Land of Discovery - Ladakh and Kashmir

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Virgin Atlantic flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

On arrival into Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. With two distinct identities, Delhi is one of India’s most intriguing cities. Old Delhi, with its bazaars, forts and mosques, was once the capital of Muslim India whilst contrasting New Delhi is the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: The Oberoi

Day 3 Delhi to Leh – by air

This morning transfer to Delhi Airport and fly to Leh. Only open to tourists since 1974 the area of Ladakh, and its capital Leh, is a magical and remote high Himalayan escape far from the hustle and bustle of modern India. A true frontier region, Ladakh borders China to the east whilst to the west lies Pakistan and the Kashmir valley. (B/D)
Accommodation in Leh: Ladakh Residency
Upgrade option: Ladakh Himalayan Retreat
Alternative upgrade option: Grand Dragon Hotel

Day 4 Leh

The capital of the Ladakh region, Leh, is nestled in a fertile valley of the Indus framed by snow-capped peaks. Presided over by the old white-washed Leh Palace, which sits precariously on a hill to the north of the town, the town grew to become a historically important trading centre. Explore Leh with your local guide where you will visit the 16th century palace, Sankar Gompa, the 15th century Tsemo Gompa and Shanti Stupa, where you can enjoy beautiful views. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Leh: Ladakh Residency
Upgrade option: Ladakh Himalayan Retreat
Alternative upgrade option: Grand Dragon Hotel

Day 5 Leh – visit Hemis and Shey

Today explore the architectural gems of Hemis and Shey. Hemis is the largest and wealthiest monasteries of Ladakh and houses an important library of Tibetan books. Take your time exploring this wonderful complex this morning. Later visit Shey – a former royal residence of the Kings of Ladakh. Be impressed by the 17 metre high Maitreya Buddha made of copper, brass and precious stones. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Leh: Ladakh Residency
Upgrade option: Ladakh Himalayan Retreat
Alternative upgrade option: Grand Dragon Hotel

Day 6 Leh to Pangong Lake – 160kms (5 hours approx)

Early this morning depart Leh with your driver and guide for the scenic yet adventurous drive to Pangong Lake, often visitors highlight of Ladakh. During the journey, cross the villages of Shey and Gya and traverses the Changla Pass at 5240m above sea level with fantastic views. The road down from Changla Pass leads through small villages before reaching Pangong Lake. Situated at about 4,300m above sea level Pangong is the world’s highest saltwater lake, the lake is almost 150kms long with just one third of it in India, with the other side in China. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pangong Lake: Whispering Waves Tented Camp

Day 7 Pangong Lake to Leh – 160kms

Enjoy the beautiful colours of sunrise this morning overlooking the lake. After your breakfast drive back to Leh and en route visit Thikse Monastery, 25kms south of Leh. Built on a rocky outcrop with a commanding position overlooking the flood plain of Indus River, this 15th century complex has ten temples, a nunnery and sixty resident Lamas making it one of the most populated monasteries in Ladakh. After your visit to Thikse travel the short distance to Leh for an afternoon at leisure and your overnight stay. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Leh: Ladakh Residency
Upgrade option: Ladakh Himalayan Retreat

Alternative upgrade option: Grand Dragon Hotel

Day 8 Leh to Srinagar – by air/ Srinagar to Nagin Lake

This morning transfer to Leh Airport and fly to Srinagar. Once in Srinagar continue to the shores of Nagin Lake and board a premium Houseboat, your base for the next three nights. There is no better way to experience the enchanting beauty of Kashmir. The houseboats are comfortable, with traditional Kashmiri furnishings and a spacious veranda with wonderful views of the lake and snow-capped mountains. Later cruise in a shikara through the floating gardens that link Nagin and Dal Lakes. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: WH Gurkha Houseboat

Day 9 Nagin Lake

After breakfast visit some of the superbly maintained Mughal gardens for which this area is rightly famed. Highlights include the Nishat Bagh, which is also known as the Garden of Gladness, and the Shalimar Bagh which was built by the Emperor Jahangir for his wife. Remainder of the day at your leisure relaxing and watching life go by on Nagin Lake. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: WH Gurkha Houseboat

Day 10 Nagin Lake

Before sunrise leave the houseboat and travel by shikara to the colourful floating vegetable market that takes place each morning. Later return to the houseboat and spend the reminder of the day at leisure watching life on the lake pass by. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: WH Gurkha Houseboat

Day 11 Nagin Lake to Srinagar

This morning transfer by car to Srinagar. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and languid lakes, Srinagar’s Himalayan setting is dramatic and beautiful. The old city is a warren of narrow alleyways, temples, mosques and markets and much of the unique Kashmiri wooden architecture still remains. Srinagar is also home to some of the finest ornamental gardens not just in India, but also in the wider subcontinent. This afternoon explore Srinagar with your local guide starting at the northern edge of the old city to visit the Sufi shrine of Makhdoom Sahib which is located close to the Hari Parbat Fort. There are good views over Nagin Lake from this vibrant place of worship. Later return to the heart of the historic quarter and visit the unique Jama Masjid, the city’s largest mosque, the Shah Hamadan Mosque and Budshah Tomb. There will also be plenty of opportunity to wander through the many colourful bustling bazaars. (B)
Accommodation in Srinagar: Vivanta by Taj – Dal View Hotel
Upgrade option: Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar Hotel

Day 12 Srinagar

This morning take a shikara down the River Jhelum cruising under the seven bridges of Srinagar to Chatabal, stopping along the river to visit some interesting Hindu temples and mosques. From Chatabal return by car to your hotel passing through another interesting part of the city to visit the 14th Century Ali Masjid Mosque at Eidgah. Later this afternoon visit Shankaracheria Hill for an excellent sunset view of Dal Lake on one side and the River Jhelum together with the city of Srinagar on the other side. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Srinagar: Vivanta by Taj – Dal View Hotel
Upgrade option: Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar Hotel

Day 13 Srinagar to Delhi – by air

Today leave the hotel and transfer to Leh Airport in good time to catch the flight to Delhi where you will stay overnight. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: The Oberoi

Day 14 Delhi to the UK

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the Virgin Atlantic flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Land of Discovery - Ladakh and Kashmir

14 days from £3430 per person

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Itinerary: Land of Discovery - Ladakh and Kashmir

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