Safari Through Ladakh – 19 days / 18 nights

After clearing immigration and customs, our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

The day begins with the sightseeing of Old Delhi which includes a drive past the Red Fort on the way to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. A tour is conducted through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk (Silver Street) in cycle rickshaws, once the imperial avenue, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths’ ateliers. You shall see the historical monuments of the capital as you drive past the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, and the Parliament House.

Later in the evening, depart for the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Amritsar. (Train # 2013 ETD: 1635 ETA: 2230)

After breakfast, pay reverence at the Golden temple; the two storey marble structure reached by a causeway known as Gurus’ Bridge and is a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture styles, immense peace and tranquility tends to engulf you in this holy temple. After a walk through the colorful bazaars of Amritsar, depart for the Wagah border - Wagah is the only road border crossing between Pakistan and India, and lies on the Grand Trunk Road between the cities of Amritsar, Punjab, India, and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is particularly known for the elaborate Wagah border ceremony that happens at the border gate before sunset each day.

Advance to Dharamsala after breakfast and the rest of the evening is at leisure to visit the beauty of Dharamsala.

The day will be devoted entirely to the vast and intriguing Tibetan civilization. As you continue the exploration of this region you will discover the nicknamed city “small Lhasa,” and proceed on to Norbulinka (Approx 4 kms from Dharamsala), which was established to preserve and teach ancient Tibetan arts.

After breakfast, begin the full day journey to Manali. On the way, stopover to look at the temples at Mandi on the banks of the beautiful river, Beas. If time permits, enjoy a pleasant walking tour of Manali

After breakfast, proceed to Sarchu. The view is absolutely breathtaking as you wind your way through the region to Leh. Baralacha La, the most picturesque of the high passes you crest en route is certainly the glory of the place.

After breakfast, proceed to Sarchu. The view is absolutely breathtaking as you wind your way through the region to Leh. Baralacha La, the most picturesque of the high passes you crest en route is certainly the glory of the place.

This morning embark on the exploration of the spectacular area surrounding Tso-Moriri. You will visit the Karzok Gompa (monastery) during your tour and are also given the option of taking an exciting afternoon hike.

Following breakfast, advance to Leh (3500 m), the capital of Ladakh. You will reach your destination by late afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude. In the coming days this region promises to dazzle you with some of the most mesmerizing and incredible sights possible

The day is dedicated to exploring this fascinating region. After breakfast, visit the Hemis Gompa which is the biggest monastery in Ladakh and houses monks of the Brokpa or Red Hat sect. From there on you will be taken to Shey, the king’s old palace where you absorb the splendour of the royalty. This day spent on a faraway land would end as you make your way towards the Thikse gompa-an impressive imitation of Lhasa’s Potala Palace.

The monastic festivals of Ladakh are governed by the Tibetan calendar (luni-solar) and dance-dramas in the gompa courtyards are conducted. The performers are the lama monks themselves who wear colorful garments and often frightful, at times comic masks. The monks perform mimes representing various aspects of the religion, be it the progress of the individual soul and purification or the triumph of good over evil.

Using our camp as the base, spend the entire day to do justice to all aspects of the spectacular festival.

After breakfast proceed to Basgo. This complex of buildings includes a ruined fortress dated earlier than the 15th century, two large temples and a small shrine. The most interesting event of the day would be to explore the Likir Monastery also called the Klu-Kkhjil or ‘water spirits.’

In the morning, survey the gorgeous site of Rizong gompa which encompasses a number of colorful shrines spread across the valley in an amphitheater formation along with the dramatically situated Lamayuru gompa.

Breakfast will be at the Alchi camp from where you will return to Leh through the splendid monastery of Phyang with its magnificent frescos of Buddha’s. Spituk monastery which is known for its collection of Buddhist artefacts and for the Spituk festival held from the 17th to 19th days of the 11th month of the Buddhist calendar would also be visited to make your beautiful journey more memorable.

After breakfast, depart to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. (Flight IT 3342 ETD: 0810 ETA: 0955)

In Delhi, you may refresh yourself at your hotel and enjoy a half day tour of the city. A visit to the capital’s most striking monument, the 70 metre high Qutab Minar, looming majestically across the wide plains of Delhi will mark the end of your incredible journey.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi airport for your onward journey.