Himalayan Wonderland
The Himalayas
The stunning region of Ladakh is blessed with some of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges and spectacular desert landscapes. The ancient monasteries that adorn the hillsides are cared for and maintained by resident monks. On this tour you will visit many of these gompas for insight into local Tibetan Buddhist culture, explore the breathtaking, dramatic surroundings, and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Ladakhi people.
8 days/7 nights
Hotels/Lodges
Departs daily ex Leh
Highlights:
- Admire some of the world’s highest mountains and spectacular desert landscapes
- Visit ancient monasteries filled with priceless paintings high up in the hills
- Enjoy scenic walks through traditional Ladakhi villages
- Option to white water raft along the Zanskar River
- Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and the warmth of local people
Himalayan Wonderland
Itinerary
8 days/7 nights
Hotels/Lodges
Days 1-3
Stok
Arrive Leh and transfer to Stok (45 mins). The remainder of the day is free to acclimatise. On Days 2 and 3 explore the highlights of this area including Shey Palace with its 2 storey-high gilded statue of Buddha, the 600-year old Thiksey Monastery, Leh Palace and Stupa. Also enjoy village walks through beautiful landscapes, and a traditional family lunch. Overnight at Stok Palace. LD/BLD
Day 4
Uleytokpo
A scenic drive over winding roads past small villages leads to the Alchi Monastery and the 14th century Likir Gompa with its priceless paintings. Continue on to Uleytokpo, exploring the Rizong Monastery in the afternoon. Overnight at Ule Ethnic Resort or the Apricot Tree Hotel. BLD
Days 5/6
Nimmu
Morning at leisure before enjoying a hike to Basgo Gompa & Fort ruins located on a hilltop. Continue on to Nimmu, a traditional farming settlement featuring two monasteries. On Day 6 explore the village and its surrounds. Overnight at Nimmu House. BLD
Day 7
Leh
Today you have the option of rafting on the Zanskar River in the Indus Valley or exploring the mountainous Chilling area before a transfer to Leh for overnight at Grand Dragon Hotel. BLD
Day 8
Tour ends Leh
Early transfer to the airport. Tour ends. B
Featured
Itinerary
The following tours are private, independent and can be easily customised to suit your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin designing your personalised India experience.
Hidden Kingdom
In India's mountainous north is the remote kingdom of Sikkim, a spectacularly scenic region with warm, vibrant people.
Himalayan Foothills
This tour combines the holy Sikh city of Amritsar with beautiful hilltop towns including McLeod Ganj, present home of the Dalai Lama.
Himalayan Wonderland
Ladakh is a Himalayan wonderland, whose foothills are dotted with ancient monasteries cared for by Tibetan monks.
India Himalayas Overview
Why visit the Himalayas? The Himalayas offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. In contrast to much of India, this mountainous region has a strong Buddhist influence, and Macleod Ganj in Himachel Pradesh is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile as well as the seat of his Holiness the Dalai Lama.
When is the best time to go to the Himalayas? The summer months of May – Aug are the best time to visit to the high altitude areas of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh as this region can be extremely cold in winter, and deep snow renders many mountain passes and valleys impassable. In summer, Shimla and the cool foothills provide welcome respite from the scorching heat of the plains, with April to August being the best time to visit. The best time to visit Amritsar is in winter.
What can I combine Himalayas with? Other areas of India such as the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), or with neighbouring Bhutan or Nepal.
How do I get to the Himalayas? Shimla can be reached from Delhi by train. Most visitors to Ladakh fly into Leh Airport. For Kumaon and village walks, you can take a train from Delhi to nearby Kathgodam. For Sikkim, fly to Bagdogra.