Safari Through Ladakh with Festivals

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

Overnight at 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 riksaws, 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 where you shall be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

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 Wagha Border, one of the most controversial borders in the world.

Overnight at Hotel.

Advance to Dharamsala after breakfast. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to visit the beauty of Dharamshala.

Overnight at Hotel.

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.

Overnight at Hotel.

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.

Overnight at Hotel.

Leave Manali after an early breakfast as the path carved by your journey leads you to the Beas watershed where you will climb and cross the first high pass of your journey, the Rohtang La pass (12960 ft.) The bustling town of Keylong greets you as you pass through it to reach Jispa where you may spend the rest of the day relaxing after the long journey.

Overnight at Hotel.

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.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast, depart in a 4×4 vehicle for the lake of Tso-Moriri (4725 m) through the Lachung Pass(5060m), and to the lake of Tso Kar. This beautiful White lake is famed for the high quality salt that rings its edges.

Overnight at FH Camp.

After breakfast, 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.

Overnight at FH Camp.

After 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.

Overnight at Hotel.

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 splendor 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.

Overnight at Hotel.

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.

Overnight at Hotel.

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

Overnight at Hotel (B, L, D)

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.’

Overnight at Hotel.

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.

Overnight at Hotel.

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 artifacts 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.

Overnight at Hotel.

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

Overnight at Hotel.

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport  for your outgoing flight.