| Days 2 & 3 Manali
We start our journey towards Manali via Chandigarh, haulting at the famous Rock Garden before we continue our journey through Kullu valley to Manali. Manali holds a religious significance as being the home of Saptrishi- (seven sages). Later we visit the Dhoongri Temple, believed to be 1,000 years old and dedicated to goddess Hadimba; Vashist Springs; and Jagatsukh, the ancient capital of Kullu, famous for its spectacular temples; and Naggar, the capital of the Kullu Raja for over fourteen hundred years. In Manali we stay in a hotel.
Day 4 Darcha
We reach Darcha, our trekking start point via Pir Panjal range, over the Rothang la, further descending to lahoul valley and our trekking expert will guide you and prepare you for the following day trekking.
Days 5-15 Trekking from Darcha to Padum
Our first days of trekking are challenging as we trek towards and over the first great pass, Shingo La (5090 m). Along the route we will camp at various places and visit the last of the Lahouli villages, following the meanderings of the Jhankar Nala River. After the pass we descend steeply to our first camp in Zanskar. We have a long, easy descent to the village of Kargyak, passing meadows filled with wild flowers. From Kargyak we proceed to the confluence of two major rivers, the Kargyak Nalla and the Starap Chu. We also enjoy a day hike up to one of Zanskar's most spectacular sights---the Phuktal Gompa (monastery). Hiking past beautifully carved slate mani walls and chortens, we climb steadily to Phuktal, where a monastery of the Gelupa Buddhist sect is carved into the walls of a massive cave, blackened over the ages by soot. We continue our trek through Zanskar towards Mune via Ichar, an interesting fortified village. Crossing a fairly level, scenic plain, we visit Mune and its 200-year-old monastery. On the final day of this segment we journey to Padum, capital of Zanskar, where we visit the 17th century Bardan Gumpa on its fortress-like perch high above the river. A road links Padum with Kargil, providing us with a means to re-supply for the onward trek. We enjoy our first rest day here.
Days 16 - 25 Trekking from Padum to Lamayuru
We pass through level plains, rivers, gorges, and cross several passes before reaching Hanuma La (4950m), where we will find what are perhaps the most spectacular views of the Zanskar Range. After descending from this pass we take a rest day in Lingshed village. We explore the prosperous little village and Gompa, a temple complex clinging to the mountainside, rising tier upon tier from the valley floor. From here we continue past a number of villages and valleys before reaching the foot of Singe La (5050m). Next day, we make the steep climb over the pass, followed by a short descent into a broad valley. Crossing Bumiktse La after a gentle climb, we enjoy more beautiful views, and then descend towards Photaksar, a splendid village at the base of the huge mountain walls. The final stage of our trek is the long ascent of Sirsir La (4850 m), followed by an easy, scenic descent to the river and Hanupatta village. Our last trekking day takes us through the river gorge - a flat trail much of the way to Wanla, a picturesque village with a beautiful Gompa.
Day 26-28 Leh
Start an all-new exciting journey with your arrival from Delhi to leh and expect a whole lot of adventure to come your way as you enter the paradise situated 10 km from the fertile valley of Indus river. In stark contrast of the giant ‘White Mountain’ and cold desert lays the flourishing city of Leh. A one-stop destination to experience Tibet right here in India.
An important trading center, Leh is an explicit market for exquisite items across boundaries of Ladakh. Carpets, rugs and pashmina shawls from Kashmir, Persian motif, jewellery from
Tibet made of semi precious stone. Thangka paintings, prayer wheels, music bowls are other curios you can take back as a souvenirs.
Glimpses of ruins of ancient castles are worth capturing in your cameras. A simple yet pleasing and comfortable stay at a local hotel will keep you geared-up for your trek to Ladakh Palace and climb many stairs to Shanti Stupa.
Further days to come we shall visit to traditional Ladakhi home and to add thought for food relish the barley beer- chang, and stable food tsampa with the famous butter tea. A stopover at two gompas (monasteries) Spituk and Phyang will allow you to experience the calmness and spirituality among the monks and discover your inner self.
Days 29 & 30 Agra
We shall return to Delhi by early morning flight and board a deluxe coach to continue our journey to the Mughal splendor of Agra. Agra is; of course, domicile to the unforgettable world famous, heritage site Taj Mahal and the majestic Agra Fort. The Taj is one of the wonders of the world. Emperor Shah Jahan built it in 1652. It took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans to complete. The Agra Fort lies across the river Jamuna. It was here that Aurangzeb, the third son of Shah Jahan, kept his father under house arrest. One can get a fantastic view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Fort.
Day 31 Delhi
As we drive back to Delhi visiting Govardhan en-route. This site is situated near Mathura the birthplace of Lord Krishna, its significance as a legend claims that Lord Krishan lifted the Govardhan Parvat (hill) on the tip of his finger to shelter the inhabitants of Braj from a deluge. The entire hill is circumambulated by thousands of pilgrims every year. It's a fascinating place to. Back in Delhi we visit the Old city, where a bicycle rickshaw ride through the narrow laneways will take us to the Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India. Besides this enjoy the historic walk through some amazing buildings of the Delhi Sultanate including the Red fort, Qutub Minar- Highest Tower from the medieval India.
Day 32 Delhi
Our tour finishes with breakfast and transfer to the airport for your departure. |