Kashmir to Ladakh: Where Valleys Meet the Sky
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting. Then walk through the famous Lal Bazar market area on an orientation walk.
- Lal Bazar Orientation Walk: Join your CEO for a walk through Lal Bazar neighbourhood in Srinagar. This part of the city is sandwiched between the Dal Lake and the Anchar Lake. So enjoy the views and get acquainted with the city.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Today we'll learn why Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. With the stunning Dal Lake, beautiful gardens and historic temples, you'll quickly see why Srinagar is so magnificent.
- Srinagar City Tour: Experience the city of Srinagar on a tour today. Start at The Mughal Gardens, made up of a collection of 6 gardens known for their natural freshwater springs-said to have therapeutic properties, and picturesque views of the Dal Lake. Then visit the 17th-century, white-marbled Hazratbal Mosque on the Dal Lake. Get your camera ready for a quick stop at Badshah ka Tomb and the beautiful wooden Khanqah-e-moula (Jama Masjiq). Last stop of the day is Shankaracharya temple, one of Kashmir's oldest temples.
Join your group for an unforgettable sunrise from the deck of a Shikara, a traditional Jammu and Kashmir style boat. Pay a visit to what's considered the oldest temple in all of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shankaracharya Temple. The rest of the day is yours to explore Srinagar. We recommend a safari at Dachigam National Park to spot the Royal Kashmir stag. Tonight we will stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake.
- Sunrise Boat Ride on Dal Lake: Watch the sunrise over the beautiful Dal Lake form the comfort of a Shikara, traditional boat. Visit the vegetable market and enjoy the chance to see the local side of Srinagar.
- Shankaracharya Temple: Climb approximately 243 steps to reach the Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be one of Kashmir's oldest shrines. At the top, admire the panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure in Srinagar.
- Overnight on a Houseboat: See Dal Lake from a new view, from aboard a houseboat. Enjoy a peaceful night on the lake and enjoy the views.
- Dachigam National Park: On the east side of Dal lake lives the Dachigam National Park, a wildlife protected area. Head out on a safari through Dachigam National Park to hopefully spot the Royal Kashmir stag and other wildlife in the area.
Drive to Pahalgam and stop at the Avantipura Temple Ruins and Martand Sun Temple on the way. Arrive to Pahalgam in the afternoon and join an orientation walk of the bazaar and down town area.
- Avanti Swami Temple ruins: The Avantipura temple ruins are the remains of a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India, built by King Avantivarman. The site originally featured two temples: Avantisvamin, dedicated to Vishnu, and Avantisvara, dedicated to Shiva. Though largely destroyed, the complex is known for its beautiful, intricately carved architecture.
- Shri Martand Sun Temple: The Martand Sun Temple is an 8th-century Kashmiri Hindu temple. The architectural marvel, built by the Karkota dynasty, stands on a hilltop. It offers panoramic views of the valley despite its destruction in the 15th century. It features a central shrine and a quadrangle of 84 smaller shrines.
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
We continue east through Jammu and Kashmir to the town of Sonamarg. We'll stop at the famous Zero Point for incredible glacial views and then explore the Sonamarg Bazaar.
- Zero Point: Visit this famous lookout point in Sonamarg. Known for its breathtaking views and scenic landscapes, this high-altitude destination sits at an elevation of over 3,500m (11,000 ft) above sea level. It is the farthest point that can be accessed by road in Sonamarg, offering fantastic views of the surrounding glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and alpine meadows.
- Sonamarg Bazaar: Wander through the brightly coloured and fragrant Sonamarg bazaar.
Cross the border into the next Indian union territory of Ladakh, known for its high-altitude cold Himalayan desert and often referred to as "Little Tibet." On the way stop and visit the Kargil War Memorial. In Lamayuru, we will be staying in the guesthouse of the Lamayuru Monastery, an incredible opportunity to witness the activities of the monks.
- Kargil War Memorial: Visit the Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Dras War Memorial, built by the Indian Army to commemorate the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War.
- Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery: Stay in the guesthouse of the breathtaking Lamayuru Monastery perched on the top of the cliff. Here we will have the opportunity to watch the monks in their daily practices and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
Travel deeper into the Ladakh region as we head to Leh today. On the way, stop at Sangam point, a beautiful lookout point where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet. Next stop is at the optical illusion known as "Magnetic Hill," a gravity hill where a downhill road appears to be uphill, making vehicles in neutral seem to roll upwards. This phenomenon is caused by the layout of the surrounding landscape and slopes, creating the illusion. Third stop is to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site. Arrive to Leh and join an orientation walk of the Leh Market.
- Morning Prayer Ceremony at the Lamayuru Monastery: Join the Tibetan Buddhist monks for their morning prayer ritual.
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: Visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site built to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 16th century. According to local legend, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's divine power transformed a demon's attacking stone into soft clay, leaving an imprint of his body on it. Managed by the Indian Army, it offers visitors a sacred and tranquil environment.
- Leh Market: Explore the historic Leh Market on the beautiful streets of Leh.
Spend today exploring Leh on your terms. As Ladakh's biggest city, there is much to do and see.
- Free Time: Today is yours to explore amazing Leh.
Dive head first into historic Leh today on a tour of the Old City. Learn about its unique connection to Tibet as you wander the narrow, winding streets. Then continue to the Central Asian Museum to learn about Ladakh's connection to the Silk Road. Enjoy the beauty of the town with an evening visit to Thiksey Monastery and the Shanti Stupa. Tonight, opt to join an astronomy experience with local women of Leh.
- Leh Old City Walk: Enjoy a guided heritage walk through Leh’s historic old town, exploring traditional homes, temples, and hidden alleys.
- Central Asian Museum Visit: Learn about the importance of Leh on the Silk Road through rare artifacts and architecture at the Central Asian Museum.
- Thiksey Monastery Visit: Visit the beautiful hilltop monastery famous for its prayer rituals and see the iconic Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Shanti Stupa at Sunset: Visit the peaceful stupa built by Japanese monks. Admire the views of the orange hues as the sunset blankets the city of Leh.
- Astronomy Experience: With Ladakh at such a high elevation and away from massive cities, the view of the night sky can be quite impressive here. Visit the Cosmo Museum on a guided monastery tour led by the local women to learn about the confluence of Buddhism and astronomy in Ladakh.
Drive across one of the highest motorways in the world as we head to Nubra Valley. On the way, visit the colourful Diskit Monastery, the incredible Sumur Sand Dunes and connect with local Ladakhi culture at the Kyagar House.
- Diskit Gompa (Monastery): Explore the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra and admire the panoramic view of the valley.
- Sumur Sand Dunes: Hike through the breathtaking white sand dunes of Sumur. Bring your camera to capture the incredible view of snow capped mountains, double humped camels and lake from the shore of the dunes as your guide shares stories about the ancient silk road.
- Kyagar House Experience: Visit a traditional Ladakhi home where we'll be met with storytelling, refreshments and interesting interactions with the host family. Hear the stories of how this house was once a popular traders' resting point along the Silk Road as you enjoy a local dinner.
Explore the breathtaking region of Nubra Valley today. Visit the Ensa Monastery, hike to Yarab Tso Lake, soak in a picturesque hot spring and learn of the Indo-China War at the Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum.
- Ensa Monastery: Visit the 400-year-old hilltop monastery to see the peaceful views of the Nubra Valley.
- Yarab Tso Lake Hike: Take a 30-minute hike to a sacred, high-altitude lake nestled amidst the rugged Nubra terrain.
- Panamic Hot Springs: Soak in the natural sulphur-rich hot springs believed to have healing properties, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
- Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum: Visit a museum dedicated to a decorated Ladakhi war hero, Col. Rinchen Chewang, showcasing historical artifacts and tales from the Indo-China war.
Join the morning prayer ceremony at Samstanling Monastery. Then drive northwest along the Shayok River to Maan Village on the shores of Pangong Tso Lake (at 4350m in elevation). Check into the homestay then walk alongside your CEO to Pangong Lake for an easy yet rewarding hike! Tonight, join your homestay host for some stargazing in this remote village.
- Samstanling Monastery Morning Prayer: Visit the Samstanling Monastery for morning prayer. Witness the peaceful monastery ambiance, with murals and chants that reflect Ladakhi Buddhist heritage.
- Pangong Lake Hike: Take a short hike along the beautiful Pangong Lake.
- Stargazing in Nubra Valley: In such a remote village, an opportunity like this to stargaze mustn't be missed!
Make the most of your lake time and rise early for a special morning yoga session by the beach for all levels. Afterwards, fill up on breakfast before starting the drive back to Leh. The first stop of the day is to Rezang La Memorial, an important monument from the 1962 War. The next stop brings us to a nomadic settlement where we will learn about the luxurious pashmina cashmere. Then arrive to Leh in the evening for free time.
- Early Morning Yoga by the Lake: Rise early for a peaceful yoga session by Pangong Tso Lake.
- Rezang La Memorial: Pay homage at the Rezang La Memorial near the Tibet border, a poignant reminder of the 1962 war and a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
- Pashmina Herder Experience: Stop by a remote nomadic settlement for a 1.5-hour immersive session with Pashmina herders, learn about their way of life, traditions and Pashmina making.
Today is yours to do as you wish in Leh. Want to rest? Chill out in the hotel. If you want to explore, get out on the town! The choice is yours.
- Free Time: Enjoy the entire day to explore on your terms!
- Alchi Monastery and Likir Village visit: Visit Alchi Monastery, Ladakh’s oldest, to learn about its Buddhist roots and enjoy a meal at Alchi Kitchen, a national award- winning café. After lunch, visit Likir Village and engage with local potters to create your own clay souvenirs. (Lunch included)
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Drift on Dal Lake in a traditional houseboat and stroll through Srinagar’s Mughal gardens.
- Cross the mighty Zozila Pass and take in the surreal Moonland landscapes of Lamayuru.
- Explore ancient monasteries like Lamayuru and Diskit and connect with monks who call them home.
- Spend nights in Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake with unforgettable stargazing.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery, Lāmayūrū
- Your Local Living Moment: Kyagar House Experience, Nubra Valley
- Panoramic walk to Shankaracharya Hill
- Guided visit to Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashm-e-Shahi)
- Houseboat stay & shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Guided Lidder Valley trek
- Short guided hike in Sonmarg + Jeep ride to Zero Point
- Scenic drive through Zozila Pass & Kargil
- Visit to Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, and Kargil Gompa
- Evening walk through Lamayuru’s moonlike landscapes
- Leh Old City guided walk and Central Asian Museum visit
- Sunset visit to Shanti Stupa
- Morning prayer experience at Samstanling Monastery
- Crossing Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world
- Visit Diskit Monastery and explore the Nubra Valley
- Immersive cultural storytelling at Kyagar House and Pangong Lake homestays
- Early morning yoga by Pangong Lake
- Visit Rezang La Memorial and meet Pashmina herders
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, Boat, Jeep, Walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Simple Hotel (twin-share, 10 Nights), Homestay (3 Nights), House Boat (1 Night)
- 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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