Cross the Himalaya into the cold desert of Ladakh, then descend into Srinagar's Mughal gardens and houseboats on Dal Lake.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
Welcome meeting at lunchtime, then drive through New Delhi visiting Rajpath, India Gate and Humayun's Tomb. Dinner at Connaught Place.
Fly from Delhi to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, arriving at 3,500 metres altitude. We recommend a quiet day today with gentle local walks as your body adjusts to the altitude. The evening is free to have dinner either at your hotel or in town.
Take this morning slowly as you will still be feeling the effects of the altitude. In the afternoon, a guided visit to the spectacular monasteries of Thiksey, Matho and Shey — the ancient capital on the Indus with its giant golden Buddha, beautiful palaces, temples and restored murals.
Depart early this morning to drive over the Khardung La — one of the highest motorable passes in the world at over 5,600 metres. The descent takes us into the Nubra Valley, once part of the ancient Silk Road trading route to Central Asia and now home to Bactrian camels, sand dunes and impressive monasteries.
Explore the valley, passing through villages to see how the Nubra people live, visiting local monasteries and enjoying the magnificent culture and scenery. You will visit the 17th century Diskit monastery, dramatically perched on a hill with stunning views of the valley and river below. A visit to the nearby Nubra dunes will show you the local Bactrian camels.
Return over the Khardung La to Leh, with time in the afternoon to explore Leh's remarkable old town — its 180 buildings include several Buddhist temples and mosques that speak to the region's diverse heritage.
A day to explore Leh's old town and palace independently, or join an optional excursion to Pangong Tso Lake, the stunning high-altitude saltwater lake that straddles the Indian-Chinese border at 4,300 metres.
Begin the journey south and west along the High Road, stopping at Alchi — home to some of Ladakh's finest ancient wall paintings in its 10th-century monastery. Continue to the dramatic 'moonscape' landscape of Lamayuru and its ancient monastery.
A spectacular full day's drive through the Zanskar Valley, one of the most remote and dramatic river gorges in the Himalaya. The road follows the Zanskar River through towering canyon walls before reaching the valley plain.
A day to explore the Zanskar Valley's ancient monasteries. Karsha is the largest monastery in the valley with over 70 monks; Bardan sits dramatically above the Zanskar River.
Continue the dramatic mountain road through the Himalayan peaks, passing through remote villages and dramatic passes before reaching the historically significant town of Kargil.
Drive down from the mountains through the beautiful Sindh Valley to Srinagar, stopping at the stunning alpine meadow of Sonamarg — the 'Meadow of Gold' — where the Sindh River flows through grasslands surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Explore the magnificent Mughal Gardens — Shalimar Bagh, built by Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, and the terraced Nishat Bagh with its 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the Zodiac. A shikara ride on Dal Lake through the floating vegetable gardens.
An early morning shikara ride to the famous floating market on Dal Lake, where local farmers bring their produce to trade from wooden boats. Explore Old Srinagar's ancient mosques, shrines and the famous Shah Hamdan mosque.
Fly from Srinagar back to Delhi. Free evening in Delhi for shopping or independent dining.
After breakfast the tour concludes. Airport transfers can be arranged.
About This Journey
Witness some epic Himalayan scenery and one of the traditional Buddhist festivals of Ladakh on this extraordinary 16-day journey through India’s high mountain landscapes. We experience the cold desert in the Nubra Valley, drive one of the most spectacular road journeys in the world via the high Himalayan passes, and reach the beautiful lakes and Mughal gardens of Kashmir.
Starting in Delhi, we travel by train and iconic narrow-gauge railway to reach the Himalayan hill stations, crossing into the remote Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh via the high passes of the Manali Highway. From Leh we explore the valley’s monasteries before crossing the Khardung La to the Nubra Valley. The journey concludes in the paradise valley of Kashmir, staying aboard a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake.
Highlights
Cross the dramatic Himalayan passes on the legendary Manali to Leh Highway. Experience the Ladakhi Buddhist festival at Thiksey or Hemis monastery. Explore the cold desert Nubra Valley and encounter Bactrian camels among the sand dunes. Stay aboard a heritage houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar. Visit the magnificent Mughal Gardens of Nishat and Shalimar Bagh.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
The Claridges
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950s. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. In an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and Connaught Place, this four star hotel has 132 rooms and suites designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style, a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa.
Grand Dragon
The finest hotel in Leh, the Grand Dragon is a family-run property that has grown with Ladakh's tourism over three decades. Its rooms combine traditional Ladakhi woodwork with modern comforts, its restaurant serves excellent Ladakhi and Indian cuisine, and its central heating makes it one of few properties comfortable in all seasons at 3,500 metres.
Sukoon Houseboat
Opened in April 2013, the former Neil Armstrong houseboat is easily the most luxurious on either lake. Owned and run by Altaf Chapri, the place oozes style and charm. Situated on the western bank of Dal Lake with uninterrupted views of the lake's shimmering waters, it consists of 5 beautiful rooms with two members of staff per room and a wonderful French-trained chef.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
June to September is the ideal window for Ladakh and the high Himalaya, when the passes are open and the weather is stable. Kashmir is beautiful from April to October, with October offering the famous chinar autumn colours. Winter travel is possible to Kashmir but the high passes close.
Parts of this itinerary reach significant altitude. We build in acclimatisation days with gentle activity, and our guides are experienced in recognising and managing altitude symptoms. Travellers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Yes — the tourist areas covered by this itinerary have an excellent safety record and are well accustomed to international visitors. We monitor conditions continuously and our local teams provide 24/7 support throughout.
Absolutely. This is an example itinerary and every element — hotels, duration, route and activities — can be tailored to your preferences and budget. Contact us to discuss your ideal journey.
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