1 800 047 987 An adventure that combines two of our favourite Indian destinations, this amazing cultural journey takes you from the Buddhist world of Little Tibet and across Ladakh to the fabled gardens of the Mughal kings at Srinagar. A wonderful mix of dramatic landscapes, cultural charm and interesting accommodation, this 13-day journey is perfect for Indian lovers with a real sense of adventure. The journey begins in earnest in Leh, high in the Himalayas, where you will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful palaces and temples of this fascinating town before heading into the Nubra Valley. Only recently opened, this provides your gateway into the timeless world of the Tibetan Plateau, where you will have a chance to experience village life before taking the High Road on to Kashmir. The journey to Srinagar takes you by way of the impressive Lamayuru Monastery and the Koji Pass. Once in Srinagar you ll enjoy the unique hospitality of a traditional Kashmir houseboat; with the option of taking time to tour the famous gardens, visit a local floating market or exploring nearby Gulmarg, once a favoured haunt of the British Raj and home to the world s highest gondola. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore Leh and the monasteries of the Nubra Valley Drive across the Khardung La, the highest road in the world Visit the spectacular Lamayuru Monastery in Kargil Relax aboard a traditional Kashmir houseboat Embark on a camel ride through the Nubra Valley TOUR INCLUDES: 2 domestic flights 1 night four star hotel, 4 nights local hotels, 5 nights houseboat and 2 nights fixed camp 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private driver and vehicle Private houseboat in Srinagar Private transfers to and from all airports
*Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: DELHI On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax. If you'd like a sightseeing programme, please let us know. DAY 2: DELHI - LEH This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven back to the airport for your flight, high over the Himalayas to Leh. Once there, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. We recommend a quiet day today with gentle local walks around town, sipping plenty of tea, as your body adjusts to the altitude. The evening is free to have dinner either at your hotel or in town. (B) DAY 3: LEH We recommend that you take this morning slowly and relax as you will still be feeling the effects of the altitude. However, a little more activity will be planned for the afternoon, with a guided visit to the spectacular monasteries of Tikse, Moatho and Shey, the ancient capital on the Indus, with its giant golden Buddha. Here you will find beautiful palaces, temples and restored murals. Dinner once again can be either at your hotel or at a restaurant in town... we recommend the Tibetan Kitchen. (B) DAY 4: LEH - NUBRA Only fairly recently opened up to foreign visitors the Nubra Valley, lying high on the Tibetan Plateau, is like stepping back in time. After breakfast you will drive the highest road in the world, over the Khardung La (5600m), before descending into the valley. In the afternoon, you'll be free to explore the region. (B,L,D) DAY 5: NUBRA Today you will take a walk in the stunning countryside, passing through villages to see how the Nubra people live, visiting local monasteries, enjoying the magnificent culture and scenery before heading back to the campsite. A visit to the nearby Nubra dunes will show you the local Bactrian camels; their ancestors were once used on the old trading routes that passed this way... if you are so inclined you may even get the opportunity to take a ride. In the evening a local meal will be served. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: NUBRA - LEH Today after breakfast you will return over the mighty Khardung La and down to Leh. The rest of the day will be free to take a wonder and grab any last-minute bargains. (B) DAY 7: LEH - KARGIL Today you will depart Leh, taking the High Road to Kashmir. En route you can stop at both Alchi and the magnificent Lamayuru Monastery before cracking on over the 4000m Koji La pass, and on to Kargil. Arriving late afternoon, you will then stay at a local hotel. (B,D) DAY 8: KARGIL - SRINAGAR After breakfast you will depart Kargil and head on to Srinagar. You will be transferred to your houseboat and given time to settle in and relax. (B,D) DAY 9: SRINAGAR Today you can just relax and enjoy the houseboat or take an optional guided tour of the town's main attractions including the Shalimar Gardens, the Pari Mahal, Jama Majid before taking a shakara ride on Dal Lake. (B,L,D) DAY 10: SRINAGAR Another day to relax and enjoy yourselves; perhaps visit the early morning floating market. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: SRINIGAR Spend another day at leisure on your houseboat or choose an optional excursion like a Srinagar craft tour, a trek in Aru Valley or visit some of the ancient temples near Srinagar. If you happen to visit Srinagar during autumn, a visit to the saffron fields at Pampore where the world famous Saffron is grown is highly recommended. (B,L,D) DAY 12: SRINAGAR A final day at leisure to relax and enjoy this earthly paradise. (B,L,D) DAY 13: SRINAGAR - DELHI Today you will be transferred to the airport after breakfast for your flight to Delhi. (B)
ACCOMMODATION DELHI THE CLARIDGES The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers the guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short Auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. The Claridges has appointed new management personnel to blend tradition with modernity, which gives it a completely refreshing look. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. There are 132 different rooms and suites, all designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style. Wine and dine to your hearts content in the Dhaba, inspired by rustic Punjabi villages, the Jade, serving Chinese-Cantonese cuisine, Sevilla, for all your tapas needs, Pickwicks, a multicuisine buffet that is always open, Ye Old Bakery, where the corn pudding is a must try, and the Aura, a romantic, dimly lit bar. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa to enjoy at the end of a busy day. KARGIL ZOJILA RESIDENCY Located outside of town on the banks of the River Suru, this three star hotel offers simple accommodation with comfortable beds and large clean rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Although service is at times slack, the Zojila Residency is a convenient choice for a night stop which offers good value for money, decent food and a good location. LEH GRAND DRAGON The Grand Dragon 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. NUBRA VALLEY
DESERT HIMALAYA CAMP Located in the Nubra Valley, the Desert Himalaya Camp offers a comfortable camping option with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The tents have been fitted with some modern comforts, including clean and comfortable beds and mattresses and en suite bathrooms with hot and cold water. Each tent has its own terrace area where you can relax and watch the sunset or marvel at the stars, and in order to fully embrace the natural setting there are no TVs and electricity is only available til around 10.30pm. The Camp s restaurant serves buffet style meals with a variety of Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes, or guests can rejuvenate with a dip in the fresh spring water pool. SRINAGAR SUKOON HOUSEBOAT Opened in April 2013, the former Neil Armstrong houseboat is easily the most modern, comfortable and charming on either lake. Situated on the western bank of Dal Lake with uninterrupted views of the lake s mirror-like, shimmering waters and the green hills beyond, it has arguably the best location. It consists of 5 beautiful rooms, each with magnificent bathrooms the last one being a bigger suite a spacious living room and dining area, a front porch and stunning roof terrace. With plenty of staff on board, it offers a level of service unmatched anywhere else on the lake. It has a reputable trained chef that knocks up top a la carte dishes many with a local Kashmiri flavor and it has wifi, a small library and a motororised launch should you need to get to shore quickly. It s one of the most peaceful places you ll ever stay particularly if you book the whole thing! The bar on Sukoon serves only soft drinks, guests can carry their own liquor on board. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel 1 800 047 987 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com