Arriving at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax.

Accommodation:  At your selected hotel – 2 nights.

After breakfast, we set off on a full day, guided tour of the city.  In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid then drive past the Red Fort before taking a short rickshaw ride through the bustling market of Chandni Chowk. You also visit Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.  Following lunch we explore the British Raj architecture of Lutyen’s New Delhi, driving past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) and the Parliament buildings with a photo stop at the India Gate. The tour finishes with a visit to the ancient minaret Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

Depart early this morning for the Delhi railway station and travel to Kalka to connect to the Toy Train to Shimla.  After travelling through the Indian countryside, enjoy the unique experience of riding one of the oldest operational, narrow gauge Hill trains up into the mountains.  Upon arrive at Shimla station, you will be met by our rep and transferred to your pre booked hotel.

Capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla was formerly the summer capital of India before independence and is known for its natural beauty, British era architecture, wooden crafts and apples orchards. As one of India’s most famous hill stations, Shimla has been the site of some of the most important meetings/pacts such as the “Round Table Conference” and “Shimla Pact” between India & Pakistan.

Accommodation:  At your selected hotel – 2 nights.

This morning we take a “Heritage Walk” around Shimla University followed by visit to museum and a walking tour of Mall road.  If time permits, there will be a short excursion to the picturesque nearby hill station of Kufri.

On today’s full-day drive along the famous India-Tibet Road marvel at the spectacular views of Srikhand range en route to Sarahran (163 km/6 hrs), gateway to the Kinnaur region. We will travel through Narkanda and Rampur before reaching Sarahan with its fine blend of Hindus and Buddhist temple architecture.

Upon arrival, check into your camp/hotel the remainder of the day is free.  Recommended is a visit to the Pheasant Breeding Centre or the ancient temple of Bhimkali.

Overnight at hotel/tents.

After a short morning drive from Sarahan arrive in Sangla (95 km/4 hrs). Situated on the bank of Baspa River, the Sangla Valley is famous for its natural scenery and snow capped mountain peaks. In the afternoon we visit Kamru Fort, just 2 km from Sangla. One of the oldest forts of Kinnaur region, this multi-storied fort is mainly built of local wood and covered with exquisitely carved idols of Kamakhya Devi and Lord Buddha, signifying the harmonious relationship between Hindu & Buddhist religions.  At a short distance is a temple dedicated to Nages God. We may also visit Sapni, Rackchham, Kilba.

Overnight in tents

After leisurely breakfast this morning, we drive to Kalpa (45 km/2 hrs) with a brief stop at Recong Peo to have a breathtaking view of Mt. Kailash. Upon arrival at Kalpa check into the hotel.

Kalpa, at an altitude of 2759 m, offers a different view of Kinner Kailash Range and is a photographers paradise for capturing stunning pictures of the snow capped peaks.
Overnight in tents.

After an early breakfast, we travel to Tabo  (Spiti Valley) (155 km/5 hrs) via Pooh & Sumdo with brief stop at Giu village which is on the Indo-Tibet border and famous for its 500 year old mummy said to be of a young Buddhist Lama.

Upon arrival at Tabo (3050 m), check into the camp. Situated on the bank of Spiti river Tabo is considered to be very important to Buddhists. This afternoon, visit the famous Tabo monastery. Built in the year 996 AD, this monastery houses a large number of Buddhist religious scriptures and pieces of art, fresco painting and stucco work.

Overnight in tents

Today we head out early with a stop at the magnificent Dhankar Gompa before arriving in Kaza (50 km /1½-2 hrs). Situated at 3800 m above sea level, Kaza is our base to explore the nearby Key Monastery, the largest in Spiti with its excellent collection of murals and thangkas and where religious training is given to Buddhist monks.

Later we will also visit Kibber, one of the highest motorable villages in the world at 4205 m. as well as Gette, known as the highest village in the world at an altitude of 4270 m.

Overnight in tents.

Today we drive to Keylong (187 km/5-6 hrs) via Kunzum-la (pass), which divides Lahaul and Spiti. Along the way, we will stop to appreciate Bara-Sigi glacier, the second longest glacier of the world as well as have a photo stop at Chander Tal. Upon arrival at Keylong, check-in to the hotel with the balance of the day is free to relax.

Accommodation:  At your selected hotel – 2 nights.

Enjoy a full day at leisure.  For those looking for more activity, you may visit the Kardang and Shahshur monasteries that are in the area.

Set off this morning on the main Manali-Leh route, following a dramatic road with its many zig-zag turns and over some high passes on the way to Sarchu (116 km/3-4 hrs). Our first stop is the town of Darchha, before crossing the Baralacha-la Pass (4,883 m). There will also be a photo-stop at Surajtal.   Tonight we camp at Sarchu at an altitude of 4,290 m.

Overnight in tents.

After early breakfast, we leave for Leh (255 km/6-7 hrs), driving over the Lachung-la Pass (5,065 m), and reaching Pang in time for lunch. Continuing on, we will stop at world’s second highest drivable pass, the Tanglang-la (5,350 m) before arriving in Leh, the capital of Ladakh.   The evening is at leisure allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 3 nights

After a leisurely morning allowing you to acclimatize completely, the afternoon is devoted to a short tour of the town visiting the Sankar Gompa, Spituk Gompla, Shanti Stupa and the Leh Palace.

Leaving early this morning we have a full day excursion to the Thiksey Monastery to see the sunrise and a prayer ceremony, and taking a picnic breakfast with us. Afterwards we’ll visit the Hemis Monastery, one of the biggest in this region. While returning to Leh, we stop at the Shey Palace as well as enjoy a picnic lunch. In the evening return back to the hotel.

After breakfast leave for Saspol (62 km/3 hrs) and en route visit Likhir Gompa.  Lunch will be at our campsite by the river, and tonight we visit Alchi Gompa and the local village.

Accommodation – camping  – 2 nights

This morning depart for Lamayuru (66 km/2 hrs) taking a packed lunch. After visiting its monastery, we drive back to our camp site

Today we visit Ridzong Monastery before returning to Leh. Upon arrival check into the hotel.

The balance of the day is at leisure to explore the Leh market on your own.

Overnight at the hotel

Early this morning check out the hotel prior to being transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi

On arrival at Delhi, transfer to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Tonight there is an optional visit of Kingdom of Dreams where you can see a live performance by some of the Bollywood artists, dancing  to thematic stories and “desi item songs”.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights

The day is at leisure or chose one of the various optional sightseeing other than what has already been covered on Day 2 or even a day return trip to Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal.

This extra day comes in quite handy specially as flight between Delhi to Leh or v.v. tends to get rescheduled due to high altitude and a buffer day ensures that no risk of missing international flight connection.

Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India.

NOTE: This trip invites people with good health and with no record of high altitude sickness. Average altitude of Lahoul and Spiti and of Ladakh region is approx 3,000 m and some passes are as high as 5,602 m.