(The Ultimate Traveling Camp Expience in partnership with Cox & Kings)Departure: Upon request
Like a dream captured in a snow globe, remote Ladakh is a wildly beautiful high desert valley set between the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas. On this journey you meet Ladakhi craftsmen and visit the medieval temples and Buddhist monasteries or gompas, which house the region’s history. Delve into Ladakh’sincredible art and culture as you explore the fascinating monuments and admire the collections in the gompas. Particiapte in a Buddhist morning prayer ceremony. Before you head up to altitude, spend some time tracing the course of the Mughal Empire in Delhi.
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your luxury hotel and rest up from your travels in anticipation of more adventures tomorrow. The Imperial – 3 nights
Day 2 – Delhi
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past as you explore Old Delhi’s Red Fort, an opulent bastion of the Mughal Empire. Also visit Shah Jahan’s incredible Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world. Savor a local lunch and then take some time on your own this afternoon. You can hire a private guide to introduce you to the city’s other sights, or just relax and enjoy your hotel’s amenities. (B)
Option: Discover Delhi’s renowned temples.
Day 3 – Delhi
Get acquainted with the red sandstone tower of Qutab Minar, built to celebrate the onset of Muslim rule. Then, soak up the atmosphere at the garden tomb of Emperor Humayun and admire the imposing India Gate. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to prepare for your journey to Ladakh, the “land of high passes.” (B)
Day 4 – To Leh
Fly north to the high-desert capital of Leh, once an important stop on the trade route that ran through the Indus Valley between India and western China. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your home for the next five nights, the Chamba Camp, Thiksey. This evening, watch a dance performance as the sun sets on the mountain peaks. The Chamba Camp – 5 nights (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Leh
After a leisurely morning amidst the natural beauty of your camp, spend some time exploring the city of Leh, including the magnificent 17th- century Leh Palace and the old bazaar. See how Leh was built as you tour a series of traditional houses and interact with a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural history of the old city. End your day with a cup of traditional butter tea as you admire the views from the Shanti stupa. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Leh
Rise early to tea and coffee before beginning your visit to the Thiksey monastery, which lies about a half mile from your camp. See the two-stor y statue of the Buddha seated on a lotus and participate in the morning prayer ceremony if you wish. On your guided tour of the monastery, visit the lovely prayer room and shrines dedicated to the guardian deities of the monastery. Return to camp for breakfast, followed by some leisure time or an optional cycling trip. This afternoon, travel to a secluded valley to visit the Hemis Monastery, which is the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh. (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Leh
The morning is at leisure. After lunch at the camp, cross the Indus River to explore the Stok Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress that serves as the residence of the prince of Ladakh. Down in Stok village, take a stroll and enjoy a cup of tea at a quaint Ladakhi house. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Ladakh
Spend the day walking in the footsteps of the Buddha as you explore the monastic treasures of Ladakh, from the fabled Alchi Monastery to the Ridzong Monastery, which is the only monastic institution here that also has a nunnery. Alternatively, combine your visit to Alchi with an optional rafting excursion on the Indus River. (B, L, D)
Day 9 – To Delhi
Return to Delhi by air. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Trident Gurgaon – 1 night (B)
Day 10 – Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Call Now for Details 415-331-3791
Tour Notes:
•Ladakh is at a high altitude and anyone with a relevant medical condition should obtain clearance from his or her physician.
•Delhi and Leh flights are dependent on weather conditions.
Includes:
• All hotels and accommodations per the itinerary
• Meals as noted in the itinerary (B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
• All transfers and transportation
• Sightseeing as in itinerary including entrance fees & services of professional local guides
Does not include:
• International air travel
• Airport departure taxes
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Excess baggage fees
• Personal items and alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities to your guides, drivers, porters and hotel service
