KASHMIR & LADAKH by Road via Kargil

Destinations: Delhi – Srinagar – Pahalgam - Gulmarg – Sonamarg – Kargil – Leh – Tsomoriri – Nubra Valley – Pangong – Leh – Delhi Departure
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Best Time to Travel: May to September

Highlights
Srinagar	Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love). Shikara ride on the Dal Lake.
Pahalgam	Avantipur Ruins, Aru Valley & Betab Valley
Gulmarg	Gondola Lift, Khilanmarg, Gulmarg Golf Course,
Sonmarg	'Meadow of Gold,Thajiwas Glacier
Kargil	Zojila Pass, Drass village.
Sham Valley	Mulbekh, Lamayuru Monastery ,  Alchi Gompa,  Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River,  Likir Monaster
Leh	Tesmo Gompa,  Shanti Stupa Leh Palace,  Druk white Lotus school of 3 idiots fame
TsoMoriri	Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar Lake, Taklang La Pass 17,585ft and Rumtse.
Nubra	Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft
Turtuk Village	The ruins of Pun Khar, K2 Peak’s view
Pangong	Pangong Lak

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. Come experience it...

Overnight Hotel – Delhi

Day 02: Delhi – Srinagar {Air India AI 825@ 1015/ 1145 Hrs}
Post breakfast transfer to airport after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative assist you to board your internal flight. On arrival Exceptional Escapes representative would assist you at the airport & transfer to Houseboat for check in.       

Srinagar; situated on the bank of Jhelum, Srinagar is a treasure trove of beauty and it will be a pleasure for many travellers to explore the bounteous beauty of the city. The major beauty of this city are its waterfalls and gardens which were made by the Mughal emperors. Snow-capped mountains, chinar trees and beautiful valleys give a spectacular view to the city.

Welcome by traditional Kashmiri drink (Kahwah) on arrival.

Laterproceed for sightseeing of Srinagar visiting the Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal
Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love).Hazratbal and Shankracharya temple. Rest of the free time to explore the local market at Lal Chowk also also visit art and craft emporium for Kashmiri shawls are exquisite souvenirs to shop for. Made from three fibres, wool, pashmina and Shahtoos, these soft fabrics make wonderful warm shawls. The handmade embroidery is also superb.

Wood Carving are extremely beautiful and worth buying as Kashmir is the only part of India where the walnut tree grows.

In the evening after freshen up, we will take you to experience the Shikara ride on the Dal Lake, while Shikara riding you will get a chance to visit Hand knotted Silk carpet weaving factory, Walnut wooden carving factory and also visit an authentic Kashmiri Shawls, wool, pashmina and Shahtoos factory.

Overnight at Luxury Houseboat – Srinagar (D)

Day 03: Srinagar - Pahalgam (96 Kms/ 3 Hrs)
Post breakfast drive to Pahalgam. En-route visiting Avantipur ruins. On arrival check in to the hotel Arguably Pahalgam is one of the most beautiful places on earth; the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers breathtaking views of Himalayas. On arrival we check in to the hotel. After reaching Pahalgam we have rest of the day free for individual activities.
Later proceed for Guided sightseeing in Pahalgam of Aru, Chandanwari and Betab valley (using Time bound Local union vehicle)

Chandanwari at 2,895 m and 16 km (10 miles) from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amamathyatra. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is curvy, sometimes a relatively flat terrain, with quite a few steep curves. It can be undertaken by car (not busses and trucks for most part) with some skilled driving. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, being accessible on foot or by pony only. 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave.

ARU A small village, 11 kms upstream the Lidder River, is a beautiful locality. The route is picturesque with ample campsites. This village is the starting point for treks to the Kolahoiglacier.This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at GurKhumb and reappears after 27 mts.

Betaab Valley, situated just 7 km up on Pahalgam, has got its name from Sunny Deol’s movie, Betaab, which was shot extensively in this area. Surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and dense pine and deodar forests, this valley is the mouth of River Sheshnag. There is a beautiful garden in the valley, with a bridge to cross the river. The Pahalgam Development Authority has proposed to develop this valley as a beautiful holidaying spot and is thus, carrying out several construction activities in the region.
Rest of the day is Free for relax.

Overnight Hotel – Pahalgam (B, D)

Day 04: Pahalgam – Gulmarg (138 Kms / 4 Hrs Approx.)
Post breakfast late morning explore the local market of Pahalgam, Later straight drive to Gulmarg. On arrival check in to the hotel Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful resorts in the valley. Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently.

Gulmarg boasts Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft). You can also try skiing on your own. Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world and also has highest golf course in the world with 18 holes.
Day is free for relax at beautiful valley.

Overnight Hotel – Gulmarg (B, D)

Day 05: Gulmarg – Sonmarg (125 Kms / 3.5-4 Hrs approx.)
Post breakfast we will arrange Gondola ride visit upto Second Phase. Gondola Lift of the many things to do in Gulmarg, Gondola ride is probably the one thing that tops the list of any tourist in Gulmarg. Gondola lift is a cable car which is the world’s highest and longest cable car. The cable car has been designed in collaboration with a French firm called Pomagalski.

Khilanmarg If you are visiting the “meadow of flowers”, then this place is one of the must visit for sightseeing in Gulmarg. Khilanmarg is 4 kms from Gulmarg. The place is surrounded all over from mountains and it provides a great view during spring season when it is filled with wild flowers.

Gulmarg Golf Course Established back in 1904 by the British, Golf Course of Gulmarg is located at a height of 2650 m above sea level and one of the most popular places to visit in here.

Late afternoon straight drive to Sonamarg which is one of the most beautiful drive from Srinagar. Before entering Sonmarg visit Gagangir; to lose oneself to the beauty of the Kashmir valley is not uncommon and many riders have made it a point to include Kashmir in their yearly pilgrimage to Leh, the Mecca of riders. Sonamarg is the last stop of Kashmir District. From here starts the territory of Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, Sonamarg is absolutely true to its name, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. The moment you enter Sonamarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonamarg has few of the loveliest flower collection in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rest of the time is FREE to relax at Meadow of Gold'.

Overnight Hotel – Sonmarg (B, D)

Day 06: Sonmarg – Kargil (122 Kms / 3-4 Hrs Approx.)
Post breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing of Sonmarg and visit 'Meadow of Gold.  You may take a pony ride (On your OWN) to Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year.

Late morning drive to Kargil via Zojila pass. En-route witness Drass village- World’s second coldest in-habitated place and you can also see Tiger hill along the way ( 200 km).

Rest of the time is FREE for relax.

Overnight Hotel – Kargil (B, D)

Day 07: Kargil – Leh via Sham Valley (210 Kms / 6-7 Hrs)
Post breakfast leave for Leh, en-route visit Mulbekh, Giant Living Buddha Sculpture on Rock Mountain, Lamayuru, Also visit the 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery en-route visiting the mesmerizing Moon Landscapes (you will believe why the name of this area is Moon land. Exactly the same formations of Land are visible as on the moon). Lamayuru; is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Later drive to Leh and visit the Alchi Gompa; the complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh’s monasteries and dates back to the 11th century.

En-route visiting Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas, A drive of another 4 km took us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity & further Driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River, Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery, Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up to the monastery a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh. After visiting the Monastery you will continue your drive along the River Indus to or Uletokpo or Tingmosgang enroute visiting Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. (234 km). By evening you will reach at Leh and transfer to hotel. 

Evening is FREE for relax.

Overnight Hotel – Leh (B, D)

Day 08: Leh Day excursion to Indus Valley (100 Kms / 4 Hrs)
Post breakfast full day local sightseeing to Indus valley including Leh Palace; Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 16th century.

Tesmo Gompa; is above the City Palace and to reach this place ...Tesmo Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries in Leh that consists of two temple buildings built in the 15th century, an eight meter tall gold-faced.

Shanti Stupa; is a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission.

The four-storey Central Asian Museum completion ceremony was held on 7th October at Tsas Soma garden in the Chutayrangtak area of the old town

Rest of the time is FREE for independent activity and explore Leh Market....

Overnight Hotel – Leh (B, D)

Day 09: Leh - Tsomoriri Lake (240 Kms / 7-8 Hrs)
Post breakfast breakfast drive to Tsomoriri Lake (14000ft above sea level), by Chumathang (Hot Spring) Along the Indus river. Tsomoriri Arr. 1600 Hrs. Afterwards take a walk around the Lake to enjoy the scenic beauty.

Evening is FREE for relax.

Overnight Camp – Tsomoriri (B, D)

Day 10: Tsomoriri - Leh (240 Kms / 7-8 Hrs)
Post breakfast walk around the lake and drive to back to Leh passing Puga (Sulphur Mine), Tsokar Lake, Taklang La Pass 17,585ft and Rumtse.

Evening is FREE for relax.

Overnight Hotel – Leh (B, D)

Day 11: Leh – Nubra Valley via Khardung La 18,390 Ft. (120 Kms / 4 – 5 Hrs)
Post breakfast drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level.

En-route visit Diskit Monasteries also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa, in the 14th century.

Later enjoy the Double Hump Camel ride the double-hump camel (ON YOUR OWN) is a native of Gobi desert, and is found on a vast expanse of cold-desert areas across Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and parts of Afghanistan.

Evening walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world.  Also visit a Ladakhi home and experience the Ladakhi cuisine.

Overnight Hotel – Nubra Valley (B, D)

Day 12: Nubra Day Excursion to Turtuk Village (80 Kms / One Side)
Post breakfast proceed for day excursion to Turtuk; a small village that lies on the banks of the Shyok River in the Nubra valley region and consists predominantly of Muslim population. The village is a gateway to the Siachen Glacier and consists on the line of control to the Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The place has vast greenery and serene beauty and is a hidden gem due to its spectacular flora including a wide number of apricot trees. The place has recently opened up for tourists and is still unexplored. This is the northernmost village of the country that had long been a part of Pakistan till India reclaimed it in the 1971 war. Thus, this is the last village up the region where tourists are allowed from 2009 and that adds to the fun of visiting this place.

Turtuk; has some great places to explore like the 16th century Minarets and Mosques, the Royal House of the Yabgo dynasty, the ruins of Pun Khar, K2 Peak’s view, and the villages that can be explored through camping and cultural tours.

The place is highly worth a visit because it is a place that continues to follow the Balti culture of Pakistan and the place has extremely warm and hospitable Muslim locals who would make you feel at home there.

Later drive back to Nubra.

Evening is FREE.

Overnight Hotel – Nubra Valley (B, D)

Day 13: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake (150 kms / 6 Hrs Approx.)
Post breakfast, we leave for Pangong Lake via Shayok route, reach Pangong Lake by lunch, after check in at the camp explore the beauty of Pangong Lahe- which is the highest salt water Lake in the World, shared by two countries India & China. Upon arrival, visit the location of 3 Idiots also known as shooting point.

After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. 

Overnight Camp at Pangong Lake (B, D)

Day 14: Pangong Lake - Leh (140 Kms / 6 Hrs)
Post breakfast driven to Leh. En-route visiting Stakna Monastery; or Stakna Gompa is a Buddhist monastery of the Drugpa sect in Stakna, Leh district, Ladakh, northern India, 21 or 25 kilometres from Leh on the left bank of the Indus River. It was founded in the late 16th century by a Bhutanese scholar and saint, Chosje Jamyang Palkar.

Takthok Monastery; is a Buddhist monastery in Sakti village in Ladakh, northern India, located approximately 46 kilometres east of Leh. The name Takthok, literally meaning 'rock-roof' was named because both its roof as well as walls are made up of rock.

Upon arrival after freshen up, proceed to visit to Indus valley including Shey Palace- the former Palace of the Namgyal king of Ladakh, en-route visit Druk white Lotus school of 3 idiots fame, and return to Leh to visit Leh palace- Palace of the erstwhile Royal King of Ladakh and Shanti Stupa which offers you a panoramic view of entire Leh town, Indus valley and lofty mountain of Zansker & Ladakh range. 

Evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.

Overnight Hotel – Leh (B, D)

Day 15: Leh – Delhi {Vistara Air UK602 @ 0900 / 1030 Hrs}
Delhi Departure
Transfer to airport to board the flight to Delhi taking back wonderful memory of The Forbidden Land. On arrival board on your International flight for onward journey, taking back a wonderful holiday experience.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.