Exotic Himalayas Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome and assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and transfer to the pre-booked hotel by aircon car. After check in, travel document related to the tour plan and services will be handed over to you; our representative will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. Later in the evening visit to see Light and Sound Show at Red fort. The show exhibits wonderful history of the city in a very interesting way. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

03 Day: Delhi – Chandigarh (245 kms: 5 hrs)

After an early breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Chandigarh, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after relaxation visit: Leisure valley is like a garland of gardens that beautifies the entire city. Rock Garden: is an epitome of creativity and innovation. It is a unique garden that consists of various art objects. But the best part about the rock garden is that each of its art work has been made by using industrial & urban waste. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled. As the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh it is a prestigious city. The face of modern India, Chandigarh, is the manifestation of a dream that Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru envisaged and Le Corbusier executed. Serenity and a city are two diametrically opposite concepts, which however, get belied in the 'City Beautiful'. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. India’s first planned city, is a rich, prosperous, spic and span, green city rightly called “THE CITY BEAUTIFUL ”.

04 Day: Chandigarh – Shimla (115 kms: 4 hrs)

After an early breakfast check out the hotel, and take the sightseeing tour of Chandigarh city Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. The unique thing about Sukhna is that it is a manmade lake. Rose Garden: Asia's largest Rose Garden and is spread over 30 acres of land having over 1600 different species or roses. These have been planted beautifully carved out lawns and flowers beds. Museum and Art Gallery. After visit drive to Shimla, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment, visit the famous Mall Road that still has some building built in the British Style. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Shimla in the days before independence, Shimla was the most important British hill station, and in the summer season became the summer capital. The British in 1819A.D first discovered Shimla, but it was not until 1822 A.D that the first permanent house was erected and not until many years later that Shimla became the summer capital. The name Shimla is derived from the Himalayan Goddess Shamla a synonym of Kali.

05 Day: Shimla (Excursion to Kufri and Naldhera)

After breakfast depart for the winter sports capital Kufri 16 kms, where you can photograph yourself in Pahari or Himachal outfit, available on hire. You can also enjoy horse riding or Yak riding. (On own your own) Afternoon proceed to Naldhera, which is famous for its Golf Course & scenic beauty. On a clear day you can also view the Kailash Ranges. Afterwards visit the famous Mall Road that still has some building built in the British Style. Evening will be at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Kufri: An enjoyable drive through forests and small villages leads to this small but popular station. The Nature Park here is a great attraction. A short trek leads to the Mahasu Peak with breathtaking views.

Naldehra: Among the myriad hamlets of Himachal Pradesh is Naldehra, a town tucked just a little while away from the hustle-bustle of the well renowned hill station, Shimla. Naldhera is everything that Shimla is not - serene, green and ever so fascinating.

06 Day: Shimla – Kullu – Manali (280 kms: 8 hrs)

After breakfast checkout and drive to Manali. On the way you glance at the scenic spots like Pandoh Dam, Mandi, Beas River, and Dashehra Maidan. Optionally en route you can visit Kullu to visit the Shawl factories to purchase warm cloth material, Kullu shawl is a handloom product, later proceed on arrive in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Manali is the Northern end of the Kullu Valley and is the main resort in the area. It is beautifully situated and there are many pleasant walks around the town. Surrounded by towering peaks at arm length, Manali’s major asset is its proximity to the snowline, never more than few hours’ drive from the town nestling at comfortable 2050meters. It is the centre of the flourishing orchard industry a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks.

07 Day: Manali

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Manali town, visiting Hadimba Temple, dedicated to goddess, Manu Temple of Manu Rishi (Holy man) who was the creator of human race on the earth, Club house, a picnic spot, Tibetan monasteries, 3 colourful monasteries, on the bank of beas river you can buy Tibetan handicraft over here, Vashist Kund, it is a small village located on the left bank of river Beas renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here, if time permits you can visit to Mountaineering institute. In the evening visit at the famous mall road to enjoy the atmosphere of the hill station. Overnight at the hotel

08 Day: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Jispa (150 kms: 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jispa, enroute visit Rohtang Pass (3979 m) Rohtang pass on highway to Keylong/Leh. En route Stop over to enjoy breathtaking beauty of Kothi, Rahalla Falls to enjoy the sight of fascinating waterfalls, and Marrhi. Continue to drive to Rohtang, There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra River flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan’s Enjoy skiing and trekking and snow capped mountains. Later proceed to Jispa, on arrival transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Rohtang Pass - Situated at an altitude of 3979 metres above sea level and 51 kms outside Manali is the mighty Rohtang Pass - the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley. Open for just about four months a year, it affords a wide panoramic view of the mountains. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. At the top of the pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul valley. There is the beautiful Dashohar Lake left of the pass.

09 Day: Jispa

After breakfast visit Spiti Valley. Hike to the village. Dinner and overnight stay.

Jispa: lies 10890 ft on the banks of Bhaga River. Bhaga is one of the tributaries of world's fastest river Chenab. Jispa-Jispa is located at 90 kms from Rohtang Pass and just off Manali - Leh National highway 21. Jispa-Jispa is characterised by breathtaking sights of Himalaya and Mountain Goat passing by.

10 Day: Jispa – Sarchu (80 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Sarchu. Enroute is situated at the junction of Yotche nullah and the Zangskar chhu which takes off from the Shinkun la. Both these nullahs meet with the main river Bhaga at this place. The valley broadens out from Darcha. The altitude of Darcha is about 3500 m. which makes it an ideal base camp for acclimatisation. Two days acclimatization at this place will prove useful for expeditions to Baralacha la and beyond. Darcha is the jumping off point for treks to Padum over the Shinkun la or Baralacha la and Phirtse la and for treks or mountaineering expeditions to Leh and peaks of Chandra Bhaga series. However no tourist bungalow or rest house facilities are available on either side of the nullahs. A police check post is also there. Darcha is the last village where one can see sparse growth of trees. Beyond Darcha not even a single tree can be seen on either side of the highway. Landscape starts looking desolate and absolutely barren. Glance at JISPA. This beautiful spot is 22 kms away from Keylong and 4 kms ahead of Ghemur. Sarchu is the last inhabited point in Himachal Pradesh on the Manali-Leh route- which is regarded as one of the highest highways in the world. On arrival, transfer to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Sarchu: Adventure Camps located in Sarchu (4253 mts) are pitched at picturesque camping site having a fresh water source. The camps are a cluster of 15 - 20 tents providing accommodation on twin sharing basis. The tents are wind/ water proof and are fitted with twin beds and a small light generated by camps own electricity generator. Camp also has a dinning tent serving simple menu. The tents may have attached or common toilets with running cold water and hot water can be provided on request.

11 Day: Sarchu – Leh (245 kms: 7 – 8 hrs)

Early morning check out from the camp and drive to Leh. Your journey through Nakeela & Lachlangla Pass 16,617 ft, Reach Pang by afternoon lunch break at Pang, enroute. More Plains (Biggest and Highest Plateau on Earth on Stretch of 42 Kms), Taglang La Pass (2nd Highest Motorable Road in the World at A Height of 17,585ft) & reaching Upshi, from here the road follows the Indus River, passing villages with there terraced Fields and neat- Whitewashed houses. On a way one notice the ruins have an ancient Fort or palace or the distant glimpse of gompa on a hill. And at last reaching Leh. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Leh: (3505 m) is the capital of Ladakh. For centuries, it was an important stopover for the caravan merchants going to Central Asia. Today, the town is a bustling centre for tourists and the local populace. Towering above the town is the 17th century palace of King Senge Namgyal, Ladakh's most important ruler. His kingdom extended beyond the modern boundaries of Ladakh, and additionally, he was the descendant of the 7th century warrior king of Tibet-Songtsen Gambo. Atop the Namgyal Hill, lie the ruins of an earlier palace, the Namgyal Tsemo, built by the 16th century king Tashi Namgyal. On the other side of the town, up a winding road, lies the Ladakh Shanti Stupa.This is a modern structure, built in 1985 by a Japanese Buddhist order. Leh is surrounded by picturesque locales, easily accessible and adding to the whole experience of a holiday in Ladakh.

12 Day: Leh

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45km west of Leh; Hemis Gompa was founded in 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal. Hemis is one of the largest and richest Gompa of Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back taking the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill-lock with formidable views of the Indus valley. It was founded by Old Led 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 idle. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and is also known for its (Dukhang) assembly hall which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books, stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. Continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace, the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh and Sindhu Darshan. Thereafter sightseeing and photo shoot for ‘Leh Palace’ afterwards visit the Shanti stupa to catch the entire view of Leh city with the Indus River, spend some time to catch the sunset and further on to Leh. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh.

13 Day: Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru – Leh (125 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)

After an early breakfast, drive to Alchi via Sham valley, visit Alchi monastery, the only Gompa in Ladakh region on flat ground. Thereafter proceed to the Likir Monastery to visit the splendid three storeys Dharma Wheel Gompa. Here you'll be awestruck with the sight of the massive Buddha statues. Also visit the famous Lamayuru monastery, then drive along the Indus river visiting, the Indus & Zanskar river Sangam, visit Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and Magnetic Hill (where the cars defy gravity), Basgo Palace and further on to Leh Hall of Fame (which has a museum of the Kargil War memorabilia). Later drive back to Leh, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

14 Day: Leh – Khardung La Pass – Nubra (160 kms: 5-6 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft) Arrive at Hundur by afternoon. Hunder is located in Nubra Valley. Lunch at Camp, rest of the day is free to explore Diskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Diskit and Hunder Village. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel at Nubra Valley.

Nubra Valley: The Nubra Valley is indeed a precious treasure of Ladakh where people still living in the complete isolation for most of the year from rest of the world in the heart of the great Himalayas. The main attraction of the Nubra valley is Bactarian Camels (double hump Camel). These camels can be seen around sand dunes.

15 Day: Nubra Valley

After breakfast, your day is free to spend time at one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Visit the sight of the Two Hump Bactrian camels and enjoy time at; the Sand Dunes of Nubra valley spread across Hundur Village. Also enjoy Bactrian camel ride. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel at Nubra Valley.

16 Day: Nubra Valley – Leh (120 kms: 6 - 7 hrs)

After breakfast proceed to; Diskit monastery which is 515 years old situated on a hill top giving panoramic view of the valley later walk around the town of Diskit which has a small village market and the Maitreya Buddha statue near the monastery. Proceed for the Samsthaling, Panamik, and Yaraptso Lake along with the splendid view of the Karakoram Himalayan Range… Samsthaling is situated on the mountainside just above summer. 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 Proceed back to Leh cross Khardungla Pass once again and reach Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

17 Day: Leh – Pangong (155 kms: 5 hrs)

After an early breakfast, leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Pangong Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m), it is the highest land locked lake. A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometres at its widest point and over 130km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. A few years back the government decided to open it to tourists though the lake and its surrounding is under army surveillance. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Dinner and overnight stay at the camps on Pangong Lake.

Pangong: Come to the border between India and China at 14,500 ft and make yourself feel so close to nature and environment as never before. With beautiful landscapes in the backdrop and unforgettable scenery, this famous blue brackish lake of Pangong extends from India to China. The best part of the Pangong is the various blue shades of the water. This salt water lake is truly a photographer's and geologist's delight.

18 Day: Pangong – Leh (155 kms: 5 hrs)

Early morning enjoy the picturesque view of Sun rise on lake. After Breakfast drive back to Leh where you will have some time to do shopping in evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.

19 Day: Leh – Delhi (By Air)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to the airport to board schedule flight for Delhi, assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel, after refreshment day is free for leausire or take sightseeing to Old Delhi: (Shahajahanabad) the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

20 Day: Delhi – Hometown (By Air)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled, on departure the tour concludes with the happy memories.