Mystical Beauty of the Himalayas

OVERVIEW OF YOUR INDIA TOUR

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All of our India tours feature a chauffeur-driven vehicle, superior accommodations, select meals, and a local guide. Choose from 4-star or 5-star accommodations and a range of vehicles including compact cars, luxury sedans, and SUVs. Every tour can be tailored to your specific preferences. Contact us for pricing and availability.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE DELHI

Meet & assist on arrival at Delhi International airport & transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2 -DELHI – SRINAGAR (BY FLIGHT)

Today after breakfast transfer to Delhi airport to board your flight for Srinagar.
Arrival in Srinagar airport and transfer to Hotel Srinagar the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir
It is situated at an altitude of 1, 730 m. In the heart of the Kashmir valley, Srinagar spreads out
on both sides of the Jhelum River. The valley’s beauty has enticed visitors from distant lands.
Srinagar bears the hallmark of the Mughal, dry fruits and the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts
are the other major attractions of the hill resort. If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s
here, and it’s here in Srinagar. After check in hotel drive to famous Mughal gardens. Nishat
Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan.
Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal Garden built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake.

It is the second largest Mughal Garden in the Kashmir Valley. The largest in size is the Shalimar
Bagh, which is also located on the bank of the Dal Lake. ‘Nishat Bagh’ is Urdu, which means
“Garden of Joy,” “Garden of Gladness” and “Garden of Delight. Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr-un-Nissa). The garden is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. It is now a public park. This time it’s also called as crown of Srinagar. on return visit a local Handicrafts Emporium for hand-knotted specialty Silken carpets, shawls, jewellery ornaments. Evening 1-hour shikara ride on dal lake.

Hotel lunch at local restaurant in Srinagar. Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel in Srinagar.

DAY 3 - SRINAGAR – GULMARG – SRINAGAR (BY SURFACE 56 KM ONE WAY / 2 HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast transfer for day trip to Gulmarg. Once reaching at Gulmarg our vehicle will
drop the guest at Parking Area in Gulmarg then no vehicle is allowed for local Running in
Gulmarg due to eco Fragile Zone, Gulmarg is (8700 ft i.e. 2652 mts) known as ‘Meadow of
flowers Discovered by the Kashmiri romantic poet in the 16th century who was inspired with
its grassy slopes covered with wild flowers. It is one of the India’s premier Hill resorts. Gulmarg
today is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty – It also turns into India’s premier
Ski resort in winter.

The Gondola Cable Car offers rides to the upland meadows of Kongdori and beyond to the top of Apharwat range to a height of 14000 ft for viewing the Himalayan Peaks in summer and for downhill skiing in winter. After reaching at Gulmarg Guest can do Cable Car Ride I (To be prebooked subject to availability at the time of booking). Sledge ride
/ Pony ride / Atv ride/ & II Phase, Snow Shoes & jackets etc If required will be on Direct cost
basis. In the evening drive back to Srinagar.

Hot lunch at local restaurant in Gulmarg. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Srinagar.

DAY 4 -SRINAGAR – KARGIL (BY SURFACE 206 KM / 06 HRS)

After Breakfast drive directly to Kargil (204 Kms) drive thru Sonmarg. Situated at an altitude
of 9000 Ft.

Sonmarg – 84 Kms is also called as “The meadow of gold” has, as its backdrop, snowy
mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Stop at Sonmarg for Photography/tea (If the clients are interested they can visit the Glaciers of Thajiwas on ponies on direct payment basis) these glaciers remain throughout the year. After reaching Sonamarg continue your drive towards Kargil and passingover Zojila Pass. Stop at Drass, the 2nd coldest inhabitant place in the World for & enjoy cup of tea. Then drive along the Drass River till one arrives at Kargil & Check in at Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Kargil. Enroute stop at Minimarg for Registration.

Hot Lunch at Sonamarg in a local restaurant on fixed menu basis.

DAY 5 - KARGIL – LEH (BY SURFACE 220 KMS / 05 HRS)

After breakfast Drive for Leh enroute visiting the Monastery of Mulbekh, famous for 1st
century Statue of Maitrya Buddha, carved out of a huge rock. Proceed further towards
Lamayuru & passing thru Namikala & Fatula Passes, the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road.
(Which is a little above the actual confluence). Enroute Sightseeing of Lamayuru belongs to
the Dringungpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The history of the monastery begins with the visit
of Arahat Nimagung to this place, when there was merely a lake here. It is said that Arahat
made a prophecy that “a monastery will come up at this spot” and he made offerings (prayer
with grains of corn) to the Nag serpent spirits. The corns mixed with the earth and formed in
the shape of Swastika (Yungdrung), later it came to be known as Yungdrung Monastery.

The Great Translator RinchenZangpo constructed a temple here in eleventh century. Naropa
also visited Lamayuru and meditated here. Gelukpa or Kadampa school of Tibetan Buddhism
initially looked after by Lamayuru, but later; it was taken over by Dringungpa Order. Later after lunch visit Likir is situated in a side valley about 05 Kms from main Srinagar – Leh highway. Likir belongs to Ge-Lung-Pa sect; the monastery also maintains and runs a school for young Lamas. Continue drive to Leh and stop at Khalsi for registration and proceed towards Alchi Monastery, it was founded in the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo the Great Translator; it was richly decorated by artist from Kashmir and Tibet. Paintings of the Mandala’s which have deep Tantric significances are particularly fine; some decorations are reminiscent of Byzantine art. The monastery is maintained by monks from Likir and is no longer a place for active worship.

Dinner with overnight stay at Hotel in Leh.

DAY 6 - LEH TO SHEY/THIKSEY/HEMIS – LEH

After breakfast visit the monasteries of Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis.
Shey: It was the ancient capital of Ladakh and even after Singge Namgyal built the more
imposing palace at Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey, as their real home. The
importance which was attached to Shey – the seat of Ladakh’s heartland – is attested by the
enormous number of Chorten about the village, particularly around the palace complex and
barren plain to the north of the road.

Thiksey: is one of the largest and most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this
Gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two – storied
statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder.
Hemis: which is dedicated to Padmasambhava, what a visitor can observes a series of scenes
in which the lamas, robed in gowns of rich, brightly colored brocade and sporting masks
sometimes bizarrely hideous, parade in solemn dance and mime around the huge flag pole in
the center of the courtyard to the plaintive melody of the Shawn.

Overnight stay in Hotel at Leh.

DAY 7 - LEH – NUBRA

After breakfast at hotel drive towards Nubra valley via Khardungla pass (18350 feet) by surface
passing thru Horzey & Gangles Village. On arrival in Nubra Valley, drive to Diskit, visit Deskit,
the HQ town of Nubra Valley. Driving for 30 Kms takes to Khalsar Bridge. Visit Deskit monastry.

Further drive from Deskit to Hunder, you may see a few Double Humped, Hairy and Bactrian
Camels.

Overnight stay in camp at Nubra Valley

DAY 8 - NUBRA TO PANGONG VIA SHYOK

After breakfast transfer from Nubra to Pangong. The name Pangong is derived from the
Tibetan word Banggong Co meaning long, narrow, enchanted lake.
There is a narrow ramp-like formation of land that runs into the lake which is a favorite among
tourists and photographers.

Due to the saltiness in the water of the lake, there is very less micro-vegetation. There are no
fish or other aquatic life in the lake, except for some small crustaceans. However, numerous
ducks and gulls over and on the lake surface can be spotted in plenty. There are some species
of scrub and perennial herbs that grow in the marshes around the lake.

Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Pangong.

DAY 9 - PANGONG TO LEH

After breakfast leave for walk at Pangong Lake, a highest salt water lake in the World, Shared
by two countries India (25%) & China (75%), enjoy the beauty of lake on banks of the lake
while appreciating the changing colours of fascinating high-altitude lake. Drive back to Leh via
changla pass.

Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

DAY 10 - IN LEH

After breakfast leave for visit to Phyang, Spituk, and Samker Gompa.

Phyang: Built by kind Lkra-Shis_namgyal, founder of Namgyal Dynasty, in 1500 after defeatingthe last of the Lah-Chen King and is the home of the Sri Khing Pa sect (Red Capped).

SPITUK GOMPA: 8 Kms from Leh, it stands prominently on the top of hillock commanding a panoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles. Many icons of Buddha and fine Thankas are to be found in this 15th century Gompa. The Gompa also houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image of Mahakaal. The face of the Kali image is kept covered and is revealed only at the annual function at January every year.
The Spitok head Lama is also the head Lama of the Sankar Gompa in Leh. He also represents
Ladakh as a member of the Indian Parliament. Gurphug in Stok and Pashi Gephel in Sabu are also under monasteries of Spitok. The Gompa has three chapels of which the highest, the Paldan Lumo temple (Kali Mater), is the most impressive. The temple Gonkhang is approximately a thousand years old, from Paldan Lumo temple, on the peak of the mountain, a small path leads past a red Latho to the monastery proper. The built in Dukhang is well worth seeing. The shrine to Vajra Bhairava, a Tantric guardian deity of the Gelug-pa order, is distinctly spooky. Samker Gompa. Samker Gompa is little up in the valley, 3 Kms from Leh Town, whichis open to visitors in the morning and evening only. The Gompa belongs to Yellow Sect & was founded in 18th Century. The Gompa is the seat of the Head Lama of Ladakh & founder of yellow sector.

Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

DAY 11 - LEH – DELHI

After breakfast transfer to Leh Airport to board your flight for Delhi. Meet & assist on arrival
at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel.

The car & driver is at your disposal for last minutes shopping in Delhi.

Overnight stay at Delhi hotel.

DAY 12 -DEPARTURE FROM DELHI TO ONWARD DESTINATION.

Today early morning transfer to Delhi International airport to board your flight for onward
destination.

CONTACT US

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