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1.600 €
/ per person
These are two of the oldest and less-known old kingdoms of the Himalayas, lost in the vastness of the highest mountain range in the World. The peace treaty signed between India and Pakistan opened up again the route to this mythical destination where only a lucky few have been so far. Kashmir -given the name “Valley of the eternal spring” due to its mild climate and its beautiful landscapes- is famous for its wool, its dense forests where giant pine and fir dominate and its houseboats – legendary floating lodgings.
A rough winding road, considered by many as one of the most beautiful mountainous roads on the planet, leads from Kashmir to Ladakh, another ancient Himalayan kingdom. It’s a difficult route lasting two days and crossing the Himalayan mountain range with an overnight in a hostel along the way. Although it is difficult, the route rewards even the most demanding traveler, passing by lost-in-time villages with a way of living that hasn’t changed in centuries.
Ladakh – also called “little Tibet”- is both geographically and culturally part of Tibet. It is a mountainous desert and has dozens of Buddhist monasteries -all operating- where the traveler can witness colorful rituals.
Summer is the most suitable season for a trip to Kashmir and Ladakh since the mountain passes are snow-free. Another advantage is that summer monsoons don’t reach often these northern parts so the trip remains mostly unaffected by extreme weather phenomena, which usually affect Southern Asia at this time of the year.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Delhi 5* hotel.
DAY 2: DELHI
During our tour we’ll visit Old Delhi and the biggest mosque in India, Jame Masjed. Continue to the Red Fort, Chadni Chawk bazaar, as well as New Delhi with the Gate of India and Qutab Minaret. Overnight in Delhi 5* hotel.
DAY 3: DELHI to SRINAGAR
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Srinagar, capital of Kashmir and the Indian Himalayas. Built on the banks of Dal Lake, Srinagar is a dreamy place. Arrival and transfer to our luxurious houseboat on Dal Lake. In the afternoon we will visit Mughal Gardens and we will have a ride on the lake on local boats, the famous sikharas where we’ll have the chance of shopping from itinerant boatmen. Carpets, fabrics, embroideries, painted boxes, are just some of the souvenirs that will excite you. Overnight in Srinagar houseboat.
DAY 4: SRINAGAR and GULMARG
Full day visit to Gulmarg in the heart of Indian Himalayas. Lush green scenery and age-old forests weave the image of Gulmarg. Here, we’ll have a 2 hours hike through the evergreen forest. Return to Srinagar. Overnight in Srinagar houseboat.
DAY 5: SRINAGAR to KARGIL
Morning departure for Ladakh, following one of the most beautiful mountain routes of Asia. We cross dense forests and we reach Sonammarg. Next, and along abysmal cliffs, we pass the Zoji-La mountain pass, which is snow-free only during July and August. Arrival in Kargil, a small Moslem village, lost in Himalayas. Overnight in Kargil basic hostel.
DAY 6: KARGIL to LEH
Early in the morning we continue to Leh. Entering Ladakhi territory, the landscape changes and the forestland becomes an arid mountain desert with weird rock formations. We drive along a rough route through violent torrents and forgotten Himalayan villages. Arrival in Leh in the afternoon. Overnight in Leh in 3* hotel.
DAY 7: LEH
Leh, capital of Ladakh, is a small town on an altitude of 11.480 feet, in the middle of a desert plateau. During our morning tour, we’ll visit the old palace, walk through downtown Leh and have some time in the local market to buy amazing jewelry, woven products, magic talismans, masks, musical instruments and many other weird objects. In the afternoon, visit the colorful monasteries Spituk and Phyang. Overnight in Leh in 3* hotel.
DAY 8: LEH and LADAKH PLATEAU
Full day tour in Ladakh’s plateau. We will see the mighty Indus river, its sources being very close to Ladakh, and visit Shey old palace and the Buddhist monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis. Nowadays, all Ladakh’s monasteries are operating and the monks’ colorful rituals are very impressive. Visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre and return to Leh. Overnight in Leh in 3* hotel.
DAY 9: LEH to SARCHU
Early in the morning we’ll set out for one of Asia’s least-known places, following one of the most interesting routes of our journey. We’ll pass into Eastern Ladakh and along the borders with Tibet, we’ll see surreal landscapes, deep gorges, steep peaks and forgotten Tibetan villages. We’ll cross the Pologonga mountain pass and arrive in Sarchu in the afternoon. We set up our camp (due to lack of hotels in the area). All travelers who move from Leh to Manali stay in camps in Sarchu. We will overnight in double tents with beds. Overnight in Sarchu set camp.
DAY 10: SARCHU to MANALI
Today we continue to the second part of our route. The scenery is unique and it reminds us of another planet. Through Himalayan passes and dense forests, we’ll reach Manali, capital of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Overnight in Manali 4* hotel.
DAY 11: MANALI
Day free at leisure, since Manali offers that chance. The most interesting parts of the city are the Tibetan market, the old city and Dhungri temple. Manali, built in dense forests is the ideal stop after a long tiresome journey through the Hmalayas. Overnight in Manali 4* hotel.
DAY 12: MANALI to SHIMLA
We continue our route in Himachal Pradesh state, and through evergreen Himalayan forests, we arrive to Shimla, old resort of the british era. Settling in the hotel. Overnight in Shimla 4* hotel.
DAY 13: SHIMLA to DELHI
Our expedition ends by entering the great plains of Northern India to move towards Delhi, where we’ll arrive in the afternoon. Overnight in Delhi 5* hotel.
DAY 14: DELHI to AGRA
Morning ride to Agra, one of the most important Indian cities. Arrival in Agra in the afternoon and visit legendary Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful historical buildings of the World. Overnight in Agra 5* hotel.
DAY 15: AGRA to DELHI
Return to Delhi. Arrival and rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Delhi 5* hotel.
DAY 16: DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for our departure back home.
Kashmir is a region administered by India as a union territory and consists of the southern portion of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947, and between India and China since 1962.
Culture Expeditions is a EU-based company focusing on worldwide cultural tours. It has a big experience concerning tourism, since it has a strong partnership with Kanon Cultural Tours and Expeditions in Greece, one of the most reputable tourism organizations in Europe.
