Ladakh Trip: Exploring the Himalayan Wonderland

Once a crossroad of major trade routes, the Buddhist enclave of Ladakh will reveal you a mixture of ancient cultures and stunning Himalayan landscape. Our journey will take you through Tibetan-Budhist monasteries, walks across magnificent natural regions, some of the world’s highest roads and numerous temple towns surrounded by giant snow-covered peaks. This tour will take you through a rich cultural experience in the area hosting the seat of the Dalai Lama.

Accompany us on a journey across the great Himalaya to Little Tibet: the ancient Buddhist enclave of Ladakh on India's northern border. Here we enjoy walks, discover mountain caves and visit Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries. We follow one of the world's highest roads through snow-covered peaks and temple towns from the hill station of Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama, to the monasteries and barren landscapes of Leh.

Highlights:
• Leh - Explore Hemis, Tikse and Tak Tak monasteries
• Manali - Colourful town situated in a beautiful valley
• Dharamsala - Visit the home of Tibet's exiled religious leader, the Dalai Lama
• Amritsar - Soak up the incredible atmosphere at the Sikh's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple

Itinerary:

Day 1. AMRITSAR - DHARAMSHALA
Our tour begins today in the Sikh's holiest city Amritsar, where we visit the stunning Golden Temple. The Golden Temple itself is a surprisingly small building surrounded almost entirely by tanks of holy water in which the Sikh pilgrims bathe. The atmosphere is one of incredible calm with devotees taking their turn to pass through the main shrine where there is a continuous and melodic recital (known as the Akhand Path) from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book. Upon entering the temple shoes must be removed, feet washed and heads covered before we can enter (please bring a headscarf with you or buy one outside). We also visit the nearby Jalianwala Gardens, site of the notorious massacre under General Dyer in 1919 which led to 379 Sikhs being shot from point blank range by British troops.

Pick up from Wagah Border or the holy Sikh city of Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple and drive to Dharamshala (200 kms, 6 hrs). Upon arrival check in at hotel. Lunch at hotel.Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 2. IN DHARAMSHALA
Until 1959 Dharamsala was a quiet unassuming town, but that all changed when the Dalai Lama settled here after fleeing Tibet at the time of the Chinese invasion in October of that year. McLeodganj is the upper part of the town situated 500m above Lower Dharamsala and is the area with the greatest Tibetan influence.

After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Dharamshala/Mcleodganj visiting Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Bhagsunag Fall & Temple, Church of St. John, War Memorial, Kangra Art Museum, Cricket Stadium and Norburlinka Institute.
Lunch & Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3. DHARAMSHALA – MANALI
Manali is a hill station nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. The small town, with a population of 8,096, is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. Due to its location it is a popular tourist destination and serves as the roadway to other northern hill stations.

After breakfast drive to Manali (240 kms, 7 hrs).Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 4. IN MANALI
After breakfast, proceed for a full day tour of Manali, visiting the 450 years old temple dedicated to Hadimba Devi and Tibetan Monastery and the handicraft center and walk to the nearby picturesque village of Vashist known for its hot sulphur springs. In the evening, after a delicious dinner, settle down for a comfortable.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.

Day 5. MANALI – KEYLONG
Today we drive to the town of Keylong, the administrative centre of the Lahaul and Spiti district. We will visit the Khardang Monastery, set on the slopes facing back towards Keylong. The monastery follows the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the largest monasteries in Lahaul.

After breakfast drive to Keylong (110 kms, 6 hrs), enroute visiting Rohtang Pass (3980 M). Upon arrival check in at hotel. Evening visit the Khardong Monastery.Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 6. KEYLONG - SARCHU
We climb higher today as we head for Sarchu. We climb to the top of the Baralacha La Pass (4891m) and then descend to our campsite for the night. The large pre-erected tents are set up each summer when the Leh to Manali highway is open and are fully equipped with beds and bedding with ensuite toilet facilities.

After breakfast drive to Sarchu (115 kms, 6 hrs), cross over Baralacha La Pass (4800m). Upon arrival check in at Camp. Dinner & overnight at Camp.

Day 7. SARCHU – LEH
Leh was once a staging post on the Silk Road from China and is a small, picturesque town of about 8,000 people. Sited at 3500m, the summer days are dry and sunny but nights can be cold. The people of this harsh land are Tibetan and have maintained their strong sense of tradition. On arrival in Leh we take it easy and have a short orientation walk through the town.

After breakfast drive to Leh (225 kms, 8-9 hrs), enroute Experience the Gata Loops, Upon arrival check in at hotel. Dinner & overnight at Hotel.

Day 8. IN LEH
After breakfast, drive to Thiksey village, visit Thiksey monastery and drive to Shey Village to visit Shey Palace and Gompa. Continue drive to Hemis monastery to visit one of the most famous monasteries of Laddakh. Later, on the way back to Leh visit Stok Palace and Museum. Come back to Leh in the evening and relax at the hotel.

Thiksey Gompa 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.

Shey Palace and Gompa Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. Later proceed to visit Thiksey village, visit Thiksey monastery and drive to Shey Village to visit Shey Palace and Gompa. Continue drive to Hemis monastery to visit one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh.

Hemis Gompa 40 Kms from Leh, it is the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held here in summer.
Dinner & overnight at Hotel.

Day 9. LEH – DELHI- DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi airport for departure.

Practical information can be found Here.

Price Includes:
8 nights accommodation in base category room at specified hotels or similar
Stay as per meal plan indicated above. Buffet breakfast and buffet dinners at the hotels and lunches (wherever mentioned) while on drives and sightseeing will be packed
Welcome drink on arrival (non-alcoholic) in Leh
Traditional welcome ceremony upon arrival at hotel in Leh
Transportation by NAC Xylo / Scorpio / Innova for arrival / departure transfers
sightseeing as per the itinerary from Amritsar pickup till Leh airport drop. (Max. 04 paying pax in 01 vehicle)
English speaking accompanying guide for sightseeing
Assistance at the airport while arriving and departing
Mics. charges are inclusive like Ladakh Royalty Fee; Monastery / monument entrance fee; Inner-line permits; Portages at hotel and airport,

Not Included:
Airfares & train fare
Any Joy ride or rafting
Medical expenses (apart from first aid) and insurance of any kind
Tips,laundry,liquors,wines,mineral water,telephone charges,camera fee and items of personal nature
Transportation is not on disposal basis. It is strictly as per the programme
any extra running will be charged extra
All the arrangements for the tour are preplanned and prepaid. In case of not completion of the tour or non-utilization of any service due to any reason whatsoever (ill health / flight cancellation / flight delay / bad weather / road block / political or natural disturbance) there will not be any refund for any unutilized services. Any extra expense due to the same has to be paid extra
Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare
strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses
Any other item not mentioned in the cost includes section.

Additional Services:
Supplement cost of air fare on the sectors Leh - Delhi in Economy class: 180 EUR (price may be a subject to change according to time of request)
Additional cost per person for a group of 2 pax: on request
Upgrade to a Deluxe room category: price on request

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