Ladakh & Kashmir Cultural Tour
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Duration16 Days
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Region
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Category
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Best Time
- June - September
Introduction
Tour Grade : Easy
Ladakh, is a stark lunar landscaped land of a high altitude and a cold desert inhabited by Buddhist people following the Lama form of Mahayana Buddhism. Living under the shadows of the surrounding snow covered mountains of both the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and praying at their monasteries perched on-top of hills, trying to reach out to the gods. With prayer wheels in their hands rotating the prayers in the wind “Om Mani Padme Hum” describing the God Buddha as a jewel sitting in a lotus flower.
Following the Indus River drive west towards the Suru River Valley at the quaint town of Kargil and then further, over the Zoji La pass dropping down into the Kashmir Valley. From here the inhabitants follow the religion of Shia Islam and have much affinity to the people of Baltistan located in the Karakorams. The Suru River Valley is slightly greener as compared to the stark Indus River Valley of Ladakh. While, Kashmir itself is lush green with gurgling streams, vast alpine meadows and snowy peaks surrounding on all sides.
In the middle of the lush and verdant Kashmir Valley lies the beautiful city of Srinagar which was first established by Emperor Ashoka some 2,300 years ago. But it came in to lime light during the time of Mughal rulers. Moghul emperor Babur longed for the clear streams and cool mountains of the Hindu Kush. However it was his grandson Emperor Akbar, who was first to make Kashmir as a jewel in his crown and his son Jahingir, who planted the Chinaar trees and pleasure gardens on the banks of the alpine lakes of the Dal and Nagin lakes, located on the banks of the Jhelum River, surrounded by mountains. Kashmir has been called a paradise on Earth and is a place that can still be enjoyed even today for it’s natural beauty and very rich culture.
Destinations Covered
Delhi
The City of GloryDelhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Leh Ladakh
A land of scenic beauty and creations
Nubra
A serene valley of OrchardsNubra Valley was originally called “ldumra” which means the valley of flowers. Now, it is also known as Orchard of Ladakh. Nubra Valley is a Tri-armed valley, which is located to the north east of Ladakh valley. Nubra valley is formed by the Shyok River, which is a tributary of the Indus, and the Nubra or the Siachen River. Nubra Valley is about 150km north from its principal town, Leh. Nubra Valley was the ancient gateway for the famous Silk Route. Nubra valley is famously known as “broken moonland” because in winter, the whole valley looks like the landscape of the moon.
Hunder
Hundar is a village in the Leh district of Ladakh, India famous for Sand dunes, Bactrian camels. It is located in the Nubra tehsil, on the banks of the Shyok River. The Hunder Monastery is located here.
Alchi
A low land village in LadakhAlchi, a small village situated on low land, is about 70 km to the west of Leh district and is located on the banks of the River Indus. Alchi village is very fertile and it is all green with apricot trees on both sides of the road. It is a perfect place to relax and experience the quintessential scenery.
Kargil
Kargil is a city and a joint capital of the union territory of Ladakh in India. It is also the headquarters of the Kargil district. It is the second-largest city in Ladakh after Leh. Kargil is located 204 kilometres to the east of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, and 234 kilometres to the west of Leh
Srinagar
Srinagar, is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg lies in a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,650 m (8,694 ft). The natural meadows of Gulmarg allow the growth of wild flowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups during spring and summer. The meadows are interspersed by enclosed parks and small lakes, and surrounded by forests of green pine and fir.Skiing and other winter sports in Gulmarg are carried out on the slopes of Apharwat peak at a height of 4,267 m (13,999 ft).
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Delhi
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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)
- Day 3 Fly Delhi – Leh
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Day 4
Leh
Leh Ladakh
Drive to Namgyal Monestary and then to Leh Palace. From Palace walk through the Old town of Leh visit Leh market, a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars. The main street is open and airy, with rows of shops on either side.
On either side of the market are seen a long line of Ladakhi women in traditional dress and colorful Jewelry of coral and turquoise, seated behind enormous baskets, selling vegetables.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 5
Leh – Matho – Hemis – Thiksey – Leh
Leh Ladakh
After breakfast explore some of Ladakh's ancient Monasteries. A picnic lunch is provided.
Sightseeing in the Indus Valley: Today we plan to take you to see some of the largest monasteries and palaces in the Indus valley.
Matho Monastery on the picturesque Indus Valley, Matho Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built under the Saskya Monastic Establishment. It was constructed around 500 years ago. It was established by Lama Dugpa Dorje in 1410, who belongs to Sakya order. It houses a marvelous collection of ancient Thangas and known for its Matho Nagrang Festival. It is an annual festival which takes place in the first half of March. It is a nice place where you can understand Buddhist teachings and philosophies.
Hemis Monasteries has several hundred lamas attached to its subsidiary monasteries. Hemis is the location for numerous religious festivals throughout the year, although the most important one is in summer when a huge thangkha, one of the largest in the world, is hung in the courtyard. It takes about 50 monks to carry the thangkha to its place and unfold it. The thangkha is made of fine heavy silk and embroidered with pictures of various gods as well as of the founder of Hemis. Spectators watch these dances from the upper storey verandas around the courtyard.
Thiksey Monasteries is the most picturesquely situated monastery in Ladakh, perched high on a hill above the Indus. From here one commands a magnificent view of the valley. The Monasteries possesses a rich and beautiful collection of hundreds of hand-written or painted prayer books. Hemis Monasteries is one of the most important in Ladakh, the largest and also the wealthiest. It was built in 1620 by the king-architect Singe Namgyal, a great patron of Buddhism. He filled Hemis with golden statues, stupas set with precious stones and thangkhas (painting) brought from many places, including Tibet.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
- Day 6 Drive Leh | Khardung La Pass | Nubra Valley (Approx. 75 miles | 120 Kms | 4 – 5 Hours Drives)
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Day 7
Hunder | Diskit | Samsthaling | Hundar
Hunder
Today, we drive to Diskit Monastery, drive to monastery passes through a long row of scattered chortens to reach the gompa (Monastery), which is set on the highest point near the village. Belonging to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect, parts of the gompa, which houses 120 resident monks, are about 760 years old. The Dukhang has many statues, one of, which holds the head, and left arm of a Turkish invader believed to be 500 years old.
Diskit is the main village or headquarters of Nubra Valley, which has small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop.
Thereafter, drive up to visit Hundar Monastery. This is a small gompa belonging to the Gelug-pa sect, set amidst innumerable chortens and has a huge impressive statue of Chamba in the main prayer hall. The gompa was built at the time King Jamgyal Namgyal came here with his wife Gyal Khatun.
Explore the village, which has some beautiful old houses.
Overnight at hotel/camp (B, L, D)
- Day 8 Drive Nubra (Hundar) To Leh (Approx. 75 miles | 120 Kms | 4 – 5 Hours Drives)
- Day 9 Drive To Alchi, Enroute Visit To Basgo & Likir (Approx. 47 miles | 75 Kms | 4 – 5 Hours Drives)
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Day 10
Alchi | Rizong | Alchi
Alchi
In the morning, survey the gorgeous site of Rizong Gompa which encompasses a number of Colorful shrines spread across the valley in an amphitheater formation.
Return to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
- Day 11 Alchi | Lamayuru | Kargil (Approx. 99 miles | 159 Kms | 5 Hours Drives)
- Day 12 Kargil | Sonamarg | Srinagar (Approx. 140 miles | 224 Kms | 7 – 8 Hours Drives)
- Day 13 Srinagar
- Day 14 Srinagar | Gulmarg (Approx. 41 miles | 65 Kms | 2 Hours Drives)
- Day 15 Gulmarg | Srinagar (Approx. 41 miles | 65 Kms | 2 Hours Drives) & Fly To Delhi
- Day 16 Fly Delhi & Departure
