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LADAKH – LAND OF DISCOVERY
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi in the early hours and transfer by car to the Taj Palace
Hotel or upgrade to the Taj Mahal Hotel. (B)
Day 3 Delhi to Leh – by air
This morning transfer to Delhi airport to catch your onward flight to Leh
(please see high altitude warning below). On arrival you will be met and transferred
to the Kaal Hotel for your six night stay. Only open to tourists since 1974
the area of Ladakh – and its capital Leh – is a magical and remote
escape far from the rigors of modern civilization. A true frontier region
Ladakh borders China to the east whilst to the west lies Pakistan and the
Kashmir Valley. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Leh
Leh, the capital of the Ladakh region, is nestled in a fertile valley of the
River Indus encircled by snow-capped mountains. Presided over by the old Leh
Palace which sits precariously on a hill to the north of the town it is easy
to see why many believe that Leh is the nearest experience of Tibet in India.
Today visit the striking 16th Century Leh Palace described by some as a miniature
version of Lhasa’s Potala Palace. Other places of interest include the
Sankar Gompa, the 15th Century Tsemo Gompa and the recently constructed Shanti
Stupa, located high above the town, to enjoy sunset. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Leh – Hemis, Thikse and Shey
Today visit the monasteries of Hemis, Thikse and Shey that border the main
Leh to Manali road. Start your day at Hemis founded by Stagsang Raspa during
the reign of King Senge Namgyal in 1630 AD. Colourful prayer flags flutter
in the breeze and it is here that the sacred dances of the Hemis Tsechu are
held at the end of June each year. Afterwards, continue to Thikse Monastery,
built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the flood plain of Indus River, before
ending at Shey which until the 16th Century was the Royal Residence of the
Kings of Ladakh. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Leh – Alchi and Likir
This morning drive west on the scenic riverside road to the large religious
complex of Alchi and Likir. Hidden from view amongst local farmland Alchi’s
large temple complex is considered by many to be not only one of the most
important Buddhist centres in Ladakh but also a supreme example of monastic
skill. Afterwards, leave Alchi and head to nearby Likir which was established
in the 15th Century and whose monks, at present, maintain the buildings at
Alchi. Return to Leh in the afternoon. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Leh – Phyang and Spituk
After breakfast, leave your hotel and drive to the gompa of Phyang. Belonging
to the Red Hat Kagyupa sect this 16th Century Gouon monastery was built by
King Lakra Shis Namgyal – the founder of the Namgyal Dynasty –
and is home to many beautiful statues, including some 14th Century Kashmiri
bronzes, thangkas and valuable manuscript copies of the Kangyur – the
translated word of the Buddha. From here continue onto Spituk a monastery
which contains an ancient collection of Jelbagh masks rescued from the Potala
Palace in Lhasa. B/L/D)
Day 8 Leh – Stok Palace
Leave Leh and visit Stok the Royal Palace of the Kings of Ladakh. Although
the last King died in 1974 his widow still lives in the palace and his son
ascended to the throne in July 1993. Visit the Palace Museum which contains
a superb collection of royal thangkas, many of which are over 400 years old,
as well as the crown jewels, dresses, coins and a number of religious objects.
(B/L/D)
Day 9 Leh to Delhi – by air
This morning return to Leh Airport in good time to catch your flight to Delhi.
On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Taj Palace Hotel or
upgrade to the Taj Mahal Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Delhi
Later today tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s
dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk
by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin
Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan,
the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India
Gate. (B)
Day 11 Depart Delhi
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five.
High Altitude: At all places in this Ladakh itinerary the altitude exceeds 3,000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Festivals are a common part of life in Ladakh and the celebrations at Hemis are some of the most famous. Held to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet, the festival is characterised by the sacred dance of Hemis which is performed wearing facial masks and colourful robes. The festival will take place on the 1st and 2nd July 2010.
Extend your stay in Delhi with a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra or colourful Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – LADAKH – LAND OF DISCOVERY
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,350. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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