Kashmir Ladakh and Himachal Tour 26 Days Including Nubra, Hemis & Phyang.

Kashmir Ladakh and Himachal Tour 26 Days Including Nubra, Hemis & Phyang. Delhi-Agra-Delhi-Srinagar-Pahalgam-Srinagar-KargilLamayuru-Alchi-Leh(Spituk,Phyang,Thikse,Shey)-Nubra ValleyLeh-Pangong Lake-Leh-Tanglangla-Sarchu-Jispa-Rohtang PassManali-Mandi-Dharamshala-Shimla-Kalka-Delhi

Day 01. Arrival in New Delhi. Around midnight arrive in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. Upon arrival, you will be met by an WTA representative and transferred to the Hotel. D Day 02. New Delhi. In the morning we have sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Qutub Minar". "Qutub Minar" is 71 meter high and consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368. Before we proceed to the Hotel we drive through the embassy area in New Delhi where we visit the India Gate and see some impressive Government Buildings. After the city tour drive back to Delhi. Overnight stay in Delhi. BD Day 03. Delhi - Agra - Delhi (about 400 km) In the morning we drive to Agra. We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra fort, we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal. BD Day 04. Delhi - Srinagar (by air) Today we have a flight from Delhi to Srinagar. Srinagar has been described by some visitors as the Venice of the East. This beautiful city was established by Emperor Ashoka some 2300 years ago. A unique charm of Srinagar is its 1300 or more houseboats, the floating little hotels on the edge of the Dal Lake. Upon arrival you will be met by representative and transferred to one of this house boat on Dal Lake. Rest of the day free for leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings in Srinagar. Overnight stay in the houseboat. BLD Day 05. Srinagar. Today we visit the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar. In the Mughal gardens first of all you will view the Chashma Shahi. Chashma Shahi means the Royal Spring and is dedicated to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The spring waters are believed to have curative properties. After visiting the Chashma Shahi we visit the Nishat and Shalimar Mughal Gardens. Nishat is the larger of the two gardens and has an impressive plantation of Chenar trees on its highest terrace. Both the gardens are built on a symmetrical plan of central waterways with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces. In the afternoon we enjoy the Shikara ride on the Dal lake and enjoy the beauty of the city. Overnight stay in the houseboat. BLD Day 06. Srinagar - Pahalgam - Sri Nagar (about 185 km) n the morning after breakfast drive to Pahalgam. Pahalgam is located about 97 km from Srinagar. On the way we pass through pine forest and also visit the saffron fields. Pahalgam is the popular hill resort of the Kashmir valley. Pahalgam is situated at a height of 7,200 feet. The flora and fauna is good and the scenery in Pahalgam is captivating. It is from Pahalgam that the pilgrims often take a Amarnath Yatra. In Pahalgam one can have a walk to Baisaren, which is about 2 km from Pahalgam. A small village, set in pine and fir forest is pleasing and offers good view. After visiting Pahalgam we drive back to Srinagar. Overnight stay in the houseboat. BLD

Day 07. Srinagar - Kargil (about 204 km) In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Kargil. On the way we will cross Zoji La pass which is situated at a height of 3529 mts. Zoji La marks the boundary between Kashmir and Ladakh. This pass is sometimes blocked by snow each year. On Zoji La pas there is one way traffic, so we have to wait for traffic controller announcement for crossing Zoji La. In the evening we reach Drass which is the second coldest inhabited places in the world. After reaching Drass we drive further towards Kargil. Kargil is situated in Suru Valley where the Suru river flows and meets the Indus at a place called Marul. Upon arrival transferred to Hotel. BD Day 08. Kargil - Lamayuru (about 107 km) In the morning drive to Lamayuru. In Lamayuru visit the Lamayuru monastery and village. Lamayuru monastery, probably the oldest in Ladakh. The monastery, built in bizarre, multi-colored landscape on a rock at whose feet the monastic houses and the village are, by its impressive murals. BLD Day 09. Lamayuru - Alchi - Leh (about 117 km) In the morning we drive to Leh via Alchi. Alchi has been declared as an UNESCO monument, The Monastery of Alchi is a large temple complex and is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centers in Ladakh and a jewel of monastic skill. In the afternoon, we drive through the beautiful wooded valley to the Rizong monastery. Then we drive to Leh. BLD Day 10. Leh. In the morning we visit the museum and the palace of the king Singge Nangyal 16th Century, a small replica of the Potalas in Lhasa. From above the residence we have a beautiful view of the city and the famous Gompa of Leh. BD Day 11. Leh Excursion: Spituk, Phyang, Thikse, Shey. Today we start our day by visiting the Spituk monastery. Spituk monastery is 8 km from Leh and is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Indus. The Spituk Monastery has a collection of 21 gold statues of Goddess Tara and a number of scroll paintings. Spituk valley has an enormous statue of Kali whose face is unveiled once a year during the Spituk festival. This monastery also contains an ancient collection of masks. Around 135 yellow capped monks resides in this monastery. After the visit of Spituk we shall proceed to the Gompa Phyang which is a traditional monastery setting for a spectacular religious festival with masked dancing. There are 50 red capped monks residing here. Then we visit the monastery of Thikse. Thikse is one of the most imposing monastery in Ladakh. The monastery has 12 stories, 10 temples, a nunnery and 60 lamas in residence. It contains numerous stupas, statues, Tankhas, wall painting and a large pillar engraved with the teaching of Buddha. We can also see here a collection of Tibetan scripts. After the visit of Thikse we visit the village of Shey on the eastern bank of the Indus. Shey was the royal residence and was located at an important vantage point in the Indus valley. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-tibetan kings. A 7.5 metre high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold, and the largest of its kind, is installed here. BD Day 12. Leh - Nubra Valley (about 160 kms) Early morning we take the Jeep across the highest motorable pass in the world, the Khardung-La (5606 m) to the Nubra Valley. The afternoon is free to enjoy the beautiful landscape or a "Camel ride". BD Day 13. Nubra Valley - Leh (about 160 kms) Today we drive to Leh. Rest of the day at leisure. BD

Day 14. Leh - Pangong Lake (about 150 kms) Early morning we drive to Pangong Lake. On the way we cross the pass of the "Chang La" with 5,360 m. We also visit Spangmik village. The Pangong Lake is situated 4250 meters above sea saltwater lake on the border between India and China. Pangong Lake is 134 km long and 8 km wide lake. BLD Day 15. Pangong Lake - Leh (about 150 kms) Today we drive to Leh. Rest of the day at leisure. BD Day 16. Leh - Tanglangla - Sarchu (about 293 km / 9 hours) Full day drive to Sarchu via Upshi. Today we have to cross the second highest motorable pass. (Tanglangla pass 5350 m). At this height we experience a spectacular view. The path leads through the idyllic villages and cultivated fields to Sarchu. In the evening arrive in Sarchu. Overnight in camp. BLD Day 17. Sarchu - Jispa (about 125 km). Today we will leave Sarchu and drive further to Jispa. We drive through the villages Darcha, Patsao and Zingzing bar We also cross the dangerous Barlacha-La pass. Baralacha La means "pass the intersection at the top", which means cross, situated where the paths of Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul. Overnight in camp or guest houses. BLD Day 18. Jispa - Rohtang Pass - Manali (about 140 kms) Today we leave Jispa and drive to Manali. On the way we visit the Khardong Monastery. This monastery is about 900 years old and belongs to the Gelukpa. The monastery has beautiful frescoes and collection of old writings. On the way, short of Manali, we cross the Rohtang Pass (3.913m), which separates India from the rest of Lahaul. In the late afternoon we reach Manali (2,050 m). BLD Day 19. Manali. Manali has spectacular views of snow capped peaks and wooded slopes. It is also known as "Switzerland of India". It offers marvellous walks through dappled orchards and fairy tale forests of Deodar. In the morning we will visit the Hadimba Temple, standing tall among the stately Deodars. This ancient temple with its three level roofs looks like a pagoda and its lintel and door frame are of intricately carved wood, we also visit Vashisht hot springs and the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery. The market is crowded with interesting shops selling Tibetan carpets and crafts. In the evening visit the Mall and the market of Manali. BD Day 20. Manali - Mandi (about 108 kms) Today morning we drive to Mandi, enroute we visit Palampur (known for tea plantations) and Baijnath (famous for the Shiva temple from the 9th century). Along the way we experience the beautiful landscape of Kangra. Kangra is known for the miniature school that surrounds the local Dhauladhar mountains. Here we visit a Hindu temple. BD Day 21. Mandi - Dharamshala (about 142 kms) Mandi is situated at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi and is an important religious center for Hindus. The place Mandi has more than 80 temples. We visit the Triloknath Temple, which is located right on the river, Bhutnath Temple and the Panchavaktra temple. After the sightseeing we drive to Dharamshala. BD Day 22. Dharamsala. In Dharamshala we visit the town's McLeod Ganj. This place is situated at an altitude of 1,890 m and is now the exile of the Dalai Lama after the escape from Tibet in 1959. The residence of the Dalai Lamas can be seen from the outside. We also visit the Tibetan monastery, the local museum and the library. Then we drive to the Tibetan Children's Village and visit the Norbulingka Institute. BD

Day 23. Dharamshala - Shimla (about 275km / 6-7 hours) Today we drive through the beautiful valley of Kangra towards Shimla. The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations." Shimla is situated in the northwest Himalayas. It was the summer capital of India before independence and it is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala" the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular and biggest hill stations. BD Day 24. Shimla. Today we take an excursion to Naldhera and Kufri. We will enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains in good weather. Later we visit the Jakhu Hill. It is the highest point in Shimla and offers a spectacular view of the town, hills and distant mountain ranges. The peak has a temple dedicated to the Lord Hanuman. After visiting the temple we return back to hotel. In the evening we visit the Mall and Scandal Point for shopping. Scandal Point is the hub of Shimla s social life and is said to be so named after a British Commander-in-Chief s daughter eloped from the spot with the Maharaja of Patiala. BD Day 25. Shimla - Kalka (about 96 kms) - Delhi (train) Today we drive from Shimla to Kalka and then continue by train to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the evening. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. BD Day 26. Flight to home destination. Around midnight flight to home destination. (End of our services) Price for 2 Tour cost per person in Euro from 2 person to 12 person Price for 4 Price for 6 Price for 8 Price for 10 Price for 12 Room Type* DBL DBL DBL DBL DBL SRS* Valid till April 2016 3119 2585 2508 2399 2246 2195 + 1135 DBL* = double room * SRS = Single room supplement * The international flights are not included in the given cost. * For single person traveling alone the Single Room Supplement is not valid and a surcharge will be levied on it. * The tour cost may increase subject to fuel price hike. * Visa fees (about 105) are not included in the given tour cost.

Proposed Hotels Nights Hotel Florence, Delhi (Deluxe)*** Delhi 4 Deluxe Houseboat on Dal Lake, Srinagar Srinagar 3 Hotel Greenland / Hotel PC Palace*** Kargil 1 Hotel Fotola / Hotel Moonland*** Lamayuru 1 Hotel Tsokar / Hotel Nalanda** Leh 5 Hotel Karma Inn / Nubra Organic Retreat**** Nubra 1 Martsmerik Camps / Camp Lake View Pongong Lake 1 Goldrop Camps, Sarchu Sarchu 1 Padma Lodge, Jispa*** Jispa 1 Apple Bud Cottages, Manali*** Manali 2 Munish Resorts, Mandi** Mandi 1 Hotel Annex, Dharamshala*** Dharamshala 2 Hotel Fairmount, Shimla*** Shimla 2 Total Nights 25 Tour Cost Includes: Domestic flights (Delhi-Srinagar) including all the taxes. Complete sightseeing program as per the itinerary Train (Kalka - Delhi) Accommodation in a double room with shower /bath & WC in the hotels as indicated. Half board (breakfast and dinner in the booked Hotels), Full board Where its indicated (BLD) Inner Line Permits to visit protected areas. One dinner with traditional music and dance performance during the tour. Drinking water in the vehicle (1 liter per person / day) Rickshaw ride in Delhi, Camel ride in Nubra Valley (1 hour). An air-conditioned vehicle, including insurance, fuel etc. with chauffeur (experienced, reliable and English speaking) during the entire tour. Complete sightseeing program as per itinerary Luggage handling at the hotels Entrance fees as per the itinerary. Travel literature All Applicable taxes Guidance and assistance throughout the tour by a English-speaking local guide (An accompanying Escort would be provided 10 travellers onward).

Tour Cost Excludes: International Flights, Camera fees, tips, drinks and any expenses of a personal nature and services which are not covered under inclusions. Note: (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) Flight schedule, hotel and program modifications may take place in case of an emergency. You will need to apply for a Visa to enter India. Please get the visa well in time. On request we will send you more information. For individual Arrivals, you will be picked up at no extra cost from the airport and transferred to the booked hotel (advance notice and flight details will be required). WTA reserve the right of changes which may be beyond our control. ========================================================================= WORLD TRAVEL ASSISTANCE 513-5th Floor, Shoppers Point, Andheri West, Shoppers Point, S.V.Road., Mumbai 400058, India. Tel: 0091 22 64468651 Tele Fax: 0091 22 40065162 Mobile: 0091 9867886893 Web: www.wta.bz Email: salman@wta.bz Skype: salman.parker