Duration: 15 days | 14 nights
Location: Delhi - Amritsar - Dharamshala - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh
Highlights of the programme :
Arrive in Delhi. Reception at the airport. Transfer and overnight at the hotel.
Early morning transfer to railway station to board the train to Amritsar Swarna Shatabdi Express the (attention ! this train does not run on Thursdays). On arrival transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Golden Temple, one of the highest place of Sikh religion founded by Shri Guru Nanak Deji. In the evening you will attend a ceremony in the unique atmosphere near Wagaha. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Dharamsala / Mcleodganj. In the past, McLeodganj was the home to the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe lived. Today it is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This place dates back to the mid 19th century and served as a British garrison. It then served as administrative point for the whole Kangra valley. It is now the seat of government of Tibet in exile headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The monastery, impressive in size, with paintings of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara. Overnight at hotel.
Free day to explore the town and understanding the buddhist religion, tibetian life culture and their philosophy. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to the morning to Manali, called the “Valley of the Gods”. Manali is an important hill station in northern India and a leading destination for thousands of tourists every year. The resorts offer a refreshing environment in which one can escape the humid tropical Indian summers. Furthermore, Manali offers plenty of excursions and is a great place for anyone looking for both comfort and adventure sports. Opportunity to practice skiing, hiking, mountain hiking, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking and mountain biking. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, you are free morning to use it the way you like. In the afternoon, visit the “Vashishta springs.” The hot spring of Vashishtha is famous for its medicinal benefits. Many people flock to enjoy the warm waters and the virtues of spring to relieve various ailments. Near the temple dedicated to Vashishta Muni, a large stone pyramid was built there. Continuation of the visit by visiting the Manali Hadimba Devi temple, an important place dedicated to the goddess, who became demon Hadimba (or Hirimba), the wife of Bhima. Built in 1553, the temple is known as the Temple “Doongri Mata”. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Jispa. Along the way, stop at Keylong, the center of that area, and visit the local bazaar. Continue to Jispa. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Sarchu, the border between the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Along the way, visit Baralachala. Switching to 4883 meters. Here, at the top, there is a lake known as “Surajtal.” Meeting with villagers ofDarcha located near Rumtze. Opportunity to visit the monastery of the Dalai Lama recently built during the “Kalachakra program.” Night in Sarchu to 4200 meters. Stay in tents. Warm clothes are required.
Free day to explore. Accommodation in tents.
Morning drive to Leh via Upshi. Passage by Lachungla located 5065 meters above sea level, rugged place in the mountains. Lunch at Pang. Then continue through the ad pass in the world, pass Tanglangla located 5350 meters. You will surely enjoy the local wildlife along the way: marmots, yaks and all the wild flora of the mountains. Arrival at Leh. Overnight at hotel.
Relaxing day. Leh is located at 3,500 meters above sea level. By late afternoon, stroll through the bazaar of Leh. Overnight at hotel.
Early morning visit the Thiksey monastery to attend prayer ceremonies. Then visit the largest monastery in Leh “Hemis.” On the way back, stop to visit the Shey Palace. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, visit monasteries and Spituk Phyang. In the afternoon walking tour of the “Kings Palace” of the mosque in Leh, Leh Gompa, and Shankar Gompa. Overnight at hotel.
Day excursion to Fort Basgo, drive and visit Alchi monastery is the only monastery built on the ground. Evening return to Leh. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer from hotel to the airport in Leh. Flight to Delhi.
You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.
Maidens – Delhi
The oldest hotel in Old Delhi built in the 1900 Colonial architecture, spacious gardens, magnificent chandeliers, long corridors, everything is done to revive the scent of old India. Very friendly and attentive staff.
Golden Tulip – Amritsar
Pink House Hotel – Dharamshala
The hotel is ideally located, below the road. Beautiful terrace with a nice view. Friendly, helpful staff.
Snow Peak Retreat – Manali
Away from the crowds, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and beautiful views of the mountains. Friendly and smiling staff. Beautiful rose garden. Buffet breakfast with many choices.
Apple Country Resort – Manali
Hotel located in the hills above the town of Manali, offering a splendid view of the mountains. Excellent vegetarian cuisine. The hotel has a spa where you can relax after a day of sightseeing.
Adventure Camp Sarchu – Sarchu
Authentic and comfortable camping in a breathtaking environment. Tents equipped bathroom. Hot meals served in a communal tent. Gracious staff.
The Grand Dragon Ladakh – Leh
Our hotel near downtown. Has central heating. Bright and spacious rooms with mountain views. Fine local cuisine.
You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.
Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.
We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.
Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.
Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!
Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.
Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.
What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.
Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.
Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.
Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!
You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.
Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.