The Essence of Kashmir Valley & Leh with Eastern Himalayan Trails

Daywise Tour Plan

• day1

  Arrival assistance at Delhi Airport & Transfer to Hotel.

  Our representative will meet you at the Delhi airport and transfer you to hotel.

  Delhi, India’s capital has seen the great empires rise and fall around it for millennia, with each new batch of rulers building over the works of their predecessors. As a result, the city abounds in monuments and ruins of stunning diversity. The seat of the world’s largest democracy, it also boasts of magnificent symbols of government that pay architectural tribute to the ideals of self-rule and democracy. These co-exist side by side with wide multi-lane motorways, shopping malls, fast cars and ultramodern steel-glass office complexes that characterise any large 21st-century metropolis.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day2

  Delhi – Srinagar (Transfer by Morning Flight)

  Post breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport and board the flight to Srinagar.

  You will be welcomed by our representative who will assist and escort you to your waiting vehicle. From the airport it is a 35 minutes drive through the heart of New Srinagar city. The drive takes you past the Abdullah bridge which connects the banks of the Jehlum river, snaking its way towards the North-Western frontier of Kashmir. We arrive at the hotel / houseboat and check in.

  Later we will go on a 02 hrs shikara ride in the lake. This boat ride glides you past some wonderful vegetable gardens and aquatic life.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day3
  Srinagar Sightseeing
  

  Today, we will enjoy half a day of local sightseeing, including visits to the famous Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar. Built over a period of 14 years, these gardens are a testament to the Mughal fascination with exquisite landscaping.

  Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Zabarwan Mountains, the gardens feature lush green turfs, blooming flowers, and cascading water fountains.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day4
  Srinagar - Glmarg (By Surface)
  

  On this day, enjoy a full-day excursion to the snow-capped land of Gulmarg, located approximately 45 kilometers from Srinagar.

  To make the trip even more adventurous, you can enjoy activities such as a Gondola cable car ride and snow skiing. Lunch will be arranged at a hotel in Gulmarg. Spend the evening exploring the meadows and strolling around.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day5
  Gulmarg - Pahalgam (By Surface)
  

  After a refreshing breakfast, drive to the beautiful valley of Pahalgam, located on the banks of the Lidder River.

  En route to Pahalgam, visit the Avantipur Ruins and the Cricket Bat Factory. By the afternoon, you will arrive in Pahalgam.

  Once there, take some time to relax and then explore the scenic beauty of the Lidder River valley.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day6
  Pahalgam - Srinagar (By Surface)
  

  This morning, enjoy a relaxing walk along the Lidder River to experience its gentle lapping. In the afternoon, drive back to Srinagar.

  Upon arrival, check in at the hotel to relax and unwind. The evening is free for you; if you wish, you can explore the local markets of the city.

  Overnight stay on a houseboat.

• day7
  Srinagar - Sonmarg - Kargil (By Surface)
  

  This morning, depart for Kargil, which is about 205 kilometers from Srinagar.

  En route, stop at the meadows of Sonmarg for lunch and cross the Zojila Pass, which is located 3,900 meters above sea level.

  After some time on the road, reach Drass Village, known as the second coldest inhabited place on Earth after Siberia. By evening, arrive in Kargil town; check in at the hotel upon arrival.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day8
  Kargil - Leh (By Surface)
  

  Post breakfast, embark on a drive to Leh, which is 230 kilometers from Kargil town. En route, visit the ancient rock-cut statue of Maitreya Buddha at Mulbekh village.

  Later, stop for photos at the lunar-like landscapes near Lamayuru Monastery. Enjoy a delicious lunch and a photo stop at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

  By evening, arrive in Leh and check in at the hotel.

  Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh region in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. Originally a stop for trading caravans, Leh is now known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. The massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled on the Dalai Lama’s former residence (Tibet’s Potala Palace), overlooks the old town’s bazaar and maze-like lanes.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day9
  Leh Sightseeing
  

  After breakfast, your travel guide will take you on a local sightseeing tour of Leh. Visit the Sankar Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and Leh Monastery. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
  Leh Palace: Built in 1430, the Leh Palace is popular among tourists for its large statue of Lord Buddha, known as Chamba in Ladakhi. The statue represents the future Buddha according to Lamas.
  Sankar Gompa: Located about 3 kilometers away, this monastery boasts a collection of miniature paintings. It can also be visited in the evening as it is well-lit.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day10
  Leh - Nubra Valley Via Khardungla Pass (Excursion Tour)
  

  Nubra Valley is a tri-armed valley located to the northeast. The sand dunes here offer a unique Arabian Nights-like experience. The valley is famous for its two-humped camels, so be sure to explore this attraction while in Leh Ladakh!

  Khardung La Pass serves as a gateway to Nubra and Shyok valleys. Although not a typical tourist attraction, it is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. Managed by the Border Roads Organization, Khardung La Pass is one of the highest and most thrilling passes to ride on.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day11
  Leh - Pangong Lake Via Diskit (Excursion Tour)
  

  In the morning, start for Pangong Lake on a full-day excursion. Located approximately 135 kilometers away, Pangong Lake is one of the largest natural brackish lakes in the Himalayas. A picnic lunch at Pangong Lake is also arranged to make the day exciting.

  Diskit Monastery, one of the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tsera Zangpo. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and features various Buddha statues, images of guardian gods, and a huge drum.

  Owing to its breathtaking location, Diskit Monastery offers solemn serenity and inner peace.

  By evening, return to Leh for an overnight stay at the hotel.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day12
  Leh - Delhi (By Flight)
  

  Post breakfast, transfer to Leh airport and board the flight to Delhi.

  Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel near the airport.

  The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore as you wish.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day13
  Delhi - Bagdogra (By Flight) - Darjeeling (By Surface)

  Post breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport and board the flight to Bagdogra.

  Upon arrival, receive assistance at the airport and proceed to Darjeeling.

  Historically, the mountain spurs where Darjeeling now stands were part of the independent kingdom of Sikkim and covered with dense forests. Originally, the town had fewer than 200 inhabitants when the East India Company first arrived.

  After India’s independence, Darjeeling became part of West Bengal. In 1986, an agitation for an independent state in the Indian Union led to the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which now enjoys significant administrative autonomy.

  Darjeeling, renowned as one of the world's premier hill stations, is adorned with pine trees, rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, and orchids. The town features a variety of interesting places to visit.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day14
  Darjeeling Sightseeing
  

  Early morning, drive to Tiger Hill (8,400 feet) to witness the stunning sunrise over Mount Khangchendzonga (28,208 feet), the world's third-highest peak.

  On the return from Tiger Hill, visit other attractions in Darjeeling, including the Ghum Monastery and Batasia Loop.

  After breakfast, explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, Tea Garden, Ropeway, and Japanese Temple. The evening is free for leisure.

  You may also enjoy shopping for tea and Tibetan artifacts.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day15
  Darjeeling - Gangtok (By Surface)
  

  Post breakfast, drive to Gangtok. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. The rest of the time will be spent at leisure.

  Gangtok, the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim, was established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s. After British rule ended, it became the capital of an independent monarchy but joined India in 1975.

  Today, Gangtok remains a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base for hikers organizing permits and transport for treks through Sikkim’s Himalayan mountain ranges.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day16
  Gangtok Sightseeing
  

  In the morning, after breakfast, you will be visiting Gangtok (5,500 feet), Sikkim's modern capital.

  As per the itinerary, today you will be visiting Tashi view point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Flower show, Cottage Industry and Handicraft Centre, Institute of Tibetology, Dro-dul Chorten, Enchey Monastery & Banjakhri Falls.

  View of the mighty Kanchenjunga from the Tashi View Point is something you will not forget throughout your life.

  From Cottage Industry and Handicraft Centre, shopaholics can pick some carpets, traditional motifs, blankets, shawls (in Lepcha weaves), 'thangka' paintings, graceful 'Choktse' (hand-carved foldable tables), hand-painted masks, dolls and many other objects. You will also visit Enchey Monastery, which is considered sanctified because it is believed that the protecting deities, Khangchendzonga and Yabdean reside in this monastery.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day17
  Gangtok - Bagdogra - Kolkata (By Flight)

  Post breakfast, drive to Bagdogra airport and board the flight to Kolkata.

  Upon arrival at Kolkata airport, receive assistance and transfer to the hotel.

  India’s third-largest city is a daily festival of human existence, simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured and desperate, decidedly futuristic while splendid in decay. Historically known as Calcutta, Kolkata conjures images of both human suffering and vibrant urban life. It is regarded locally as India’s intellectual, artistic, and cultural capital.

  While poverty is evident, the city's self-made middle class drives its core machinery. A nascent hipster culture thrives among millennials, and the dapper Bengali gentry frequent grand colonial-era clubs.

  As the former capital of British India, Kolkata boasts a feast of colonial-era architecture that contrasts sharply with marginalized urban areas and dynamic new-town suburbs, featuring air-conditioned shopping malls. Kolkata is the ideal place to experience the complex flavors of Bengali cuisine. Friendlier than other Indian metropolises, this is a city you ‘feel’ more than simply visit.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day18
  Kolkata Sightseeing
  

  After breakfast, our representative will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 9:30 am; the time may vary based on your preference. First, you will visit Mother Teresa's House to view her tomb and then proceed to Nirmal Hriday, the place where Mother Teresa and her sisters lived to serve the needy.

  Next, we will head to the famous Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu. It is the third-longest bridge in the world and remains busy almost throughout the day. Built over the sacred Ganges, the view of the river from the bridge is stunning.

  We will then move towards the oldest British-era building in the city, St. John’s Church. Near the church is the grave of Job Charnock, the founder of the city. The church, built of stone and brick, features a beautiful interior with wood and marble elements, including large paintings of the Last Supper on the walls. It also contains the round table on which the Charter of Calcutta was signed.

  Our next stop is the exquisitely designed Marble Palace, set amidst a lush green meadow adorned with artistic sculptures. This building is a treasure trove of antiques, including curios from China and paintings by Rubens.

  The trip concludes with a visit to the majestic Victoria Memorial, a marble structure built in memory of Queen Victoria. It blends Mughal and British architectural styles and now functions as a museum showcasing paintings, miniatures, statues, and books, providing an in-depth knowledge of Indian history.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

  
  

   

• day19
  Kolkata (Leisure Day)
  

  The day will be spent at leisure and for shopping. A vehicle will be provided for your convenience.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day20
  Kolkata Airport Departure
  

  Transfer to Kolkata airport and board your flight to your home country.
  
  
  'TOUR ENDS WITH MEMORIES'