Duration :17 Nights / 18 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Mathura - Vrindavan - Agra - Srinagar- Moughal Gardens - Gulmarg - Kargil - Lamayuru - Uletopko – Alchi - Leh - Hemis - Shey – Thicksey- Leh - Khardungla - Nubra – Darjeeling – Pelling - Gangtok – Kalimpong
Day 01 : Delhi - Arrival
From Your country you arrive in New Delhi, on arrival, you will be received
at the Airport and assistance will be provided for the transportation to the
hotel Booked for overnight stay.
Services
- Hotel Svelte
- Commercial Complex Saket
- New Delhi 110017
- Welcome At Arrival
- Transfer to the Hotel
Day 2 : Delhi - Mathura - Vrindavan - Agra (220 km- 5 hrs)
After breakfast at the Hotel, you will be transferred to the Domestic Airport for the flight to Srinagar- Board the flight and land in the Valley
of paradise. The Moughal King Jehangir – Has written in Shalimar Garden the
following "If there is heaven on earth- It is here –It is here –It is here
'Arrive in Srinagar upon arrival meet assist and transfer to Super Deluxe
Houseboat. Houseboat are Floating 5* Deluxe Hotels on the Dal Lake –They are
crafted Houses made of walnut wood and furniture with proper decorated
Bedrooms bath with wash attached and dining room drawing rooms and familyowned look after the kitchen and other needs of the Guest It is an
experience which no where in world can be found other than Kashmir. Srinagar
is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir and is famous for its lakes,
and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. Late afternoon take a
Shikara ride on Dal Lake, Overnight and Dinner at the Houseboat
Services
- Air Fare- Delhi- Srinagar Economy Class
- Departure Transfer at Delhi
- Arrival Transfer at Srinagar
- Houseboat -Tehran Super Deluxe
- Breakfast – Lunch and Dinner
- Shikara Boat Ride
- Guide
Day 03 : Srinagar- Moughal Gardens
Early morning before breakfast you will visit floating Gardens –Scores and
scores of Small boats carry the vegetable- Flowers and other -Household
commodities – In the Dal Lake the farming is done by different methods –The
weeds present in the Lake are taken out and Dumped in open to dry –During the drying the seeds of vegetables
Fruits and flowers are sprinkled over it. After a year or so the heap of Weeds take the shape of land – This piece of land can be dragged To any locations –As it does not touch the Bottom of the Lake.
After breakfast visit the Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal
Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) & Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love). In
the afternoon City Tour of Srinagar- Visiting Shahi Hamdhan and other places
of the city. Overnight stay in the Houseboat for dinner.
Services
- Houseboat – Tehran Super Deluxe
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
- Floating Garden Tour in Shikara
- Moughal Garden Tour
- City Tour of Sriangar
- Entrances
- Guide
Day 04 : Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar (112 Kms)
After breakfast full day excursion of Gulmarg – It is 52 Kilometers away
from City of Srinagar It is Lush green valley with 7 Kilometer - Circular road- 18 whole Golf course and a Gondola going all the way up to
Khilanmarg – During winter It is covered with 10 feet snow and above and the
places has some of the finest ski slopes – HAWS –High altitude war soldiers
are trained here -.Return to the houseboat.
Services
- Houseboat Tehran Super Deluxe
- Breakfast – Dinner
- Lunch at Gulmarg Local Restaurant
- Gandola Ride
- To and Fro Round trip to Gulmarg
- Guide
Day 05 : Srinagar - Kargil (via Sonmarg)
Morning after breakfast drive to Leh Via Sonmarg. Sonmarg - This is one of
the most beautiful drives from Srinagar. Sonmarg the word if translated
means the valley of Gold –There are some nice Glaciers which are breath taking their reflections are so clear –that one wants to spend
life time just there. The Drive from here is uphill and steep Crossing Zozilla Pass then to Grass the place which is the highest snow
falling point in Asia –The Road passes through the river and virtually
touches the borders of India and Pakistan –Arrive in Kargil. This town is
dominated by Shia Muslims and is hub of Indian army – On the Right side one
can go to the valley of Zanaskar and straight on moves towards Laddakh.
Stay overnight at the Hotel.
Serives
- Breakfast at Houseboat
- Transport to Kargil via Sonmarg and on the way Sightseeing
- Hotel D Zollia or Similar * The Hotel category in Kargil is Very Very Simple and can be categorized a 1* as this place is for Just For Transit
- Lunch on the way at Local Restaurant (Packed Lunch Possible also)
- Dinner at Hotel
Day 06 : Kargil - Lamayuru - Uletopko
After Breakfast drive to Uletopko over some high passes and your first stop will be Monestry of Lamayuru -It is said that a lake existed there and a demon lived here which was killed with the barley and a huge monastery was erected on the place - After visiting this monastery drive on the JILABI MODS -Jilabi modes are 22 serpentine circular road which can be photographed from the top and in front the formations of land can be seen as same as on moon. This is the reason why Laddakh is called Moonland. Arrive at letopko camp, Uletopko camp site. For sake of words this is a campsite however, location of this camp, site and facilities puts this camp in many ways better than a Hotel. You are surrounded by peaches and apple trees and you are right on a Hill cliff over the river Indus. The Power of the camp is generated by the Hydraulic system just next to the camp. Overnight at camp with all meals. Rest and enjoy this environments- You can be lucky to see some Capricorians.(mountain Goats).
Services
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Lunch at Lamayuru Restaurant (Packed Also Possible)
- Drive to Uletopko via Lamayuru Sightseeing Serpentine Loops
- Moonland Formations sights
- Dinner at Uletopko
- Overnight stay at Finest Camp Uletopko
- Guide
Day 07 : Uletopko –Alchi - Leh
Breakfast at Hotel and leave Ultopoko to Alchi monestry –This monestry has
murals dating back to 14th centaury –The restoration work of the murals are
done by European art and culture students
The drive further is enroute to villages of Laddakh and Monestry
Likir – Likir Monestry is the seat of Learning of Buddism –Young Lamas are
taught Buddism here on the way you will also see Magnetic fields -To test
the magnetic fields. Stop your car in neutral gear and see the car move
slightly because of the magnetic pull
The farming here is done in strange way- Cabin on the slopes of the mountain
are made –for a few years they are left to gather mud and
Rain etc- Later when a substantial amount of earth is accumulated the land
is ready for cultivation. While Driving to Leh – You will find the river
Indus and River Zanaskar converge–From the Right side the Zanaskar River
mixes with Indus while the Indus comes from the front- strange thing that
during the winter the Zanaskar River freezes and people trek over it to
reach the Zanaskar. You will now enter the Town of Leh city and check in
the Hotel. Explore the environments of this place which was the main station
to the old caravan route for trade in central Asia.
Services
- Breakfast at the Uletopko camp Resort
- Lunch at Restaurant Local (packed Possible Also)
- Drive to Leh Via Alchi Likir Phyang and Spituk Monestry
- Dinner at Hotel in Leh
- Overnight stay at the best Known Hotel Kanglachen
- Guide
- Entrances
Day 08 : Leh - Hemis - Shey –Thicksey-Leh
Breakfast & Drive to Stok Palace and Museum –The Queen of Laddakh lives in
the palace with her family and she is social worker –Some old Laddakh art affects are in the Museum which are worth seeing- Behind the
Palace the villages of Laddakh can be seen farming cash crops such as Hops.
The Tour Follows by visit to SOS Camp which was started in 1960-1961 for
repressed children and families of Tibet who settled here Shey, the summer Palace of royal family, has a lake in front of it. In front
of it His Holiness Dalai Lama has also his Laddakh residence. A small drive
ahead takes you to Thiksey where you can see the biggest Buddha statue.
Finally to the most revered and richest monastery of Laddakh the Hemis, this
monastery is nestled between two mountains and has many things of great
importance. Return back to Hotel for overnight stay.
On return from The Tour Indus river a Rafting camp with Grade 01 has been
set – should you wish to enjoy Rafting in the River Indus all the necessary
arrangments are there –All the safety equipment is available.
Services
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Lunch at Restaurant Local
- Leh Tour of Stock Palace- Shey Thicksy of Stock Palace- Shey Thicksy Dinner at Hotel in Leh
- Overnight stay at the best Known Hotel Kanglachen
Day 09 : Leh - Khardungla - Nubra
Breakfast in the hotel and drive towards the worlds highest motor Road –App
18000 Ft above sea level and then drive downwards to the Valley of Nubra-
Here you can see old caravan route where the cental Asia trade was carried
along. Panamik and Diksit monastery are worth sightseeing .The valley has
more vegetation and Double Hump camels are highlight.Stay in the tents and
drive all the way to the highest mountain motor pass.
Services
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Lunch at Restaurant
- Drive to Nubra
- Dinner at Camp Nubra
- Overnight stay at the Nubra Camp
Day 10 : Nubra – Leh
After breakfast leave by 10.00 am proceed for Diskit monastery and drive
back to Leh by same route by crossing Khardungla Pass and visiting Shanti
stupa & Leh fort- Shanti Stupa is modern Built Monestry by Japense and Old
Fort is ruins but commands a majestic view of the city In the Afternoon a
visit to Laddakh family to see the way of living
It is especially worth seeing how they cope with winter when the temperature
is below minus.Overnight stay Leh.
Services
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Lunch at Restaurant
- Drive to Leh
- Dinner at Hotel
- Overnight stay at the Kanglachen Hotel
Day 11 : Leh -Delhi (By Flight)
Breakfast & time to say Good By to this Land of Lamas & Moon Land, you will
be transferred to airport to board flight for New Delhi. Arrive Delhi& explore few hours in the busy markets overnight stay in New Delhi.
Services
- Flights to New Delhi
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Lunch at Restaurant
- Dinner at Svelte
- Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 12 : Delhi – Bagdogra – Darjeeling (By Flight)
Bagdogra / NJP – Darjeeling (93 kms approx 3 hrs)
DARJEELING
Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, 'Dorje Ling', or
place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain
peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often
referred to as the "Queen of the Hills", it remains just as alluring with
its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track.
Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling
remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book '
An introduction to hill stations on India' refers to Darjeeling as having "*A
view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth*". Overnight at hotel.
Services
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Flights to Bagdogra
- Arrival Transfers from Bagdogra to Darjeeling
- Hotel Stay MAYFAIR Resorts
- Lunch on way
- Dinner at Hotel
Day 13 : Darjeeling
Early morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery.
Tiger Hill :- It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful
sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can
see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire
Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight.
Ghoom Monastery :- This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in
1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. high on the way back
from Tiger Hill. After breakfast proceed to the Darjeeling Railway station
to enjoy World Heritage Toy Train ride up to Ghoom.
Toy Train :- The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan
railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It
has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends.
One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a
work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and
cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal.
Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance
to mankind.
Return to the hotel for lunch and Later proceed for city tour.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park & Snow Leopard Breeding Centre :- The Himalayan *Mountaineering
Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest. To
give training to teach mountaineering and other adventure sports related to
mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc.used by Mr.
Tenzing Norgay. The Everest Museum has complete details on Everest
Expeditions. Attached to the institute one can visit the Himalayan
Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard,
Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of
birds.
Tibetan Self- Help Centre Or Refugee Centre :- This institute is run by
Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see them hand
making Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc.
Over night at hotel.
Services
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at Hotel
- Overnight stay at Mayfair Resorts
- Sightseeing as per the Schedule
Day 14 : Darjeeling – Pelling
Darjeeling – Pelling 110 kms approx.
Pelliing :- Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another serene,
mountain village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim. This village
is situated at an altitude of 2000 mts(approx) and the distance from this
village to the mount Kanchandzonga, as a crow flies…is 26 kms approx.
Services
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at Hotel
- Overnight stay at MT.Pandim
- Sightseeing as per the Schedule
Day 15 : Pelling – Gangtok 127 kms approx. 5 hrs
Morning visit
PEMEYANGSTE MONASTERY.
2.5 Kms. from Pelling and standing at 2085m. The Perfect Sublime Lotus,
perched on a wooded hilltop, commands the most sublime view of the
Kanchendzonga. Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest
and most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim.
To the present day, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the
title of 'Tasang' or pure monks. The importance of this monastery grew with
time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint
the reigning sovereign of the land with holy water.
Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides holding the
lineage of Lhatsun Chenpo. Mindroling monastery was founded by Minling
Terchen Gyurme Dorje whose famous daughter Jetsun Migyur Paldon lived near
Pemayangtse and taught there during her exile. Her stone throne is still to
be seen in this monastery, which has 108 monks. The main attraction of the
monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri; the celestial abode of
Guru Padmasambhava built by Serdup Lhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The
annual chaam (monk dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th
month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Gangtok : At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid
19thcentury and has undergone rapid development since then.The
downtown area is
dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist
symbols. Gangtok is also a resting place for people traveling to North
Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.
Services
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at Hotel
- Overnight stay at Norkhill Hotel
- Sightseeing as per the Schedule
Day 16th : Gangtok
After breakfast proceed for City Tour
Rumtek Monastery :- 24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe -inspiring Rumtek
Monastery, the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the
Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute
of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over. Opposite
the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the
Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the xvi
Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of
meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand
fairies who came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her
hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which
was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that
unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but
the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away
The Enchey Monastery: -Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey
Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok
town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint,
Lama Drutob Karpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this
monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology : - Amidst a serene surrounding of oak,
birch and ash lies the unique organization established in1958. Built in
traditional style, the namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in
Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the
world's largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana
Buddhism. The Institute also has a retail outlets where related books and
commercially produced religious art and craft of Tibet can be bought.
Adjacent to the institute are two exquisite stupas, the
Do Drul Chorten,
built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub
Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a
great spirtualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed
two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru
Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.
Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts: - This Directorate was set up to
promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden
friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and
handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items
here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here
is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a
portable pack.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at Hotel
Overnight stay at Norkhaill
Sightseeing as per the Schedule
Day 17 : Gangtok – Kalimpong 80 kms approx 3 hrs
Breakfast at the hotel at drive to Kalimpong
Kalimpong : At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong's location is ideal for a pleasant ,
relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong's orchids and
gladiolas well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part
of the Sikkim raja's domain.In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also
took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War , it was annexed to
Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town
thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it's a quiet
hill resort and a haven for retired people. Afternoon city tour of
Kalimpong.
Flower Nurseries: The climate of Kalimpong is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotica flowers like Amaryllis lilies, Anthuriums, Roses gerberas, Dahilias, Gladiolias as well as Orchids and Cacti.
Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery – This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara, from here one can get an exclusive panoramic view of the town and surroundings. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs.
Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai hill on route to Dr.Graham's Home belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamas to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.
Thongsa Gumpa: this monastery is of Bhutanese origin and built around 1692. It is the oldest in Kalimpong.The original structure was destroyed in the inter-clan wars before the British arrived.
Overnight At Hotel
Services
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at Hotel
- Overnight stay at Himalayans Hotel
- Sightseeing as per the Schedule
Day 18 : Kalimpong – Bagdogra
In the morning we drive to Bagdogra. The journey from Kalimpong to Bagdogra will be very exciting . In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight to New Delhi. In the evening arrive in New Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met by Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day at leisure. After dinner we leave the hotel for the airport.
Dinner at Essex farms
