Highlights: Explore some of most scenic locales of North India. Visit the holiest Sikh pilgrimage, Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries.
Day 1 : Delhi Arrive IGI airport Delhi. Met upon arrival at the international airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi Morning tour briefing and orientation followed by a full day sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi. In New Delhi visit Qutab Minar – built in red sandstone during early 13th century, tower of Qutab Minar is one of the tallest tower of its. 72.5 m tall, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, wall consists of the verses from Koran the holy book of Muslims. Complex also hosts mosques and Iron Pillar (Ashoka Pillar) in the courtyard of the mosque, whose quality of the iron is exceptionally pure and has not rusted even after 2000 years. Humayun Tomb – this 16th century monument is known as the first example of the monumental scale that would characterize subsequent Mughal
imperial architecture. Built in the middle of the garden Humayun's Tomb is now one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi. Drive pass India Gate- built in the memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their life during I World War fighting for British, this arch built on 1921 is a prominent site in Delhi. Parliament House – designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker the man behind the creation of master piece architecture all New Delhi, this 1927 circular building supported by a central dome is hub of world’s largest democracy. Stop at President House – Located on the Raisina Hills, Rashtrapati Bhawan as it is popularly called President House was originally conceptualized as House of Viceroy of India in1911 when British Empire decided to sift its capital from Calcutta to Delhi. This fortress like 340 rooms palace has been boasts of chandeliers from Belgium, Italian marble, Burmese teakwood, Dholpur stone inside. In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid - the last architectural extravagance of Emperor Shah Jahan, which he built shortly after the completion of Red Fort. Highly decorative it is the largest mosque in India its courtyard can accommodate 25000 devotees to offer prayer at one time. Drive pass Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat - cremation site of Father of the Nation ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ now boats gardens and a memorial. Afternoon depart Delhi by surface for Agra (200 Km). Arrive Agra and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 :Delhi to Amritsar (By Shatabdi Express)
Morning transfer to railway station to board the train for Amritsar. Upon arrival in Amritsar transfer to Hotel.. In the evening we visit the Golden Temple, which is the Mecca of Sikh religion .The temple with a shinny pure gold dome, is beautifully situated in the center of a lake (The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .All around the lake are marble walkways and various other temple buildings. The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand people continuously, is spectacular. The huge utensils to prepare the food and the chapattis (breads) - 20 to 25 at a time - are a mind-boggling sight. However,
besides the physical beauty of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphere of the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming. The constant recitation of the holy book brings a certain sense of peace to the individual. We walk through the temple complex and try soak in the atmosphere. We would also have an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders who would talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism. Just outside the Golden Temple are various shops that sell Sikh religious artifacts like swords (decorative), bracelets, combs, small daggers etc.
Later we drive back to our hotel and overnight stay.
Day 04 : Amritsar to Dharamshala (200 Kms. / 07 hrs) Post breakfast we check out from hotel and drive to Dharamshala (about 200 km / 7 hrs), which is an Alt. 2080, M, Home of His Holiness Dalai Lama
Upon arrival we check in at our pre-arranged hotel for 02 Nights. Day 05 - Dharamshala
Dharamsala is better known as Dalai Lama's abode and Tibet's Government-in-exile after the Chinese invasion of Lhasa in October 1959. Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby .
snow line with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive. There are several places of tourist attractions in Dharamsala that are worth visiting. In the morning, visit Macleodganj, a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazaars that sell carpets, handicrafts and delicious Tibetan food. Originally home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, McLeodganj is today the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government.The impressive monastery has larger than life size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.
Bhagsu Nag Temple, a quiet temple lying beside several pools where devout Hindus and monks congregate to bathe is another attraction.St John's Church, one of the most poignant memories of the British Reign is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 5 miles away from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj Also visit the Kangra art museum that preserves the Kangra valley's arts, crafts and rich past, displays artefacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items. Evening free to explore Mc Leodganj market & overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06 - Dharamshala to Manali (Via Jawalji Temple )
Early morning depart for Manali enroute visiting Palampur town, viewing tea gardens, old Shiva temple at Baijnath, Mandi & Kullu towns and also visit famous Jawalaji Temple crowned with a Squat Golden Spire, contains a blue gas flame, considerd a manifestation of the Goddess of Fire, Jawalamukhi. After visiting continue drive to Manali via Mandi and Kulu valley. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Day 07 - Manali
In the morning we drive to the adjoining town of Naggar, the ancient capital of the Kullu valley, and visit the Naggar Castle. Built in the 18th century astride a sheer-
sided bluff the castle is built in the traditional “earthquake-proof” way common to this region around a central courtyard that houses a legendary shrine. Over the centuries, it has served as a palace and a colonial mansion and is now run as a heritage hotel. Not far from here is a fine art gallery dedicated to the famous Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore Manali.
Day 08 - Manali to Keylong (115 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Keylong. Travel by jeep from Manali to Keylong enroute visiting the Rohtang Pass (3980 m). Upon arrival we check in at our hotel. Later we visit the Khardong monastery 5 km from Keylong. It is situated on the left bank of Bhaga River, above the Khardong village facing Keylong. This monastery boasts of the largest strength of monks and nuns in the Lahaul region. Afternoon visit the Shashur Gompa, dedicated to Lama Gotsang of Zanskar and belongs to the red sect, Gelug-Pa who have spiritual links with the Lion cave temple in Bhutan. Overnight stay at the hotel in Keylong
Day 09 - Keylong to Sarchu (114 Kms, 6 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast drive to Sarchu over Baralacha Pass (4830 m). Arrive Sarchu and check into tents. Evening at leisure & overnight in tent. Day 10 - Sarchu – Leh (3521 m) (253 km / 10-11 hrs)
After breakfast we drive to Leh. The road from Sarchu crosses high mountain Passes, Nakeela Pass (4750 m) and Lachalung La (5066 m) to reach the Army Camp in the Pang valley. The dry barren mountains around Pang are eroded in very spectacular way. They look like giant fortress like structures with spires, pinnacles and windows. From Pang, the road climbs up and reaches a different world altogether. Here is the flat high desert of More Plains, 50-60 km of road bisecting it. This is Rupshu, an extension of Changthang plateau of Tibet. The
road then climbs for Tanglang Pass (5360 m), the second highest mountain Pass in Ladakh and then finally reaches Leh. This 475 km Himalayan journey is a visual delight with not one moment of boredom en route. On arrival we check-in the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11 - Leh (Excursion to Shey, Thiksey & Hemis)
Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa founded in 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyall. Hemis is one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh.The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the
reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. Later in the evening we drive back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12 - Leh – Alchi (Via Phyang, Likir & Basgo)
After breakfast we drive to Phyang, Located 22 Kms from Leh. The monastery is remarkably built on the hilltop, similar to the Likir monastery. This monastery belongs to the Degungpa order. And we drive further to Likir and visit Likir gompa situated atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. It was founded in the 12th Century although the present construction dates back to the 18th century as the original one was destroyed by fire. In its courtyard is a yellow-coloured 3 storey high mammoth statue of the Lord Buddha, which was constructed by a resident monk. The top floor has an impressive museum containing old tangkhas and weapons used many centuries back.
Basgo, The seat of power of a branch of the Namgyal family. It is here in 1680 A.D. that invading Mongol and Tibetian armies were held in check over a three year long seige. Original 16th century murals and other arts of Basgo are well worth a visit. Then we drive and cross the River Indus and reach Alchi, Ladakh's most loved monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike other monasteries, which are usually on a cliff top or cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level and is nestled in the shade of a garden. Overnight stay at Camp
Day 13 - Alchi to Lamayuru and Leh (Via Ridzong)
After break fast start early morning drive to Lamayuru, and Ridzong back to Leh .
Lamayuru lower Ladakh its also called as sham. Lamayuru Gompa: The oldest holy site in Ladakh, it was a bon shrine prior to the advent of Buddhism. Also known as Yung Drung (Swastika) it is sited on a high promontory overlooking the village and valley. For sheer spectacle value no other Gompa can match Lamayuru.
After visit at lamayuru Gonpa the drive to Ridzong Gompa: There is no road to Rizong Gompa hence one has to walk to the monastery which is deep
into the mountains. Rizong Gompa is known as the paradise for Meditation. Guru Padma Sambhava is believed to editated here for years. One can still find the small caves where Lamas used to meditate for years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except for a one feet square outlet window from where they accept the one time meal of the day. After Ridzong visit we drive back to Leh and check in at our hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14 - Leh to Nubra (126 km) (42OOm/ 5-6 Hrs. Drive)
After breakfast drive to Nubra Valley the road to the Nubra Valley goes through the highest motorable pass in the world at Khardung La (5602m) The Pass is almost permanently covered in fog and snow, On arrival in the Nubra valley Nubra means green used to be on the trading roué connecting Tibet with Turkistan, and was the navy of Turkisatn which invaded it several times. Also know as the Valley of flowers, Nubra has always been well cultivated and fertile, with the best climate in Ladakh, so grains and fruit, such as apples and apricots, have always been plentiful. Ninety per cent of Nubra's population is Buddhist.
Nubra's very known monastery, Samstaling is situated on the mountainside just above Sumur. This was the route taken by the trade caravans, and Panamik, the last village on this circuit, was at that time a busy centre, the last major settlement before the caravans plunged into the mountains of the Karakoram and the Kun-Lu. Here they invariable halted for a few days to make final preparations for getting over the mountains, or to recuperate afterwards. There would be no supplies, not even grazing for the animals, for about 12 days after Panamik, so they had to carry all their provisions for that time. The Government maintained a granary to sell foodgrains for the men, and even for the horses. Overnight stay Camp.
Day 15 - Nubra
Full day visit of Nubra Valley first visit the hot sulphur springs at the village of Panamik, the last destination travellers are permitted to travel to in Nubra are believed to have certain medicinal qualities that cure a number of ailments. Later 3-4 hrs walk till the Esna monastery that is over 250 years old. This is the oldest monastry in Nunbra valley. Return drive to camp rest of the time at camp.
Day 16 - Nubra to Leh
After breakfast drive to Leh over the Khardungla pass.
On arrival check in hotel.
Later we take an excursion to Spituk, Sankar & Stok
Spituk monastery, which was founded by Od Lde, in the 11th century AD. In those days the gompa belonged to the Kadampa School but Gelukpa order was introduced during the region of King Dragspa Bum ilde, when Lama Lhawang Lotus restored the monastery, Sanker Gompa, which is towards the north of the Town, it has an impressive). And further drive to Stok, Stok Palace Museum which is about 12 kms from Leh across Indus river. It houses some old statues and other equipment
After finishing the tour we drive back to hotel, Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel
Day 17 – Leh to Delhi
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Day 18 – Depart Delhi
In time transfer to international airport to board the flight for onward destination.
