Northern India: Dharamshala, Kashmir & Ladakh Highlights
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. In the evening, join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
- 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.
- Women With Wheels Arrival Transfer: Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for a local woman from a resource poor community.
Today is a long travel day, but well worth the trek. We'll take a train from Delhi to Pathankot and transfer to a private vehicle. Pathankot is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, so our drive will get even more beautiful as we travel deeper into Himachal through the Western Himalayas. We'll arrive to Chamba in the evening and walk to our farm-stay. Enjoy a traditional welcome with the family followed by a local dinner. Sit back and relax as you get comfortable in your incredible farm-stay tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains.
- Walking: Walk up the hillside from the road to the farm-stay. There is no road access so the final kilometer is done on foot.
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Himalayan Orchard Traditional Welcome & Dinner: Embrace the warm hospitality of our farm-stay hosts with a Traditional Welcome, followed by a delicious traditional Chamba dinner of cuisine dating back over 1,000 years.
Start the day off right with a morning yoga and meditation session before a delicious breakfast. Today we explore the picturesque town of Chamba, tucked away in the Himalayas. Visit ancient temples, vibrant paintings and an embroidery workshop to experience Chamba's rich cultural heritage.
- Chamba Town Tour: Take a tour of Chamba Town to learn of its rich culture, ancient temples and traditional embroidery. Visit the 400-year old Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum, 10th-century stone Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
- Embroidery Workshop: Learn the art of embroidery at a workshop on Chamba rumal and Chamba painting. Watch as artists demonstrate their skills at traditional embroidery and painting as we hear the cultural and historical significance of these art styles. Feel welcome to try your hand at embroidery or painting, once practiced by the queens of the royal family.
- Morning Yoga and Meditation: Join one of the family members of the Himalayan Farm-stay for a peaceful morning yoga and meditation.
Spend the morning on an beautiful hike accessible for all levels of hikers. Make sure to bring your camera to take in the incredible beauty of the Himalayas along the way. This evening, join your farm-stay host family for a well deserved feast! Together we'll learn to cook local favorites and then sit down together to dig in!
- Chamba Half Day Hike: Trek through Chamba's unique farms and villages on this easy loop hike. Admire the stunning views of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountains in the distance.
- Himalayan Farm Stay Cooking Demonstration: India is a huge country, and cuisine varies between different states. Together with our farm-stay hosts, learn about the traditional meals consumed in the Himalayan region of Himachal. Use of black cardamom, indigenous vegetables and hearty meats are common, so come hungry and enjoy the time to learn (and try!) the delicious local cuisine.
Say goodbye to our amazing Himalayan farm-stay hosts and drive toward Dharamshala, where the exiled Tibetan government has lived since 1960. Visit the Mcleodganj Market and feel the strong connection this town has to Tibet. Then visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple. This temple was built shortly after the Dalai Lama's exile from Tibet and now serves as the political centre of Tibet for the community-in-exile. Take time to explore the temple and visit the Tibet Museum as well. The rest of the day is yours to wander the markets and Dharamshala as you wish.
- Orientation Walk at Mcleodganj Market: Known for its Tibetan influence, the market offers a variety of goods including handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, and delicious Tibetan cuisine. It's a perfect place to soak in the local culture and pick up unique souvenirs.
- Dalai Lama Temple & Tsuglagkhang Complex: The Dalai Lama Temple, officially known as Tsuglagkhang Complex, is a repository of Tibetan culture. The temple was built in 1959, following the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's exile from Tibet. Today, it serves as the spiritual and political center of the Tibetan community in exile.
In the morning, feel free to relax or get out and visit the Norbulingka Institute or see the Bhagsu Nag Waterfall. Then, visit the town of Jia for an amazing experience with G Adventures-supported Tenacious Honey Bee Collective - a chance to learn about ethical honeybee keeping in the Himalayas. After some honey sampling and an apidomik experience, the rest of the day is yours to see the incredible town of Dharamshala how you'd like.
- Tenacious Honey Bee Collective: Take a walking tour through the Himalayan countryside to understand ethical bee keeping. Learn directly from the local youth and women who are part of the team that make products out of bees wax. Enjoy a honey tasting, and a visit to an apidomik room - a place with healing properties full of aromas from honey, wax, pollen and more.
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon free in Dharamshala.
- Norbulingka Institute Visit: Explore a treasure trove of Tibetan culture in exile at the Norbulingka Institute. Many books, precious statues, and monasteries in Tibet were destroyed following the Chinese invasion in 1950, making the Norbulingka Institute one of the best places to learn about Tibetan culture and art anywhere in the world.
- Bhagsu Nag Waterfall: Enjoy the short and easy hike from the village to the beautiful waterfall. This hike is suitable for all hiking abilities. It takes most about 45 minutes to an hour to hike and it is 4km round trip.
Depart for Amritsar early this morning to make the nearby evening Wagah Border Ceremony. Every night, just before the sun sets on the border of Pakistan and India, the two sides simultaneously lower their flags as a sign of peace, discipline and hope for the future between these two countries with a long history of rivalry. Afterwards, head to the Golden Temple-arguably the most important Sikh temple in the world-in hopes to witness the palaki ceremony, which symbolizes putting the holy book to rest for the night.
- Golden Temple Visit: Enjoy a visit to this gorgeous temple, the most sacred shrine in the Sikh religion. Sitting in the center of a sacred lake, and accessible by a marble causeway, it is absolutely stunning. Watch the nightly ritual of moving the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) from the temple to the neighboring Akal Takht building in a gold palki (palanquin) preceded by the spectacular fanfare of religious leaders blowing long horns or beating drums. As the procession moves, people chanting wait for their chance to shoulder the sacred palki. The Golden Temple kitchen serves a free meal called a "langar" to more than 40,000 visitors daily, and no matter how old or young, whether rich or poor, everyone eats together while sitting on the floor.
- Wagah Border Ceremony: Every evening, hundreds of people gather to watch the famous parade and the ceremonial lowering of their national flags by the Indian and Pakistani armies at sunset. Witness this event in the stands and cheer on as the two countries showcase their cooperation.
Fly from Amritsar to Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. Then walk through the famous Lal Bazar market area on an orientation walk.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- 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.
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
- Explore Dharamshala’s Tibetan culture and Amritsar’s Golden Temple.
- Cruise Dal Lake and overnight on a traditional Srinagar houseboat.
- Travel the epic Srinagar–Leh Highway into the Himalayas.
- Visit cliffside monasteries and trek through Nubra Valley.
- Stargaze on the shores of Pangong Lake.
- Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Arrival Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Your G for Good Moment: Tenacious Honey Bee Collective, Dharamshala
- 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
- Guided temple and museum visit in Chamba
- Half-day hike in Chamba Valley
- Organic farm tour
- Embroidery workshop on Chamba rumal - experience and Chamba painting
- Cooking class with homestay family
- Dharamshala orientation walk & Dalai Lama Temple visit
- Impact experience at Tenacious Bee Collective with honey tasting session
- Wagah Border ceremony & Golden Temple visit
- Vande Bharat express from Delhi to Pathankot (air-conditioned seat class)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Domestic flight from Amritsar to Srinagar
- 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, Plane, Train, Boat, Jeep, Walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Simple Hotel (twin-share): 14 Nights, Homestay: 6 Nights, Boat House: 1 Night
- 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 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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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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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