Grade D: Strenuous

Gain a fantastic insight into the different cultures of Kashmir and Ladakh with this wonderful sojourn in the north. In Srinagar the accommodation is in luxury houseboats on the tranquil Nagin Lake - with time to explore the city's mosques, temples, bustling bazaars and handicraft centres (with their beautiful hand woven carpets, wood carvings and papier mache goods.) Staying on one of these luxury houseboats is one of life’s most unforgettable experiences, with water-powered peddlers selling everything from saffron to papier-mache to the houseboat door.  We the commence a trek into one of the most beautiful, untouched regions on earth, discovering ancient Tibetan ways of life and journeying to hidden mountain villages where life has remained unchanged for centuries.  Here in this astonishing landscape, we lose ourselves to the fundamental ways of nature, forgetting the inhibitions of modern life and giving our hearts to the intense spiritual calm found by the time we reach Leh at the end of our expedition.  

This tour is a stunning exploratory journey, one that takes us from the heartland of Kashmir to the remote beauty of Ladakh, and to the fantastic spectacle of the Taj Mahal.  It is an ideal holiday for those wishing to leave the beaten track and embark on an adventure, and also fits easily into a longer itinerary for travel around India and Nepal.

DAY 01  DELHI   On arrival in Delhi you are met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 02  DELHI - SRINAGAR   We transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Srinagar. You are met and transfer to your luxury houseboat accommodation.

DAY 03  SRINAGAR   The day is spent relaxing on the beautiful lake in Srinagar, exploring the lakeside communities or wandering around the city. 

DAY 04 - 19  TREKKING   Trekking commences until Day 19.  This expedition is an exciting adventure into one of the remotest parts of Asia, and one that acquaints us with the Tibetan way of life.  At night our camp is set up for us to relax and enjoy our memories of the day over dinner around the warm glow of the campfire.  We cross the three main mountain ranges of the Kashmir Himalaya, encountering along the way a fascinating cross section of people as we camp at different traditional mountain villages along the way.  As we cross the first pass, the Pir Panjal (3982m), we enter the beautiful Wadvan Valley.  The scenery changes dramatically to a stark, almost lunar landscape.  We reach Purinchen,  the origin of the Buddhist religion, and we visit the famous Gompa Monastery at Rangdum.  Our final pass is over the Zanskar Range (Kanji La, 5162m).  A two day walk then brings us back to Heniskot, where our transport is waiting to drive us to Leh, Ladakh's capital.  

DAY 20  LEH   On arrival in Leh we transfer to your hotel.  The remainder of the day is spent enjoying a well-earned rest.

DAY 21  LEH   The day is spent sightseeing in and around Leh, the capital of Ladakh, which is nestled in a valley just north of the Indus. We visit some of the Buddhist gompas here, including the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, which contains a fabulous three-storey-high image of the Buddha, as well as many ancient manuscripts and frescoes.  Above lies the ruined fort, from which spectacular views of Leh, blooming amidst a fluttering of brightly coloured prayer flags, can be enjoyed.  Several nearby villages with fascinating Buddhist history lie within easy walking distance, whilst within Leh a vibrant culture of colourful bazaar shops and stalls thrives. 

DAY 22 LEH - SRINAGAR   We transfer to the airport for our flight back to Srinagar.  On arrival, you transfer to Nagin Lake to reflect on a fantastic expedition.  

DAY 23 - 24  SRINAGAR  Two lazy days are spent at leisure in Srinagar, to rest after the trek or to explore the city and shop for famous Kashmiri handicrafts.  A marvellously lazy day can be spent lounging on a Shikara boat, exploring the narrow waterways of the lake. Sightseeing in and around Srinagar takes in the beautiful Hazratbal mosque, where the famous relic of the repository of a single hair of the prophet Mohammed is found, and exhibited on certain days of the year.  We explore the old city and visit the beautiful Mughal gardens, a legacy of the Mughals' great love for Kashmir.

DAY 25  SRINAGAR - DELHI   We transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi.  On arrival we check into your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 26  DELHI - AGRA - DELHI   We drive the 200 kms to Agra, home of India's most famous monument, the magnificent Taj Mahal.  We spend several hours exploring this sacred sight and learning its history before driving back to Delhi in the evening.

DAY 27  DELHI   We transfer to the airport or station for your onward journey.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Accommodation on a room-only basis in Delhi and Leh.  Full board accommodation on houseboat in Srinagar and all-inclusive camping during trek (including cooked breakfast, packed lunch and cooked dinner).

All trekking expeditions as specified with guide and porters. You carry only your day-pack.  All camping equipment including modern tents and down sleeping bags is provided.

All transfers by road as specified, including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.

All sightseeing tours as specified.

All internal economy class flights:  Delhi - Srinagar; Leh - Srinagar; Srinagar - Delhi.