Ladakh to Kashmir Overland Journey

Join Delhi

Welcome to India! On arrival you will be met by a representative of Adventure Associates and transferred to the 5 star Oberoi Hotel

Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast we embark on a sightseeing day in Delhi. As a complete contrast to the old, New Delhi stands in formal splendor. It is a city of wide boulevards that offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen’s landscaped city. It is also a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and India Gate. In New Delhi we will also visit Qutab Minar, the 72.5 metre high tower dating back to the 13th century, and Humanyun’s Tomb, which was built in the 16th century and architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Pulsing with energy and colour, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes, which twist and turn between the tall, leaning buildings. We will witness the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and experience the full sights, sounds and aromas indicative of the Indian sub continent. In Old Delhi we pass the famous Red Fort, surrounded by shops and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and Chandni Chowk. Overnight Oberoi Hotel. B

Delhi to Chandigarh (260km)

After breakfast we begin our drive from Delhi to Chandigarh. Located on the edge of the Siwalik Hills, the outermost rim of the Himalaya’s, Chandigarh was made the capital of the state of Punjab in the 1950’s after the old capital of Lahore became a part of Pakistan.

On arrival we will explore the Nek Chand Rock Garden, often described as a fantasy land, the garden is filled with objects created by Nek Chand, a former roads inspector who worked for the Chandigarh engineering department. There are hectares of sculptures and objects made from ceramics, electrical wires and bits of machinery. The work has received international acclaim and is lauded as nonmainstream ‘outsider’ art. Chand is still often found in his gardens, and is happy to speak to visitors about his works. Afterwards we travel to the outskirts of Chandigarh to visit Sukhna Lake. Overnight Marriott Hotel. B

Chandigarh to Manali (295km)

After breakfast we set out for a fairly long day of travel. We expect the drive to Manali to take approx. 8 – 9 hours, however the views are breathtaking as we follow the winding road through gorges and ascend toward the mountains. Upon arrival we check in to the Manu Allaya Hotel. B,D

Manali (1970m), & the Kullu Valley

The Kullu Valley is one of the most picturesque areas in the west Himalaya and is surrounded by snow capped mountain ranges, alpine meadows and conifer forests. Manali is a trading town, and important gateway for travellers entering Ladakh. Today we explore the town and Hadimba Temple. Overnight Manu Allaya Hotel. B,D

Manali to Keylong (3440m) (126km)

After breakfast we continue along the Manali – Leh Highway to the fertile Bhaga Valley. Keylong is the administrative centre of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the only town between Manali and Leh and the obvious place to break our journey for the night. Overnight Tashi Delek Hotel. B,L,D

Keylong to Sarchu (4290m) (110km)

Sarchu (also known as Sir Bhum Chun), is a tented camp along the Leh-Manali Highway, which sits on the boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir). It is situated between Baralacha-La to the south and Lachulung La to the north, at a considerable altitude of 4,290 m. Overnight deluxe camp. B,L,D

Sarchu to Leh via Taglang La (5328m)   (230km) (260km)

Today we cross the Taglung La (5328m). The pass is nestled high in the Zanskar range, it is truly spectacular and one of the highlights of our trip. Nestled in a side valley north of the Indus, Leh is dominated by the nine story Leh Palace, and the old town is a labyrinth of alleyways and traditional old houses. On arrival we check in to our hotel. B,L,D

In Leh

Following breakfast we take the day to explore the spectacular monasteries of the Indus Valley.

Hemis

Built on a green hillside surrounded by spectacular mountains, Hemis is the biggest and the most important monastery in Ladakh. It was built in the 17th century by Chapgon Gyalshas and ever since has enjoyed the patronage of the royal family. Hemis is the headquarters of the Drukpa order and all the monasteries throughout Ladakh are administered by it. This wealthiest monastery contains gold statues and stupas decorated with precious stones and many priceless old Thankas.

Thiksey

Thiksey, one of the most imposing monasteries belonging to the 15th century, stands on a crag overlooking the flood plain on the east bank of the Indus. The monastery belongs to the Elugpa order (Yellow sect) and is a 12- Storey Monastery painted deep red, ochre and white with typical tapering walls. There is a 15m high Buddha figure at the entrance of the new temple. The layout of the monastery complex resembles the Potala palace in Lhasa.

Shey

On the east bank of the Indus River sits the beautiful Shey Monastery. Up until the 16th century it was the royal palace. There is a 17.5 m high blue haired Maitreya Buddha of copper, brass gilded and studded with precious gemstones.

In the late afternoon we will return to our hotel, the rest of the day us at your leisure. You may chose to walk to the nearest market at your own pace or spend some time relaxing at the hotel. Overnight Hotel Grand Dragon. B,L,D

The Nubra Valley via Kardungla Pass (5359m) (120km)

Today we journey across the world’s highest motorable pass, the Khardungla Pass (5359m). On the other side of the pass lies the Nubra Valley. Known also as the ‘Valley of the Flowers’, this region is blessed with a climate conducive to producing crops of grains and fruits, with apricots and apples in plentiful supply. 90% of the population is Buddhist, and the area has a distinctively Central Asian feel.  Our destination is the village of Diskit, and we should arrive by afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore Diskit and Hunder Villages. If time permits we may also take a camel safari in the sand dunes between Diskit and Hunder Village. Overnight deluxe camp. B,L,D

Nubra Valley to Leh (120km)

After breakfast we take time to explore Diskit Monastery, there are around 100 monks in residence and the Monastery is more than 500 years old. In the afternoon we return via the Kardungla to Leh. Overnight Hotel Grand Dragon. B,L,D

Leh to Kargil (215km)

En-route to Kargil we take time to visit Alchi Monastery, and the beautiful ancient Monastery of Lamayuru. There are approximately 300 monks registered under the administration of this great monastery. Have your camera at the ready, as this is one of the most picturesque monasteries in the entire Indian Himalaya. On arrival to Kargil we check into D-Zojila Residency. B,L,D

Kargil to Srinigar (205km)

After breakfast we continue to Srinagar via he Zojila pass (3528m) en-route visit Sonmarg (2740m). Sonmarg means ‘meadow of gold’ and this region is a trekker’s haven boasting challenging trek routes, frozen turquoise lakes and impressive glaciers. On arrival to Srinagar we board our houseboats for two nights. B,D

In Srinigar

Srinigar is the summer capital of the Kashmir Valley. The old city is a labyrinth of alleyways and mosques, and has a distinctly Central Asian feel. Dal Lake lies to the east, and is a complex maze of waterways. Each morning at dawn, a flotilla of Shikaras paddle out into the backwaters to form a floating market where mainly fresh produce and flowers are bought and sold. Beyond the lake is the Moghul Gardens another highlight of a visit here. Kashmir is also famous for its distinctive embroidery and carpets, and there are great shopping opportunities to be had in some of the tourist emporiums in the town. Today we explore Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Sankracharya Temple, and in the evening we take a boat ride on Dal Lake. Overnight houseboat. B,D

Fly Srinigar to Delhi

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Delhi. This evening we enjoy our final group dinner together. Overnight Oberoi Delhi. B

Delhi, trip concludes

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for onward arrangements. B