Across the Himalayas – Kashmir to Manali
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Duration 12 nights / 13 days
About This Tour
Embark on one of the world's most spectacular road journeys across the mighty Himalayas, where breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and remote mountain villages create an adventure unlike any other. This unforgettable 13-day Trans-Himalayan Overland Expedition begins in Delhi before travelling to the enchanting valley of Kashmir and continuing across the legendary Zoji La Pass into the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh. Explore the timeless monasteries of Leh, drive across the iconic Khardung La, discover the sand dunes of Nubra Valley, witness the ever-changing colours of Pangong Lake, and venture into the untouched wilderness surrounding Tso Moriri and Tso Kar. Continue your expedition across the vast Morey Plains, crossing some of the world's highest mountain passes before descending into the lush valleys of Manali and Chandigarh. Combining spectacular Himalayan scenery, Buddhist heritage, pristine lakes, thrilling mountain roads, and authentic cultural experiences, this expedition offers one of the finest overland adventures in the Indian Himalayas.
Tour Plan
Arrive at Delhi International Airport, where our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your international journey or explore the nearby markets at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit the magnificent Red Fort, Jama Masjid, experience a traditional rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, and pay homage at Raj Ghat. Continue to India Gate, President's House, Parliament House, Humayun's Tomb, and the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar. In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board the Vande Bharat Train to Srinagar. Overnight on board.
Arrive in the beautiful Kashmir Valley and transfer to your hotel or traditional houseboat. Later visit the famous Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, followed by the sacred Shankaracharya Temple, offering panoramic views over Srinagar and Dal Lake. If time permits, enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Drive through the picturesque Sind Valley to the alpine meadows of Sonamarg, before crossing the dramatic Zoji La Pass, the gateway to Ladakh. Continue through Drass, the world's second coldest inhabited town, before reaching Kargil. Visit the Kargil War Memorial (Vijay Smarak) and enjoy magnificent views of Tiger Hill and Tololing, remembering the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War. Overnight stay in Kargil.
Today's spectacular drive includes visit to the Mulbek - a huge Chamba statue, an image of a future Buddha, cutting to the rock face beside the road. It’s one of the most interesting stops along the road, after that visit Lamayuru monastery (founded in the 10th Century it’s the Oldest Monastery in Central Ladakh) later have a magnificent view of spectacular Moonlandscape. Further drive for Leh enroute visit Alchi Monastery, Nimo , Sangam of Zanskar and Indus River, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara. Arrive Leh by afternoon and check into hotel. Evening free time at Leisure. Overnight stay in Leh.
Spend the day exploring Ladakh's cultural treasures. Visit Shey, Thiksey. Shey was the summer Palace of Ladakhi Kings and is where you can see the 36Ft. high statue of Buddha made of copper and covered with gold. Stok palace which houses a fine private museum. There is a superb collection of thangkhas, said to be the best in the world. In the afternoon visit Leh, a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars. The main street is open and airy, with rows of shops on either side. On either side of the market are seen a long line of Ladakhi women in traditional dress and colorful jewelry of coral and turquoise, seated behind enormous baskets, selling vegetables. The spectacular eight-storey Leh Palace looming above, overlooking the town, was built in the 16th century, about the same time as the Potala in Lhasa which it resembles. Later visiting the 12 storied picturesque Thiksey monastery, situated in the most prominent of positions, lies on an island Mountain. Overnight stay in Leh.
After early breakfast drive for Nubra Valley at early as possible, from Leh Cross the legendary Khardung La Pass (5,359 m), one of the world's highest motorable roads into the beautiful Nubra Valley. Nubra valley is popularly known as Ldorma or the valley of flowers, situated between the karakoram and Ladahj ranges of the Himalayas. Reach Diskit by noon and check in at the hotel/camp. Visit the ancient Diskit Monastery, and Sand dunes in Hunder Village 7 km from Diskit and take a ride of Double Humped Bactrian Camels. Overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
Drive to Pangong Lake through Changla Pass. Visit Shyok Village crossing Durbuk and Tangste finally reaching the beautiful Pangong lake - the highest saltwater lake in the world, shared by two countries India and China. Enjoy the beauty of the Lake on the banks of Pangong with multi colour reflections and fascinating high altitude of the lake. Later check-in at fixed tented camp near the lake at Spangmik or drive back for 30 kms to Tangtse and check into Hotel / Guest House. Overnight stay at Pangong Lake (Spangmik/Tangtse).
After breakfast drive to Tsomoriri Lake. It is a breath taking journey on a trail that is literally a ‘no mans’ land. Vast lonely stretches on the Chanthang plateau makes this drive one of the best isolated drives of this tour. Enroute visit the faraway settlement of Chusul. Tsomoriri is situated at an altitude of 4511m above sea level; with an area of about 140 Sq Kms. Spend your evening watching shadows of the surrounding mountain and the varying depths of Tsomoriri lake. Overnight stay near Tso Moriri.
Continue your drive down to Puga Sumdo and then follow the road across the Polokongka Pass (4920 mtrs) to visit Tsokar Lake, a salt lake system in the Rupsho plateau which is home of the Changa nomads and support many rare wild life species. After sightseeing of the area take the Manali-Leh road at Morai Plains and further drive to Jispa. Check in at the hotel / camp. Overnight stay in Jispa.
Drive to Manali - the gateway to the remote and desolate valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. According to Hindu legend, it was named after the sage Manu after he steered a boat of survivors to safety here during a great flood. Manali offers super views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, and with mountain adventures beckoning from all directions, Manali is a year-round magnet for tourists. Enroute crossing Rohtang Pass (13050 ft). On arrival check into hotel. Later visit couple of places in Manali and roam on Mall Road. Overnight stay in Manali.
After an early breakfast drive to Chandigarh - designed by the Swiss-French modernist architect, Le Corbusier. His buildings include the Capitol Complex with its High Court, Secretariat and Legislative Assembly, as well as the giant Open Hand Monument. On arrival check into hotel. Later take a visit to places in Chandigrh and do shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Chandigarh. Optional: You can also opt to board an evening train to Delhi instead of staying overnight in Chandigarh.
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping before transferring to Delhi International Airport for your onward journey. Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas adventure.
