This tour provides a grand introduction to Ladakhi landscape, its culture and Tibetan influence. It is a vast high-altitude desert with stunning mountain panoramas. The itinerary incorporates an easy trek through beautiful landscapes dotted with villages and monasteries for a closer and better understanding of their rugged people and culture.
We start the trip with a flight (that puts us into ecstasy with the overhead view of the vast Himalayan Range with snow-capped peaks beckoning us with their glare) from Delhi to Leh (3,500m), the capital of Ladakh, where we spend two days visiting monasteries in the Indus Valley and paying a short visit to Shey School. The trek starts from Taru, a small village close to Leh, and crosses Taru La, a pass at 4200m and crossing the deserted plateau, ends with the descent from the pass of Bong-Bong la, Khalsi. While trekking we pass many Ladakhi Villages where we observe the traditional way of life, still unchanged here for centuries. This part of the Himalaya offers lofty snow-clad peaks, the wild and barren hillsides of this high altitude desert and the pretty green villages in the valleys which spring to life in the summer when the crops are grown after the long harsh winter. The mysteries of Buddhism, the friendliness of the people and the smiles of the children of the high Himalayan valleys certainly leave us with unforgettable memories. Continuing our journey we fly back to Delhi and drive direct to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and then to the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive at the international airport of Delhi at night and receive assistance from a representative from the local office to board the early morning flight to Leh. Overnight Hotel
Delhi – Leh (3500m). Enjoy the scenery while flying from Delhi to Leh. In the afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh and its bazaars. Overnight Hotel
Visit: Shey – Thiksey – Hemis. The day’s sightseeing programme starts with visits to Shey Palace and Shey School. Later the tour continues with visits to Thiksey and Hemis monasteries away from Leh. Overnight Hotel
Indus Valley (3500-3800m): Stok Palace, Shanti Stupa & transfer to Taru Today also the sightseeing programme continues with visits to Stok Palace and Shanti Stupa. In the afternoon drive to Taru, the starting point of the trek. Overnight Camp
Taru – Taru La (4100m) – Umla – Nimu (3700m ; 6-7hrs) Begin trek and walk in a deserted valley with a gradual ascent towards the first pass, Taru La (4,200m). Have lunch on the way. Later continue towards Nimu village through an un-populated landscape. Overnight Camp
Nimu – Nye (3800m;4-5 hrs). Start this short day’s trek with a gradual ascent for an hour through a canyon that is surrounded by rocky cliffs. Trek onto a deserted plateau to reach the green valley of Nye. In the afternoon there is enough time to explore this beautiful village. Overnight Camp
Nye – Likir (3400m; approx. 4hrs). A short ascent early on to reach a dusty road that hardly sees any traffic. From here it’s a gentle walk up to the village of Likir. After taking some rest at the camp visit Likir Monastery and explore the village. Overnight Camp
Likir – Sumdo – Yangtang (3,600m;4-5 hrs). Commence trek to Yangtang via Sumdo. Walk on rough jeep-road and cross Charatse La (3,700m) to reach Yangtang. Reach the camp set up either near the village school or at the river bank. Overnight Camp
Yangtang – Rizong – Hemis Shukpachan (3,600m;6-7 hrs) Descend to the monastery of Rizong and continue trek to cross Nigutse La (3,950m) and then descend to Hemis. Overnight Camp
Hemis Shukpachan – Ang – Themisgam (3,600m;4-5 hrs) & transfer to Leh Walk up to Rongtil La. Walk further to second pass, Meptik La (3,750m) and descend gradually to Ang. Board transport to drive to Leh. Overnight Hotel
Free Day in Leh (Optional excursion to Khardung La (5602m). Today is a free day in Leh. One may also wish to go for an optional excursion on world's highest motorable road to Khardung La. Built in 1976, it was opened to motor vehicles in 1988. Overnight Hotel
Leh – Delhi (By Flight) – Agra (220 kms; 4-5 hrs). Early morning transfer to Leh airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi drive to Agra. In the afternoon visit Agra Fort. Evening is free to relax. Overnight Hotel
Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (260 kms;5-6 hrs). Today rise early to spot the beautiful Taj Mahal at sunrise. Taj Mahal, a marvel in while marble built on the southern bank of River Yamuna, is a symbol of eternal love. Later drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri to visit the palace built by Moghul Emperor, Akbar. Overnight Hotel
Sightseeing of Jaipur. In the local sightseeing programme of Jaipur visit the majestic Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (the 18th century observatory and still active) and Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds). Overnight Hotel
Jaipur – Delhi (260 kms; 5-6 hrs). After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer direct to the international airport of Delhi to board flights to respective destinations.
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
Suitable for families with young children
Highest Point (Max altitude)
Fitness Grade
5-7 hours activity per day with steep uphill and downhill sections or high passes. Some days at high altitudes, good level of physical fitness recommended.
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