Little Tibet Explorer - Ladakh

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.