Detailed Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrive Delhi

   Delhi

   After clearing Customs and Immigration, step into the receiving area, where our representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel.

   On arrival, check into the hotel.

   Overnight at hotel (No Meals)
2. Day 2 Delhi

   Delhi

   Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.

   On the tour of “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Drive past Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).

   Drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy. Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.

   Thereafter, visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, color or class.

   Conclude the day by visiting the Delhi's most striking monument, The Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft) and contains 379 stairs. A Soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in India.

   Overnight at hotel (B)

   

   Bangla Sahib

   Sikh Temple

   

   Chandni Chowk

   

   Old Delhi Cultural Rickshaw ride

   

   Qutub Minar

   

   Red Fort

3. Day 3 Fly Delhi – Bhuntar (Kullu) and Drive To Manali (Approx. 32 Miles / 51 Kms / 1 hour drive)

   Manali

   (Air India Flight # AI -9805 Delhi/Bhuntar ETD: 06:40/ETA: 09:00 Hrs.)

   After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport to board your flight to Bhuntar (Kullu).

   You arrive Bhuntar airport and then drive for a couple of hours to Manali.

   Afternoon, visit the famous Hadimba Devi Temple. This temple worships Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. After spending some time here, head to the Vashisht Kund, Tibetan Monastery and handicraft centre.

   Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
4. Day 4 Manali - Chhatru (3558 M) 5/6 Hrs.

   Chhatru

   Early morning after having breakfast, we start 5-6 hrs drive to gain altitude; the first half of the day is an uphill drive to reach the Rohtang Pass (4000 m). After crossing the pass we will go down to the Chandra River.

   We will follow the river for the rest of the day until we reach Chattru, a spectacular drive. In the evening we will ourselves or go for a short walk. Stay overnight at a camp and relish our dinner at the camp side.

   Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
5. Day 5 Chhatru – Kaza (3700 M) and Kunzum LA (4590M)

   Kaza

   We keep following the Chandra River upstream until the climb up to the Kunzum La under the shadows of the Lahoul range of mountains around the Bara Shigri glacier. Before reaching the top of Kunzum La take a slight detour to the Chandra Tal a lovely alpine lake at a height of 4,300 meters and from where one can see the CB range mountains. Ascend the Kunzum La and then follow the Spiti river to Kaza.

   Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
6. Day 6 Kaza – Kyi – Dum La (4500 M): 2-3 Hrs Drive And Short Trek

   Dumla

   Morning visit the Kyi Gompa which is a beautiful sight with its white painted buildings sitting atop a small hill. This is one of the most important monasteries of Buddhism in the Spiti Valley.

   Later today take a 2-3 hour drive which will bring us to Dum La. This will be our first day of trekking and our first experience of physical exercise at high altitude. We will walk down to a small river and up through the steep gorge bed to reach our camp at the village of Dum La. It is a short day's trek, arriving in time for lunch. Get ourselves acclimatized to the high altitudes.

   Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
7. Day 7 Dum La - Thaltak (4900 M): 4 Hrs Trek

   Thaltak

   This will be a short day’s trek, which will take only 4 hrs. Get ourselves acclimatized with an around 400 meters height gain. It is a sheer ascent gaining altitude in a fairly short span of time. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding mountains at the campsite at Thaltak. In the afternoon, we will go for another short hike to get better acclimatized.

   Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
8. Day 8 Thaltak - Borochen (5020 M): 7 Hrs Trek

   Borochen

   After breakfast, we will start for a 7 hrs trek that will take us to Borochen. This is a long day’s walk. We gain about 400 meters in altitude and it allows us to further acclimatize. We will reach Borochen by mid-afternoon and relax. Enjoy the surroundings and views in the evening.

   Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
9. Day 9 Borochen - Parang La (5600 M) - Dak Karzong (4950 M): 5 Hrs Trek

   Dak Karzong

   After an early morning breakfast, we will make an early start to reach the pass. This trail is challenging to start and the last 4 km to the pass are quite steep. Parang La is the pass along an old trade route joining Spiti and Ladakh. It offers grand views of the Changthang valleys, Mount Parilungi and the Spiti Valley. The mountains of Ladakh and the Mount Parilungi are the first visible and distinctive peaks around us. After taking in all the views we descend to the source of the Pare Chu River, crossing the glacier on the Ladhaki side of the pass for about an hour. While crossing the pass, we will experience a change of landscape, from the steep gorges of Spiti to the broad plains of Ladakh’s Changthang Plains.

   Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
10. Day 10 Dak Karzong - Datang Yongma (4830 M): 3 Hrs Trek

    Datang Yongma

    After having light food, today our trek follows the route of the Pare Chu River as it winds through a wide valley, with high banks left by the river in flood. There is a profusion of flora on this walk.

    Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
11. Day 11 Datang Yongma - Racholamo (4600 M): 7 Hrs Trek

    Racholamo

    On this day we will start early in the morning after having our breakfast. Trek for 6-7 hrs, which will be along a trail with similar surroundings as the day before, reaching Racholamo in mid-afternoon. As day passes we will lose a small amount of height during the day.

    Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
12. Day 12 Racholamo - Norbu Sumdo - Chumik Shilde (4530 M): 5/6 Hrs

    Chumik Shilde

    Early in the morning, we will continue to Chumik Shilde passing through Norbu Sumdo. We will cross the Pare Chu River and move further in the direction of Tso Moriri Lake. There is a good likelihood of meeting yak caravans of the Changpa tribals transporting goods in the area. Check in to our camping spot in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening.

    Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
13. Day 13 Chumik Shilde - Kiangdom (4540 M): 4 Hrs.

    Kiangdom

    Today we walk across the Changthang Plains to the southern edge of the oval-shaped high-altitude Tso Moriri Lake at Kiangdom, named after the kiangs (wild Tibetan asses) that roam freely here. The lake is a breeding ground for many rare migratory birds. It is a short day’s walk and gives a great opportunity to photograph what is one of the most beautiful places of the entire trip.

    Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
14. Day 14 Kiangdom To Karzog (4570 M): 7 Hrs

    Karzog

    After having breakfast, we will start early and walk along the shores of the salt lake - Tso Moriri. The spectacular view of the lake will rejuvenate you. Try to arrive in Karzog as early as possible to avoid the strong winds that are common in the afternoon. Once we arrive to Karzog, we can stopover at the ancient monasteries to visit it and relax after a hard trek!

    Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
15. Day 15 Karzog

    Karzog

    This day will be our rest day. We will visit the Changpas, nomadic herdsmen of the area, with their valuable pacshmina goats.

    Here we can stroll around the village or visit Tso Moriri.

    Overnight at Camp (B, L, D)
16. Day 16 Karzog - Mahe - Leh (3500 M): 8 Hrs

    Leh Ladakh

    Early in the morning after having light food, we will take the long picturesque drive of 8 hrs to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, along the upper section of the Indus River, from which India takes its name. On the drive one can see many marmots and migratory birds.

    Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
17. Day 17 Leh

    Leh Ladakh

    On this day visit the famous monasteries of Thiksey and the Palace at Stok. Afternoon ramble through the colourful markets. The surrounding Zanskar mountain range offers a wonderful view of the towering summit of Mount Stok Kangri (6153 m).

    Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
18. Day 18 Fly To Delhi

    Delhi

    (Indigo Flight # 6E-6003 Leh/Delhi ETD: 11:45/ETA: 13:20 Hrs.)

    After breakfast you will be transferred to the Leh Airport in time to fly to Delhi.

    Arrive Delhi, you will be transferred to the hotel.

    Overnight at hotel (B)
19. Day 19 Delhi

    Delhi

    Full day at leisure or you have an option for Agra excursion.

    Optional Agra excursion:

    Agra: Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. The earliest reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata referred Agra as Agravana. In the sources prior to this, Agra has been referred as Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The golden age of the city began with the Mughals. Akbar made it the center of art, culture, commerce and learning. Later, Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire.

    During the peaceful reign of Shah Jahan, his passion for architecture came to the fore and world-famous architectural masterpieces were constructed. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

    However, after the reign of Shah Jahan’s son Aurangzeb (1658-1707), and the gradual disintegration of the empire, the city passed from one invader to another before the British took charge early in the 19th century.

    After breakfast, drive to Agra.

    Visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river.

    Lunch is on your own.

    Explore the Taj Mahal, the greatest monument of love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 22 years to build this edifice, constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

    Later drive back to Delhi.

    Overnight at hotel (B)

    

    Agra Fort

    

    Taj Mahal in 1884 by Dr Gustave LeBon /

    Taj Mahal

20. Day 20 Delhi & Departure

    Delhi

    On time check-out from the hotel and transfer to the Airport to connect with the departure International flight.

    (B)