Day 2 : LEH - EXCURSION TO SHAM VALLEY (65 KMS / 04 HRS – ONE WAY)
After breakfast you drive downstream along the River Indus on Leh – Kargil Highway. And start our sightseeing with Hall Of Fame (Museum Constructed by India Army) near Leh is worth a visit for every Indian, and proceed further to Gurudwara Patthar Sahib at an altitude of 3600 Mtrs about 22 Kms from Leh was constructed in memory of Guru Nanak Dev ji Nestled deep in the Himalayas, A drive of another 4 km took us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity. As you move ahead from Magnetic Hills, just before Nimmu Village, there comes a famous Confluence Of Two Rivers Indus River comingfrom Tibet (left) and Zanskar River coming from Zanskar Valley (right). After visiting confluence we head to Alchi Gompa, The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century. After visiting Alchi we back towards leh enroute visiting Likir Monastery was built in 11th century and was again re-built in 18th century and houses a 25 feet Lord gold covered Buddha Statue. Later we drive back to Leh. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Leh.
MAGNETIC HILL Perched at an altitude of 14,000 ft, Magnetic Hill is one of the most intriguing spots in
the country. This tiny hillock is said to defy gravity as it tends to pull vehicles upwards. It is quite thrilling to
defy the laws of science and be pulled in the opposite direction. The scientific theory states that there is a
strong magnetic force emanating from the hills that defies gravity at this particular spot. It is a good
pitstop on the highway and serves as a break in between mundane road travel. Do note that it is best to
visit between May to September, when the road is easily accessible. There is a board that marks the
location of magnetic hill, so it cannot be missed while driving down the highway. Local Ladakhi
superstition believes that the road is a straight stairway to heaven.
CONFLENCE OF THE ZANSKAR: indus river is originated from the great Himalayan ranges and Zanskar river originates from Zanskar ranges. Zanskar river is shiny blue in colour, on the other hand Indus looks a little green. Zanskar meets Indus in Nimmu valley from the north-east. This is a scenic view for the visitors and they find it fascinating to mark both the rivers even after their confluence
GURUDWARA PATHAR SAHIB is a highly revered gem located 25 miles away from Leh town on Kargil Leh Highway. Devoted to Guru Nanak Devi Ji, the founder of Sikh Religion, the sacred place beautifully commemorate his visit to Ladakh. Dating back to 1517, the Gurudwara houses a boulder with imprints of the head, shoulders and backside of Shree Guru Nanak Dev.
ALCHI GOMPA The architecture of Alchi Monastery is of Tibetan style. The monastery complex has three major shrines - the Dukhang (Assembly hall), the Sumtsek and the Temple of Manjushri. There are also chortens in the complex.
Wall paintings are the major attractions here as they depict details of both Buddhist style and Kashmiri style. The complex houses a huge statue of the Buddha and lavish wood carvings and artwork, similar to baroque style.
