Himalaya Travel Tours in India(WTI-24)

Duration: 10 Days
Destinations Covered: New Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali - Rohtang Pass - Sarchu - Leh - Sankar Gompa - Hemis

This is a short 10 days trip to the capital of Ladakh and its surrounding area - the land of high passes - in the Trans - Himalayan zone witch marks the boundary between the peak of the Western Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. Ladakh is also known as the 'moonland' or 'Heaven on Earth'. The culture of Ladakh is Buddhist thus the emphasis is on various monasteries like Hemis,Thikse,Shey etc and the colorful festival of Ladhak in the month of August.

The travel is by road in Jeeps from Nalagharh fort onto Leh crossing the valley of Gods Manali and various passes like Rohtang and Tanglang la the second hieghest motorable pass in the world and the Himalayan plateau where the eye can see for miles together at a stretch. The return journey can be by air which can then give you an option of adding a few more days to visit Agra of Taj Mahal and Jaipur the city of Maharajas or the castle of Mandawa.

Day 1 -- New Delhi
Arrival Delhi in the morning. "Namaste" a warm welcome to India, a sincere greeting with a bow and folded hands. Transfer to a 5-star hotel in New Delhi. After a short break we embark on our first journey to discover India. Our introduction to India will be by a " Rickshaw" ride a mode of transport used in small towns and in Old Delhi.

We head for a guided city tour to the most interesting sights of the city that is the Red Fort a fort made of red sand stone which once housed the world famous PEACOCK throne and the Jama Masjid mosque. Welcome Dinner at the old Hauz Khas village complex overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 -- Chandigarh
Early morning transfer to railway station to catch the morning train for Chandigarh. Half day sight seeing lunch at the famous Moghul Garden transfer to Nalagarh Fort. Overnight at the fort.

Day 3 -- Manali
Transfer to Manali a valley town in the Himalayas. Evening free, over night at hotel.

Day 4 -- Manali
Full day at Manali.

Day 5 -- Rohtang Pass
After breakfast take the road for Sarchu camp crossing Rohtang Pass. Overnight at Camp.

Day 6 -- Sarchu - Leh
Sarchu - Leh After B/Fast drive to Leh today we will be crossing the second heighest motorable pass in the world ( Tanglangla 17650 feet) to get into Ladhak the land of passes. Ladhak is at an altitude of 11500 ft bounded by two of the worlds mightiest of Ranges the Himalayas & Karakoram. We arrive in the evening rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 -- Sankar Gompa
Leh. half day sight seeing of Sankar Gompa : Located in a valley is the home to Lamas who belong to the yellow sect & disciples of his Holiness The Dalai Lama. Leh Palace a 17th century palace looking like a minature version of the Potala palace in Tibet. Rest of day free.

Day 8 -- Hemis
Full day sight seeing of Hemis,Thikse & Shey Gompa. Shey was the summer palace of Ladhaki Kings, it has a 36 feet statue of Budha, Thicksey the twelve storey monastery Hemis farthest away from Leh this is the wealthiest monastery belonging to the red sect. Evening return to hotel.

Day 9 -- New Delhi
Flight back to Delhi. Transfer to hotel rest of day sight seeing evening farewell dinner for our guest.

Day 10 -- New Delhi
Check out as per flight schedule if time permits last minute mementos shopping.