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Laddakh The Dream Land with Valley of Kashmir & Taj

 

General information

DurationDestinationDeparture
17 days and 16 nights
India (New Delhi, Leh, Nubra, Pangong Tso Lake, Likir, Kargil, Sonamarg, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Agra)
India (New Delhi)

Description

This tour will begin in Delhi the city with many monuments of Mughal-era, and then there's the Himalayan land of Ladakh. Ladakh disarmingly friendly, ethno-linguistically Tibetan people are predominantly Buddhist their timeless monasteries are set between arid canyons and soaring peaks, while emerald-green villages nestle photogenically in highland deserts. We will cover visit to Leh, Khardungla Pass, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Likir, Lamayuru, Kargil. In Kashmir also called Paradise on earth for its natural beauty we will cover visit to Sonamarg, Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam. The iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum & symbol of love is also part of your holiday.
This tour will begin in Delhi the city with many monuments of Mughal-era, and then there's the Himalayan land of Ladakh. Ladakh disarmingly friendly, ethno-linguistically Tibetan people are predominantly Buddhist their timeless monasteries are set between arid canyons and soaring peaks, while emerald-green villages nestle photogenically in highland deserts. We will cover visit to Leh, Khardungla Pass, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Likir, Lamayuru, Kargil. In Kashmir also called Paradise on earth for its natural beauty we will cover visit to Sonamarg, Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam. The iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum & symbol of love is also part of your holiday.

Category

 
3 star hotels (Private Tour)
Bed & Breakfast 3 Stars
en
 
4 star hotels (Private Tour)
Bed & Breakfast 4 Stars
en
 
5 star hotels (Private Tour)
Bed & Breakfast 5 Stars
en
 

Program

Day 1:
Arrive Delhi
Arrival transfer to hotel check in (check in/out time 12pm).
Later City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2:
Delhi - Leh (B)
Transfer to airport to board flight for Leh. On arrival assistance and transfer you to Hotel. Rest time to acclimatize at the high altitude. Evening walk around Leh Town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3:
Leh (B)
City tour of Leh. Visit Leh Palace, a 17th-century former royal palace built under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal, it used to house his family. The nine-storey dun-coloured palace now houses a museum and a prayer room, while the highlight is the sweeping view of Leh and the surrounding Zanskar mountain from the rooftop. The beauty of the Leh Palace still stands in pride with a lot of ancient Buddha relics, paintings, old utensils, cutlery used by the royal family and artefacts adorning the walls, most of which are almost 450 years old. Thiksey Monastery built in 1430 AD belongs to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism. Lakhang Nyerma a Temple dedicated to Goddess Dorje Chenmo is within the Thiksey monastery. Apart from Lakhang Nyerma there are a few more shrines inside the monastery complex. Shey Palace and Gompa, built in the 16th Century AD, the monastery enshrines the Du-Khang with an almost 10 meter high copper statue of Lord Buddha. Shanti Stupa, a magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument located atop a steep hilltop at a dizzying height of 11,841 feet. Built in 1991 jointly by the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace.
Also visit the popular Magnetic Hill of Ladakh, a cyclops hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. To experience this phenomenon, park the car in the neutral gear in the yellow box marked a few metres ahead of the Magnetic Hill road. From this point, the car starts moving at a speed of 20kmph. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4:
Leh - Nubra Valley (140km) (B)
Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La, a high mountain pass in Ladakh region. Situated at an altitude of 18379ft., Khardung La is believed to be the highest motorable road in India at an elevation of 5602 metres. It offers astonishing views of the twisting roads up the mountain and the awesome valley. Drive between Khardung La and Nubra alongside the Shyok river. Visit the Samstanling Gompa in the Sumlur village. The place is in the middle of pleasant scenic beauty and is surrounded by traditional hues of Gold, Red Ocher and white. The entrance of the Monastery is lined with religious flags and the inside halls are lined with wall paintings representing Buddha and his lectures, Dharamchakra, the Four Heavenly Kings and the other facts of Buddhism. Next stop at Panamik to visit Hot water springs which contains high amounts of sulfur, and is believed to possess a lot of medicinal properties. Head to Hunder the sand dunes village amidst the cold desert of the Nubra Valley. The gorgeous silver sand dunes are located at an altitude of 4000m and are bounded by snow-capped mountains. Ride Bactrian Camels to the remote village of Hunder. Check in & overnight in tent/ guest house.

Day 5:
Nubra Valley - Leh (160kms) (B)
Visit Diskit Monastery, the 14th century monastery with a huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop it is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. From the base of the statue, one can get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nubra valley. The monastery was founded by Changzen Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century and is situated on a hill above the plains of Shayok river. The monastery house a vast collection of murals and display of frescoes. Later drive to Leh again via Khardungla pass. Arrive Leh, check in & Overnight at hotel.

Day 6:
Leh - Pangong Lake (160kms) (B)
Drive to Pangong Lake taking the road via Karu. You will pass by the beautiful green valley of Shakti as you ascend towards Chang La the third highest motorable pass in India. As you drive down from the pass you will reach Tangste village, Enroute you will see many endemic and migratory bird species and will certainly encounter the Tibeten Marmots. The landscape as you approach Pangong Tso is breathtaking! At an altitude of 4350m Pangong Lake is an endorheic (landlocked) lake. It changes colours from azure to light blue to green and grey.
On arrival check in at camp/ guest house. Spend time soaking in the beauty of Pangong Tso. Overnight in camp/ guest house.

Day 7:
Pangong Lake - Leh (160kms) (B)
Early morning enjoy the picturesque view of Sun rise on lake. Continue drive to Leh check in at hotel.

Day 8:
Leh - Likir/Alchi (60Kms) (B)
Drive to Likir/Alchi check in at hotel.
Visit the Likir Monastery is the oldest monastery in Ladakh, belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. A 75 feet large seated statue of Maitreya Buddha gilded in gold and various paintings of guardian divinities, murals and thangkas adorn the walls of assembly halls. There is a school inside the Likir Monastery run by the Central Institute of Buddhist studies and a library open to visitors where old manuscripts, volumes and books on Buddhism and the teachings of Tsong Khapa are housed. A temple named Gonkhang is also present in the complex having images of Sakyamuni and Tsongkhapa.
Alchi Monastery, a complex of Buddist temples, considered to be among the most extensive examples of Buddhist art. Du-Khang is the earliest temple at Alchi, founded around the 11th century AD. There is an elaborately carved doorway with panels of tiny Bodhisattvas and guardian figures. Sum-tsek is a triple-storied temple with a carved wooden facade consisting of pillars, carved brackets, and capitals. Lotsawa Lha-Khang and Manjushri Lha-Khang are two adjoining shrines that share a similar plan.
Rest time to enjoy the surrounding of the village. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9:
Likir - Lamayuru - Kargil (175km) (B)
Drive to Kargil enroute visit Lamayuru Monastery. Murals, frescoes and column paintings exemplifying the Kashmiri style of Buddhist iconography are what stand out in this monastery. The monastery also has a small temple dedicated to Avalokiteshwara, the manifestation of the compassion of all Buddhas. MoonLand, a peculiar landscape near Lamayuru on Leh-Kargil Road resembeling the the moon. On a full moon night, the area is an extraordinary sight to behold, something one doesn't get see everyday. Wanla Gompa, a sub-monastery of Lamayuru which provides a caretaker monk, responsible for daily rituals and for granting access to the temple. The main image features Avalokitesvara in 11-headed form.
Continue drive to Kargil, check in & Overnight at hotel.

Day 10:
Kargil - Sonamarg - Srinagar (220km) (B)
In Kargil visit Mulbekh Monastery, enshrined with the 9 meter tall idol of Maitreya Buddha chiseled in the rocks. It is believed that the idol dates back to the 8th century but another school of thought believes it to have been built in Kushan's period. The sculpture is said to have been carved by the missionaries, but the artwork further depicts that these missionaries were not Tibetans and were probably Ladaakhis. There are other ancient edicts near the main sculpture in Kharoshti script. Mulbekh otherwise forms a panorama encomprised of sturdy rock with occasional green patches spread across the unending horizon
Drive to Srinagar, crossing Zoji-La Pass a high mountain pass (3530m) on the Suru River that connect the Kashmir valley and Ladakh. The pass is known for its extraordinarily beautiful views and landscapes. Certain parts of the pass, can be a bit of a dangerous ride, hence one must travel down this one, only with a seasoned driver, used to such steep and playful turns and roads. Also the pass remain closed during the winter months.
Enroute visit Sonamarg, situated at an altitude of 2740m above sea level. Sonamarg (Meadow of gold) is a trekkers heaven and has adventurous routes with beautiful green water and frozen lakes around.
Continue drive to Srinagar check in at hotel/houseboat. Evening Shikara ride on the Dal Lake, visiting floating vegetable gardens. Overnight at hotel/houseboat.

Day 11:
Srinagar (B)
City tour of Srinagar. Visit Shalimar Bagh the largest of the 3 breathtaking Mughal Gardens and one of the most sublime places to see in Srinagar. This stunning garden was constructed by Jahangir back in the year 1619 for his beautiful wife Noor Jahan. Nishat Bagh located near the Dal Lake, an enchanting twelve terraced garden, packed with green trees, scented flowers, and beautiful fountains. Known to be the 2nd biggest Mughal garden, this garden was constructed by Noor Jahan elder brother, Asif Khan, in the year 1633. Chashma Shahi a well-manicured triple-terraced garden, showcasing the Persian style architecture. A two storey hut has been positioned atop the garden top terrace and this structure is considered as the source of origin of the natural spring. Tulip Garden the largest tulip garden in Asia in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain overlooking the mesmerising Dal Lake. Shankaracharya Temple the sacred 250BC temple occupies the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman in the south-east of Srinagar. The temple boasts breathtaking views of the valley. Overnight at hotel/houseboat.

Day 12:
Srinagar - Gulmarg (56km) (B)
Drive to Gulmarg (The Meadow of the Flowers) located at the altitude of 9,000ft. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty - it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650m, and is the countrys premier ski resort in the winter.
Enjoy a cable car ride on Gondola which will take you to the Majestic height of 13,000ft above sea level covering the magnificent views of Himalayan Mountains and Pirpanjal ranges. You can also enjoy a view of Nanga Parbat if the weather permits. Golf playing, Horse Riding, Hiking & Snow Skiing are other activities available here. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13:
Gulmarg - Pahalgam (142km) (B)
Drive to Pahalgam (the Valley of Shepherds) 7,000ft above sea level. On the way visit the famous Saffron growing fields and Awantipur Ruins (1100 years old temple of lord Vishnu build by King Awantivarman). Enjoy the beautiful countryside on the way. On arrival check-in at hotel. Pahalgam once a humble shepherd`s village with breathtaking views is surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14:
Pahalgam (B)
Visit Mamleshwara Temple a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the few temples constructed purely of stone by the then King Jayasima. Inside the temple complex is a shrine completely covered in gold. Aru valley the base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar-Marsar Lake, noted for its scenic meadows. There are about 20 alpine lakes, peaks and meadows around the Aru Valley. Betaab Valley, a breathtaking combination of picturesque surroundings encircled by tall deodar trees and pine forests, with the Lidder River flowing right through it. Lolab Valley an oval-shaped valley famous for its scenic natural beauty, dense pine forests and bubbling springs. It is also home to some animals like Himalayan brown and black bear, snow leopard, hangul and musk deer. Sheshnag Lake, an epitome of natural beauty, peace and serenity, enveloped in snow capped mountains and surrounded by tall alpine meadows, the lake is a haven for nature lovers. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15:
Pahalgam - Srinagar (83km) (B)
Drive to Srinagar, check in at hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16:
Srinagar - Delhi - Agra 204km) (B)
Transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival meet your driver and proceed to Agra check in at hotel. Evening watch Mohabbat the Taj folk show. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17:
Agra - Delhi (204km) (B)
Sunrise visit Taj Mahal, Agra & Baby Taj.
Drive to Delhi drop off to airport to board flight for onward destination.

Price includes

• Assistance on arrival at airport.
• 16 Nights accommodation in selected price category hotels.
• Meal as per day plan (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)
• Private air conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
• English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
• Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water in car.
• Government taxes.

Price does not include

• Delhi - Leh & Srinagar - Delhi flight tickets.
• Camera charges at monuments.
• Meals other than mentioned in day plan.
• Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
• Gratuities & optional activities.
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Itinerary

Day Overnight Itinerary highlights
1 Madhuban Hotel / Meridian Plaza or similarNew Delhi   New Delhi - Delhi Airport
2 Spic N Span / Reenam Hotel or similarLeh
3 Spic N Span / Reenam Hotel or similarLeh
4 Nubra Ethnic Camp / Hotel Yarab Tso or similarNubra
5 Spic N Span / Reenam Hotel or similarLeh
6 Camp Whispering Waves / Pangong Sarai Camp or similarPangong Tso
7 Spic N Span / Reenam Hotel or similarLeh
8 Guesthouse or similarLikir
9 Zojila Residency / Hotel Rangyul Kargil or similarKargil
10 Hotel Royal Batoo / Batra Hotel or similarSrinagar   Sonamarg
11 Hotel Royal Batoo / Batra Hotel or similarSrinagar
12 Grand Mumtaz / Royal Park Hotel or similarGulmarg
13 Grand Mumtaz / Hotel Baisaran Pahalgam or similarPahalgam
14 Grand Mumtaz / Hotel Baisaran Pahalgam or similarPahalgam
15 Nanga Parvat Houseboat or similarSrinagar
16 Howard Plaza the Fern / Atulyaa Taj or similarAgra
17   New Delhi - Airport

Accommodations provided in each place

Place3 star hotels4 star hotels5 star hotels
New DelhiMadhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel or similarThe Royal Plaza / Country Inn & Suite Saket or similarLe Meridien / The Claridges or similar
LehThe Palace Hotel/ Royal Holiday or similarHotel Royal Ladakh / The Zen Ladakh or similarGrand Dragon Hotel or similar
NubraNubra Ethnic Camp/ Hotel Yarab Tso or similarNubra Ethnic Camp / Hotel Yarab Tso or similar
Pangong TsoCamp Whispering Waves/ Pangong Sarai Camp or similarCamp Whispering Waves / Pangong Sarai Camp or similar
LikirGuesthouse or similarUle Ethnic Resort or similar
KargilZojila Residency/ Hotel Rangyul Kargil or similarHotel The Kargil / The Highland Mountain Resort & Spa or similar
SrinagarHotel Royal Batoo/ Batra Hotel or similar / Nanga Parvat Houseboat or similarFortune Resort Heevan / Four Point by Sheraton or similar / Gurkha Houseboat or similarThe Lalit Grand Palace / Vivanta by Taj Dal View or similar / Sukoon Houseboat or similar
GulmargGrand Mumtaz/ Royal Park Hotel or similarHeevan Retreat / The Vintage or similarThe Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa or similar
PahalgamGrand Mumtaz/ Royal Park Hotel or similarHeevan / Pine Spring or similarWelcomHotel Pine N Peak / Pahalgam Hotel or similar
AgraHoward Plaza the Fern/ Amar Hotel or similarRadisson Hotel / Holiday Inn or similarTrident Hotel / Courtyard by Marriott or similar