small day pack to carry your water bottle, camera, small snacks, wallets etc
3. One pair of good walking/trekking shoes – you will be wearing them all the time
4. Clean cotton socks for 11 days
5. 2 pairs of warm socks
6. Floaters/chappals for using in the hotel/loos
7. Trousers – 2
8. T-shirts – 3 (you can reuse them)
9. Full sleeved t-shirts or shirts- 4 (you can reuse them)
10. 1 woolen sweater
11. 1 warm heavy jacket
12. 1 woolen monkey cap – you can wear this all the time
13. Carry a sun cap or a hat which you can wear with your balaclava
14. Woolen gloves
15. Cotton or woolen scarves/woolen stoles
16. 1 pair of thermal wear
17. 1 balaclava – if you do not have this you can get one in Leh
18. Inner wear - as many as you think you will want
19. Sleep-ins for you to sleep in. Make sure they are warm
20. One cotton towel
21. 2 small hand towels/face towels
22. 1 water bottle. You can choose to get mineral water or refill your water bottle
23. 1 Toiler paper roll
24. Tissue paper packets
25. 1 packet of wet wipes
26. Sanitary napkins for women
27. Tooth brush, tooth paste
28. Soap/paper soap/hand wash
29. Hand sanitizer
30. Moisturizer lotion
31. Cold Cream
32. Perfumes/Deodorant sprays
33. Good Sun Screen lotion with SPF 50 or more
34. Other toiletries
35. Lip cream, vaseline
36. A pair of scissors
37. Nail cutters
38. Tweezers etc. if you want to carry them
39. Oil for hair if you want to oil your hair
40. Shampoo and conditioner
41. Bathing soap/shower gel/loofah
42. Sun glasses
43. 1 Head lamp or torch, batteries + extra batteries for the head lamp or torch
44. Memory cards for camera
45. Camera
46. Extra batteries for camera
47. Chargers for your phone
48. Charger for the camera
49. Phone
50. Lenses/glasses could be photo-chromatic
51. Your own medical kit with personal medication
52. Your Driving Licence or a valid government ID proof
53. Spending money as in loose cash
54. Extra ATM Cards if you want to carry them
55. Diaries
56. Pens
57. Candies, chocolates
58. Copy of your airline tickets
59. A copy of your travel insurance
60. A mind full of good will
61. Yourself
62. Smiles for the road

Terms and Conditions

• Depending on the location, situation may vary.
• Road blocks, landslides, security issues, weather, other external uncontrollable circumstances or natural calamities could lead to changes in schedule last minute. There will be no refunds offered under any circumstances.
• Once the trip is booked, no cancellation or refunds will be offered.
• The customer will have to pay in full for booking the photo tour.
• We are not responsible for delays in the customer’s flight schedules or last minute cancellations. The rest of the team will proceed as per schedule. No refunds will be offered.