Drive the spectacular Manali highway into Ladakh, ride the UNESCO narrow-gauge toy train from Shimla, and experience Buddhist monasteries perched above glacial valleys.
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 before dinner at Connaught Place.
Transfer to Delhi station for the morning train to Kalka, then board the iconic UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge Himalayan Queen toy train for the spectacular five-hour ascent through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges to Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj.
Explore Shimla's charming colonial heritage — walking along the famous Mall Road, visiting Christ Church and the ridge with views across to the Himalayan peaks. We explore the bazaar lanes and local markets of this remarkable hill station.
Drive north to Dharamshala, home of the Tibetan government in exile and the Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj — 'Little Lhasa' — is a fascinating blend of Indian hill town and Tibetan Buddhist culture, with monasteries, temples and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.
A day exploring McLeod Ganj — visiting the Tsuglagkhang complex where the Dalai Lama's residence is located, the Tibetan Museum of Arts and Culture, and taking a walk on the Dhauladhar range through rhododendron forest with views to the snow peaks.
Drive south through the beautiful Kangra Valley to Palampur, centre of India's tea-growing industry in Himachal Pradesh, visiting a tea estate. Continue to Manali, the gateway to Ladakh, via the remarkable Baijnath Shiva temple.
Explore old Manali village, its ancient Hadimba Devi temple and the Buddhist monastery, before visiting the Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery above the village. An afternoon walk along the Beas River.
Begin the extraordinary Manali to Leh Highway — considered one of the world's greatest mountain roads. We cross the Rohtang La pass, drive through the Lahaul Valley to Keylong, and continue to Jispa in the upper Bhaga Valley.
Cross the dramatic Baralacha La at 4,890 metres before descending into the surreal 'moonscape' landscape of the Sarchu plateau — a vast high-altitude plain that seems to belong to another world entirely.
The highest point of the journey — crossing the Tanglang La at 5,400 metres before the long descent to the Indus Valley and arrival in Leh, the ancient capital of the Ladakhi kingdom.
Explore Leh's remarkable old town with its 9-storey palace modelled on the Potala in Lhasa. Afternoon visits to the spectacular monastery of Thiksey, dramatically terraced on a hillside, and the ancient royal palace of Shey.
A morning visit to Alchi Monastery — one of Ladakh's oldest and most important gompa, with extraordinary 11th-century murals and sculpture. Afternoon free to explore Leh's bazaars or relax.
Fly from Leh back over the Himalayan peaks to Delhi. Free afternoon and evening for last-minute shopping or independent exploration.
After breakfast the tour concludes. Airport transfers available.
About This Journey
Travel to the heady heights of Ladakh — ‘Little Tibet’ — with its stunning Himalayan scenery dotted with Buddhist monasteries. Drive along the spectacular Manali Highway across the high passes, ride the heritage narrow-gauge toy train to Shimla, and explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Ladakhi people. This tour covers the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the Indian Himalaya, from the forested hills of Himachal Pradesh to the barren high-altitude plateau of Ladakh.
Highlights
Ride the UNESCO-listed Himalayan Queen narrow-gauge railway from Kalka to Shimla. Drive the spectacular Manali Highway across Baralacha La (4,900m) and Tanglang La (5,400m) to reach Ladakh. Explore Leh’s ancient palace and visit the remarkable monasteries of Thiksey, Matho and Alchi. Discover the remote Zanskar region and its ancient Buddhist culture.
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.
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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