Great Himalayan Jeep Safari Ladakh the remote borderland at the end of the Western Himalayas and cut off for the road communication for seven months of the year is now accessible from Manali in Himachal Pradesh through the highest mountain passes in the world. The safari takes off from the green, verdant valleys of Kullu-Manali, skirts the mysterious valleys of Lahoul and Spiti, climbs over the passes as high as Tanglang (5112 Mts.) and Baralacha (4891 Mts.) to the awesome vistas of the tableland of “ Little Tibet”. You drive across three major mountain ranges of-the Greater Himalayas, Zanskar and Ladakh-to the foothills of the highest mountain mass of the world. The Karakorams or Mustagh, embossing the world’s second highest peak, K2 (8611 Mts.). In between high passes and grotesque gorges you traverse extensive, stark moonscapes, the legendary Moore plains and the surrealistic steppes of Sarchu. The valley heights range between 1700 Mts. to 4600 Mts., where cold, wild, winds scrape the rubble and whistle past a lonesome Chorten or a Mani-stone wall. Atop high passes you are face-to face with a maze of snow-capped mountain tops and serrated craggy ridges which hide some of the worlds largest glaciers outside the polar region. Kashmir Set a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes. The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centred around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among thes people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world. Ladakh and Srinagar Great Himalayan jeep safariDelhi-Chandigarh-Nalagarh-Manali-Jespa-Sarchu-Leh-Alchi-Kargil-Srinagar-Amritsar-Delhi Total no of days : 21 The safari takes off from the verdant green valleys of Kullu-Manali, skirts the mysterious valleys of Lahoul and Spiti, climbs over the passes of Tanglang La (5112 Mts.) and Baralacha La (4891 Mts.) to the awesome vistas of the tableland of “ Little Tibet”. You drive across three major mountain ranges of-the Greater Himalayas, Zanskar and Ladakh-to the foothills of the highest mountain mass of the world, the Karakorams or Mustagh, embossing the world’s second highest peak, K2 (8611 Mts.). In between high passes and gorgeous gorges you traverse the legendary Moore plains and the surrealistic steppes of Sarchu. ^^ TOP ^^ Itinerary:Day 1: Delhi Arrive at Delhi’s international airport a representative will be waiting for you outside the exit gate of arrival terminal, holding a placard. Met upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. Day 2: Delhi After breakfast enjoy full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.
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Day 3: Delhi - Chandigarh by shatabdi express - Nalagarh 60 km; approx. 1:30 hrs In time transfer to the railway station to board your train for Chandigarh. On arrival you are met and you continue your journey by car/coach to Nalagarh. On arrival check into Nalagarh Fort for overnight stay. Day 4: Nalagarh - Manali 245 km, 7-8 hrs After breakfast drive to Manali via Kullu, which is 1706 m above sea level and situated at the northern end of the Kullu valley. A picturesque little town bustling with activity, Kullu is the most popular place in Himachal Pradesh during the summer season. Around Kullu, nature has lavished the region with forests, waterfalls, green slopes, rivulets and soaring snow covered mountain peaks. Overnight stay in hotel. Day 5: Manali Morning visit to Naggar- 22km from Kulu, Naggar Was The capital of Kullu Rajas till A.D. 1660. The Ancient castle, now converted into Tourist Bungalow, overlooks the entire Beas Valley. Nicholas Roerich, the famous Russian painter and philosopher lived here and his quaint little house has been converted into a small museum. There are two old temples near castle. Afternoon explore Manali town, its old wooden temples and its folk music and dances. Overnight at your resort/hotel. Day 06: Manali - Jespa – coach /jeeps- drive 147km-6-7 hrs
^^ TOP ^^ Day 7: Jespa - Sarchu 98 km, 5-6 hrs Beyond Jespa, the regions main town, the road follows the Bhaga River up towards its source. It hairpins up to the Baralacha-La (16050 ft/4,892m), a pass that is perhaps unique in its being a tri-junction, with a trail from Spiti coming in from the southeast. Overnight in your camp. Day 8: Sarchu - Leh 253 kms: 8-9 hrs After breakfast drive to Leh. The Zanskar Range remains to be crossed and this takes two more passes, the La Chung-La (16,600ft/5,059m) and the Tanglang La (17,469ft/5,325m). Leh is rapidly spreading in all directions from its original position beneath the long abandoned Namgyal Palace. While the town has come a long way from the days when polo was played on its main street, Leh still remains a pleasant, traditional Himalayan town. Overnight in hotel. Day 9: Leh
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Full day to visit the Hemis Festival at the massive Tibetan Buddhist Gompas & monasteries of Hemis. Day 11: Leh Early morning visit Thiksey to witness the morning prayer. Rest of the day free to explore the down town. Overnight at hotel. Day 12 : Leh – Alchi (65 km, 3-4 hrs drive) Drive to Alchi to visit the Alchi monastery situated on the banks of the river Indus, which is one of the most important cultural sites in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, it is a treasure of the early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite different from the Tibetan art. Overnight at resort. Day 13: Alchi - Kargil by surface (140 km, 7-8 hrs) After breakfast drive to Kargil. Enroute visit Mulbek and Lamayuru monastries. Overnight at hotel. Day 14 : Kargil - Srinagar by surface (210 km, 8-9 hrs) Leave for Srinagar early in the morning with pack lunch. Proceed to Srinagar crossing Zoji La Pass (12000 ft) and Drass Valley the 02nd coldest inhabitant place in world. Enroute stop at Sonamarg one can visit Thajiwas Glaciers. Overnight at House Boat. ^^ TOP ^^ Day 15: Srinagar Srinagar is a city of great antiquity. This paradise vale reflects the moods of the changing seasons.
Enjoy the Shikara ride on Dal lake to view the floating vegetable gardens. The jewel in the crown of Kashmir is eulogised by poets and praised by tourists. Dal Lake changes its moods through the day. Overnight in House Boat / Hotel. Day 16: Srinagar
Full day excursion to Gulmarg. Gulmarg, or meadow of flowers, is an apt term indeed for this idyllic flower-laden meadow at an altitude of 2,730 metres, in Baramulla district. Situated at a distance of 51 km from Srinagar, it is a saucer-shaped bowl overhanging the main valley of Kashmir. The towering peaks above the meadow are covered with dense forests of tall conifers and gigantic fir and pine trees, all vying with each other to touch the azure skies. A clear day offers some br eathtaking v iews from Gulmarg : fields of rice; clusters of walnut, pear and mulberry; meadows, ridges and forests that lead to the snow slopes of Khilanmarg; the majestic Nanga Parbat peak over a 100 km away. ^^ TOP ^^ Day 17: Srinagar - Jammu - Amritsar In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Jammu (dep 1315 hrs arrival 1350 hrs). Meeting and assistance on arrival and drive to Amritsar (219 km, 6 hrs drive). Overnight at hotel. Day 18 : Amritsar
Overnight at hotel. Day 19: Amritsar - Delhi by Shatabdi Express (0510 hrs arr 1105 hrs) In time transfer to railway station to connect Shatabdi Express for Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. Day 20: Delhi Free day rest and relax or to explore the downtown. Overnight at hotel. Day 21: Leave Delhi In time transfer to airport to connect flight back home. ^^ TOP ^^ Cost:
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This morning you will tour Old Delhi, the capital of Mughal India between the 12th and 19th centuries. See the 17th century Jama Masjid and walk through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. Also visit the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort. You will also make a brief stop at the serene Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948
After noon city tour of New Delhi There have been at least eight cities built over the millennia around modern New Delhi, the capital of India. This afternoon, you will drive past the majestic government buildings and wide boulevards designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s. You will also see monuments left behind by other rulers and invaders, including the 16th-century Tomb of Humayun.
After an early breakfast drive to Jespa a small village in the Lahaul region. En route cross Rohtang Pass (3980 M) and visit Keylong village. The lofty Shingri Glacier is seen in all its grandeur, it’s high passes standing between them and the civilized world. The people of these valleys have an intense love for their home culture; their songs and dances are as chaste and pure as the snow that clods the mountains around. Spiti Valley is famous for Yaks and Choru. Overnight in hotel.
Forenoon free to rest and relax. Afternoon visit Shankar Monastery-a relativity modern monastery, it is closely associated with the Spituk monastery and serves as the residence of the head priest Kushak ba kula. A number of gold icons are to found here. 8km from Leh, Spituk monastery stands prominently on the top of a hillock commanding panoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles. Many icons of Buddha and fine thankas are to be found in this 15th century gompa. The gompa also houses collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image of Mahakli. Also visit Phyang Monastery which is 17kms from Leh-Kargil road, built by Tashi Namgyal in the later half of the 16th century AD. It belongs to the RED CAP SECT of Buddhist. Hundreds of icons of Buddha and other Gods are kept on wooden shelves. Overnight in your hotel.
Day 10: Leh
Spring breathes lif e into a frozen world and the air is heady with the fragrance of a million flowers that bloom on trees, shrubs and creepers. Summer heightens the effect and autumn is poignant in its colours of warm introspection. Winter bring s with it a blanket of snow. Sometimes the Dal Lake freezes and beneath a leaden sky, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, promise warmth and comfort.
Amritsar, as the name suggests, is hightfully a pool of nectar. Located in the state of Punjab, Amritsar is one of the most important pilgrimage center especially for the Sikhs in the country. The city is characterised by some of the must visit religious, historical as well as contemporary sites of importance. The Golden Temple, where Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth
Sahib and take a dip in the Amritsara Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is the major landmark of the place. Amritsar is also characterised by the hard worki ng and warm-hearted people. Visit the famous Golden Temple.