Kashmir To Ladakh Explorer (10 Nights, 11 Days)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar

The journey begins with your arrival at Srinagar Airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, focusing on the beautiful Mughal Gardens and a historical temple.

1. Mughal Gardens: The Mughal Gardens of Srinagar are a group of beautiful gardens built during the Mughal era. They are a perfect example of the Persian style of architecture and are a treat for the eyes.
2. Nishat Bagh: Visit Nishat Bagh, also known as the "Garden of Gladness." This terraced garden is located on the eastern side of Dal Lake and offers stunning views of the Zabarwan Mountains.
3. Shalimar Bagh: Explore Shalimar Bagh, the largest of the Mughal Gardens. It was built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Noor Jahan, and is known for its beautiful fountains, terraces, and pavilions.
4. Shankaracharya Temple: Visit the Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on a hill, it offers a panoramic view of Srinagar and the Dal Lake.

Day 2: Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar (Day Trip)

Today is dedicated to a full-day excursion to Gulmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Flowers." The scenic drive to Gulmarg takes approximately 2 hours each way.

1. Gulmarg: Gulmarg is a famous hill station and a popular ski resort. The town is known for its beautiful meadows, golf courses, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Tangmarg: On your way to Gulmarg, you will pass through Tangmarg, a picturesque town with beautiful forests and waterfalls.
3. Gondola Ride: Enjoy a thrilling gondola ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world. The ride takes you to the top of Kongdoori Mountain and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

Day 3: Srinagar - Pahalgam - Srinagar (Day Trip)

Today is dedicated to a full-day excursion to Pahalgam, also known as the "Valley of Shepherds." The drive to Pahalgam takes approximately 2-3 hours each way.

1. Pahalgam: Pahalgam is a beautiful hill station located on the banks of the Lidder River. It's a popular base for trekkers and a serene destination for nature lovers.
2. Betab Valley: Visit Betab Valley, a stunning valley named after the Bollywood movie "Betaab." It's known for its lush meadows, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped mountains.
3. Aru Valley: Explore Aru Valley, a small but beautiful village surrounded by meadows and forests. It's a popular starting point for various treks.
4. Chandanwari: Visit Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. The place is known for its snow-covered mountains and beautiful landscapes.

Day 4: Srinagar to Kargil

Today is a very long travel day. You will check out from your hotel in Srinagar and begin a long and scenic drive to Kargil. The drive takes approximately 7-8 hours and will take you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Himalayas.

1. Sonmarg: You will pass through Sonmarg, the "Meadow of Gold," and enjoy a brief stop here.
2. Zoji La Pass: You will cross the famous Zoji La Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Kashmir with Ladakh.
3. Drass: You will pass through Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world, and visit the Kargil War Memorial.
4. Kargil: Upon arrival in Kargil, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and unwind after the long journey.

Day 5: Kargil to Leh

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Kargil and begin your journey to Leh. The drive is approximately 5-6 hours, but you will make some key stops along the way.

1. Lamayuru Monastery: Visit Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It is known for its unique landscape, which resembles a lunar surface.
2. Alchi Monastery: Explore Alchi Monastery, a complex of Buddhist temples dating back to the 10th century. It is known for its unique Kashmiri art style.
3. Likir Monastery: Visit Likir Monastery, a beautiful monastery known for its large golden statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Day 6: Leh Sightseeing

After a day of rest and acclimatization, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Leh and its surroundings.

1. Shanti Stupa: Visit Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa that offers a panoramic view of Leh and the surrounding mountains.
2. Magnetic Hill: Experience the unique phenomenon of Magnetic Hill, where a vehicle appears to move uphill on its own.
3. Pathar Sahib Gurudwara: Pay your respects at Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site dedicated to Guru Nanak.
4. Indus Zanskar Sangam: Witness the spectacular confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, a beautiful sight where the two rivers merge.
5. Leh Palace: Explore Leh Palace, a former royal palace that offers a glimpse into the history and architecture of the region.
6. Hall of Fame War Museum: Visit the Hall of Fame War Museum, a museum dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army.
7. Folk Dances: In the evening, you can enjoy a performance of traditional folk dances (subject to availability and operation), which offers a glimpse into the local culture.

Day 7: Leh to Nubra Valley

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Nubra Valley. The journey will take you through some of the highest motorable roads in the world.

1. Khardung La Pass: Cross the famous Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Diskit Monastery: Visit the Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Nubra Valley. It is also home to a giant statue of Future Buddha, which offers a commanding view of the valley.
3. Hunder Sand Dunes: In the evening, you will visit the Hunder sand dunes, a unique sight of a cold desert. You can enjoy a double-humped camel ride here (at an additional cost).

Day 8: Nubra Valley Sightseeing

Today is dedicated to an excursion to the remote areas of Nubra Valley.

1. Turtuk Village: Explore Turtuk Village, a beautiful village that was part of Pakistan until the 1971 war. The village has a unique Balti culture and offers a glimpse into a different way of life.
2. Siachen Glacier Viewpoint: You will get a distant view of the Siachen Glacier from a designated viewpoint.
3. Thang Village: Visit Thang Village, the last village on the Indian side of the Line of Control, which offers a unique and memorable experience.

Day 9: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso (Pangong Lake). The journey is a long one, but the destination is well worth it.

1. Pangong Tso: Upon arrival, you will check into your campsite near Pangong Lake. The lake is famous for its changing colors, from azure blue to light green and even grey. You can spend your time here, admiring the beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Day 10: Pangong Lake to Leh

After breakfast, you will check out from your campsite and begin your journey back to Leh. On the way, you will visit some of the key attractions.

1. Shey Palace: Visit Shey Palace, a former summer retreat of the kings of Ladakh. It is known for its giant copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
2. Hemis Gompa: Visit Hemis Gompa, one of the most famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It is known for its annual festival and its beautiful collection of thangkas.
3. Rancho School: Visit the Druk White Lotus School, a school that was featured in the famous Bollywood movie "3 Idiots" and is often referred to as "Rancho School."
4. Indus River: You will have another opportunity to see the beautiful Indus River on your way back.

Day 11: Leh Departure

1. Your tour of the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh concludes today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh Airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions

1. Accommodation: 2 nights in Srinagar, 1 night in Kargil, 3 nights in Leh, 2 nights in Nubra Valley, and 1 night in Pangong.
2. Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner are included in your stay (except on the day of arrival, where only dinner is included, and on the day of departure, where only breakfast is included).
3. Transportation: All transfers and sightseeing tours are included as per the itinerary in a private vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV, etc.).
4. Sightseeing: All the mentioned locations in the itinerary are included in the tour plan.

Exclusions|

1. Lunch: Lunch is not included in the package.
2. Entry Fees: Entry tickets, camera fees, or any other charges for monuments, museums, and parks are not included.
3. Adventure Activities: Charges for activities like gondola rides, camel rides, pony rides, or any other optional activities are not included.
4. Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature such as shopping, laundry, tips, and phone calls are not included.
5. Travel Insurance: This package does not include travel insurance.
6. Airfare/Train Tickets: This package does not include airfare or train tickets to and from Srinagar/Leh.