Ladakh Experience - 15 Days
Delhi - Shimla - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh - Delhi
In the far-flung northern reaches of India, Ladakh is one of the most remote and sparely populated regions on earth. Bordered by Tibet, it is often described as, "roof of the world", and has an almost moon like terrain, girdled by some of the greatest mountain ranges of the world. Arid and barren but interspersed with isolated settlements, green oases of swaying poplars and cultivated farmland, it is awe inspiring in its starkness and strangely beautiful. Ladakh is land of medieval gompas (monasteries) clinging to cliff sides, fluttering prayer flags, a wonderfully gentle people who practice Buddhism, high altitude deserts, rushing rivers, high peaks and passes, but few roads. This forbidding territory is one of the highest regions on earth and the drive up from the Kullu Valley is a breathtaking adventure. It can only be reached by road from July to early October.
Day 01 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, the capital city of India and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 02 Delhi
Full day Old & New Delhi city tour. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Delhi / Shimla
Early this morning transfer to the railway station to join the 'Himalayan Queen' departing Delhi at 06.00 hours, arriving Kalka at 11.05 hours. At Kalka you will be assisted by your driver on to the narrow gauge mountain train departing at 11.40 hours and arriving in Shimla at 16.55 hours or from Kalka proceed with your driver direct to Shimla. You will be met on arrival by your driver and proceed to your hotel for overnight.
Day 04 Shimla
In Shimla to explore the town at your leisure. There are several walks in the area and there are many places of interest in the town such as Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre, the General Post office and the Tibetan Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Shimla / Manali
Proceed by car to Manali situated at the north end of the Kullu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Manali
At leisure to visit Old Manali, the Dhungri temple or the Vashisht hot springs. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Manali / Jispa (3347m)
Begin the spectacular four day jeep drive to Ladakh. This high altitude road on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, connects the fertile Kullu valley to the barren region of Ladakh, once accessible only from Kashmir. Camp or possible stay overnight at hotel in Jispa. Please note that the camp sites at Jispa and Sarchu are the only designated camp sites for all travellers between Manali and Leh and they are not maintained to a good standard, but this is a journey of a lifetime and the mountain scenery at every stage is spectacular!
Day 08 Jispa / Sarchu (3960m)
From Jispa the road will gradually ascend to Baralacha La (4800m), from where many snow covered peaks, towering above 6000m can be seen. Then descend across a barren landscape to your campsite at Sarchu.
Day 09 Sarchu / Leh (3500m)
Cross the Tsarap Chu River and start climbing up Gata Loops to the Laclung La pass (5065m) to arrive at the village of Pang. Continue a short distance across the Morai Plains and proceed to cross the world's second highest motorable pass of Tanglang La (5300m). Descend to the village of Upshi where the road will follow the Indus river to Leh. We stay for five nights in Leh.
Day 10 Leh
This morning visit the nearby Shanker Monastery and Stupa. Remainder of day at leisure to rest and acclimatise. Leh is a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars. The eight-storey Leh Palace looming above, overlooking the town, was built in the 16th century and resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Day 11 Leh
Today visit Shey Palace, the oldest in Ladakh, built in 1645 as a summer residence for the kings of Ladakh. Also see Thiske Gompa, the most picturesquely situated of all the monasteries, perched high on a hill overlookings the Indus and Hemis Gompa the most important and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
Day 12 Leh
A long, but worthwhile day to visit Alchi and Lamayuru. This interesting journey from Leh highlights the dramatic scenery of Ladakh and focuses on two of the most important monasteries in this region. The incredible Lamayuru monastery perched on a hillside, with a village at its base, dates from the 10th century and is one of the most important in Ladakh Alchi monastery, 75kms west of Leh, is noted for its murals which are among the most beautiful and best preserved examples of Ladakhi Buddhist art.
Day 13 Leh
Morning at leisure to explore the bazaars of Leh. In the afternoon visit the nearby monasteries at Phiyang and Spituk.
Day 14 Leh / Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 15 Delhi / Overseas
Today transfer to international airport to board your flight to onward destination. |
