KASHMIR & LADAKH

Tour Duration: 9 Nights & 10 Ddays

Day 1 : Delhi – Srinagar (by flight)

On arrival atSrinagar, you will be met by our representative and transferred you to the houseboat/ Hotel. Afternoon Half day tour of world famousMughalGardensvisiting the Nishat Bagh (The garden of pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love). Evening join Shikara ride on theDalLake. You will get a view of some very interesting places around the Lake and enjoy the sunset. Dinner and overnight at houseboat/Hotel.

Day 02: Srinagar – Pahalgam – Srinagar

After breakfast, full day excursion to Pahalgam “VALLEYOFSHEPHERDS” drive through Saffron fields, visit Awantipura ruins (1100 years oldtempleofLord Vishnubuilt by King Awantiwarman). Enroute visit “MattanTemple” few kms ahead of Anantnag, a pond full of holy fishes is believed to be creations of Lord Shiva. Drive through the pine forest and alongLidderRiver. The total distance of about 96 kms will be covered in about 2 ½ hrs. On arrival at Pahalgam one can enjoy a pony ride through thick pine forest, enjoy the nature & walk around the banks of River Lidder. Pahalgam is famous for some trekking routes also & is the base camp for AMARNATH PILGRIMAGE. Evening return toSrinagarhotel / Houseboat for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 : Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar (112 kms)

Full day tour of Gulmarg, which is one of the most beautiful summer resort in the valley. It is also popular for its golf course (in summer), the highest in the world and skiing during the winter season. Enjoy the splendor of nature and the snowy mountains. One can have Gondola ride (cable car) from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg. Overnight at houseboat/ Hotel.

Day 4: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Kargil (205 kms)

Leave in the morning and drive to Kargil and road passes through the panoramic village to reach Sonmarg (2740 mtrs) After Sonamarg the road is mostly rough and wet to Zojila pass 3527 mtrs (Gateway of Ladakh). Continue drive towards Drass (the second coldest inhibited place in the world) were we stop for tea and passport check. Another 2.5 hours drive will take us to Kargil (2710 mtrs) which has got its importance after opening of Ladakh for tourists in 1974. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 : Kargil – Leh (235 kms)

Leave in the morning for a full day drive to Leh. Today we ascend three passes. First Buddhist village will be Mulbek. We cross the highest pass (Fotula 4166 mtrs.) on Srinagar Leh route. At lunchtime we will be at Lamayuru oldest Monastery. Continue drive to next village Nimu a view ofZanskarRiverfollowing intoIndus.Finally we reach Leh 3500 mtrs. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 : Leh

Morning free for personal activities and at leisure. Afternoon half day tour to Spituk and Shanker Gompa. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07. Leh / Disikit via Khardongla. 125km.

After Breakfast drive toNubraValleyvia Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft) an exciting journey through serpentine roads leads us to theKhardunglaPass.A break at the pass to click some photographs of the fantastic view continues drive till Hundar village. On arrival check in your camp. Afternoon enjoy the beauty of sand dune and double hump camel. Camp

Day 08. Diskit/Sumoor/ Leh.

Early morning visit to Diskit monastery and have wonderful view of Nubra valley. Later drive to Sumoor villahge and back to Leh. Overnight Hotel.

Day 09. Leh / Pangong Lake/Leh

After early breakfast drive to Pangong lake via Thiksay monastery and Shay. The surface from Leh to Pangong Tso crosses through the villages of Shey and Gya and on to Kharu. From Kharu the journey leads to another mountain pass called Chang-La (5425 m). The climb to Chang-la is tough and by reaching the top, greeted with a Sign that says “You have reached the Mighty ChangLa”. The road from Chang-La is very good and passes through Tangste and small villages. The final hurdle on this road is called “The Crazy Stream”. After crossing the stream, welcomed by the first View of Pangong Tso – the lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,250 m (13,900 ft), is 134 km long and extends fromIndiatoChina. Two thirds of the length of this lake lies inChina. The lake is 5 km wide at its broadest point. In winter, the lake surface freezes completely despite being salty water. Bar headed Goose and Brahmini Duck are commonly seen here in summer. Around the lake supported by a number of species of wildlife including the Kiang and the Marmots. Enjoy the turquoise color panoramic lake and the magnificent mountains. Evening  drive back to Leh, Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Leh – Delhi

Transfer in time to the airport to connect flight to Delhi with memory.