DELHI – SRINAGAR – SONAMARG – LEH – KARGIL – LEH – DELHI
Arrive in Srinagar and transfer to Houseboats by Toyota Innova.
Lunch on Houseboats. Afternoon, Shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake.
Dinner and overnight stay on Houseboats.
After breakfast, with packed lunch boxes from the Houseboat, leave for full day excursion to Pahalgam with sightseeing on the way.
After lunch, leave for a short trek to Aru through the banks of the River Lidder.
Evening, return back to Srinagar. Dinner and overnight stay on Houseboats.
After breakfast, leave by cars for half day sight-seeing of the famous Mughal Gardens, visiting Shalimar Gardens, Nishat Gardens, Chesma Shahi, and Shankaracharya Temple.
Lunch on Houseboats.
Afternoon, leave for half day sight-seeing tour of Srinagar city. Visit the Fort, Jamia Masjid, Old Bazaar , and Shah Handen Shrine.
Dinner and overnight stay on Houseboats.
After early breakfast, depart for Kargil via Sonamarg, Zojilla Pass, and Drass.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kargil Hotel.
After an early breakfast and taking lunch boxes from the hotel
, departure for a full-day journey to Leh.
Enroute, visit Lamayuru, Mulbeck, and Alchi Monasteries.
Evening, check-in at hotel at Leh in Ladhakh. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, leave for a local walk to the nearby Kings Palace and Leh Bazaar.
Afternoon, free for exploring the local market and acclimatization / adjustment to the altitude.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to Shey, Tikae, and Hemis Monestries. Return back to Leh in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Khardung La (the world’s highest motorable road, at 18,380 feet). Afternoon, drive back to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.
DELHI – DARJEELING – GANGTOK – KALIMPONG – KOLKATA / DELHI
Arrive in New Delhi. On arrival to the charming capital city of India, you will be received by our representative and escorted to your hotel.
Full day sightseeing of New and Old Delhi, visiting Raj Ghat – Mahatama Gandhi’s Memorial, a drive past the magnificent Red Fort, a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow bazaar; a visit to the India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and, if time permits, a visit to the towering Qutab Minar.
Fly to Bagdogra, the nearest airport to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is famous throughout the world for the tea that grows there, and the great view of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. It is also renowned for its richness in cultural and natural heritage, and the famous Toy Train that has been declared a UNESCO world heritage.
Early in the morning, visit Tiger Hill to get a superb view of the mighty Kanchenjunga peak, then experience the journey by toy train to Ghoom Monastery. Also, visit the Tibetan Refugee Center, Botanical Gardens, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Begin your journey through the mountains to Gangtok, capital city of Sikkim. Rising 300 meters above the Indian plains, Sikkim borders the edge of the Tibetan plateau on its north and Nepal on its east. Although it was historically a Buddhist kingdom, Hindus currently represent the majority. Sikkim has close links with Tibet and it is home to over 250 monasteries, of mostly the Nyingma-pa sect.
Sightseeing in Gangtok city, including, a visit to Rumtek Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery, and Cottage Industries.
Depart for Kalimpong – a hill station in the days of the British Raj, this charming town is two and half hours drive by road from Darjeeling. Before the Chinese took over Tibet, it was the center of India’s wool and silk trade with that country, with Tibetan caravans winding their way down from the Tibetan plateau to trade wool for manufactured goods. It has now become a center for orchid and cactus nurseries, and exports these plants to different parts of the world.
Leave the mountains and fly to Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. Kolkata was once the capital city of British India and also the gateway to India till 1912. It is a major commercial city consisting of big industrial plants and corporate houses.
Sightseeing in Kolkata, including, a visit to Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie Square, Horticulture Gardens, Mother Teresa’s Home, and the Marble Palace.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
LEH – ULETOPKO – PANGONG LAKE – NUBRA VALLEY – CHUMATHANG TSOMORIRI – TAGLANG LA – LEH
On arrival at Leh airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Evening, a visit to Leh market and Shanti Stupa. Overnight stay at hotel.
Leh to Ule Tokpo. (72 kilometers / 5 hours approx.) Post breakfast, we will visit the hall of fame, Phyang monastery, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Later, a visit to Alchi Choskor, the living heritage of the 11th century in the Himalayas. Overnight stay at Uley Ethnic Resort.
Drive back to Leh, visiting the white castle of Basgo and the magnetic hill on the way back. Evening, at leisure to explore Leh market. Overnight stay at hotel at Leh.
Leh to Pangong Lake. After an early breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake through Changla, located at a height of 17,800 feet (5,486 kilometers). Pangong Lake is situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). The lake is a long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometers at its widest point and over 130 kilometers long. One rarely feels so close to nature, and the environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay at camp.
Pangong to Leh. Post breakfast, we will drive back to Leh, but one should not miss the early morning sunshine of the lake and the singing of its beautiful birds. Drive back to Leh. Overnight stay at hotel.
Leh to Nubra. After an early breakfast, we will drive to Nubra valley, which leads through Khardong-la, located at an altitude of 18,390 feet (5,602 meters) and a distance of around 39 kilometers from Leh. Arrive in Hunder by afternoon, and the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Hunder and Disket villages. Overnight stay at camp.
Nubra valley to Leh. After your breakfast at the camp, visit Disket Monastery from where you can have an excellent view of the confluence of the Shayok and Siachan rivers. Drive back to Leh via the same route. Overnight stay at hotel.
Leh-Chumathang Tsomoriri (240 kilometers / 7 hours approx.). After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and drive to Tsomoriri, stopping enroute at Chumathang, famous for its medical hot spring. After a short halt, drive to Tsomoriri (located at 14,000 feet), near the small village of Korzok. Upon arrival, we will check in at our camp.
Tsomoriri Leh (via Taglang-la). After breakfast, we will check out and proceed towards Tsokar Lake. Later, we will drive towards Leh, stopping enroute at Taglang-la, the second highest motorable pass in the world, located at 17,582 feet (5,359 meters). Overnight stay at hotel.
Depart from Leh (fly out).
PARO – THIMPU – PONAKHA – GANGTEY – THIMPU – PARO
Your guide will receive you at the airport. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered covered bridge, Paro Dzong. In the evening, drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We shall then visit the Painting School, where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
After lunch, we will take some rest. Later, we will drive to the “mini” zoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan – the Takin. Other highlights include, a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). In the evening, a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium, followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu.
Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop for a while at Dochula Pass to view the Upper Himalayas. On the way, visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued demons with his ” Magical Thunderbolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. In Punakha, after lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Gangtey. enroute, sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang. It includes visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside), which was built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spread of the Buddhist religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive further to Gangtey. While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. After lunch, explore Phobjikha Valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, visit Folk Heritage Museum. And in the evening, drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel.
A very special day with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang “Tiger Nest” Monastery. After breakfast, a short drive to Satsam Chorten. From there, a 3 kilometers walk till the view point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo.
In the evening, visit Kychu Lakhang the one of the oldest monastery in Bhutan.
Dinner & overnight in the hotel.
Early morning, drive to the airport for your international flight back home and farewell.
DELHI – KALKA – SHIMLA – MASHOBRA – DELHI
Early morning, departure from New Delhi by Shatabadi Express – fast and comfortable with chair car seating. Enjoy breakfast on board. Disembark at Kalka Railway Station – at the foothills of the mountains. Connect by the “Toy Train” to Shimla – passing through countless tunnels as the train makes it way up the mountain side. Arrival in Shimla. You will be received by our representative and escorted to the hotel for overnight stay. .
Shimla – the “Queen of the Hills” was famous as the Summer Capital of the British. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vice Regal Lodge, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, The Ridge, and the Mall Road. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day free for leisurely walks and shopping. Visit Lakkar Bazaar or go ice skating on your own! Observe the Himachali lifestyle of these mountain people. Overnight stay at hotel.
Drive to Mashobra – some 20 kilometers from Shimla. This place boasts of the famous “Wildflower Hall” – originally the residence of Lord Kitchener (now renovated into a luxury hotel) and surrounded by dense green coniferous forests. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day at leisure for independent activities – walks, mountain biking, picnic lunches, and Spa. Enjoy the facilities offered by this luxury hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Shimla Airport for flight back home.
DELHI – KALKA – SHIMLA – DHARAMSALA – AMRITSAR – DELHI
Early morning, departure from New Delhi by the Shatabadi Express – fast and comfortable with chair car seating. Enjoy breakfast on board. Disembark at Kalka Railway Station – at the foothills of the mountains. Connect by the “Toy Train” to Shimla – passing through countless tunnels as the train makes it way up the mountain side. Arrival in Shimla. You will be received by our representative and escorted to your hotel for overnight stay.
Shimla – the “Queen of the Hills” – was famous as the Summer Capital of the British. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vice Regal Lodge, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, The Ridge & the Mall Road. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day free for leisurely walks and shopping. Visit the Lakkar Bazaar or go ice skating on your own! Observe the Himachali lifestyle of these mountain people. Overnight stay at hotel.
Drive to Dharamsala, visting the old Kangra Fort on the way. Arrive in Dharamsala and check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Dharamsala is the home to the revered Tibetan leader – the Dalai Lama!! Walk the streets of this small town. Visit Bhagsu Nag Temple, Namgyal Monastery, local markets and turn the prayer wheels in the bazaar for good fortune! Observe the local Tibetan flavor of the town. Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Amritsar. Check in to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Amritsar is an ancient town and home to the famous Golden Temple – the most sacred shrine for the Sikh religion and its followers. Local sightseeing consists of, a visit to the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Shri Durgiana Temple, and Rambagh Gardens. Late afternoon, proceed to the Wagah Border to observe the “change of guards” at the India-Pakistan border post. Return to Amritsar. Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning at leisure. Afternoon, transfer to Airport for flight to Delhi.
