Popularly known as the "Paradise on Earth", Jammu and Kashmir is world famous for its scenic splendor, snow-capped mountains, exquisite monuments, hospitable people and local handicrafts. Kashmir is dotted with the most beautiful mountain peaks, massive glaciers, splendid monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, verdant meadows and tall pine trees. While sports like Skiing, golf, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, camping make the trip to Jammu and Kashmir more adventurous, Amarnath and Vaishno Devi attract a large number of pilgrims every year. Dal Lake, Kashmir Valley, Khardung La Pass, Gulmarg, Shalimar Bagh are some of the major attractions of the state. The unparalleled beauty and charm of the state and the sweetness of the residents will remain etched in your memory forever.
The Land of High Passes, Ladakh. It is a place where the landscape changes dramatically; it is truly astonishing to see the mountains, snow, cold desert, alpine meadows and lakes at a short distance from each other. Tourism in Ladakh is an absolute delight for nature lovers as well as adventurers. Adorned with the lofty barren mountains, Ladakh is home to some of the highest motorable passes like Khardung La, Marsimik La, Chang La and alpine lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Ladakh is majorly popular amongst the adventurers who feel welcomed by the number of adrenaline rushing activities offered here. The Ladakh is amongst the top trekking destinations in India with amazing and unmatched treks like the popular Frozen River Trek / Chadar Trek, also has opportunities for mountaineering, motor biking, mountain biking, white water rafting and many more. Adding to its exceptional beauty are the ancient Buddhist monasteries that are mostly nestled in the mountains and are thousands of years old.
Arrival at Srinagar Airport and transfer to the hotel. Srinagar is famous for its beautiful Dal Lake, Kashmiri cuisine, scenic beauty, and houseboats. It is undoubtedly a fascinating city one should experience at least once in a lifetime. Afternoon proceed for visit to Mughal Gardens "Nishat" (The Garden of Pleasure) and "Shalimar" (Abode of All) and Chesma Shahi (Royal Spring). Drive along the Lake side on Boulevard. Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
After Breakfast, transfer to Gulmarg called as “Meadow of Flowers” . Gulmarg is 52 Kms from Srinagar at an altitude of 8700-ft. Gulmarg also referred as Meadow of Flowers is a famous Ski Resort & the world’s highest 18 hole Golf Course. One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world. Evening return back Srinagar. Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
Please book Gulmarg Gondola tickets in advance : https://www.jammukashmircablecar.com/
Optional Sightseeing : Drung Waterfall - need to hire Union taxi approx. cost Rs. 3000/- Two way.
After breakfast, check out from Hotel & drive straight to Pahalgam. Known as the “Valley of Shepherds”. Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for hiking, trekking, and fishing. 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. You can visit to Baisaran (own your own cost). Overnight stay at Hotel in Pahalgam.
Today after breakfast proceed for visit to Aru Valley, Chandanwari and Betab Valley. (on your own cost). Overnight stay at Hotel in Pahalgam.
The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. It is popular among the tourists for its natural environment and scenery. The village is a base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar-Marsar lakes and the Katrinag valley.
Betaab Valley - The valley also serves as a base camp for trekkers and is a good place to start a further exploration of the mountains. Betaab Valley gained prominence after the Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh starrer film, Betaab, was shot here in 1983. Thus, the valley was named after the hit film.
Chandanwari - The place is known for its serene atmosphere and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Chandanwari valley is also the Gateway of the Holy Amarnath Yatra. As you drive to chandanwari you’ll be greeted by stunning views of snow-capped peaks and the Lidder River flowing through the valley.
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive back to Srinagar. Enjoy 1 Hour Shikara Ride at Dal Lake. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Today morning after breakfast check out from hotel and drive for Kargil. En-route explore the Sonmarg. Located at an altitude of 2,740 m, Sonmarg is an ideal stopover for nature lovers who want to enjoy camping in a hill station. Known as the Meadow of Gold, Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh and is known for its verdant and picturesque valleys and snow-clad peaks. Visit to Thajiwas Glacier - located 3 km from Sonmarg and is known for its mystic views and its risky trek. The destination is Jammu and Kashmir's treasure with its magnificent frozen lake, mountains covered in a thicket of snow, its fir and pine trees, and alpine meadows and Zero Point - Good place to enjoy in snow & can use other activities snow bike, ski , slides etc. Later continue drive for Kargil. Enroute we will visit the 2nd Coldest Inhabited Place in the World “Dras”. Arrival at Kargil - The city is famous for the Kargil War between India and Pakistan, which was fought between May and July, in the year 1999. The war was fought in the District of Kashmir, along the now-famous Line of Control or LOC, in India. Overnight stay at Kargil hotel.
Today morning check out from Kargil hotel and drive for Leh. Leh is known for its stunning scenic locales, Buddhist temples and pristine environment. Due to the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism, Leh is also known as Little Tibet or the Land of Lamas. On arrival check in into hotel. Later if health permit you, you will be taken to Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Leh Palace and Leh Market. Overnight at leh hotel.
After breakfast, have a full day city tour to sham valley, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam point, Rafting point, Spituk Monastery. Hall of Fame is a must visit for every patriotic Indian. It has been built by Indian army in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil war. Gurudwara Patthar Sahib located at a distance of 40 kms from Leh, was constructed in 1571, in memory of Guru Nanak to commemorate his visit to this region. Magnetic Hill is the place where you will see your car, with its engine turned off, move upwards on a steep slope. It almost sounds unbelievable. In the evening come back to Leh. The Sangam is the place called Nimu where the Zanskar River and Indus rivers merge At Sangam you can enjoy the view of confluence of two rivers (Indus& Zanskar River). Sham Valley in Ladakh is one place that always comes highly recommended for local sightseeing around Leh. Also known as 'Apricot valley', it is home to some of the remotest villages in Ladakh. Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Spituk village. Spituk Gompa is known for its giant Kali statue. The Spituk Monastery was built in the 11th century by. Overnight at Stay overnight at Leh.
Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the World Highest Motorable road (5602 Mts) Khardungla pass. Arrive Nubra and proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy the camel ride (at your own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Deskit monasteries and check in at Deluxe Camp/Hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight Dinner & Stay.
KHARDUNGLA PASS: The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardung La pass (The highest Motorable road in the world) 18,390 ft. around 39 Kms. Away from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at higher altitude than Deskit and other villages.
DESKIT GOMPA: Deskit Gompa was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks are residing in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thikse Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar. Deskit is the main village of headquarter of Nubra valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop. Spectacular view of the valley can be seen form the monastery.
HUNDAR VILLAGE: Hundar is a beautiful village to stay with lot of trees and you will really enjoy your stay at Hundar. It has a small monastery and ruined fort above the village. The walk or Camel Safari (Double Hump bacterian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes is wonderful (at your own).
MAITREYA BUDDHA: The 108 feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha is located just below the Diskit monastery, at an altitude of 10,308 feet, 15 kilometers northwest off the Khalsar-Panakil route, right at the edge of the desert in the Nubra Valley.
Definitely a highlight of your tour, today involves an adventurous drive with a constantly scenic trip to the magnificent Pangong Lake. A must see destination for your time in Ladakh, Pangong Lake has been made famous by the 'Three Idiots' movie and more than half of the lake marks the separation border of India and China. The appearance of the water is said to change color at every angle of the sun - which makes for some amazing photographs so don’t forget your camera (and spare batteries!) Overnight stay in Pangong.
Start your morning with a sunrise view of beautiful Pangong Lake before making your way back to Leh via Thiksey monastery. Commonly referred to as ‘Little Lhasa, Thiksey has become a popular tourist destination because of its architectural resemblance to the ‘Potala Palace’ in Lhasa, Tibet. Finish the afternoon with a short drive to the Shey Monastery and Palace - both built in 1655 as summer retreat spaces for the reigning King. Return to Leh for a well-earned rest with the evening free to roam in the market as per your leisure. Overnight stay in Leh
Today morning after an early breakfast, depart to the airport for onward destination.
Cities
Leh, NUBRA VALLEY, Pangong, Tso moriri
Cities
Manali, Sarchu, Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Tso moriri