DETAILED ITINERARY

 

 

Day 1 - Departure

Depart from your home country.

​

Day 2 - Delhi 

Arrive in Delhi, where you will be received by our representative with fresh marigold garlands.  After a sumptuous first meal on Indian land, we go for sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.  We take an amusing rickshaw ride on the crowded and narrow lanes of the shopping haven - Chandni Chowk.  To understand more about the Islam culture, we visit India's largest mosque - Jama Masjid, which is also known as the Friday Mosque. On our way back, we drive by India Gate, President's Estate and Parliament House.  In New Delhi, we visit the Hindu temple - Birla Mandir, which is known as the temple of all castes. Overnight in hotel.

​

Day 3 - Delhi / Amritsar

Early in the morning, we take the train to Amritsar – the spiritual centre of the Sikh religion. On arrival, transfer to hotel. After breakfast we visit 14th century old Golden Temple and Jalianwala Bagh.  Later, we visit Wagha Border to witness change of Guards ceremony between India and Pakistan. Overnight in Hotel.

​

Day 4 - Amritsar / Dharamshala

Today we drive to Dharamshala, which is set against the magnificent backdrop of towering Dhauladhar Himalayan range and is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The altitude of Dharamshala varies from 1280 m to 1650 m. Overnight in Hotel.

​

Day 5 - Dharamshala

After breakfast we do sightseeing of McLeod Ganj visiting Tsunglagkhang Complex - the residence of HH Dalai Lama, Namgyal Gompa, Tibetan Museum and Tsunglagkhang which is very important Buddhist place for worship. Afternoon at leisure. 

​

Day 6 - Dharamshala / Shimla

After breakfast drive 250 km / 6 hr to Shimla (1933 m – 2130 m), where the British escaped from the heat of Delhi in summer during the Raj. Overnight in Hotel.

​

Day 7 - Shimla / Kalka / Delhi

After breakfast, walk to Jakhu temple of God Hanuman situated at 2455 m. It offers a fine view of surrounding valleys and of Shimla itself. Later visit local bazaar and Mall Road. Thereafter transfer to Railway Station for a joy ride of 95 km narrow gauge train constructed in 1903 connecting Shimla with Kalka in 5 hrs time. The train passes through beautiful scenic places and small villages. We reach Kalka Railway Station by Toy Train and from there we board a fast train to Delhi. Transfer to hotel for overnight.

​

Day 8 - Delhi / Leh

Transfer to the airport for flight to Leh (3500 m). Arrive at Leh Airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for acclimatization. Drinking 3 - 4 liters of water is highly recommended for better acclimatization. Afternoon we make acclimatization walk to Leh Old Fort which holds a superb view of Leh town. Overnight in Hotel.

​

Day 9 - Leh

In the morning, we drive to Shey – the Summer Palace of the King of Ladakh, built about 550 years. It has the largest Buddha statue in Asia made of copper. We continue driving onwards to Thikse monastery, which is 500 years old. It contains a three storey high statue of Buddha. Thereafter, we drive to Hemis monastery which existed in 11th century and was re-built in 1672 by the Ladakhi King Sengge Namgyal.  Hemis is also famous for the much celebrated Hemis Festival.  We walk around Hemis and later, drive back to Leh for overnight in hotel.

​

Day 10 - Leh / Likri / Alchi

We drive 62 km / 2 hr to Alchi. En route, we visit Likir Gompa of 14th century built under the directions of Tibetan monks. The present Gompa was rebuilt by Gelupka order and is now inhabited by 150 monks. Upon arrival in Alchi we visit Alchi Gompa which was built in the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo. The monastery is famous for its beautiful wall paintings. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in hotel.

​

Day 11 - Alchi / Lamayuru / Leh

After breakfast drive 75 km to Lamayuru Monastery (Gompa), part of the Kagyupa order. The Gompa has renowned collection of Tangkhas and frescoes and is precariously perched on top of a steep hill commanding an excellent view of moon’s land, the name so derived due to its landscape.

​

Day 12 - Leh / Pagong

Drive 137 km / 5 hr to Pangong Lake. We drive from Leh over Chang La (5360 m), the pass is the main gateway to Changthang Plateau. Pangong Tso (Lake) is 134 km long and 5 km at its widest point. About 60% of the Lake lies in Tibet. Lake is a brackish water lake and hence does not get frozen. We visit the last village Spangmik on the West bank of the Lake. One can walk around the Lake. At times, it can be windy due to long length of the Lake over such high plateau. Overnight in Fixed Tent.

​

Day 13 - Pagong / Leh

Drive back to Leh. Overnight in hotel.

​

Day 14 - Leh / Delhi 

Morning flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, sightseeing of Delhi, visiting Akshardham Temple. It is a Hindu temple, and a spiritually-cultural centre. The complex displays millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture. With thematic gardens, exhibitions, boat ride and water shows, Akshardham is a major attraction in Delhi.  Overnight in hotel. 

​

Day 15 - Delhi / Rishikesh 

We take the early morning train to Haridwar.  From Haridwar, we drive 1 hr to Rishikesh which is situated on the banks of river Ganga. Ganga has long been considered a holy river by Hindus and worshiped as the Goddess Ganga as She washes the sins once you had a bath in river Ganga. Rishikesh is the gateway to the kingdom of Gods and pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedar Nath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Time permitting, we witness Ganga Aarti (worship) in the evening which is soul soothing ceremony on the bank of river Ganga. Overnight in hotel.

​

Day 16 - Rishikesh / Haridwar / Delhi

After sightseeing of Rishikesh visiting some Ashrams, Laxman Jhula (bridge) we drive 26 km / 1 hr to Haridwar. Upon arrival visit narrow lanes of Haridwar and Har Ki Pauri. Haridwar is a famous pilgrimage centre where you would notice various religious ceremonies going on the banks of the river. Later, we transfer you to the railway station for train to Delhi. Overnight in hotel.

​

Day 17 - Delhi / Agra (Optional) / Departure 

Day free in Delhi. or optional excursion to Agra to see the mesmerising Taj Mahal. Later, we transfer you to the International Airport for your journey back home.

​

NOTE: The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.