| Day 1 - Flight to India (Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel. |
| Day 2 - Old - New Delhi
We will start our day with the sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun's Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Qutub Minar" which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies. |
| Day 3 - Delhi - Amritsar (about 450 km by train)
In the morning we start our train journey by Shatabdi Express and proceed to Amritsar. Amritsar (meaning pool of Nectar) lies in the northern state of Punjab and is famous for its Golden Temple. We visit the Golden Temple to know more about the native Sikh population of the state Punjab. Sikhs are meanwhile scattered in whole of India and are easily recognizable through their mighty colourful turbans. |
| Day 4 - Amritsar - Dharamsala (about 200 km)
Today we leave Dharamshala and drive through the lower mountains of Himalaya to Dharamshala. Dharamshala has one of the most spectacular settings for a Hill Station as it varies in height from 1200 m. to 1800 m. In Dharamshala, there is a strong Tibetan influence. The Dalai Lama settled here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. There is a monastery at Mcleodganj a short distance along from the Dalai's Lama's residence. We have a walk through Mcleodganj and visit a Tibetan monastery, the church of St. John and a school complex. |
| Day 5 - Dharamsala - Jammu (about 190 km)
Along the snow covered mountains of mighty Himalayas we drive from Dharamshala to Jammu. The city of Jammu is the second largest in the state and is the winter capital of the government. The old town of Jammu overlooks the river Tawi. In Jammu we visit the Raghunath Temple of the 19th century and Ranbireswar-Temple which is dedicated to God Shiva. We also visit the Dogra Art Gallery which is famous for its miniature paintings. Jammu is basically the Homeland of Dogra, the Rajput clan of the hill region in the north of the Ravi River. |
| Day 6 - Jammu – Srinagar (by air)
In the morning arrive at Srinagar airport or railway station. Srinagar has been described by some visitors as the Venice of the East. This beautiful city was established by Emperor Ashoka some 2300 years ago. A unique charm of Srinagar is its 1300 or more houseboats, the floating little hotels on the edge of the Dal Lake. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the house boat. Rest of the day free for leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings in Srinagar. |
| Day 7 - Srinagar
Today we start our sightseeing in Srinagar. Today we visit the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar. In the Mughal gardens first of all you will view the Chashma Shahi. Chashma Shahi means the Royal Spring and is dedicated to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The spring waters are believed to have curative properties. After visiting the Chashma Shahi we visit the Nishat and Shalimar Mughal Gardens. Nishat is the larger of the two gardens and has an impressive plantation of Chenar trees on its highest terrace. Both the gardens are built on a symmetrical plan of central waterways with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces. In the evening we visit the Shankaracharya Temple. This temple is located on a sharp hill, 1,000 feet high and houses a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in memory of the great Shankaracharya who came to Kashmir from Kerala to revive Hinduism. From the top of the hills, you would be able to have a panoramic view of the Kashmir Valley. After visiting the temple we drive back to our house boat. |
| Day 8 - Srinagar - Pahalgam - Srinagar (about 194 km)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Pahalgam. Pahalgam is located about 97 km from Srinagar. On the way we pass through pine forest and also visit the saffron fields. Pahalgam is the popular hill resort of the Kashmir valley. Pahalgam is situated at a height of 7,200 feet. The flora and fauna is good and the scenery in Pahalgam is captivating. It is from Pahalgam that the pilgrims often take a Amarnath Yatra. In Pahalgam one can have a walk to Baisaren, which is about 2 km from Pahalgam. A small village, set in pine and fir forest is pleasing and offers good view. After visiting Pahalgam we drive back to Srinagar. |
| Day 9 - Srinagar
Whole day at your disposal. As per your wish optional excursions are possible. |
| Day 10 - Srinagar - Leh (by air)
In the morning a short flight brings us to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Due to its altitude (3500 m.) Ladakh is also known as the roof of the world. Leh was an important place in the historical times on the silk road to central Asia. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclaim ourselves to this high altitude of Leh. |
| Day 11 - Leh
In the noon we visit Leh Palace. Leh Palace in the NW has been described as a miniature version of Lhasa's Potala palace, with which this 17th century building is contemporary. This Potala (palace) rises up like mountain. From the town below it is dazzling in the morning sun and ghostly at night. We enjoy the wonderful view of the city and beautiful surroundings from the roof of the palace. This palace was built by the King Singe Namagyal and still owned by the royal family. At present is this palace not occupied as the royal family resides in the other palace in stock. |
| Day 12 - Leh Excursion: Spituk, Phyang
Today we start our day by visiting the monastery Spituk. Spituk monastery (15. Century) is 8 km from Leh and is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Indus. Spituk valley has an enormous statue of Kali whose face is unveiled once a year during the Spituk festival. This monastery also contains an ancient collection of masks. 135 yellow capped monks resides in this monastery. After the visit of Spituk we shall proceed to the Gompa Phyang which is a traditional monastery setting for a spectacular religious festival with masked dancing. There are 50 red capped monks residing here. |
| Day 13 - Leh Excursion: Tikse, Shey
Today we start our excursion by visiting the monastery of Tikse. Tikse is one of the most imposing monastery in Ladakh. The monastery has 12 stories, 10 temples, a nunnery and 60 lamas in residence. It contains numerous stupas, statues, tankhas, wall painting and a large pillar engraved with the teaching of Buddha. We can also see here a collection of Tibetan scripts. After the visit of Tikse we visit the village of Shey on the eastern bank of the Indus. Shay was the royal residence and was located at an important vantage point in the Indus valley. It has a large victory stupa which is topped with gold. |
| Day 14 - Leh - Delhi (by flight)
In the early noon flight to Delhi. In the night transfer to the international airport for the flight to home destination. |
