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, Qutab Minar and Humayuns Tomb. 

DAY 02.   DELHI – AMRITSAR     Drive 446 Km 7 Hrs. 
Morning drive to Amritsar the sacred religious capital of the Sikhs, founded by the fourth  Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das in 1577. The city take 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. 

DAY 03.   AMRITSAR – DHARAMSALA                             Drive 200 Km 6-7 Hrs. 
Morning drive to hill station of Dharamsala built along a spur of the Dhauladhar range. Arrive and check in at hotel for two nights. 

DAY 04.   IN DHARAMSALA 
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 05.   DHARAMSALA – MANALI                  Drive 253 Km 7 Hrs.
Drive to Manali via Kulu valley, through the Beas river gorge which opens out in to a fertile valley. This important fruit growing valley district produces apples, apricots, cherries, pears, peaches and plums. Craft work here includes shawls, Kulu caps, jewelry and home spun tweed garments. Manali itself is in a lovely position, surrounded by dense forests and mountains. Arrive and check in at hotel for two nights.     

DAY 06.   IN MANALI          
Full day to explore the town, bazaar, Hadimba Davi temple, Buddhist monastery, and Vishesht hot spring baths.

DAY 07.   MANALI – JESPA                                Drive 141 Km 6 Hrs. 
Today we begin our adventurous four days journey across the great Himalayan Divide. Leaving behind the peaceful meadows and pine - clad hills of Lahaul and Manali. We start to wined our way up and over the first barrier on our route. The Rohthang pass 4820 mt. (13200 ft), it is still only a foretaste of things to come! the only other traffic we may encounter along the way are caravans of shepherds with their pat animals en-route to or from the highlands of Ladakh and Zanskar. After traversing the high pass, we will head for the small village of Keylong (The District head quarters of Lahaul and Spiti), situated on the banks of Bhaga river, from here we continue our drive up to Jespa (32 Km) for two nights camp / gust house.                                

DAY 08.   IN JESPA              
This day we trek to the principal monastery of the area Khardang . It exercises control over all the monasteries in the valley. This area shows little influence of the "outside" World, being cut off by steep surrounding mountains for over six months. The local culture in here is a mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism, and the people are mainly of Tibetan extraction. The Buddhist follow a curious form of tartaric Buddhism, similar to the Ladakis of Leh - Magic and Demons play a predominant role in their rituals and customs. Priceless murals cover the walls of the Khardang monastery and images of Buddha, Guru Padma Samabava and the Goddess Tara are placed on the alter. Some other interesting monasteries in the valley include Shashur, Tayul, and Guru Gantal.

DAY 09.   JESPA – SERCHU                               Drive 132 Km 5 Hrs.
A short drive brings us to Darcha village where we connect with Manali - Leh road ( This is the starting point of Manali - Zanskar trek). Now we begin to climb the windswept Baralacha pass 4982 Mt. (16348 ft) a precipitous ascent up the mountainside. From the top, a marvelous panorama of Himalayan peaks is spellbinding. We see the spectacular snow bound ranges of Barashigri, Chandra Bhaga and the Mulkila, their summits towering well above 5943 Mt.. (9500 ft). The top of the pass is the focal point of the great Himalayan Divide, and once completed, we begin to thread our way slowly down a precariously narrow track to Serchu for over night camp. 

DAY 10.   SERCHU - LEH                                      Drive 251 Km 8 Hrs.
Early start puts us on final day of this four day journey. We climb a dizzy series of 21 hair pin bends known as Gata loops to reach the rarified air of the Lachung -la 6498 Mt. (16400 ft). The curiously colored landscape is subtly tinted with grey, orcheres and crimsons - a totally bleak and barren place, almost unreal and dream like, yet unbelievably beautiful. Once more we decent to a flat plain. In fact, we have now arrived on the highest plateau in the World, so called moore plains at an altitude of 4511 Mt..(14800 ft), surrounded by gigantic mountain peaks. We begin to climb again, this time up to the Taglag - la pass 5328 Mt.. (17481 ft), the highest point of our journey - wild, bleak and tree less, the bear massif of the Taglangla mountain is studded with prayer flags which flutter and whistle in the string cross current of winds, invoking gratitude of the Gods for a safe crossing. We make a slow descent to reach Rumtse for lunch. From here we continue our journey to Leh, arrive and check in hotel. 

DAY 11 & 12.   IN LEH
Leh is a small picturesque town of about 10,000 people. Situated at 3505 Mt. (11500 ft), the summer days are dry and sunny but nights can be cold. A double lines of "Manies", stone shelters for departed spirits, protects the towns approaches. During these two days we will explore some of the interesting monasteries which include Shey, Thiksey, Hemis and Tak Tak monasteries & Bazaar. 

DAY 13.   LEH – ALCHI                                         Drive 69 km 2 Hrs.
Leaving ancient Leh, we continue our journey to Alchi, the remote 12th century monastery, noted for its massive Buddha statues and lavish wood carvings and paintings. En-route we explore Spituk and Phyang monasteries, as we as Saspol village and caves. Late afternoon arrive and check in at guest house / camp.

DAY 14.   IN ALCHI
Morning we visit Rizong monastery. After an early breakfast we drive a short distance to the road head, from here a short walk upstream to visit Chimoling (nunnery). Nuns spend their time spinning wool, crushing the apricot seed to extract oil for the monastery lamps. Further about an hours up hill walk takes us to Rizong monastery perched in a fantastic spot, high up in a side valley. After exploring Rizong, we continue our journey to Lamayuru monastery, situated at the foot of Fotu La pass, on Leh – Srinagar highway. The terraced buildings of the monastery are on a hill overlooking an enchanting landscape enriched by an amphitheatre of Roche moutonnee tinted a fantastic ochrous. Lamayuru is in charge of several monasteries. Late afternoon we arrive back to Alchi, rest of the day at leisure.                               

DAY 15.   ALCHI – LEH                         Drive 69 Km 2 Hrs.
After leisurely breakfast we return to Leh and check in at hotel for an overnight stay. Rest of the day at leisure for personal exploration.

DAY 16.   LEH – DELHI
Morning transfer to airport in order to catch Delhi bound flight. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 17.   DEPARTURE 
Transfer to international airport for homeward journey.

EXTENSION KARGIL AND SRINAGAR

DAY 13 / 01.   ALCHI – KARGILvia Lamayuru                         Drive 175 Km 6 Hrs.      
Early morning depart and drive to Rizong gompa, after exploration re join our vehicle and drive towards Kargil. Continuing our journey we pass through incredible mountain scenery to traverse the Fotu-la  and Namika-la 4102 Mt.(13449 ft.) and 3728 Mt.(12222 ft.) respectively. Just 14 kilometer short of Fotu-la we visit one of the oldest monasteries Lamayuru founded in 11th century by Naropa, he was followed by Rinchen Sangpo who is said to have built 108 monasteries in the country. Lamayuru was one of them and it belongs to Kadampa order (yellow cap). We also see rock - cut Buddha image at Mulbekh. Evening arrive Kargil and check in at hotel. 

DAY 14 / 02.   KARGIL– SRINAGAR                           Drive 204 km 7 Hrs.            
The last leg of our journey brings  down to Srinagar 1584 Mt.(5200 ft.) in the vale of Kashmir. However, before leaving the Ladakhi region and defending to lower altitudes we have to cross Zoji - la 3352 Mt. (11000 ft.). We complete the remaining 85 km to Srinagar and transfer to our traditional house boats at Dal Lake. 

DAY 15 & 16 / 03 & 04.   IN SRINAGAR                             
Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. During this relaxing time on board our house boats on Dal Lake a "Shikara" or a local gondola transports us to and from the main shore. Our sightseeing program includes a Shikara ride through the back waters. There will also be time for your own explorations of Srinagar city and Dal Lake. You can discover many mosques, buildings and bazaars.

DAY 17 / 05.   SRINAGAR – DELHI                                                                                                   Arrive Delhi transfer to hotel . Rest of the day at leisure.

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, Qutab Minar and Humayuns Tomb. 

DAY 02.   DELHI – SRINAGAR  (1730 Mt.)                       Fly           
After breakfast transfer to Delhi airport in time for Srinagar bound flight. Arrive Srinagar airport and transfer to deluxe houseboat. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening a short Shikara ride over Dal Lake. 

DAY 03. IN SRINAGAR                                                                                                               Morning half day Mughal Garden tour includes Shankraya Temple, Nishat,  laid over 7 terraces, built by Empress Nur Jahan’s brother Asaf Khan and Shalimar laid by Jehangir, the Mughal emperor. Return to houseboat for lunch. Afternoon city orientation tour.  

DAY 04.   SRINAGAR – GULMARG (2730 Mt.) – SRINAGAR                        Drive 112 Km.  
Full day excursion of Gulmarg the - meadow of flowers. Surrounded by snow capped mountains and during a clear day Nanga Parbat can be seen from here. Gulmarg has one of the world’s highest 18 hole golf course. During winter it turns into India’s premiere skiing centre with international standard facilities. The activities include short treks, pony ride and Gandola ride to upper reachs of Gulmarg. Evening return to Srinagar. 

DAY 05.   SRINAGAR – KARGIL                                                         Drive 204 Km
Early morning depart and drive towards Kargil. After 96 Km drive, we arrive Sonmarg located on Srinagar – Leh road at an altitude of 2700 Mt. we halt here for tea and snacks before climbing Zojila pass (3531 Mt.). From the verdant forested hill side above Sonmarg, through the hair-raising twists and turns after Zojila climb, still carpeted with wild flowers, one passes into an immense landscape of jagged barren rock. We arrive Drass in late afternoon; it is the first major town and believe to be the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Another 60 Km drive from here takes us to Kargil the district headquarters at an altitude of 2650 Mt. Kargil has become very popular destination for home tourist since 1999 conflict between India and Pakistan. Arrive Kargil in the evening and check in at hotel. 

Note: There are many check points on Srinagar - Kargil stretch as well as one way traffic between Drass and Sonmarg, this sometime delay the arrival timings. 

DAY 06. KARGIL – SASPOL                                                         Drive 170 Km                   Morning depart and drive towards Leh. After a short distance we arrive Mulbekh, the first Budhist town with the giant statue of the Maitreya, the Buddha to come. The Buddhist houses can be recognized by their prayer flags on their roofs. From here we gradually climb Namikala pass (3,728 Mt.) and from there we descend into Bodh Kharbo valley before climbing the highest pass on this route Fotula (4,102 Mt.). From here some 14 km drive takes us to Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh. After exploring Lamayuru the road drops to the Gorge of the Yarpala River, and your driver will display amazing skill in ‘making‘an amazingly sharp and seemingly endless series of hairpin turns down the face of the Gorge, and we are in Khalsi, here we stop for a cup of tea before driving the final stretch of about 35 Km. to Sapol /  Alchi.  Arrive in the evening and check in at guest / Camp.  

DAY 07.   SASPOL – LEH                                                         Drive 62 kms 2 hours                After an early breakfast drive few Kilometers backwards to the road head for Rizong Monastery, from here a short walk upstream to visit Chimoling (nunnery). Nuns spend their time spinning wool, crushing the apricot seed to extract oil for the monastery lamps. Further about an hours up hill walk takes us to Rizong monastery perched in a fantastic spot, high up in a side valley. After exploring Rizong, we return to Saspol / Alchi  and this 11^th and 12^th centuries monastery, it amongst  of that period which have survive. After luch before driving to Leh, we will explore the Saspol village, then continue to Leh. Arrive and check – in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.  

DAY 08.   IN LEH                                                                                                                     Morning depart for full day sightseeing of Shey Palace – Shey was once the capital of Ladakh in the pre – Tibetan era until the 15^th century. Thiksey – Tsong Khapa had prophesied that a monastery would be built here and Thiksey was founded by one of his disciple and Hemis - largest monastery founded in 1602 by Tagtsangrepa. Return to Leh in the afternoon and rest of the day at leisure. 

DAY 09.   IN  LEH                                                          
Morning half day sightseeing includes Phyang – founded in 16^th century by King Tashi Nangyal. Spituk - The monastery first belonged to the Kadampa order but in the 15^th century it was Restored and Tsong Kapa sent two Lamas to transfer it to Gelupa order. Return to hotel for lunch. Rest of the day at leisure to explore market and small alleys full of handicraft.  

DAY 10.   LEH – DELHI                                                                                        Fly     
Transfer of airport to catch Delhi bound flight, arrive and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 11.   DELHI – AGRA                                                                    Drive 202 Km 4 Hrs.
Morning drive to Agra, en-route visit Mathura the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra. Arrive and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565 - 73. 

DAY 12.   AGRA - JAIPUR                                                                   Drive 231 5 ˝ Hrs.    
Morning depart and drive to Jaipur, en -route visit deserted city of Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri, arrive and check in at hotel. Afternoon explore City palace, Observatory, Hawah Mahal (Palace of winds) and bustling Bazaar.

DAY 13.   JAIPUR - DELHI                                                 Drive 258 Km 5 ˝ Hrs.                       Morning check out from hotel for Delhi. After 11km. drive visit former capital Amber, up hill elephant ride to admire the massive gateways, courts, stairways and pillared pavilions / palaces. Then continue to Delhi, en-route brief halt at midway for refreshments. Arrive Delhi by late afternoon and Check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for last minute shopping and personal activities. 

DAY 14.   DEPARTURE                                                                                                            Morning transfer to international airport for onward flight.