Kashmir and Ladakh with Taj Mahal

Kashmir and Ladakh with Taj Mahal: Complete Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi international airport, meet and greet with our office representative assistance and transfer to hotel, check-in. (Hotel check-in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to availability of rooms)

Afternoon drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk Bazar, Khari Baoli spice market. Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque). Shah Jahan (King of the World) founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Raj Gath; The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. Qutab Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Himayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture. India Gate; The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Srinagar (by flight)
Arrival at Srinagar airport, meeting with office representative transfer to the hotel/ houseboat. Afternoon Shikara ride on the Dal lake, visiting floating vegetable gardens. Overnight at hotel/ Houseboat.

Day 03: Srinagar
Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing of the Mughal gardens, visit Shalimar Bagh; Built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, Shalimar, 15 kms from the TRC, is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes, and shallow terraces. The garden is 539 m by 182 m and has four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal lined with polished stones and supplied with water from Harwan runs through the middle of the garden. The fourth terrace, by far the best, was once reserved for royal ladies. Nishat Bagh; Situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, (11 km. from TRC), this 'garden of bliss' commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far  away to the west of the valley. Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan.

Chashma Shahi; At Chashmashai, is a tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive. The original garden was laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD. Pari Mahal; Once the royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. A Buddhist monastery at one time, it was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's eldest son. Situated on the spur of a mountain overlooking the Dal, the ancient monument, with a well-laid spacious garden in front, is connected to Cheshmashahi by road. It is illuminated at night.

Late Afternoon visit Shankaracharya Temple: The sacred temple of Shankaracharya occupies the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman in the south-east of Srinagar. The site dates back to 250BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma. Built on a high octagonal plinth and approached by a flight of steps with side walls that once bore inscriptions, the main surviving shrine consists of a circular cell. It overlooks the Valley and can be approached by a motorable road. A modern ceiling covers the inner sanctum and an inscription in Persian traces its origin to the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof, it appears, is not more than a century old. Overnight at hotel / Houseboat.

Day 04: Srinagar – Gulmarg (56kms/ 2hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Gulmarg (The Meadow of the Flowers). Gulmarg located at the altitude of 9,000 ft, also famous as Lovers paradise. Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there - roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer's rich emerald, or autumn's golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

A cable car ride on Gondola will take you to the Majestic height of 13,000 ft above sea level covering the magnificent views of Himalayan Mountains and Pirpanjal ranges. You can also enjoy a view of Nanga Parbat if the weather permits. Golf playing, Horse Riding, Hiking & Snow Skiing (during winter End Dec -Middle March) are other activities available here. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Gulmarg – Pahalgam (142kms/ 4-5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Pahalgam the Valley of Shepherds 7,000 ft. above sea level. On the way visit the famous Saffron growing fields and Awantipur Ruins (1100 years old temple of lord Vishnu build by King Awantivarman), enjoy the beautiful countryside on the way. Drive through the pine forest. On arrival check-in at hotel.

Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Pahalgam
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Pahalgam; situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Pahalgam has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple, dating to the 5th century. Visit Chandanwari or Aru on ponies. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Pahalgam – Srinagar (96kms / 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Srinagar, check in at hotel / Houseboat. Rest time free for personal activities. Overnight at hotel/ houseboat.

Day 08: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Kargil Enroute visit Sonamarg, situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level. Sonamarg (Meadow of gold) is a trekker's heaven and has adventurous routes with beatiful green water and frozen lakes around. The vale is believed to be bestowed with mystical water which turns everything into eternal riches. High altitude makes it cold even during summers. It is advisable to always carry warm clothes and rain proofs.

Continue drive to Kargil (2650 m). Over crossing Zojila pass (3530m), Kargil the second town of Ladakh, is situated on the Suru river just short of its confluence with the Drass-Shingo. Arrive Kargil and check-in to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Kargil – Leh (230 kms/7-8hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Leh (3505m) over crossing Namika la 3720m and Fotula 4100m. En route visit “Yangdrung” (Swastika) gompa- known to be the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Continue drive to Leh. Arrive Leh & check-in to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Leh
Breakfast at hotel, city tour visit, the impressive Leh Palace: built in the 17th century, Tsemo Castle and the monastery from where you can catch magnificent view of the entire Leh town, then take a short drive to Shanti Stupa: (Japanese Pagoda), built for the world peace & harmony. Drive 7 km to Spituk and visit the Spituk Monastery: founded in 11th century, followed by Spituk visit the Phyang Gompa: belongs to the Red Hat sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Later return to the hotel for lunch afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Leh
Breakfast at hotel, sightseeing in the Indus Valley: visit Shey Palace: The old ‘Summer Palace’ of the kings of Ladakh was built about 550 years ago by Lhachen Palgyigon, the first king of Ladakh. It stands next to the remains of a larger construction on the east side of a hill, which runs south-east towards the Indus. From the palace you can see over the fertile Indus plain northeast to Thikse Gompa and over the Indus to the Zanskar mountain range. The old Shey Palace has the largest golden Buddha statue in Ladakh in its gompa. The statue is worked out of gold and glided copper sheets, stands 12 meters high and has blue hair, King Dalden Namgyal erected it in the middle of the 17th century. The most important moment in the construction of such a figure is when the eyes are painted in and the statue can ‘see’.  No artist or monk would dare to look the Buddha in the eye so the pupils are painted over the artist’s shoulder, with his back to the idol.

Thikse Gompa: The 500 – year old Thikse monastery, perched on a hill high above the Indus, has the largest contingent of monks in Ladakh. On the right of the entrance to the main courtyard a new chapel houses an enormous 15 M high seated Buddha figure. About 100 yellow – cap monks belong to the gompa. If you get there by 0630 AM you can witness the daily morning prayers but there are also prayers closer to noon, preceded by long, mournful sounds from the long Tibetan horns on the roof.

Hemis Gompa: Hemis Gompa is famous far beyond the borders of Ladakh for its festival. This takes place every year with mask dances on the 9th to 11th day of the fifth Tibetan month. Hemis also has a gigantic thangka, one of the largest in the world, which is only displayed to the public every 12 years at the Hemis Festival. Hemis Gompa is the largest and one of the most important in Ladakh quite apart from its annual festival. It was founded about 350 years ago by Stagtshang Rinchen, who was invited to Ladakh by King Singe Namgyal. Overnight at hotel in Leh.

Day 12: Leh – Alchi (70kms/ 2hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, short drive to Alchi enroute visit Likir Gompa. Arrive and check in the guest house. After lunch visit Alchi Choskor: (Religious Enclave), the 1000 year old gompa was built by a great monk & translator Lotsava Rinchen Zansgpo. The gompa is famous for rare fresco paintings and Kashmiri style woods carvings.

Evening visit the charming Alchi village and the spectacular monastery, with beautiful Kashmiri style paintings. Evening free or take a gentle walk along the mighty River Indus. Overnight at hotel in Alchi.

Day 13: Alchi - Leh
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Leh. Check in at hotel.

Afternoon excursion to Stok: 16kms. Crossing the Indus rive, visit to the imposing Stok Palace, built in the mid 19th century after the King was dethroned by the Dogra forces and forced to vacate the Leh Palace.  On way back to Leh en route visit Tibetan Refugee village. Overnight at hotel in Leh.

Day 14: Leh - Khardungla Pass – Leh (58kms / 2hrs one way)
Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion to Khardongla pass (5600 Mtrs) the world’s highest motorable road. The road then passes through a bridge laid on Glacier, which finds its way in Guiness book of world records. The views from the top  are spectacular; extending, to the south, across the  Indus  Valley  to  the  seemingly  endless  peaks  and  ridges  of  the  Zanskar range. To the north, the views of the mighty peaks of the Saser Massif are amazing.  Evening back to Leh. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.

Day 15: Leh – Delhi (flight) – Agra (204kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. From Delhi airport directly drive to Agra check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Agra
Afternoon visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort: build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan.

Later drive to Delhi direct transfer to international airport to board flight for your onward destination.