DAY 01. ARRIVE DELHI
Morning arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon combined guided tour of Old and
New Delhi
includes Jammia Masjid Mosque, Cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni
chowk, Red Fort, drive through India Gate and Parliament house.
And finally explore Qutab Minar and Humayuns Tomb.
DAY 02. DELHI – MANDI
Drive 460 Km 14 Hrs.
Early morning depart and drive first through plains
of Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh, from here gradually ascend to
Mandi, lying along the left bank of river Beas, in the foot hills
of Shivalik ranges, at a height of 760 M, entails a rich heritage
of culture, of both historical and theological significance. Mandi,
or ‘market’ from the Ladakh traders who pass through it, on the
way to Hoshiarpur. Arrive in the evening and check in at hotel.
DAY
03. MANDI – MANALI
Drive 107 Km 6 Hrs.
Morning drive to Manali via lush green kullu
valley, enclosed by the last snow range of the Himalayas, with
Dhaula Dhar an Pir Panjal, running parallel to the south of it.
Manali is located at an altitude of 1829 M. it is a convenient
base for hiking, trekking and adventurous vehicular safari to Leh
(ladakh). Arrive Manali and check in at hotel.
DAY
04. IN MANALI
Full day for trek preparation and to explore this
picturesque town surrounded by lush green forests with snow Capped
Mountain peaks. This important fruit growing valley district
produces apples, apricots, cherries, pears, peaches and plums.
Craftwork here includes shawls, Kulu caps, jewelry and home spun
tweed garments. Manali itself is in a lovely position, surrounded
by dense forests and mountains.
DAY 05 to 17. TREK
The trek goes through forest of ceder, alder, oak
and climbs gently through Manalsu valley commanding excellent view
of Kullu valley to Lamadugh for overnight camp (beautiful view of
surrounding peaks). From here the trail ascends steeply through
meadows, with wild alpine flowers all around, shrubs of
Rhododendron to the
Riali Thatch
(3414 M.) continuing the trek through lush forests over
Kaliheyani
Pass
(4725 M.) to campsite at the height of 4023 M. Gradually gaining
height and leaving behind forests and meadows, the trail now goes
through rocky outcrops with a patches of snow starting to appear.
Steep climb through glacial debris and snow leads to top of the
pass, from where breathtaking views are available, from here
continue through glacial and moraine descend to overnight camp by
stream. From here trail leads down into the Sunni river valley and
upto the buff overlooking the river and we camp at an altitude of
3577 M. A short trek from here through rocky terrain takes the
trail again to meadows, we cross a spectacular gushing river by a
snow bridge and the forests again begin to appear. We camp for
overnight around
Lambapad.
We further descend into Sunni valley and camp for overnight by a
stream at an altitude of 3658 M. The trail now winds way down
towards valley floor and we arrive to an ancient village of
Bara Bangal
(2286 M.) for overnight camp. Bara Bangal is open only for 4 or 5
months of the year, the inhabitants are legendry Himalayan
shepherds – the Gaddis – who lead a nomadic life, herding their
flocks of sheep into high mountain pasture once the snow melts and
then return to their isolated existence in the village. From here
steady climb with scenery changing quite dramatically and the air
getting cooler. We reach to the base of
Thamsar Pass
(4800 M.) for overnight camp. We further climb to
Thamsar pass. The trek now emerges from the rocky terrain into
softer landscape of lakes, meadows and forests. Continuing our
trek we descend through green wooded slopes into a tiny village of
Palchk and camp nearby. From here a pleasant walk through lofty
bridle path to small village of Billing. From here a short trek
through bridle path and steep descend to tiny Tibetan settlement
of Bir. Here we join our vehicular transport and drive to
Dharamsala.
Note:
We have an extra day to rest and explore the Bara Bangal village
and enjoy the panoramic view of snow peaks.
DAY 18.
BIR - DHARAMSHALA Drive 75
Km.
After biding good-bye to our trekking staff we
drive a short distance to Dharamshala “the seat of H. H Dalai Lama
“ in India since 1960. it is often referred to as “The Little
Lhasa” due to it is thick Tibetan population and temples. Arrive
and check in at hotel.
DAY 19. IN DHRAMSHALA
Here we spend a day in the steep striated hill
station. Dharamsala's great attraction is the strong Tibetan
feeling, it was here "Dalai Lama" and his entourage fled after the
Chinese marched into Tibet. Town of Dharamsala consists of a lower
and upper Dharamsala. It's altitude varying from 3,280 to 6,560
feet. Visit colorful district known as McLeod Ganj, is well worth
strolling around, to mingle with Tibetan crowds.
DAY 20. DHARAMSHALA –AMRITSAR
Drive 200 Km 6 Hrs.
Morning depart and drive to Amritsar the sacred
religious capital of the Sikhs, founded by the fourth Guru of
Sikhs, Guru Ram Das in 1577. The city takes its name from the
sacred pool - Amrit (nectar) sar (pool). In 1803, the Sikh ruler,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839 A.D) rebuilt the temple in marble
and gold (its domes took four hundred kg of gold leaf to be
covered). Ever since, it has been known as the GOLDEN TEMPLE.
Arrive and check in at hotel. In the late afternoon visit the
Golden temple complex. Arrive and check-in at hotel.
DAY 21. AMRITSAR –
DELHI Drive 446
Km. 8 Hrs.
After breakfast visit Golden Temple the pilgrimage
center of Sikhs and drive to Delhi. Arrive and check-in at hotel.
DAY 22.
DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for onward journey.
