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SHANGRI-LA TOUR - 20 Days (19 Nights)
SCHEDULED FOR 2010: May 27; Jun 24; Jul 29; Aug 26; Sep 23
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THU, Day 01 - DEPART USA Depart Kennedy International airport.
FRI, Day 02 - DELHI Capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's imperial past like the Parliament House and the Presidential Estate. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your HOTEL where rooms are held for immediate occupancy.
SAT, Day 03 - DELHI Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will proceed on a combined sightseeing tour of the famous historical sights in Old & New Delhi. You will begin your immersion into Indian culture by making your way through the bazaars and street sellers. You will head over to the Red Fort. Built in 1648, the Red Fort symbolized Moghul power and elegance. Of red sandstone, the walls and temper of this fortress remind the contemporary traveler of more civilized times, when war was containable and battlegrounds were localized. After a ride through the tight, winding veins of Old Delhi, you will see Jama Mosque, the largest Mosque in India. You will work your way over to Raj Ghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Continuing the tour, you will visit the Qutab Minar - the highest stone tower in the world - built in Persian style in the 12th century. The tour ends with a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, the heart of Lutyen's Delhi, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the Presidential Estate. While on this tour you will also have an opportunity to see the arts and crafts of India. Return to the hotel for a short rest. Evening – witness "Sound & Light" show at the Red Fort. The show unfolds the history of Delhi and is so beautifully enacted so as to give the impression that one has gone back in time to the glorious days of the Moghul Empire. This will be followed by a Welcome Dinner where you will meet with your local hosts and their guests. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,D) SUN, Day 04 - DELHI-AGRA-FATEHPUR SIKRI-DELHI After an early breakfast at the hotel proceed on a full day excursion to AGRA – The ancient city, once the capital of Moghul Empire in the 16th and 17th century, today depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra is home to one of Seven Wonders of the World, the marble symphony of Shah Jahan, “The Taj Mahal”, the monument of love built by Shah Jehan for his beloved young wife who died during the birth of their 13th child. Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Moghul city. Proceed for a city tour where you will experience the TAJ MAHAL. An extravagant marble monument of love,built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. After lunch drive from Agra to FATEHPUR SIKRI- This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. Return to your hotel in Delhi for late DINNER AND OVERNIGHT STAY AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D) MON, Day 05 - DELHI-SRINAGAR Breakfast at the hotel followed by transfer to the airport to connect with a direct flight to SRINAGAR, located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 5676 feet above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. Legend has it that “Srinagri” was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC). Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found it at the same site as it is today. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel/houseboat. After lunch enjoy a boat ride on Dal Lake by a Gondola type boat called "Shikara" to witness the aquatic life of Srinagar. Also see the scenic extravaganza of the valley and enjoy the profusion of colors. Later visit the local crafts centers and see the fine workmanship of craftsmen. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT AT DELUXE HOUSEBOAT / HOTEL. (B,L,D)
TUE, Day 06 - SRINAGAR After breakfast visit Moghul Gardens. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Moghul Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Moghul Emperors' concept of paradise. At “Chashmashai” ‘the royal spring’ is a tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive. The original garden was laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD. "Nishat" 'garden of bliss' commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley. Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan. '' Shalimar'' ‘abode of love’ was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan. It is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes, and shallow terraces. It has 4 terraces, rising one above the other. A canal lined with polished stones runs through the middle of the garden. The fourth terrace, by far the best, was once reserved for royal ladies. Later visit row upon row of shops filled with handicrafts. The array is awesome. There are objects to suit every pocket, for the variety within each craft is wide. Kashmiri handicrafts are prized everywhere for their exquisite craftsmanship, such as papier-mâché items ranging from jewelry boxes to mirror frames, a range of intricately carved walnut wood furniture and the yard and more. After lunch visit Hari Parbat Fort, built by an Afghan governor of Kashmir in the 18th century. The low wall enclosing the upper part of the hill was constructed by Emperor Akbar. On the hill are several famous places of worship: the temple of goddess Sharika, the shrine of Muslim saint Makhdoorn Sahib, and the historic Sikh Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi. Also visit Jama Masjid in the heart of the old city. It is an important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars. The hushed quiet of the mosque counterpoints the bustle of the old bazaars surrounding it. Originally built in 1400 AD it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh. Later a stop will be made at a carpet factory. Kashmir carpets, in both wool and silk with their Persian design, are believed to be a lifetime investment and the shoppers’ selection range from the simple to the most extraordinarily intricate patterns handed down the generations. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT AT DELUXE HOUSEBOAT / HOTEL. (B,L,D) WED, Day 07 - SRINAGAR-PAHALGAM-SRINAGAR After breakfast proceed on a full day excursion with picnic lunch to Pahalgam, called as “valley of shepherds”. Enroute visit Awantipur. Founded by Avantivarman who ruled Kashmir in the 9th century, this ancient township is 17 miles from Srinagar. The site has two imposing temples, the larger one of Siva - Avantisvara is marked by huge walls. The subsidiary shrines are to the rear corner of the courtyard. The complex has, over the years, lost its grandeur and been reduced to ruins, though it is still visited by the devout. Half a mile up is Avantisvami - Vishnu, a better preserved, though smaller temple.
THU, Day 08 - SRINAGAR-GULMARG-SRINAGAR After breakfast proceed on a full day excursion with picnic lunch to Gulmarg, called as "Meadow of flowers". Gulmarg is 32 miles from Srinagar at an altitude of 8700 Ft. and this will be a continuation of the gradual acclimatization to high altitudes in preparation for the visit to Ladakh.The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues of Poplar trees give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colors could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chilies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favorite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 8,695ft. and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter. OVERNIGHT AT DELUXE HOUSEBOAT / HOTEL. (B,L,D)
FRI, Day 09 - SRINAGAR-LEH After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect with the flight for LEH – situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft., is the capital of the Indian province of Ladakh. Like the land itself, the people of Ladakh are generally quite different from those of the rest of India. The faces and physique of the Ladakhis, and the clothes they wear, are more akin to those of Tibet and Central Asia than of India. The original population may have been Dards, an Indo-Aryan race down from the Indus and the Gilgit area. But immigration from Tibet, perhaps a millennium or so ago, largely overwhelmed the culture of the Dards and obliterated their racial characteristics. In eastern and central Ladakh, today's population seems to be mostly of Tibetan origin. Further west, in and around Kargil, the people's appearance suggests a mixed origin. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is spent strolling through the local bazaar and getting acclimatized with the high altitude. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D)
SAT, Day 10 - LEH-HEMIS-SHEY-THIKSEY-LEH After breakfast proceed on a full day excursion to visit Hemis, Shey and Thiksey Monastries. HEMIS is traditionally the richest and best known Gompa (Monastery) of Ladakh. It also has the largest Thanka in Ladakh, which is unfurled once in 12 years ( it was last unfurled in 2004). Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Senge Namgyal an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal dynasty. It has two major sections, the Assembly Hall and the main temple. The walls of the Monastery are adorned with frescoes along with rows of prayer wheels. Shey, the old summer Palace of the kings of Ladakh, Shey was built more than 550 years ago by Lhachen Palgyigon, the king of Ladakh and has the largest golden Buddha statue in Ladakh. Thiksey is a 500 year old Monastery perched on a hill high above the Indus River and houses an enormous 50 feet high, seated Buddha figure. Return to your hotel in Leh for OVERNIGHT STAY. (B,L,D)
SUN, Day 11 - LEH–DURBUK Leave Leh after breakfast and drive through Kharu, Chemrey, Tagar Sakti to Changla pass (17,994 ft). While ascending Changla pass enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the Yaks. Arrive Durbuk and visit the small monastery nestled in the vicinity of Pangong Lake. Situated at an altitude of 14,268 feet, Pangong Lake lies in the north east of Leh . The lake is 4 miles wide and over 89 miles long, with half of it situated in China. The Lake with its scintillating shade of blue offers a panoramic view especially during sunset. OVERNIGHT AT TENTED CAMP. (B,L,D)
MON, Day 12 - DURBUK-TANGSTE-PANGONG LAKE-DURBUK After breakfast proceed toTangtse to visit the Monastery of Skyoba Jigsten Gonbo named after the founder of Drikung Ningma sect of Tibetan Buddhists. From there a drive of 1/2 an hour takes you to Lukung at the western shore of Pangong Lake. Driving along the picturesque Pangong Lake arrive at Spangnik the last point allowed for tourists short of the Indo-China border. OVERNIGHT AT TENTED CAMP in Durbuk. (B,L,D)
TUE, Day 13 - DURBUK-LEH After a leisurely breakfast at your tented camp drive back to Leh via the scenic route. Overnight at your hotel in Leh. (B,L,D)
WED, Day 14 - LEH-BIAMA-DAH-HANU After breakfast commence a somewhat rugged journey that will take you back in time as you will come face to face with and actually mingle with inhabitants of Dah, Hanu and Biama, who are pure Aryans by descent. Dah & Hanu are places, at a far side of the great Indus River. Surrounded by the great Hindukush Mountains and inhabited by a dynamic and gentle people who have a bank of strange legends to relate. Known in this region as the Drokhpa, the features of these inhabitants are Indo-Aryan and they appear to have preserved their racial purity down the centuries. They are tall, handsome and hospitable. Drokhpas are believed to have migrated to this area via Gilgit around 1000 years ago from Central Asia. They are different with large, beautiful eyes, sharp aquiline noses. They are culturally distinct from the rest of the inhabitants of Ladakh. The greatest attractions in this area are the villages Dah, Hanu and Biama. OVERNIGHT AT TENTED CAMP. (B,L,D)
THU, Day 15 - DAH-HANU-BIAMA After breakfast at the Camp the journey begins to yet another Drokhpa dominated region called Biama. The culture and religious practices of the inhabitants are akin to the ancient pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon and is vastly different from Buddhism that is practiced in all parts of Ladakh. One curious feature is their abhorrence of the cow or any of its products. They have preserved their ancient tradition and way of life partly through the celebration of the triennial Bonova festival, a celebration of harvest and partly through their songs and hymns. One of these is description of the Ibex hunt, for the Ibex is especially sacred to them. OVERNIGHT CAMP at Achinathang in pristine natural surroundings. (B,L,D)
FRI, Day 16 - BIAMA-LAMAYURU-ALCHI-LEH This morning after breakfast, saying good-bye to the Aryans, commence return journey to Leh visiting en route Gompas (Monastery) at Lamayuru and Alchi. Lamayuru is one of the oldest and most famous Monastery in the region. Spectacularly set on a steep mountain in the Himalayas and founded in the 10th century, Lamayuru monastery is the oldest spiritual centre of Ladakh in Northern India. Although mostly in ruins with only a few buildings remaining beside the main assembly hall (Dukhang), it is still unsurpassed in the sheer grandeur of its woodcarvings, statues and frescoes. The religious enclave at Alchi harbors an extraordinary wealth of ancient wall paintings and wood sculpture, miraculously preserved for over nine centuries inside five tiny mud walled temples. Arrive at your hotel in Leh for OVERNIGHT STAY. (B,L,D)
SAT, Day 17 - LEH-KHARDONGLA TOP-NUBRA VALLEY After breakfast commence a journey to the Nubra Valley driving on the highest motorable road in the world. After crossing the pass – Khardongla Top – at 18,380 feet, you can have a view of Khardong village, Khalser and Deskit (the main villages of Nubra valley). The road then passes through a bridge laid on a Glacier, which finds its way in the Guinness book of records. Afternoon explore PANAMIC village. During the trade between Central Asia and Ladakh, Panamic was the last major settlement before the caravans crossed the Korakoram Range. Today Panamic is a sleepy village with its people quietly working in their fields. Visit the local thermal HOT SULPHUR SPRING that us believed to have therapeutic qualities. Return to the CAMP FOR OVERNIGHT STAY. )B,L,D)
SUN, Day 18 - NUBRA VALLEY After breakfast at the Camp visit the 265 years old Sumur Monastery and later proceed to Diskit. Which is the capital of Nubra Valley but historically it is famous for its 515 years old Buddhist monastery situated on a hilltop giving panoramic view of the valley. After visiting the Monastery proceed to Hunder. Visit Chamba Monastery and enjoy a short ride on Bactrian camels, which in the olden days were the main mode of transport on the trade route. Return to your CAMP FOR OVERNIGHT STAY. (B,L,D)
MON, Day 19 - NUBRA VALLEY-LEH After breakfast at the Camp commence return drive to Leh. Afternoon at leisure. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D)
TUE, Day 20 - LEH-DELHI After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect with a direct flight to Delhi. Meeting and transfer to your hotel. (B,L,D)
WED, Day 21 - DELHI-USA Early morning transfer to the airport to connect with your homeward flight. Arrive in USA in the afternoon.
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