Little Tibet Explorer - Ladakh

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.

Tour 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 01: 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 02: 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 03: 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 04: 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: 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 08: 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 09: LEH – DELHI- DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi airport for departure.

Included in the price:
► 8 nights’ accommodation on Twin sharing basis at the Hotels/ Camps as specified above or similar. ► Meal Plan: On Full Board basis (breakfast + lunch + dinner). Note: Lunches on long excursions would be packed ►Transport from Amritsar to Leh as per itinerary by Toyota Innova (4 full paying pax per vehicle, local guide/ accompanying guide or escort may be the extra person or 5th person) and in Delhi AC vehicle according to tarveling pax. ► Services of local English speaking Guide in Dharamshala, Manali & Leh Only ► Monument/ Monastery entrance fees. ► Inner Line permits & Laddakh Royaltee fees. ► Personal Assistance on Arrival and Departure at Airport. ► All applicable taxes and service charges  

Not included:   
► Any snacks, mineral water etc. unless mentioned in the itinerary ► Any Air Fares & airport departure tax/ Airport development fee ► Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non - alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, any insurance etc. ►Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions ► 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. ► travel insurance, evacuation charges, damages/ claims of any nature ► Any TIPS to Guide, Driver & Bell Boys
►Any Airfare for Group Members ►Any insurance or Visa Fee. ►Any Camera or Video Camera Fee at the monuments ►Any meals other than Specified. ►Transportation is not on disposal basis. It is strictly as per the program, any extra running will be charges extra► All the arrangements for the tour are preplanned and prepaid. In case of not completion of the tour due to any reason whatsoever 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 services not mentioned above► Any Rafting/Camel ride in Leh.
 

Practical information: 
► Hotel Check-In and Check-out time is 1200 hrs .NOON ► Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary ► Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel ► In case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly ► High altitude travel is adventure activities and the rates don’t cover any insurance, risk cover, damages, claims etc. A person coming on adventure tour has to be covered for adventure travel & activities apart from normal travel insurance.
► During a high altitude travel all places would be more than 3000 m. And require adequate equipment and clothing ►Air-conditioning will not function in high altitude & steep gradients as switching it on puts a lot of pressure on engine which may lead to engine breakdown.  

Price of extra services:
►Additional room supplement: 310 EUR ►Supplement cost of air fare on the sectors Leh - Delhi in Economy class: 130 EUR ►Additional cost per person for a group of 3 pax: 50 EUR ►Additional cost per person for a group of 2 pax: 70 EUR

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