OVERVIEW
This journey begins with an immersive rickshaw ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk market in Delhi, visiting the grand Jama Masjid and passing by the Red Fort. After exploring the vibrant streets of Delhi, travelers fly to Leh, nestled in the majestic landscapes of Ladakh. The trip offers visits to renowned monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis, and Stok, along with an engaging local family experience. From Leh, the adventure continues with stops at historic sites such as Likir Monastery and the scenic village of Mangyu. A memorable drive takes visitors through the high-altitude Khardungla Pass into the breathtaking Nubra Valley, where they explore Diskit Monastery, Hunder sand dunes, and hidden treasures like Yarab Tso Lake. After returning to Leh, guests experience the tranquil Shanti Stupa and the historic Leh Palace. The journey concludes back in Delhi, with a tour of the capital's grand administrative buildings, India Gate, and a visit to the serene Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The trip offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical exploration.
DAY 01 : DELHI ARRIVAL
- Rickshaw ride
- Visit to the Jama Masjid and the Red Fort or Lal Qila
Arrival at Delhi international airport.
Arrival by plane, welcome and transfer to your hotel (check-in at 2:00 pm).
City tour :
01 Rickshaw ride
You'll be immersed in a world of colors and smells on this rickshaw ride through the typical, crowded lanes of the Chandni Chowk market, which means "moonlit meeting point". Chandni Chowk is reminiscent of an oriental bazaar, with its stalls, stalls of all kinds, vendors haranguing the crowds, stalls overflowing with fruit, vegetables, spices, utilitarian objects and more...
Visit the Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan from 1644 to 1658. It is the largest on the Indian subcontinent. Its two 40-metre-high minarets are decorated with vertical bands of red sandstone alternating with white marble. Its courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers.
Pass in front of the Red Fort or Lal Qila, whose red sandstone wall stretches for 2 kilometers. It was begun by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 and completed by his son Aurangzeb in 1648 (the latter having incarcerated his father at Agra Fort just after work began).
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 : DELHI - LEH (FLIGHT)
Transfer to Delhi airport and fly to Leh.
Arrival at Leh airport. Our representative will transfer guests to their hotel in Leh.
Leh, situated at an altitude of 3,524 m, is the capital and largest city of Ladakh, a territory of the Indian Union. Leh was also the historic capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh and, for centuries, an important stop on the Indus Valley trade routes between Tibet, Kashmir, India and China.
All visitors must rest for the first 24 hours of their arrival to acclimatize to Ladakh's high altitude. In the evening, health permitting, you can stroll around Leh town.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Leh.
DAY 03 : LEH
- Visits to the monastery of Thiksey, Hemis and the village of Stok
If you're an early riser, you'll have the opportunity to visit Thiksey Monastery to attend the morning prayer session of the resident monks. You'll need to leave the hotel at 6 a.m. with your breakfast in order to reach Thiksey (17 km/20 min) in time for morning prayers. Later, enjoy breakfast with hot tea or coffee in the monastery café.
After breakfast, drive to Hemis monastery to visit one of Ladakh's most famous monasteries. Later, drive to the village of Stok and visit the Stok palace and museum. Lunch with a local family.
Enjoy the local cuisine, which is very hard to find these days in Leh. After spending time with the family, you'll visit their 300-year-old house, now a private museum. Later, return to Leh (12 km). On the way, visit Shey's palace and the small gompa it houses.
Arrive in Leh for dinner and overnight.
DAY 04 : LEH - ULETOKPO (85 km / 3 hours)
- Visit to Likir monastery and Mangyu village
After breakfast, drive to Uletokpo.
En route, visit Spituk Monastery, Magnetic Hill and Likir Monastery, home to one of the largest open-air statues of Maitriya Buddha. Continuation to Uletokpo, with a stop to visit the 1,000-year-old Alchi monastery. Arrival in Uletokpo around lunchtime.
After lunch, hike to Mangyu village (02 hours one way). Arrive at Mangyu village and visit a local family for evening tea and snacks. You'll spend the evening with the family discussing their livelihood and way of life.
Dinner and overnight at Uletokpo.
DAY 05 : ULETOKPO - LAMAYURU - LEH (40 Kms / 01 hr.)
- Monastery visit and Amchi
After breakfast, drive to Lamayuru monastery :
After visiting the monastery, return to Leh (120 km / 3 hours).
On the way back, visit a local Amchi (Himalayan herbal medicine practitioner) to learn about the ancient way of practicing medicine. Learn about some of the rare medicinal plants still used to cure some of the most common and less common illnesses.
Arrive in Leh in the evening and relax at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Leh.
DAY 06 : LEH - NUBRA (120 km / 4 hours)
- Khardungla Passage
- Visit to Diskit monastery
After breakfast, we set off for the Nubra valley via the Khardungla pass - one of the highest motorized passes in the world, at 18,300 feet. You'll reach Nubra in the afternoon and check into your hotel.
Later, visit Diskit monastery, the largest in the valley, with a magnificent 32 m-high Buddha statue. After visiting the monastery, hike/drive to the Hunder sand dunes (07 km).
Return to the resort for dinner and overnight.
DAY 07 : NUBRA
- Visit to Smasthaling and Ensa monasteries
- Trek to Lake Yarab Tso and visit Panamik
After breakfast, drive to Sumur village (60 km / 2 hours) and visit Smasthaling monastery, then drive to Ensa monastery (10 km / 30 minutes) and hike to the monastery (1-hour walk one way).
After visiting the monastery, hike to the small hidden lake - Yarab Tso (1-hour walk one way). After the hike, visit the Panamik hot springs and bathe in the spring water to wash away the day's fatigue.
Return to the resort for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 : NUBRA - LEH
- Visit Leh palace and Shanti Stupa
Return to Leh over the mighty Khardungla Pass. Arrive in Leh and relax at your hotel. In the evening, visit the Shanti Stupa, a Japanese peace pagoda on Leh's highest point, and the Leh Palace, former residence of the King of Ladakh, now under the care of the Archeological Survey of India.
Return to the hotel in Leh for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9 : LEH - DELHI (FLIGHT)
- Visit to Delhi's administrative buildings and India Gate
- Visit to Gurudwara Banglas Sahib
Passage through Delhi's administrative buildings and India Gate.
After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for flight to Delhi.
City tour:
The afternoon will be devoted to discovering New-Delhi, a spacious city with many embassies and administrative buildings.
Passage through the Royal Way, Rajpath, a wide avenue flanked by decorative basins. Designed by the architect Luytens, it is the scene of the annual Republic Day parade on January 26.
At either end are the India Gate (triumphal arch) to the east and the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the west, the former residence of the viceroy and now home to the president.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most famous Sikh Gurudawara (or place of worship) in the Sikh religion and is renowned for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan.
Inside is a swimming pool, commonly known as the "Sarovar". It was originally a Haveli occupied by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, a well-known military leader of the Aurangzeb Emperor. The complex is quite large, housing a community kitchen, a school, a dispensary, a bookshop, a museum and even a parking lot!
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10 : DELHI - DEPARTURE
On time today morning, transfer to Delhi International Airport to board the flight to the next destination.
End of the Tour
Our services include :
- 09 nights' accommodation in basic category rooms (unless otherwise indicated) in the hotels listed or similar.
Meals :
- All meals are included for Ladakh and on a breakfast basis for Delhi.
- 01 Ladakhi lunch in a local house in the village of Stok.
- 01 Tea session in a local house in Mangyu village.
Transfers :
For the Ladakh region:
- Transport by NAC Xylo / Scorpio / Innova for arrival/departure transfers, visits according to the itinerary below :
- 02 pax (with 01 car)
- 03 pax (with 01 car)
- 04-06 pax (with 02 cars)
- 07-08 pax (with 03 cars)
For the Delhi region, transport will be provided as follows :
- 02 pax (with Innova)
- 03-06 pax (with Tempo)
- 07-08 pax (with Mini Coach)
Excursions :
- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing from day 2 to day 8, (only ESG is available in the Ladakh region) and French-speaking local guide on day 1 and day 9 in Delhi.
- Assistance at the airport on arrival and departure.
- 1 rickshaw ride in Delhi.
- Entrance fees to monuments in Delhi.
- Environmental tax in Ladakh.
- One oxygen cylinder per car for the Ladakh region.
- Entrance fees for monasteries / monuments.
- Inland waterway permit
- All taxes, including GST
- 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per person per day
- All current government taxes.
Our services do not include :
- Flights and eventual airport taxes.
- Visa
- Plane tickets, train tickets.
- All rides and rafting.
- Medical expenses (with the exception of first aid) and insurance of any kind.
- Gratuities, laundry, liquor, wine, mineral water, telephone charges, camera fees and items of a personal nature.
- Transportation is not provided on an "at your disposal" basis. It is strictly in accordance with the program; any additional travel will be charged extra.
- All expenses resulting from unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or cancellations, fare increases, strikes or other natural disasters, as well as emergency evacuation costs.
- In the event of cancellation or non-use of a service (transportation, hotel accommodation (partial/complete), permits, complementary hike to Khalsar Dunes, etc.) for any reason whatsoever (ill health, flight delay/cancellation/fare increase, strike/road blockage/weather or any other natural calamity), there will be no refund for the unused service. Customers will be responsible for any additional costs incurred as a result of the itinerary change.
- Any other item not mentioned in the "cost included" section.
City |
Stanadrd Hotel |
Category |
Nights |
Delhi |
Colone's Retreat |
Standard |
01 |
Leh |
Mantra/Kanishka/Lharimo |
Standard |
02 |
Uletokpo |
Alchi Resort/Hotel Duke Saspol |
Standard |
01 |
Leh |
Riwang Residency/ Wisdom Retreat |
Standard |
01 |
Nubra |
Apple Cottage/Silver Sand Camp/Hotel Caravan |
Standard |
02 |
Leh |
Mantra/Kanishka/Lharimo |
Standard |
01 |
Delhi |
Colone's Retreat |
Standard |
01 |
City |
Superior Hotel |
Category |
Nights |
Delhi |
Maidens |
First |
01 |
Leh |
Padma Ladakh/ Spic n Span/Royal Ladakh |
Standard |
02 |
Uletokpo |
Ule Ethnic Resort |
Standard Hut |
01 |
Leh |
Padma Ladakh/ Spic n Span/Royal Ladakh |
Standard |
01 |
Nubra |
Desert Himalaya Resort |
Executive Tent |
02 |
Leh |
Padma Ladakh/ Spic n Span/Royal Ladakh |
Standard |
01 |
Delhi |
Maidens |
First |
01 |
City |
Luxury Hotel |
Category |
Nights |
Delhi |
The Claridges |
Claridges Cabana Room |
01 |
Leh |
Ladakh Eco Resort/Zen Ladakh |
Standard |
02 |
Uletokpo |
Ule Ethnic Resort/Apricot Tree Resort |
Deluxe Cottage |
01 |
Leh |
Ladakh Eco Resort/Zen Ladakh |
Standard |
01 |
Nubra |
Desert Himalaya Resort |
Royal Tent |
02 |
Leh |
Ladakh Eco Resort/ Zen Ladakh |
Standard |
01 |
Delhi |
The Claridges |
Claridges Cabana Room |
01 |
India is a vibrant and diverse country, rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here's a brief travel guide to help you explore this incredible destination:
Destinations to Visit :
Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), and Jaipur offer a glimpse into India's history, architecture, and culture.
Rajasthan : Explore majestic forts in Jodhpur and Udaipur, experience the desert in Jaisalmer, and witness the vibrant culture in Jaipur.
Kerala : Known for its backwaters, lush greenery, and serene houseboat stays.
Goa : Famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage.
Varanasi : One of the oldest cities in the world, renowned for its spiritual significance and the ghats along the Ganges River.
Cultural Experiences :
Festivals : Experience Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and various regional festivals celebrating local traditions.
Cuisine : Indulge in diverse Indian cuisines, from flavorful curries to street food specialties like chaat and dosas.
Arts and Crafts : Explore local markets for handmade textiles, jewelry, pottery, and traditional artworks.
Tips for Traveling in India :
Dress Code : Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially in religious places.
Transport : Consider using trains for longer distances; they offer a glimpse into local life. Pre-book tickets, especially during peak seasons.
Health and Safety : Drink bottled water, eat at reputable places, and carry necessary medications. Be cautious with street food to avoid stomach issues.
Cultural Sensitivity : India has diverse cultures; it's good to be respectful of local traditions and customs.
Language : English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in Hindi or the local language can be helpful and appreciated.
Bargaining : Bargaining is common in markets. Enjoy the process but be respectful.
Travel Seasons :
November to March is generally pleasant across most of India. Summers (April to June) can be hot, especially in the northern plains.
Must-Try Dishes :
Butter Chicken : Creamy, tomato-based chicken curry.
Masala Dosa : Thin, crispy pancake filled with spiced potatoes.
Chole Bhature : Spiced chickpea curry with fried bread.
Pani Puri/Golgappa : Crispy hollow puris filled with spicy water, tamarind chutney, and potatoes.
Safety Precautions :
Avoid Tap Water : Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Stay Aware of Your Belongings : Pickpocketing can be common in crowded places.
Travel Insurance : Consider getting comprehensive travel insurance covering health and theft.
India is a vast country with so much to explore, each region offering its unique charm. Embrace its diversity, and you'll surely have an unforgettable experience!
MAGIC LADAKH
Reference #: WTP0808
- Rickshaw Ride and
- Chandni Chowk
- Jama Masjid
- Red Fort (Lal Qila)
- Thiksey Monastery Morning
- Hemis Monastery Tour
- Stok Village with Local Lunch
- Magnetic Hill
- Likir Monastery
- Monastic Tour
- Khardungla Pass
- Nubra Valley
- Diskit Monastery
- Hunder Sand Dunes
- Trek to Yarab Tso
- Panamik Hot Springs
- Leh Palace
- Shanti Stupa
- India Gate
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
This journey begins with an immersive rickshaw ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk market in Delhi, visiting the grand Jama Masjid and passing by the Red Fort. After exploring the vibrant streets of Delhi, travelers fly to Leh, nestled in the majestic landscapes of Ladakh. The trip offers visits to renowned monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis, and Stok, along with an engaging local family experience. From Leh, the adventure continues with stops at historic sites such as Likir Monastery and the scenic village of Mangyu. A memorable drive takes visitors through the high-altitude Khardungla Pass into the breathtaking Nubra Valley, where they explore Diskit Monastery, Hunder sand dunes, and hidden treasures like Yarab Tso Lake. After returning to Leh, guests experience the tranquil Shanti Stupa and the historic Leh Palace. The journey concludes back in Delhi, with a tour of the capital's grand administrative buildings, India Gate, and a visit to the serene Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The trip offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical exploration.