(Delhi-Chandigarh-Dharamshala-Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Srinagar-Kargil-Zanskar-Kargil-Leh-Diskit-Nubra Valley-Leh-Jispa-Manali-Shimla-Kalka-Delhi)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)

22 Days Ladakh Tour is an intensive tour which covers the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, mainly, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. In the first part of the tour you will visit various cities in Himachal Pradesh like Shimla, Dharamshala and Manali. In the second part of the tour you will visit various cities in Jammu and Kashmir like Jammu, Srinagar and Gulmarg. In the third part of the tour you will visit various cities in Ladakh like Kargil, Zanskar, Padum, Leh, Diskit, Nubra Valley and Jispa. In this tour you will also visit various monasteries in Leh like alchi, Liki, Lamayuru, Shey and Hemis.

Day 1: Delhi (Arrival)
Today arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for the travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi - Chandigarh (by train)
In the morning after having breakfast we will drive to railway station to catch train to Chandigarh. Chandigarh, derives its name from the Chandi Mandir temple located in the vicinity of the city and a fort or ‘garh" beyond the temple, called Chandigarh. Chandigarh is a union territory, administered by the Government of India and was designed by Le Corbusier. In the evening arrive in Chandigarh and transfer to the hotel.

Day 3: Chandigarh - Dharamshala (about 245 kms / 7 hours)
Today we drive to Dharamshala. Dharamshala has one of the most spectacular settings for a hill station and split into two parts. The lower part is only known as Dharamshala and is about 9 kms away from the upper part, and known as Mcleodganj. In Dharamshala there is a strong Tibetan influence. The Dalai Lama settled here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. 

Day 4: Dharamshala 
Today we visit the Namgyal monastery at McLeodganj. This monastery is the major attraction in McLeodganj and is located on the opposite side of the Dalai Lama's residence. This monastery contains large gilded bronzes of Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava. Afterwards we have a walk through Mcleodganj and visit the St. John church. This church has attractive stained glass windows. Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of the British occupied India was buried in this church. Evening at leisure to visit the markets at Dharamshala.

Day 5: Dharamshala – Jammu (about 200 kms / 5 hours)
Along the snow covered mountains of mighty Himalayas we drive from Dharamshala to Jammu. The city of Jammu is the second largest in the state and is the winter capital of the government. The old town of Jammu overlooks the river Tawi. In Jammu we visit the Raghunath Temple of the 19th century and Ranbireswar Temple which is dedicated to God Shiva. We also visit the Dogra Art Gallery which is famous for its miniature paintings. Jammu is basically the Homeland of Dogra, the Rajput clan of the hill region in the north of the Ravi River.

Day 6: Jammu – Srinagar (about 310kms/ 8-9 hours)
Drive from Jammu to Srinagar. Srinagar has been described by some visitors as the Venice of the East. This beautiful city was established by Emperor Ashoka some 2300 years ago. A unique charm of Srinagar is its 1300 or more houseboats, the floating little hotels on the edge of the Dal Lake. Rest of the day free for leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings in Srinagar.
 

Day 7: Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar (about 110 kms)
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers. In Gulmarg you would be able to find European surroundings and 18-hole Golf Course. During the British Raj, Gulmarg hosted the Britishers and Europeans and these Britishers created a European hill resort. In Gulmarg while walking along the circular path you only have to look down to have a complete view of the valley and Srinagar. You can also have a fine view of Nanga Parbat, the naked mountain which is over 26,000 feet and dominates the entire region. Rest of the day at leisure in Gulmarg to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In the evening drive back to Srinagar.

Day 8: Srinagar (Free day)
This day free for leisure in Srinagar.

Day 9: Srinagar - Kargil (about 205 kms)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Kargil. On the way we will cross Zoji La pass which is situated at a height of 3529 metre. Zoji La marks the boundary between Kashmir and Ladakh. On Zoji La pas there is one way traffic, so we have to wait for traffic controller announcement for crossing Zoji La. In the afternoon we reach Drass which is the second coldest inhabited places in the world. After reaching Drass we drive further towards Kargil. Kargil is situated in Suru Valley where the Suru river flows and meets the Indus at a place called Marul. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel.

Day 10: Kargil - Zanskar (about 250 kms)
Today we will drive from Kargil to Zanskar. There is a jeep road from Kargil to Padum over the Pensi pass. This road is open from May to September. The Zanskar Valley has been a recent and welcome addition to the area of Ladakh. Zanskar is a sub region of Ladakh and is a remote area contained by the Zanskar mountain range to the North and the Great Himalaya to the South. The Zanskar river flows along the valley from Padum to Zangla, then makes its way through the Zanskar range in a series of impressive gorges to join the Indus. The main valley is approximately 300 km long and is ringed by mountains. Access to it is therefore over one of the high passes.

Day 11: Zanskar (Excursion to Padum)
Today we will drive from Zanskar to Padum. Padum is the main habitation and the headquarters of the Zanskar area. Close to the Padum town are a set of ancient rock carvings and two picturesque monasteries. Padum is a low population mainly Buddhist settlement with the minority of Sunni Muslim. 

Day 12: Zanskar - Kargil (about 250 kms)
Today we drive back from Zanskar to Kargil. A quite town now, Kargil once served as important trade and transit centre in the Pan-Asian trade network. Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh and it is like a mid way point on the long journey from Srinagar to Leh. Overnight stay in Kargil.

Day 13: Kargil - Leh (about 236 kms, 8 hours)
One should start early morning from Kargil so that on the way the monasteries of Alchi, Likir and Lamayuru can be visited. The road further from Kargil climbs its adventuress & breathless way to Namika-la (12,200 ft. or 3719 m) and Fotu-la (13,479ft. or 4094m) passes, giving you a real feeling, being really at the top of the world. (“La” means a pass and used with respect and honour). In the evening arrive in Leh. Since the 17th century, Leh has been the capital of the Ladakh region. Leh and Indus Valley were earlier the capitals of the region. 

Day 14: Leh (Excursion to Shey & Hemis)
Today we have a day excursion to Shey and Hemis monastery. Shey is the oldest capital of Ladakh from where its earliest Tibetan kings ruled. The Monastery or Gompa of Shey is located ideally on a high rock about 15 kms south of Leh on the eastern bank of the Indus. Until the 16th century, Shey was the royal residence. One of the attraction of the Shey is the victory stupa which is topped with gold. The monastery of Hemis is situated on a green hill, surrounded by spectacular mountains. Hemis is around 45 kms in the south of Leh on the west bank of the Indus. The monastery of Hemis is the biggest of Ladakh.

Day 15: Leh – Diskit , Nubra Valley (about 140 kms 5 hours)
Today we drive from Leh to Diskit. Diskit is the main habitation and administrative center of the Nubra Valley. It is situated on the edge of a desert on the Shyok-side valley. Due to unmatchable beauty of this valley an excursion made here is unforgettable. The valley is surrounded by the Himalaya Mountain and offers spectacular views.

Day 16: Diskit – Nubra Valley – Leh
Today we drive from Diskit to Nubra valley. The Nubra Valley literally means the valley of flowers. Nubra Valley is situated in the north of Leh. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above the sea level. The Nubra Valley, lies once on the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass has been opened recently to the tourists. The main attraction of the Nubra valley is Bactarian Camels. (Double hump Camel) They can be seen around sand dunes.

Day 17: Leh - Jispa (about  361 kms/ 10 hours)
Today we drive from Diskit to Jispa. Jispa lies at 10890 feet on the banks of Bhaga River. Bhaga is one of the tributaries of the river Chenab which is a very fast flowing river. Jispa as well as Sarchu (371 kms from Diskit) are used by traveler as mid point to spend overnite while traveling by road from Leh to Manali. In Jispa one can enjoy the wonderful views of Himalaya and Mountain.

Day 18: Jispa – Manali (about 141 kms 5 hours)
Early morning drive from Jispa to  Manali. through the Rohatang Pass, which is at the height of around 13,060 feet. The path is rough through the pass but to compensate this views of snow peaks and glaciers are magnificent. Manali has spectacular views of snow capped peaks and wooded slopes. It offers interesting walks through dappled orchards and fairy tale forests of Deodar.

Day 19: Manali 
In the morning we will have sightseeing in Manali. Today we will visit Hidimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Spring and Monastery. Hidimba Devi temple was built in 1553. This temple has a superbly crafted four-tiered pagoda roof and famous for it’s exquisitely carved doorway. Vashishth Hot Water Springs are the well known hot water springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashishth and Lord Rama. In the evening we visit a small Tibetan monastery which houses several Buddha images and Rahella Falls. It is a beautiful picturesque site from where the Beas river falls drown from the height of 50 meters above sea level.

Day 20: Manali - Shimla (about 250 km / 5 hours)
In the morning we drive towards Shimla. The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations." Shimla is situated in the northwest Himalayas. It was the summer capital of India before independence and it is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala" the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular and biggest hill stations. 

Day 21: Shimla
Today we have sightseeing in Shimla. In our sightseeing we visit the Gothic Christ church. This Christ church is located on the Shimla’s prominent Ridge. Even today, the church has some interesting memorial tablets while the pews still mark the seats of British Viceroy of India, the Commander-in-Chief and the Punjab’s Governor. Later we visit the Jakhoo Hill. It is the highest point in Shimla and offers a spectacular view of the town, hills and distant mountain ranges. The peak has a temple dedicated to the Lord Hanuman. After visiting the temple we return back to hotel. In the evening we visit the Mall and Scandal Point for shopping. Scandal Point is the hub of Shimla’s social life and is said to be so named after a British Commander-in-Chief’s daughter eloped from the spot with the Maharaja of Patiala. 

Day 22: Shimla - Kalka (about 100 km / 2 hours) - Delhi (by train)
Today we drive to the Kalka railway station for the train to Delhi. In the night arrive in Delhi and transfer to the airport for the flight to home destination for the onwards journey. (End of our Services).

Hotels:

Hotel which have been tested in the past by us and are good value of money (subject to availability).

Inclusions in the given tour cost:

• Accommodation in double room on twin sharing basis with bath and WC as in the above mentioned / similar hotels.

• Breakfast and Dinner in the Hotel during the tour.

• Train Tickets (Delhi – Chandigarh) (Kalka – Delhi).

• All Toll Parking , DA.

• Arrival / Departure Assistance.

• All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an individual Air Conditioned vehicle with driver.

• All applicable taxes.

 Exclusions:

• Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Monument Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills and  Alcoholic beverages.

• Camera Fees (Still or Movie).

• Any Flight Charges.

• Additional Sightseeing or Extra usage of Vehicle other then mentioned in the Itinerary.

• Guide Charges & Entrances Charges.

• Unspecified Meals etc.

• Anything which is not included in the inclusions.

Package cost per person on twin sharing basis in INR including Room, Breakfast, Dinner, Transport and Taxes-

Note: Above rates are valid from April 2014 till September 2014.
 

The details of the vehicles can be found at:
http://www.indovacations.net/English/MahindraXylo.htm

http://www.indovacations.net/english/ToyotaInnova.htm
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tempotraveler.htm

Tour Reservation
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