Srinagar and Ladakh

On-time, transfer to the airport to connect the flight to Srinagar. Srinagar is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley, is surrounded by five districts. In the north, it is flanked by Kargil and Ganderbal in the South by Pulwama, in the north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar is located 1585 metres above sea level.

On arrival in Srinagar, transfer to the houseboat.

Overnight on houseboat.

After breakfast, enjoy the sightseeing tour of Srinagar which includes the following:
Mughal Gardens: The oldest of the Mughal Gardens in Kashmir is Nasim Bagh which was constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1586 and one may have a very pleasant view of the Dal Lake from Nasim Bagh. The most beautiful of the Mughal Gardens is Shalimar Bagh which was constructed by Emperor Jehangir in 1616 for his wife Nur Jahan. Shalimar Bagh boasts of a huge tank connected to about 150 fountains.

There are four terraces out of which the topmost one is called "Abode of Love." The largest of the Mughal Gardens is Nishat Bagh or 'the garden of spring' which was designed by Asaf Khan, Nur Jahan's brother, in 1633 which is on the edge of the Dal Lake and has many terraces, fountains, beautiful flowers and beautiful lawns.

The smallest of the Mughal Gardens is the Chasma Shahi or the Royal fountains and attributed to Emperor Shah Jahan. Above the Chasma Shahi, the Pari Mahal or House of the Fairies is situated which was built by Dara Shikho, the elder brother of Emperor Aurangzeb

Budshah Tomb: Budshah (Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin) was a very popular ruler of Kashmir. Even though the tomb is called Budshah's tomb, it is actually his mother who is buried inside.

Hari Parbat Fort: It is situated 5 km from the Tourist Reception Center. The hill of Sharika, in the north-eastern part of Srinagar, is considered sacred for Hindus. It is surmounted by an 18th-century fort constructed by Atta Mohammad Khan, an Afghan governor. The wall around the hill was built by Akbar in 1592-98 A.D

Also, visit Shah Hamadan Mosque and Jama Masjid, Walkthrough old city bazaars.

Overnight on houseboat.

After breakfast, day is at Leisure.

In the evening, enjoy the Shikara Ride on Dal Lake.

Overnight on houseboat

After breakfast, drive to Kargil. Kargil is the second largest city of Ladakh. It was once the route for caravans with silk, brocades, carpets, tea, and ivory with destination China, Tibet, Yarkand, and Kashmir. In the afternoon we discover Kargil and stroll along the banks of the river, the hills, the picturesque part of town there and enjoy the view of the mountains.

On arrival, check at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast, we draw deeper into the mountains and visit our first Tibetan / Ladakhi monastery of the journey, the 1000 years old monastery of Lamayuru

After the sightseeing drive Uleytokpo. On arrival, check at the hotel.

Rest of the day is free.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast enjoys the visit to the village Alchi, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Alchi, nestled between majestic mountains and rolling wheat fields.

After the sightseeing, drive to Leh. The capital of Ladakh, at one time, was a major stop on the Asian" Silk Route. Stroll along the main bazaar, observing the varied crowd and peering into the Curio shops is an entrancing experience.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive for an excursion tour to Spituk. This is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh, its belongs to Gelugspa or yellow head orde Spitukr, Monastery was founded by Lama Lawang Lotus and King Dragspa Bumlde in the 15th century, One could visit a various temple dedicated to different deities.

Later in the afternoon, visit Shankar Gompa, which is towards the north of the Town, The monastery is only 130yrs old and is the seat for the head lama of Spituk Monastery.

Later visit Shanti Stupa, the Japanese for World Peace built the Shanti Stupa, at Changspa, on the hilltop, and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1992. Its state of the art work attracts a lot of tourists to Ladakh and is spectacular to watch. From there one can see a spectacular view of Leh town and Indus valley.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will proceed to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The Palace here has a huge copper-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni and Leha big prayer hall on the lower floor where the monks from hemis gather once in a year and recite Kangyur.

Then visit Thiksey Gompa, an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future.

After leaving Thiksey, you will continue to Hemis and visit the 17th-century old monastery.

Hemis belongs to Drug Kargudi School. This is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Ladakh. After visiting the Monastery drive back to Leh.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Takthok, Chemday, and Stakna monastery. Takthok

Takthok Monastery is situated in the village of Sakti. Before the monastery was founded there was a meditation cave of a Mahaadiddha called Kunga Phuntsog.

Chemday Monastery is situated 40 km east of Leh. The monastery is situated there on the mountainside and was founded 365 years ago by Lama Tagsang Raschen with the Dharmaraja Singey Namgial acting as patron. There is a sacred image of Padmasambhava to be seen there, one story in height. There are, furthermore, many shrines. A custom exists whereby every year on the 28th & 29th days of the 9th Tibetan month sacred dances are performed in association with the festival of an initiatory ritual. The successive reincarnations of Lama Tagsang Raschen act as the incumbents.

Stakna gompa which is famous for its numerous statues and paintings

Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning transfer to airport to connect the flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 1200 hrs) Later enjoy the sightseeing tour visiting the following.

India Gate and Govt Buildings: Drive through Lutyens Delhi and see India Gate which commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Photo stop at Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the President of India.

Humayun's Tomb: Visit the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The elements in its design a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by the char bagh (garden divided into quadrants), water channels and fountains.

Qutub Minar: Later visit the Qutub Minar the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. The tower has 379 steps to the top.

Overnight in the hotel.