The Jewel in India's Crown Tailor-Made Itinerary Prepared for Mrs Almut Dunnington

Transcription

1 The Jewel in India's Crown Tailor-Made Itinerary Prepared for Mrs Almut Dunnington Booking Reference:

2 Wild Frontiers Wild Frontiers is a UK-based adventure travel company specialising in stylish tailored holidays and original small group tours to some of the most interesting countries in the world. Our exciting itineraries combine a unique blend of luxury and adventure, a variety of transport and activities and fascinating cross-cultural interaction. We uncover the lives of the people as well as exploring the landscape, history, culture and cuisine and ultimately leave our clients with the warm satisfaction of having journeyed beneath each region's surface and discovered the heartbeat within. Wild Frontiers are one of the brightest new kids in the adventure travel playpen their journeys offer a personal insight and a genuine sense of responsibility towards the vulnerable people they visit. - Ed Douglas, The Guardian. I am delighted to find an adventure company that ticks all the boxes: adventure, flexibility, and a small company independence. A refreshing change from the bigger competitors. Diana Henderson

3 Why Wild Frontiers As a young, innovative company, Wild Frontiers is delighted to have been voted one of the Top 10 Tour Operators by the readers of both Wanderlust and National Geographic Adventure. We are frequently asked what makes us different from other tour operators, and feel that the factors below answer this important question. Financial Protection We are member of the Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) and The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT), so your holiday is 100% secure. Commitment to Quality As members of AITO we adhere to their Business Practice and Quality Charter. We are committed to quality in every aspect of your holiday, such as professional customer service, accommodation, transport and local guides. In-depth Knowledge of our Destinations Hand-picked quality accommodation, well planned itineraries, all based on a thorough understanding of what the modern traveller needs. Personal Service You'll have one travel consultant allocated to your enquiry who will be responsible for both designing the itinerary and organising the logistics, thus ensuring there are no communication breakdowns. 24 Hour Emergency Service We have a 24 hour emergency service to give you, our valued clients, added security and peace of mind. In the unlikely event of an emergency we are contactable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Flexible Travel Arrangements Occasionally clients wish to change their travel plans whilst on tour - our experienced travel consultants are on hand to assist you with whatever changes you d like to make. And if Things Go Wrong If flights are cancelled, or trains delayed, with us you won t be left stranded. Again our staff are here to assist you. Crisis Management Highly trained and experienced staff. Responsible Travel In 2012 we were delighted to be awarded the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel Company Award. Adding this to the prestigious 5 star RT status by AITO (Association of Independent Tour operators), illustrates that responsible tourism has always been an integral part of our company ethos and our adventures are designed with the local people, culture and eco-system in mind.

4 Your Proposed Itinerary in Brief Saturday 13 Sunday 14 Monday 15 Tuesday 16 Wednesday 17 Thursday 18 Friday 19 Saturday 20 Sunday 21 Monday 22 Tuesday 23 Wednesday 24 Thursday 25 Friday 26 Saturday 27 Day to Day Detail Location Accommodation Flight from London Heathrow to Delhi Flight from Delhi to Amritsar Delhi Amritsar Best Western Merrion Amritsar. Amritsar Full Day City Tour Amritsar Best Western Merrion Amritsar. Amritsar - Jammu Jammu City Tour Flight from Jammu to Srinagar Shikara Ride On The Lakes Half Day Moghul Garden And Palace Tour Srinagar Half Day Old City Tour Jammu Jammu Srinagar Srinagar K.C Residency. Royal Palace Houseboats. Royal Palace Houseboats. One Day Gulmarg Excursion Srinagar Royal Palace Houseboats. Srinagar - Kargil Kargil Hotel D' Zojila. Kargil To Leh Leh The Grand Dragon Ladakh. Afternoon Leh City Tour Leh The Grand Dragon Ladakh. Visit The Hemis And Matho Monastery Leh The Grand Dragon Ladakh. Ladakh Trekking Adventure (4 Days, 3 Nights) Leh Leh. Ladakh Trekking Adventure (4 Days, 3 Nights) Leh Leh. Ladakh Trekking Adventure (4 Days, 3 Nights) Leh Leh. Ladakh Trekking Adventure (4 Days, 3 Nights) Leh The Grand Dragon Ladakh. Flight from to Delhi Flight from Delhi to London Heathrow Leh Delhi London Heathrow

5 Your Proposed Itinerary in Detail Saturday 13 Flight: London to Amritsar via Delhi Depart London Heathrow on Jet Airways flight 9W121 to Delhi. The flight departs at 20:45 and arrives at 09:45. From there connect with Jet Airways flight 9W2791 to Amritsar. The flight departs at 11:00 and arrives at 12:10. Amritsar - Introduction Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. First time visitors to Amritsar could be forgiven for the impression that Amritsar is like any other small town in northern India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple. Located in the heart of Amritsar, the temple complex is surrounded by a maze of narrow lanes, or katras, that house one of the busiest markets in India. But the Golden Temple is a serene presence, radiating a calm that makes people bow their heads in reverence. The gurudwara, as Sikh temples are called, is the holiest of Sikh shrines. It is not just Sikhs who travel to the Golden Temple to pay homage; Hindus and people of other faiths make the pilgrimage to offer prayers at Harmandir Sahib, equally revering the sacred shrine. Another major attraction these days is the Indo-Pakistan border crossing at Wagah, just a short distance from Amritsar, with its elaborate change-of-guards drill with a lot of strutting and showing off by both sides. Transfer To Hotel On arrival in Amritsar, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Best Western Merrion Amritsar for a two-night stay. Private Driver Accommodation: Best Western Merrion Amritsar Double Occupancy - Deluxe Room + Breakfast Sunday 14 Amritsar Full Day City Tour Today you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the world famous Golden Temple, the seat of Sikh religion. Situated on the north-western border of India, the city is also gateway for the travellers on the overland route through Pakistan. The temple (or gurdwara) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction. The stunning setting of this temple is a spiritual masterpiece, reflected in the lake, the temple glistens in the sun, and the place is palpably sacred. You will then head to Jallain Walla Bagh, located close by -this is the infamous site of the massacre of 13th April 1919 by the British General Dyer opened fire on an unarmed crown, peacefully protesting. Amritsar also houses a wonderful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Easily accessible from the Golden Temple, the Durgiana Mandir also offers puja to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Supposedly built during the 16th century AD, the temple lies in the middle of a medium sized lake giving it a wonderful overall view. Located at a distance of few kilometres from the main town, Baba Atal Rai Tower is also a site worth visiting, this nine storied building is an important landmark of the city. Climbing to the top gives you a panoramic view of the entire area. Finally you will head to the Wagah Border. Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometres from the Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill, pomp and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. Accommodation: Best Western Merrion Amritsar Double Occupancy - Deluxe Room + Breakfast

6 Monday 15 Amritsar - Jammu This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for the drive to Jammu. The journey is 206 KM and takes aproximately 5 hours. On arrival injammu you will be transferred to the KC residency for a one night stay. Chauffeur Driven Vehicle Jammu City Tour This afternoon, once you ve checked in to your hotel, you will be met by your local guide for a tour of the City of Temples Accommodation: K.C Residency Double Occupancy - Standard Room + Breakfast Tuesday 16 Transfer To Satwari Airport You will be collected from the K.C Residency and transferred to Satwari Airport for your flight to Srinagar. Private Driver With Vehicle Flight: Jammu to Srinagar Depart Satwari Airport on Jet Airways flight 9W7083 to Srinagar. The flight departs at 12:30 and arrives at 13:15. Economy Class Seat Srinagar - Introduction Old Srinagar puts one in mind of London before the fire. Founded in the sixth century by Raja Pravarasen and beautifully located around a number of lakes, Srinagar, the beautiful city, is divided in two by the river Jhelum that is crossed by a number of bridges. The old town is a wonderful maze of narrow streets and alleyways, is home to a number of famous mosques, temples and tombs including Jesus s if you believe the legend and though the true beauty of Kashmir has probably never been reflected in its capital city, it still makes for an interesting place to wander. Transfer To Hotel On arrival in Srinagar, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Royal Palace Houseboats for a three-night stay. Private Driver With Vehicle Shikara Ride On The Lakes One of the most evocative ways to see and experience at least one aspect of Kashmir s charms is to take a shikara ride around the lakes and through the canals of the old town. From the open lake where uninterrupted views stretched away beyond the wooden houseboats and forested foothills to the snow-capped peaks beyond, you ll drift silently into the narrow waterways. This is the world of the Kashmiris, where you will passed floating gardens, where women in colourful shalwar kameez and traditional headscarves, tend their vegetables. You ll float by small wooden homes, bakeries, shops, a rose garden. You ll weave your way through narrow avenues of willows, passing locals in plain wooden shikaras, bringing vegetables back from the market. You ll pass through the canals of the old town where huge 200-year-old houses, constructed out of red brick and dark wood their hanging balconies leaning out over the water line the waterways. A great time to do this is the late afternoon just as the sun is setting. Accommodation: Royal Palace Houseboats Double Occupancy - Standard Room + Full Board

7 Wednesday Half Day Moghul Garden And Palace Tour 17 At a time that is convenient to you, you will be transferred by shikara and then by car (depending on where you are staying) to the Shalimar Gardens. As the most famous of all Kashmir s Moghul Gardens, you will be able to enjoy a walk among the fountains, flower beds and mighty chinar trees, to the black marble pavilion. From here you will continue around the lake to the Nishat Gardens before visiting the impressive Pari Mahal, or Fairies Palace. This is definitely one of the best sites in Srinagar, where the views from the eight-tired stone ached construction offer stunning views down over the lakes. After your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel or houseboat. Srinagar Half Day Old City Tour You will visit the Shahe Hamdan Mosque: Khanqah-e-Moulla, also called the shrine of Shah-e- Hamdan, is constructed on the beautiful sandy banks of the Jhelum River in Srinagar. Sultan Sikander built this around 1400 AD in honour of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, the Muslim saint who popularized Islam in Kashmir. The shrine bears a wooden structure with marvellously carved roof space and hanging bells. The interior of the mosque is richly carved with ancient religious sermons and historical inscriptions. Then you will visit you will be taken to Jamia Masjid: The Jamia Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city. An important mosque in Srinagar, it was built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD. The attractions of the Jamia Masjid of Srinagar, Kashmir include beautiful Indo-Saracen architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquillity inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Accommodation: Royal Palace Houseboats Double Occupancy - Standard Room + Full Board Thursday 18 One Day Gulmarg Excursion After breakfast transfer by shikara (depending on where you are staying) and then driven by car out of town and on to Gulmarg; this is a journey of around 65ks and depending on traffic will take approximately 2 hours. Once in Gulmarg you can take the gondola lift to the top of the mountain although please be aware if the weather is bad the lift might not operate; and in April and May, the busy months for the domestic market there might be long queues or take a two hour nature walk. A good place to have lunch is the Highland Park Hotel. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Srinagar. Accommodation: Royal Palace Houseboats Double Occupancy - Standard Room + Full Board Friday 19 Srinagar - Kargil You will be transferred by Shikara to the main Ghat on Dal Lake where you will be met by your driver for the journey to Kargil. The drive up in to the mountains takes in dramatic scenery and mountain passes in excess of 3800 meters. The journey is 204 Km and can take anywhere from four to eight hours depending on weather and road conditions. On arrival in Kargil you will be transferred to your hotel. Chauffeur Driven Vehicle Accommodation: Hotel D' Zojila Double Occupancy - Standard Room + Breakfast

8 Saturday 20 Kargil To Leh This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for the 227 km journey to Leh. Today you will cross the Namika-La (12,198ft) and the Fotu-La (13,479ft) before reaching Lamayuru Monastery which you can stop and visit if you wish. The road is in the process of being upgraded by the Border Roads Organization which can lead to some bumpy stretches but is generally well maintained. Chauffeur Driven Vehicle Leh - Introduction Situated just to the north of the Indus Valley, high in the arid heart of the great Karakoram Mountain range, Leh sits at the crossroads of High Asia. For centuries it looked to the north, towards Tibet and Central Asia, for its influences and from the town's main bazaar, yak trains would set out over the Karakoram La to Yarkand and Kashgar. In recent years, as a part of India, its focus has shifted from that of trade to a military nature, sitting as it now does close to the borders of Pakistan and China. The town itself is dominated by the nine-storey Leh Palace, ancient home to the Ladakhi royal family, beneath which twist and turn a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Beyond that to the south lies modern Leh. From the Padma Guesthouse - a lovely family run hotel at which all WF tours stay - there are many lovely walks to nearby stupas and palaces, curiosity shops or to watch a game of polo. Accommodation: The Grand Dragon Ladakh Double Occupancy - Deluxe Room + Breakfast Sunday 21 Afternoon Leh City Tour Your guide will meet you at your hotel for the short drive through town to visit the white domed Shanti Stupa before visiting the Leh Palace, often refered to as 'Little Potala' due to its resembalance to the Tibetan landmark. You'll finish in the evening with a walk around the local market with the option to stay in town or return to your hotel for dinner. Accommodation: The Grand Dragon Ladakh Double Occupancy - Deluxe Room + Breakfast Monday 22 Visit The Hemis And Matho Monastery Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to visit the Hemis Monastery. On your way back to Leh you will also stop at the Matho Monastery. The Gotsang caves are situated 3kms above Hemis and you will be able to trek them as an optional extra but do be careful if you have just arrived in the area because you will need to make sure you have had enough time to acclimatise. Accommodation: The Grand Dragon Ladakh Double Occupancy - Deluxe Room + Breakfast Tuesday 23 Ladakh Trekking Adventure (4 Days, 3 Nights) Four Days/Three Nights Tuesday Leh - Hemis Shukpachan After Breakfast you'll be driven to Yangtang (1 ½ hrs) via Likir monastery. From Yangtang it is about 2 ½ hrs walk to the large village of Hemisshukpachen (3596m). The walk is along a rough jeep road taking short cuts uphill. Barring weekends and school holidays, school children can be seen walking up from Yangtang to school at Hemisshukpachen. Cross a small pass - Tsermachenla at 3720m and descend to the village. Here you can visit the school, a family home and explore the village. Overnight in the Mobile Camp (packed lunch and dinner included) Wednesday Hemis Shukpachan - Tingmosgang From Hemis Shukpachen, you walk up past the village to the top of a flat pass (Ronglila) from

9 where you can see across to the Meptakla pass which you will cross later. After a steep descent of about 30 mins and then the trail traverses a hill side before climbing a switch back trail up to Meptakla pass at 3720m. From here it is a gradual descent. If you stop to look at the craggy hillside, you can spot wild barals on the slopes. The arid landscape gives way to greenery as you reach the settlement of Ang. You reach the road here and descend to the large village of Tingmosgang which was once the ancient capital of Ladakh. The rugged ruins of the fortress dominate the landscape and you can walk up to visit the fortress and the small monastery. 4 ½ to 5hrs. Overnight in the Mobile Camp (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included) Thursday Tingmosgang - Skindiyang Walk through the village of Tingmosgang crossing the Phocha river and past the large village of Tia and Teta following the river upstream up a wide valley. From here it is a short steep climb that brings you to a small pass from where you descend to the small village of Skindiyang 5 hrs Overnight in the Mobile Camp (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included) Friday Skindiyang - Leh A short walk to the road head for about 2 hrs from where you drive to Alchi to visit the monastery. After your visit you'll be driven to your hotel in Leh. (1 ½ hrs drive from Alchi). (Breakfast included) NB - please note due to the nature of trekking it is not always possible to utilise our first choice campsite Standard +Full Board Private Local Trekking Guide & Chauffer Driven Vehicle Accommodation: Ladakh Trekking Adventure (4 Days, 3 Nights) Standard + Full Board - Private Local Trekking Guide & Chauffer Driven Vehicle Saturday 27 Departure Transfer Transfer to Leh Airport for your Jet Airways Flight to London via Delhi. Private Driver With Vehicle Flight: Leh to London via Delhi Depart Leh on Jet Airways flight 9W2346 to Delhi. The flight departs at 07:45 and arrives at 08:55. From there connect with Jet Airways flight 9W122 to London. The flight departs at 13:45 and arrives at 18:30.

10 Accommodation Best Western Merrion Amritsar Amritsar Two Nights 4 Star Local Grading Located in the heart of the central business district of the holy city of Amritsar, Best Western Merrion is an oasis of peace, Serenity and tranquillity. The hotel is located in the center of Ranjit Avenue with excellent accessibility to commercial districts and key corporate districts houses. The hotel offers its guests 40 well appointed and contemporary designed luxurious guest rooms, Comprehensive business & conferencing facilities, Rooftop Swimming pool with gymnasium, banquet hall for wedding functions, 24 hour coffee shop, Multi-cuisine restaurant and bar. K.C Residency Jammu One Night 4 Star The KC Residency is a quality 4 star city centre hotel and is considered the best in the city. The 61 rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully decorated with a local touch, with rooms on higher floors offering fantastic views across the city. The hotel is well located in the City of Temples for sightseeing and shopping. The rooftop revolving restaurant is a city landmark serving top quality Indian and International cuisine. Royal Palace Houseboats Srinagar Three Nights Situated on a quiet corner of Dal Lake, with wonderful views out over a lotus field, picturesque houseboats and the mountains beyond, this is probably the most luxurious group of houseboats in Kashmir. Consisting of seven houseboats, ranging in size from the seven-bedroom supper boat, the Shalimar Palace, to the two-bedroom Pigeon Deluxe, they are spacious, for the most part exquisitely carved, each coming with the their own housekeeper/butler. They have excellent modern bathrooms, nice dinning areas and comfortable living rooms. The boats are quite close together with a busy walkway in front so they're great if you're looking for an authentic Kashmir experience, but not so perfect for if privacy is what you're after. But all in all a very good option. Hotel D' Zojila Kargil One Night 3 Star Local Grading Hotel De Zojila is a good value for money, budget 2-3 star hotel in Kargil, and the best that the town has to offer. Located in the locality of Kargil, Ladakh, Hotel De Zojila offers convenient and friendly accommodation. Hotel De Zojila is within the easy reach of the centre of Kargil, the nearest airport and its major attractions. The hotel is known for its comfort and affordable hotel rooms, common areas, friendly reception staff, nearby restaurants and bars, and is well-suited for a stopover journeys between Leh & Srinagar. The Grand Dragon Ladakh Leh Four Nights 4 Star Boutique The Grand Dragon Ladakh is the best hotel in Leh. The hotel has been constructed using local methods and materials and focuses on eco-friendly hotel generating its own electricity through solar panels on the roof of the building. There are 59 rooms and suites at the hotel, each with en-suite bathroom with the luxury of under floor heating. The rooms either have north facing views to the snow covered Stok range or south facing views to the Leh Palace and Khardongla Pass. The hotel has a lovely restaurant serving International and regional cuisine and also a coffee shop with views out to the gardens.

11 Proposal Cost The price for the land only arrangements as specified above (subject to availability): Description QTY Price Value Price per person, based on shared twin room (4-6 PAX) Description Price per person, based on shared twin room (7-12 PAX) Description Single Supplement (per person) Description Indian Tour Leader (15 Days, Amritsar to Delhi) ******Please note that this quote does not include the cost of international flights to and from India****** Proposal Prepared For: Mrs Almut Dunnington Proposal Prepared On: 24 April 2013 Please check that the above spellings of your names are exactly as shown on your passport. If they are not, please contact us at your earliest convenience so that we can make the corrections. Your travel plans are being coordinated by: Brandon Davis Telephone: brandon@wildfrontiers.co.uk Fax: Please quote the following reference when contacting us: How to Book? If you are happy with the arrangements and would like to book, please send in your completed, signed booking form and deposit payment, payable by cheque, credit card or bank transfer A deposit of 20% is required to secure the booking. The quoted price is valid for one month from date of proposal (Please note higher deposits are required on occasion) When we have booked all your travel arrangements, a confirmation invoice will be sent to you As per your confirmation invoice, your final balance is due 8 weeks before departure Your travel documents will be sent to you approximately 2 3 weeks before you are due to depart Availability Please note that all arrangements are subject to availability upon booking. As soon as you pay a deposit we will go ahead and make all the necessary reservations. Please book as soon as possible to minimise the risk of availability problems. Included in the Price Flights specified on the itinerary in the class of travel shown Accommodation & meals as stated including local tax and service charge Services of experienced English speaking local guides for sightseeing including entrance fees Transfers as per the itinerary Services and the assistance of the Wild Frontiers agents and representatives in all counties visited A carbon-offsetting contribution to Carbon Clear (if booking international flights through WF office)

12 Not Included in the Price Travel Insurance Visas where applicable Local airport departure taxes payable locally on each departure Any optional excursions Camera or video camera fee for certain historical sites Tips for your guide and driver