This tour shows you the amazingly beautiful contrast between alpine valleys of Kashmir & high altitude desolate arid mountainscape of Zanskar & Ladakh. With every changing day you will travel from the old colonial charm of Srinagars houseboat life to the delightful backwaters of Dal lake. From the rich Persian & Islamic heritage sights along river Jehlum in the down town to the cascading fairy land -- Mughal gardens rolling down the green hills. Finally driving through Suru Valley of old caravan serai of Kargil to the hidden kingdom of Zanskar with massisve glaciers, high mountains peaks of nun & kun & while returning back visit the 1000 years old monasteries at Lamayuru & Alchi. We conclude in Leh the capital city of Ladakh- The Little Tibet, exploring its many monasteries and old valleys along the Indus River.

Duration: 15 days.
Best time: Mid May to September.
Highlights: Islamic & Buddhist culture, Lakes, Rivers, Meadows, Mountains, Flora & Fauna, Mosques, Monasteries & Traditional People.

PROGRAMME

Day 01 : Arrival Delhi, from your home country, assistance on arrival traditional garland welcome and transfer to the prebooked hotel.

Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and Finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times.

Day 02 : Delhi to Srinagar, fly. : Morning after breakfast transfer to domestic airport to board flight (11.15hrs / 12.35hrs ) to Srinagar .

Arrive Srinagar, met upon arrival and with assistance transfer to your Houseboat, moored near the summer palace of Maharani (Kabutar Khana), the most sought after sight in the famous Dal Lake , with panoramic views of Zabarwan hills , Pari Mahal , Shankaracharya Temple and distant views of snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range . Late afternoon Shikara boat cruising to the back waters of Dal lake,Visiting floating/ vegetable gardens (about 2 hrs).

Dinner and overnight stay in Houseboat.

Day 03 : Srinagar, visit.
Today morning after breakfast we visit the Nishat Bagh ( Garden of Gladness ) and Shalimar Bagh gardens built on a symmetrical plan of a central waterway with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces . Nishat Bagh ( about 11kms from Srinagar ) on the shores of the lake was laid out in 1633. It is the largest of all the Royal gardens . The gardens on either side of the water course are planted with tall Chinar trees, which you can see at their best in Autumn .

Two Kilometers further on is the Shalimar Bagh garden built for Nur Jahan by her husband , the Mughal Emperor Jahangir . The central black marble pavilion in the Zenana or Ladies garden is surrounded by water and looks out in four directions . Below in the Diwan -i  Am , the hall of Public Audiences the Emperor used to sit on a black marble throne above the water .
Afternoon visit the famous Shankaracharya Temple , believed to have been founded by the Hindu sage of the same name and dedicated to Lord Shiva . O/n Houseboat.

Day 04 ; Srinagar-Gulmarg-Srinagar.
Morning disembark from the houseboat & proceed to Gulmarg ( About 56 kms / 02hrs ), known as  the meadow of flowers  situated at an altitude of 2730 Mts . Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world, and one of the highest golf courses in the world with 18 holes. You can also enjoy a view of Nanga Parbat if the weather permits. The view en route from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is fascinating Drive through villages , Apple Orchids and pine forests . Skiing , tobogganing , ski  bobbing are some of the activities offered here , with instruction and facilities . A full day to explore Gulmarg.
Late afternoon drive back to Sirnagar. Overnight and dinner in houseboat.

Day 05 : Srinagar-Pahalgam (the valley of Shepherds) -Srinagar.
After breakfast full day trip to Pahalgam, the total distance of about 96 kms will be covered in about 3 hrs, enroute, visit the saffron fields of Pampore, Awantipura Ruins (1100 years old temple of lord Vishnu built by the king Awantivarman), and enjoy the beautiful countryside. Drive through the pine forest. After lunch, walk along pony trails with a magnificent view of the mountains.
Later return back to Srinagar for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 06 : Srinagar to Sonamarg to Kargil.
After breakfast drive about 204 kms/07 hrs. to Kargil (2650 m), is the headquarters of district Kargil. It was a transit for caravans on their way to and from China, Tibet Yarkand and Kashmir till 1949, today it is a major stop over for the travellers to Srinager and Zanskar.
Enroute lunch in Sonamarg (the Valley of gold). O\n hotel

Day 07 ; Kargil to Padum-3600 m (the headquarter of Zanskar valley).
Early morning we start a long drive to Padum about 09 hrs crossing over Penzi la (4400 m). The view of Nun (7135 m) & Kun (7085 m) peaks near Parkha Chik village is just fabulous. Enroute visit Rangdum Gompa. O/n in Guest house or tents.

Day 08 : Padum-Karsha-Padum.
Morning free, afternoon visit Karsha Gompa, the biggest monastery in the Zanskar valley. Enroute visit the temporary residence of Dalai Lama and Pibeting temple. Overnight stay in Padum in Guest house or tents.

Day 09 ; Padum.
Full day excursion to Stongde Gompa and Zangla Palace & its nunnery. We drive on the plain road parallel to Zanskar river. Later return to Padum for overnight in Guest house or tents.

Day 10 : Padum-Bardan-Padum.
After a leisure breakfast drive about 02 hrs to Bardan, visit the impressive Gompa perched on a boulder cliff above the river. Later drive back to Padum. Afternoon free for your independent activities. You can also explore the sleepy bazaar. O/n in Guest house or tents.

Day 11 ; Pdaum to Kargil.
Early morning start another long drive back to Kargil via Penzi la pass. Enroute visit the ancient Kanishka stupa at Sani gompa. Arrive Kargil in the evening & transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 12 ; Kargil to Lamayuru to Uletkpo.
Morning after breakfast drive to Uletokpo (3300 m), about 160 kms/05 hrs. Enroute visit the giant rock Buddha statue at Mulbek and Lamayuru monastery (3380 m), the oldest monastic establishment in Ladakh. The landscape around Lamayuru looks like moonscape.. O/n Guest house or camp.

Day 13 ; Uletkpo to Rizong to Alchi.
Morning free, afternoon drive to the beautiful village Alchi (3260 m) about 17 kms , enroute visit the isolated & solitary Rizong monastery and the Nunnery. Arrive and transfer to Guest house. Evening visit the 1000 year old Alchi Choskor (Religious Enclave) is known for the wooden carvings and frescoe work. Overnight stay in Guest house.

Day 14 : Alchi to Likir to Leh.
Morning after breakfast drive to Leh about 56 kms/02 hrs, enroute visit the huge open Buddha statue at Likir monastery - the monastery is the biggest in Sham valley (Lower Ladakh).
Arrive and transfer to hotel, evening free. O/n Hotel.

Day 15 : Leh to Delhi, fly., (ETD-07.35 hrs/ETA-08.50 hrs)
Early morning return flight to Delhi over the Himalaya is a true farewell to our memorable journey. Arrive Delhi, pick-up and transfer to hotel. (Room booked for day use only)

Afternoon sightseeing Delhi (Old Delhi), visit to Red Fort, or Lal Quila (Red fort is closed on Monday !!) it is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon, surround by a wall of around 2.4 kilometres and is built of red sandstone. The Mughal King Shah Jhan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and the fort was completed in 1648. Also explore the Jami Mosque, Rikshaw ride through the Chandani chowk.

Evening transfer to international airport board flight back to your home Country.

Please Contact us for detailed programme and cost.