Welcome to the capital city Delhi, India. Upon arrival in Delhi you will
be met and assisted by our company representative at airport. After traditional
welcome transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at the
hotel.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a dynamic metropolis that blends ancient history with modernity. As a sprawling city with a rich cultural heritage, Delhi is home to iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Qutub Minar, which reflect its historical grandeur. The city serves as a major political, economic, and cultural hub, featuring bustling markets like Chandni Chowk, upscale areas like Connaught Place, and diverse neighborhoods. Delhi is known for its vibrant street food scene, diverse cultural festivals, and extensive public transport network. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for exploring its myriad attractions and experiencing its energetic ambiance.
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Festival Date/Month:
June/July – Hemis festival is a two-day event that is celebrated on the 10th
day of the fifth month of Tibetan Calendar, which is the month of June/July in
Gregorian Calendar.
Sectors Covered: Delhi
II Leh II Sham Valley II Nubra Valley II Turtuk II Pangong Lake II Hemis II
Thiksey II Shey II Stok II Leh II Delhi
Departure.
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Destinations
| Delhi | Day 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Leh | Day 3-6 |
| Nubra Valley | Day 6-8 |
| Pangong Lake | Day 8-9 |
| Leh | Day 9-13 |
| Tsomoriri Lake | Day 13-14 |
| Leh | Day 14-15 |
| Delhi | Day 15-16 |
The best time to visit
| Delhi | October to March |
|---|---|
| Leh | May to September |
| Nubra Valley | May to September |
| Pangong Lake | May to September |
| Tsomoriri Lake | May To August |
Welcome to the capital city Delhi, India. Upon arrival in Delhi you will
be met and assisted by our company representative at airport. After traditional
welcome transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at the
hotel.
After breakfast
proceed for guided city tour of Old and
New Delhi. Begin your day
with an exploration starting in Old Delhi which was the capital of Muslim India
between the 17th and 19th centuries. Visit Jama Masjid, the Royal Mosque which was built by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow
lanes followed by a short walk in the main street of Old Delhi - the colourful
shopping bazaar known as Chandni
Chowk. Drive past the Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site) built by the Mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan. Proceed for a brief visit to Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial.
In the afternoon visit
New Delhi - the imperial city
created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the
most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi. You
will drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan is where the Viceroy once lived and now
is the official residence of the President of India and India Gate, a war
memorial arch built in honor of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in
World War I. Later visit Humayun’s
Tomb & Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage site), a soaring tower of victory
which is 72.5 meters high and has five distinct stories & tour ends with a
visit Gurudwara Bangla
Sahib (Sikh temple). Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast check-out and transfer
to airport to board your flight 6E-6571 (Dep: 09:10/Arr: 10:30 hrs) to Leh.
Arrive at Leh airport, nestled among isolated mountain peaks, the bustling town
of Leh has long been an important stopover for trade between Kashmir, Tibet,
India, and China. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Check into the hotel and
enjoy lunch. After lunch, relax at the hotel to acclimatize. In the evening,
take a walk through the old town of Leh. Overnight at the hotel.
Note:
Suggested flight is as per the current schedule which may vary at the time of
actual travel dates.
After breakfast proceed for a visit to Hall of Fame Museum (run by the Indian
Army), is a tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed
their lives in the defense of the nation. It showcases war memorabilia,
weapons, uniforms, and photographs from the Kargil War and other operations,
offering visitors a deep sense of patriotism and respect for India’s armed
forces. Stop at Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara
Pathar Sahib, and the confluence of Zanskar & Indus Rivers at Nimu.
Later explore Spituk Monastery, is a centuries-old Buddhist monastery perched
on a hill overlooking the Indus Valley. Founded in the 11th century, it houses
ancient statues, thangkas, and a revered image of Mahakala, unveiled only
during the annual Spituk Gustor Festival. The monastery offers a serene
spiritual ambiance and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Return to
your Leh hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Today excursion to
Sham Valley to visit Alchi Monastery, is one of the region’s oldest and most significant monastic complexes,
dating back to the 11th century. Renowned for its exquisite wall paintings,
wood carvings, and Indo-Tibetan art, the monastery reflects a unique fusion of
artistic influences. Its tranquil setting and ancient architecture make it a
spiritual and cultural treasure of Ladakh. Also visit Likir
Monastery, home to a giant Maitreya Buddha statue.
Founded in the 11th century, it belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism
and is known for its impressive 23-meter-high golden statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Surrounded by scenic hills, the monastery houses ancient manuscripts, thangkas,
and artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into Ladakh’s rich monastic
heritage. Return via Basgo Fort, a historical ruin with panoramic valley views. Overnight
at the hotel.
Today
leave for Nubra valley enroute drive over Khardung La Pass, located at an
altitude of about 5,602 meters, is one of the highest motorable roads in the
world. Situated north of Leh, it serves as the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok
Valleys. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, the pass offers breath-taking panoramic
views of the Himalayas. Arrive in Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes,
orchards, and double-humped camels. Visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest and
largest monastery in Nubra Valley, was founded in the 14th century and belongs
to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Perched on a hilltop, it offers
stunning views of the Shyok Valley. The monastery is renowned for its towering
32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha and hosts the vibrant Dosmoche Festival,
symbolizing peace and protection. Later enjoy a camel ride on Hunder Sand Dunes
at sunset. Overnight at the hotel.
Today excursion to Turtuk, the last Indian village before the Pakistan border.
Explore the Baltistani culture, stone houses, apricot orchards, and traditional
kitchens. Return to Nubra by evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Leave for Pangong Lake drive along the Shyok River, enjoying spectacular
mountain views. Reach Pangong Tso, the mesmerizing high-altitude lake famous
for its blue hues. It is a breath-taking high-altitude lake that stretches from
India into Tibet. Known for its ever-changing shades of blue, the lake is
surrounded by rugged mountains, creating a stunning natural panorama. Its
serene beauty and remote setting make it one of Ladakh’s most iconic and
photogenic destinations. Free time for photography and nature walks along the
lake. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning
visit to Pangong Lake for sunrise views.
Drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass
(5,360 m). En route visit Thiksey
Monastery, is one of Ladakh’s most majestic monasteries, resembling the
Potala Palace of Lhasa. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect, it houses an impressive
12-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha and numerous ancient scriptures, thangkas,
and artifacts. Perched atop a hill, the monastery offers panoramic views of the
Indus Valley and a serene insight into monastic life. Later visit Shey Palace, was once the summer capital
of Ladakh’s royal family. Built in the 17th century, it is renowned for its
impressive 12-meter-tall gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and ancient wall
paintings. Overlooking the Indus Valley, the palace offers a glimpse into
Ladakh’s royal heritage and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding
landscape. Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning drive to Hemis
Monastery to witness the opening
day of Hemis Festival one of the
region’s most famous monastic festivals, celebrating Guru
Padmasambhava’s birth anniversary. The 10th day (Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar month is celebrated as the
birthday of Padmasambhava’s (Guru Rimpoche), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Hemis Monastery celebrates this event in the form of a 2-day festival. Its resident
Lamas perform sacred masked dances with traditional
music leading to the destruction of the sacrificial
offerings. The dances depict the magical feats of Padmasambhava’s in his eight
manifestations to defeat the enemies of Buddhism. You will also explore the monastery’s
museum and festival stalls. Return to Leh
in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Today again return to Hemis
Monastery for the second day of festivities to attend morning prayers and mask dances symbolizing good
triumphing over evil. Engage with monks and locals, and enjoy
Ladakhi food stalls. Explore nearby
Hemis National Park area (optional short walk). Return to Leh in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
After
breakfast proceed for an excursion to Stok and Matho to visit Stok Palace
Museum, located within the royal palace of Stok in Ladakh, showcases the rich
heritage of the Namgyal dynasty. The museum displays a fascinating collection
of royal artifacts, including traditional costumes, jewellery, ancient weapons,
thangkas, and the king’s and queen’s crowns, offering a glimpse into Ladakh’s
royal history and cultural legacy. Explore Matho Monastery, situated on a
picturesque hill overlooking the Indus Valley, is one of Ladakh’s oldest
Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Founded in the 16th century, it belongs to the
Sakya sect and is renowned for its annual Oracle Festival, where monks believed
to be possessed by divine spirits make predictions. The monastery also houses a
museum displaying rare thangkas, ancient Buddhist artifacts, and statues.
Optional visit to Druk White Lotus School (from 3 Idiots fame). Return to Leh
and evening free for shopping or café hopping. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Tsomoriri Lake, a serene high-altitude lake
surrounded by mountains, nestled at an altitude of about 4,500 meters in the
Changthang region of Ladakh, is a stunning high-altitude freshwater lake
surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Known for its deep blue waters and serene
beauty, it serves as an important breeding ground for migratory birds like the
black-necked crane, making it a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. En
route stop at Chumathang hot springs and remote villages. Upon arrival,
check-in at the camp. Evening at leisure by the lake. Overnight at the tented
camp/hotel.
After breakfast, leave for Leh with stops for photos and local
interactions. Farewell dinner with Ladakhi cultural music and dance performance.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to airport to board your flight AI-2464
(Dep: 12:10/Arr: 13:35 hrs) to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Upon
arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure or you can opt
for any of our optional activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Note:
Suggested flight is as per the current schedule which may vary at the time of
actual travel dates.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Delhi international airport
for onward journey with beautiful Himalayan memories.
Delhi
Delhi
Nubra Valley
Pangong Lake
Tsomoriri Lake
Leh
Leh
Leh
Leh
Tsomoriri Lake
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley
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