Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Down Town Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 02: Delhi
This morning, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital.
Later we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Down Town Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (270 Kms)
After breakfast we will drive to Jaipur Upon arrival check into the Mandawa Haveli which is located in the heart of Jaipur City. The hotel combines old world charm with the best of present day facilities. The rooms are well-appointed with intricately carved wooden beds; historic photographs and king-sized royal portraits. There are pleasant courtyards, lawns and terraces with a view of the splendid Nahargarh Fort. It has a beautiful dining hall overlooking one of the terraces.
After rest and relaxation, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.
Overnight at Mandawa Haveli (Deluxe Room)
Day 04: Jaipur
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the Amber Fort. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, the Fort is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style of architecture. A slow elephant taxi takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Later, we proceed for a guided tour of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens and the city. Next stop of the City Palace is the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Mandawa Haveli (Deluxe Room)
Day 05: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms)
This morning we drive to Agra, stopping at deserted Capital City of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue our ride to Agra.
Upon arrival check into Howard Park Plaza
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Howard Park Plaza
Day 06: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms)
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building
After breakfast we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Later, we will drive to Delhi. The journey is along one of India's finest 4-lane dual carriageway. Also, our travel in our luxury car would ensure the smoothest and the most comfortable journeys. We would have opportunities to stop at well-appointed restaurants for refreshments and washroom facilities.
Upon arrival check into your hotel The Connaught
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Down Town Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 07: Delhi / Leh (9W 1609 - 0630 / 0745 hrs)
Morning transfer to the airport for your short flight to Leh. This surely is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the top of the Greater Himalaya before dropping down in a series of steep turns, to land at the small military airport at Leh. During the flight you should get good views of the distant Karakoram including K2; the second highest mountain in the world, and will pass over some of the highest peaks in Jammu & Kashmir (which includes Ladakh).
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your Hotel Spic n Span
On arrival the advice is to lie down for a day, until your body catches up with the altitude.
Day free for leisure & independent activities
Late in the afternoon, you may gently stroll out to visit Leh's wide street bazaar that runs east-west. Together with the labyrinth of adjoining side streets and alleys, the bazaar is the center of business and shopping -- particularly for visitors who find the plethora of antiques (and not-antiques) shops worth checking out. The bazaar is an incredible example of traditional Ladakhi lifestyles. Watch out for the pavement vegetable sellers and the traditional homes that exist on top of the stores which sell only the very basic provisions
Overnight at Spic N Span
Day 08: Leh / Shey / Thiksey / Hemis / Leh
This morning we proceed on a guided tour of Shey, which is a small town in comparison to Leh. Shey Palace was built in early 17th century AD by Deldan Namgyal as a memorial for his father, Singay Namgyal. The palace houses a three storey copper statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Overlooking the Shey palace are the ruins of the fort built by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Spalgigon. Shey also has a very large scattering of stupas all across its landscape
From here we drive to Thiksey Gompa (monastery), it is located 17 km on the main highway from Leh in the direction of Manali. The present day monastery founded by Paldan Sherab, overlooking the village below, was not the original location. It was originally built at Stakmo. This monastery hosts the festival of Thiksey Gustor.
Later we drive to Hemis Gompa (monastery) which is the most important and the richest Gompa in the whole of Ladakh and is dedicated to Guru Padama Sambhava the great Indian teacher & philosopher. This monastery located among the beautiful landscape of the Hemis National Park was founded in 1630 AD. It is located at a distance of 45km from Leh and is one of the most popular monasteries visited by travelers. It is also famous across the world for the Hemis Festival hosted by it.
Evening we drive back to our hotel in Leh
Overnight at Spic N Span
Day 09: Leh / Nimu / Leh
Today we drive to the Rafting camp and commence RAFTING till Nimu. The river valley is quite narrow here and the rapids are Grade III/IV. Rafting will finish after the confluence of River Zanskar and Indus at Nimu. Later, we proceed for a short village visit to Nimu.
Afternoon we drive back to our hotel in Leh
Overnight at Spic N Span
Day 10: Leh / Likir / Uletokpo
Following a leisurely breakfast we drive to Uletokpo Visiting the Likir Monastery on the way. The journey itself through spell bounding scenes of natural beauty is worth the effort. Snow capped Himalayas dot the background while craggy dusty mountain ranges and the swiftly flowing Indus river as well as patches of farm make up for the fascinating foreground.
At Nimu we witness the magical confluence of the two main rivers of the region - Indus & Zanskar.
Another interesting aspect of our journey would be the opportunity to travel past several Ladakhi Villages where time has stood still. We will walk into these villages and experience traditional Ladakhi Villages, lifestyles and occupations.
We make a brief stop at the Likir Monastery that houses many gigantic clay statue of Buddha in various forms. The primary attraction is, however, their 1000-year old wall painting which make a visit more than worthwhile.
Upon arrival at lunch time we check into tented accommodation at Uleytokpo. This place is heaven on earth ! the accommodation here are lovely fixed camps run by a Ladakhi family. The tents have attached toilets and beds, and are set amidst apricot orchards. The place is right in the lap of nature and you would very much enjoy the feel of the breeze, the scent of flowers, delightful nature walks, views of the snow capped Himalayas and the gentling rolling sound of the Indus river. If you are a bird lover there are great possibilities of viewing a variety of birds.
Just 4 kms away is Ridzong, the most isolated monastery of all the monastery of Ladakh. One can still find the small caves where Lamas used to meditate for years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except for an one feet square outlet window from where they accept the one time meal of the day. Also close by is a nunnery. Food and clothing besides shelter is provided to the Nuns. There are a few very old retired Nuns. A visit here shows us the day to day living of the Nuns, as well as the trainings they receive here and also an opportunity to witness the performance of the evening prayers.
Overnight at Uletokpo Tented Camp
Day 11: Uletokpo / Lamayuru / Uletokpo
A half day excursion through paradise as we visit Lamayuru. Every twist and turn brings to you new vistas of natural beauty. But, wait till you get to the 'Lamayuru Moonland'. We look down on this landscape which appears to be a dusty surface of the Moon itself with craters & hills . The snow rising in the backdrop of this sandy script reminds you that you are in Ladakh.
The landscape around Lamayuru monastery is one of most spectacular things one could see on earth.
Lamayuru monastery popularly known as, "Yangdrung Gomp" is situated 126 km west of Leh, on the Leh - Srinagar highway. In ancient times there was a huge lake in this place. The great saint Nyimagung, made a prophesy saying: " May a monastery be founded in this place" and he then offered a votive water offering to all the naga serpent spirits who were the guardians of that place. The grains of that corn that formed part of this offering were carried by the waves of different places along the cliff side by the edge of the lake and when they had become mixed with the earth they sprouted forth as corn in the shape of a swastika. At the time when a monastery was later founded there it was called Yangdrung "swastika". In the 11th century the mahasiddha Naropa came to this place and the cave where he resided and meditated is still to be seen today. Then Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator came and built many temples and stupas and so the teachings of the Kadampa School came to flourish greatly there. Thereafter, for many years the monastery was administered by the Red Hats order of the Tibetan Buddhism., but later it was taken over by Digungpa order. Then the rituals and observances of the Digung Kargud School were introduced and the monastery received the name of Yangdrung Tharpaling.
We return to Uletokpo by lunch time.
Afternoon is at leisure for nature walks . Alternatively, your 24x7 guide would be happy to walk you to the neighbouring Mangyu village (3hrs). This would be another opportunity to witness traditional Ladakhi country life unchanged from time immemorial. We will interact with locals and also learn more about Ladakhi living.
Overnight at Uletokpo Tented Camp
Day 12: Uletokpo / Alchi / Leh
After breakfast we drive back to Leh Visiting Alchi on the way.
The village of Alchi in lower Ladakh is to be considered one of the most important cultural sites throughout the Himalayas. Consisting of four separate hamlets, the village contains numerous historic monuments of different ages and in various states of repair, the oldest and most famous of which is a monastic complex. The 1,000-year-old three-storied Himalayan temple, with its unique murals and iconography, is a fragile wooden structure. Confirmed a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this is one of only four surviving monasteries of the 108 founded by the Great Translator, Lotsava Rinchen bZangpo in the later 10 th and early 11 th century. The temple preserves some of the finest examples of Kashmiri art of the period
Following the tour of Alchi, we continue drive to Leh and get there by lunch time. Upon arrival, transfer to your Hotel Spic n Span. The afternoon is at leisure and you may wish to walk into the bustling bazaar or catch up with your reading and postcards.
This evening we are invited to a typical Ladakhi home for high tea and interaction with different members of the Ladakhi family. The kitchen is the heart of the Ladakhi house. These are people for whom food is so central it forms the basis of their all-purpose greeting, "Julay", an economical word used for hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Its literal translation is "good digestion"; it reflects their philosophy that if you have good digestion, you have everything.
Overnight at Spic N Span
Day 13: Leh / Khardung La / Deskit / Hunder
Today we travel north from Leh over the highest motorable road and the Khardungla Pass (5570m), to the Nubra Valley which is little visited, as it is inaccessible for all but a couple of months in the year, its high passes closed by the winter snows. In comparison to the Indus valley which is cooler the Nubra is a comparatively warm valley where walnut, apricot, apple and mulberry trees grow and yak, sheep and goats graze in small forests and along the river Shyok. The journey brings us excellent view of great Karakoram Range.
In the ancient times the fertile Nubra Valley formed a part of the overland route between Tibet and Turkestan. Once dotted with garlands of camel and yak caravans, this Silk Route glen is also known as the 'Valley of Flowers' of Ladakh, and is amongst the greenest valleys in the region, .During early summer, Nubra is clad in endless bushes of yellow and pink wild roses, and once the valley is through with the season of roses around August, a carpet of wild lavender lies gently on it.
On our way we visit the Diskit Village which is amongst the larger villages in the region, and home to the 350 year-old Diskit Gompa - the oldest, and the largest monastery in the Nubra Valley . We will also find time to walk along the Nubra village. The people are amazingly friendly inspite of their lack of material disposition. Their traditional lifestyles and homes give you the feel of a Living Museum.
We reach Hunder Village through a gorgeous stretch of sand dunes. This is where we will camp tonight. The main attractions in this area are the Bactarian Double Humped Camels. This is the ancient Silk route and these animals were abandoned by the traders. Successive generations have procreated over centuries. This evening we enjoy camel ride over the Sand Dunes. This is a high mountain desert country with fertile dots of land in between. Sand dunes eclipse the mountains; rock and snow capped mountains rising majestically against a pastel landscape. Truly a soul stirring experience where you experience communion with nature
We end the day in absolute peace with ourselves. It is so simple to celebrate the mountains, sun the moon, water, stars and sky - this feeling of presence of a creator that has managed to create such beauty and wonder.
Overnight at Tented Camp
Day 14: Hunder / Panamik / Hunder
This morning we will spend some time exploring the village. Hunder is a quaint and beautiful village, maze-like in its formation, winding paths bathed in dappled sunlight, branches forming tunnels. The Ladakhi people are creative in the way they devise for water to enter homes and fields in turn, with tenderly cared for gardens and fruit orchards. The houses are thatched, built with mud-dried.
The people are so hospitable and look on curiously, smiling. They radiate joy, with their rosy sun burnt cheeks, wide smiles and eyes speaking volumes about the depth of character and humane goodness they exude. They are humble, joyous and childlike, with a palpable dignity. It would hit you to realize how material culture and luxury do not provide happiness.
Today we continue to explore the Nubra Valley and the quaint villages that dot the landscape. Sumur is one such village where we interact with the people and also visit the citadel of their faith - The Samtanling Gompa which is definitely worth a visit, and houses a fine collection of idols, frescos and tangkhas (painted and embroidered scrolls).
Continue a short way away to Panamik which used to be a busy centre being the last major settlement before the caravans entered into the mountains of Karakoram. Today, Panamik is a sleepy village, its inhabitants quietly going about their work in the fields. On the mountainside above the village, hot water bubbles out of the earth in thermal springs, reputed to have therapeutic qualities. Across the river, clinging to the mountains, are a few trees rooted among the rocks surrounding the tiny Ensa gompa.
Late afternoon, drive back to Hunder
Overnight at Tented Camp
Day 15: Hunder / Leh
Morning we retreat back to Leh
Upon arrival transfer to your Hotel Spic n Span
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. This is the day to catch up on your shopping. Think about people who are in your thoughts and who 'deserve' souvenirs from this magical destination.
Overnight at Spic N Span
Day 16: Leh / Delhi (9W 1610 - 0825 / 0940 Hrs)
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel Connaught
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities Delhi today is truly the melting pot of India, and the main gateway to one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Your Hotel in Delhi is a Downtown Hotel - The Connaught Place is the heart and pulse of New Delhi. This Hotel will give you an opportunity to view the busy streets and bazaars of the capital of India. In other words, you will 'feel' India.
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family: This evening we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Down Town Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 17: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the international airport to board a flight back home.
