India: High Road to Kashmir

The tour starts this morning in Delhi at our hotel. After a group welcome meeting we’ll head off to explore New Delhi. Starting at the iconic India Gate, we continue along Rajpath past Parliament House to Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the Viceroy’s Palace). We discover the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning building built in red sandstone with white marble. This evening we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.

After a relaxed morning we'll take one of the most spectacular flights in the world in the early afternoon, from Delhi across the plains and over the Himalayas to Leh – if your eyesight is good enough you might even see K2! Upon arrival in Leh we’ll transfer to our hotel and spend some time relaxing and acclimatising to the altitude. Known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, Ladakh and its capital Leh was an important junction on the famous Silk Route. In the afternoon we’ll take an orientation walk around the town still dominated by the ruins of Leh Palace. This former residence of the royal family of Ladakh is built along the lines of the Potala Palace in Tibet. At nine storeys high it’s a striking building and an architectural icon of Leh.

Today we’ll visit some of the most spectacular monasteries in the area surrounding Leh. Situated on a hilltop to the south, Shey Monastery was once the summer palace of the royal family and it’s believed that many of the Kings of Leh were born here. The monastery is home to an impressive 24m high seated image of Buddha cast from copper and covered with gold leaf. Thiksey Monastery, filled with colourful murals and statues, affords picturesque views of the green Indus valley from its rooftop. Located around 26kms from Leh, Matho Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built around 500 years ago which belongs to the Sakya order. We’ll return to Leh in time for dinner this evening.

This morning we’ll head north on a scenic journey along one of the highest motorable roads in the world as we journey over the Khardung Pass (5,359m), before descending into the spectacular Nubra Valley below. Lying high on the Tibetan plateau - and only recently opened to foreign visitors - Nubra Valley means ‘Valley of Flowers’ and visiting here is like stepping back in time. This is where the Shyok River meets the Siachan River to form a large valley separating the Ladakh and Karakoram mountain ranges. Throughout the journey a number of stops are required to obtain protected area permits and to show passports. On arrival we’ll settle into our campsite with some free time to explore the surrounding area. In the late afternoon there is an option to take an easy walk from Diskit to Hunder. We will start from main bazaar in the village of Diskit. En route we pass sea buckthorn bushes used as a traditional medicine for centuries. On the approach to Hunder, an oasis in the cold desert of the Nubra valley, we visit a rolling expanse of sand dunes. After a stroll around the village we return to our camp and have dinner. Driving distance today, 120km, approx. 5 hours.

After breakfast we cross the Shyok river heading to the other side of the Nubra Valley to visit a couple of remote local monasteries. Samstanling Monastery is the main monastery of the region and is over 130 years old and home to around 50 monks. Ensa Monastery in contrast is around 600 years old with only one resident monk. Here, the kora path takes us passed dozens of white chortens and a hermitage retreat to offer fabulous views of the valley. We return to the banks of the Nubra for a picnic lunch. This afternoon we take a short drive to the Yarab Tso Lake known locally as ‘Wishful Lake’. Situated at 3,300m it is one of the holiest high-altitude lakes in the valley where we can enjoy another pleasant walk. On our return journey we pay a visit to the Women’s Alliance of Nubra, an initiative to improve the status of women in this region. We also stop off at a local farm before returning to our camp for the evening.

We rise early this morning to observe the monks carrying out their morning prayers at Diskit Monastery. We return to the camp for breakfast and after taking in some more of the magnificent views we’ll return to Leh where the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. Dinner tonight will be at your own expense. Driving distance today, 120km, approx. 5 hours.

If it transpires, as it often does, that this day coincides with one of the annual colourful Buddhist festivals held in Leh itself or one of the nearby gompas, we’ll plan to spend much of the day marvelling at the famous masked dancers, who through plays, music and dance tell the teachings of Guru Rinpoché – the precious jewel. Alternatively we'll have a whole day to further explore the Ladakhi capital and its stunning surrounds with a chance to take the option of a 7km walk (approx 3hrs) to the nearby village of Saboo. This famed walk (rated as easy/moderate) starts from Leh's polo ground and after a short ascent of about 300m, the trail then follows a dry valley to the picturesque village where we'll have a picnic lunch and time to explore the nearby gompa before returning to Leh later in the afternoon by jeep.

Today we depart Leh and take the exhilarating High Road to Kashmir, stopping at Alchi Monastery (3,100M) en route. Adorned with murals depicting different forms of Buddha, this monastery is distinct from other monasteries in Ladakh in that it sits on flat ground rather than a hill top. From here we’ll drive to the magnificent 11th century Lamayuru Monastery (3,510M). This impressive building belongs to the Red Hat sect of Buddhism and is home to more than 150 monks, housing a rich collection of artefacts, wall paintings, thangas, statues, carpets and an impressive 11-headed, 1,000 eyed image of Chenzing. We continue onto Lamayuru (3,510M), where we will overnight. Driving distance today, 115km, approx. 4 hours.

Today will be a long day, as we traverse some of the most breath-taking scenery and remote villages that have remained hidden for centuries, and true wilderness, some of which is completely uninhabited. We’ll leave early to as we travel through the spectacular Zanskar Valley and on to Padum. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum is the present-day administrative centre of Zanskar region of Kargil. Later we arrive in Padum, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar where we will spend the next two nights. Driving distance today, 240km, approx 8/9 hours.

We’ll have the whole day to explore some of Zanskar’s striking scenery as well its religious and historical treasures. With opportunities throughout for small walks and interactions with the local residents of the region, we will visit the nearby monasteries of Karsha and Bardan. Karsha Monastery (4,400m) is situated on the far side of the Stod river and stands majestically on a steep mountainside above Karsha village. Fortress-like Bardan Gompa, a 17th century Buddhist Monastery, sits atop a rocky crag and belongs to the Dugpa-Kagyud monastic order. It was one of the first monasteries of this sect to be established in Zanskar and the main prayer hall retains some ancient murals.

Leaving early we’ll take a scenic drive back out of the Zanskar Valley and on to Kargil, the second largest town in Ladakh. If time permits we will take a stroll around this very Islamic town, with workshops and old merchant stores cramming the packed central area. Driving distance today, 240km, approx 8/9 hours.

This morning we’ll leave early for our drive to Srinagar. En-route we’ll make a brief stop at the Drass War Memorial, built in commemoration for the fallen soldiers from the 1999 conflict, before continuing over the Zoji Pass and onto Sonamarg. Meaning ‘Meadow of Gold’ we should arrive in Sonamarg for lunch surrounded by Kashmir’s most beautiful mountain countryside. From here we’ll begin our final drive through the Sindh Valley to Srinagar, in many ways the real highlight of this trip! Sitting at the heart of the Vale of Kashmir lies this extraordinary town, famed for centuries for its clean, clear air, its idyllic setting and of course its lakes. Framed by high-forested hills that rise up in the distance to the snow-capped Himalayas, it’s simply one of the most picturesque places you’re ever likely to visit. On arrival we’ll transfer by shikaras and check into our beautiful houseboat, which have changed little since the British first built them back in the 19th century. Our houseboat, usually made from cedar wood, is family owned and operated, therefore providing a wonderful personal touch. Driving distance today, 202km, approx 5 hours.

Often referred to as the ‘Land of Lakes and Gardens’ or the ‘Switzerland of India’, Srinagar is a place of unforgettable natural beauty. The famous gardens have a distinctly Mughal influence as many of them were cultivated by Mughal emperors. The old city with its narrow streets and ancient mosques is a wonderful place to explore by foot. We may also take a stroll up to the imposing 18th-century Hari Parbat Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in the 1590's and visible from virtually anywhere in Srinagar. Until recently this was closed off to the public but is now open from time to time when the security situation allows it, and a visit here provides some stunning views of the surrounding area. There’s also the opportunity to do some shopping, though in truth that doesn’t require much effort as the hawkers of silk, leather, flowers, jewellery, pashminas etc usually come to the houseboats. For the really energetic there is even a round of golf to consider on one of India’s best courses.

If you don’t mind an early start then a dawn trip to the floating vegetable market to watch the hustle and bustle of trading on the water, along with the accompanying sunrise, is a truly wonderful experience. Returning to the houseboat for breakfast, we’ll enjoy a trip out on the lakes taking in more of the picturesque gardens, drifting along the narrow waterways and witnessing more of the unique lifestyle that Srinagar offers.

After a leisurely morning we’ll fly to Delhi and check into our hotel. Depending on our flight arrival time there might be a couple of hours free for a last look around before heading out for our farewell dinner.

The tour ends after breakfast at our hotel. Those on the suggested group flight will transfer to Delhi airport in time for the early afternoon departure.