The Spiritual Journey in Himalayan

A contrasting itinerary between Hindu culture and Tibetan culture; a mosaic of Himalayan landscapes. From the Indus Valley to the Himalayan plateaus, the traveler lands somewhere between earth and sky: a trip to this region located on the northern borders of India is an unforgettable experience.
Your trip to Ladakh starts from the plane by living one of the most beautiful flights in the world above the Himalayan chain. The tone of your trip is set: splendor and contemplation, tranquility and spirituality! From the monasteries of the Indus Valley to the Changtang lakes, this itinerary allows you to experience a first immersion in the universe of Ladakh, this magnificent region of the Himalayas which is one of the most cut off in the world.
You visit the most beautiful and oldest monasteries in Ladakh. You contemplate the lunar and desolate landscapes of the toothless mountains. Explore the small oasis villages in the middle of these arid lands and spend a night in a sublime old noble residence tastefully renovated. You cross the passes, the highest of which is 5300m. Listen to the multicolored prayer flags flapping in the wind. Constantly admire the ocher shades of the mineral mountains. Stroll along the shores of Lake Pangong Tso, alone in front of the immensity. And, observe all the diversity of Leh, this former crossroads of trade and capital of Ladakh.
Takes you to India’s holiest place and some amazing hill station. You are going to be part of some religious and traditional rituals during your vacation.
Your journey will start with the capital of India and the most famous historical place in India.
You will discover the life of the Sikhs and the magical Gurudwara, called Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Another fantastic and thrilling thing is going to happen when you enter the city of Dharamshala, land of budhoism where you will feel the energy of the Holy Dalai Lama.

ITINEARARY ::

Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi

Departure for a tour of the capital of the republic. Delhi, with approximately 19 million inhabitants, is divided distinctly between the old city and the new city (New Delhi and Old Delhi). Travel by rikshaw. Chandni Chowk the old style shopping district, jama masjid mosque, peek at red fort, India gate (triumphal arch), Rajpath (presidential palace), lotus temple, visit famous SIKH temple etc, Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Amritsar

Morning transfer to the station where we will board one of India’s beautiful trains, the Shatabdi-Express: Breakfast served on board. Arrival in Amristar, capital of Punjab, transfer to the hotel then visit the Sikh city and its great Golden Temple. Night at the hotel.

Day 3: Dharamshala

After breakfast departure for Dharamsala. Along the way, visit the site of the cave temples of Masroor and arrive in the evening. Evening stroll to blend in with the Indo-Tibetan crowd in the streets of Mac Leodganj. Night at the hotel.

Day 4: Dharamshala

The next day, visit this old colonial town located at the foot of the majestic chain of Dhauladar called “Little Lhasa” and, indeed mainly frequented by Tibetans, Buddhist pilgrims, and Western tourists in search of mysticism… Nights at the hotel.

Day 5: Dharamshala-Bir-Dharamshala

Free day for visit, Nyingyan Monastery and meditation, Paragliding if you want.

The hill station of Dharamshala is covered with thick woods of oaks and conifers and it is bent on its three sides by the Dhauladhar ranges. It has a lot to offer ranging from ancient temples, churches and monasteries to museums and beautiful trekking trails. Ancient Chamunda Temple, Dalailama Temple, Namgyalma Stupa, Bhagsunath Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Gyula Monastery and Indru Nag are some of the major tourist attractions. Dharamshala is a starting point for a number of trekking trails. Bhagsu Falls, Dharamkot, Triund, Ilaqa, Toral Pass, Bhimghasutri Pass, Dunali and Kareri Lake are the important hiking trails here.

Day 6: Chandīgarh

A modern and well-planned city. Le Corbusier, a French (Swiss-born) architect and urban planner, produced plans for Chandigarh in the 1950s that were in line with modern planning principles for an International Congress of Modern Architecture city. Chandigarh is known for its high literacy rate, reaching 97%; its Stone Garden, the Rock Garden, built by Padam Shri Nek Chand from salvaged objects; the Rose Garden in sector 16. Lake Sukhna in sector 1. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Rishikesh

Departure to Rishikesh, located on the banks of the Ganges and at the foot of the Himalayas. One of the sacred cities for Hindus, known since medieval times as the celestial abode of the gods and which attracts thousands of pilgrims. Visit this sanctuary of Saints and Sadhus. Nights at the Hotel.

Day 8: Rishikesh

Enjoy Ayurvedic massage, do meditation or Yoga. Evening ceremony at the Ganges.

Day 9: Rishikesh- Delhi / Leh

Very early in the morning, flight to Leh, at an altitude of 3,500 m.

Rest at the hotel at the end of the morning to promote acclimatization.

Visit the small monastery of Sankar with its elegant frescoes. Return to town on foot along a pretty path between fields and alleys.

Day 10: Leh

Early in the morning, at prayer time, visit the monastery of Tiksey, which owes its fame to its frescoes. The gompa houses a gigantic statue of Buddha.

Visit the Hemis monastery, founded in the 17th century, the most important and famous in Ladakh.

Then discover the complex of Shey, palace of the kings of Ladakh until the 16th century.

Day 11: Leh / Nubra Valley

By the highest motorable road in the world (closed on Mondays), arrival at the Kardhung La pass, at an altitude of 5,600 m. The panorama of the Indus Valley and the Karakoram mountain range is spectacular.
Continue to the Nubra Valley, nicknamed the “valley of flowers”. Night in camp.

Day 12: Nubra Valley

Possibility of a ride on the back of Bactrian camels, once used as pack animals on the Silk Road (subject to availability).
Then ascent to the monastery of Samstanling (3h walk).

At the end of the afternoon, excursion to the monastery of Diskit built in the 16th century, the access to which is punctuated by a myriad of 108 chortens. It offers you a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley.

Day 13: Nubra Valley / Leh

Return to Leh. Stop at the Stupa of Shanti, the highest point at 4267m which offers a panoramic view of the city and the snow-capped peaks that surround it.

Day 14: Leh

Visit of the Spituk monastery, one of the most prestigious of the Yellow Caps sect. Built in the 15th century on a hill, it dominates the Indus valley planted with willows and poplars. Continuation to the monastery of Phyang, one of the high artistic places of Ladakh, which shelters beautiful statuettes and paintings. Free time in the old town. At Stok Palace, where the last queen lives, discover very beautiful peraks (Ladakhi headdresses covered with turquoise) and precious thangkas.

Day 15: LEH – PANGONG TSO

Sublime road through the high passes of Ladakh

After an excellent breakfast, your driver will take you to eastern Ladakh, not far from the border with Tibet. The road is sublime and notably crosses the Chang La Pass at an altitude of 5300m. Stop for a moment to contemplate the view of the mountains and the Kang Yatse which rises from the top of its 6400m. A great tranquility then takes hold of you at the mere sound of the multicolored prayer flags which mark each pass and which flutter in the wind. You cross a superb mountain pasture valley, walk along Chang Tso Lake and then climb up to the sumptuous Pangong Tso Lake.

Night in a fixed camp at 4250m

Day 16: PANGONG TSO – LEH

Stroll along the shores of Pangong Tso Lake

This morning, you take a morning walk on the shores of the lake to enjoy this magical place with exceptional colors. The landscape is sublime between the deep blue of the lake contrasting with the color of the mineral rocks that surround it. An unforgettable and very relaxing experience where time seems to have stopped. After lunch, you return to the capital of Ladakh. Stroll through the old quarter which is located under the royal palace where Ladakhi women, dressed in black dresses and fuchsia belts, sell their fruits and vegetables. Browse the old bazaar filled with local crafts, ideal for finding souvenirs to bring back for you and your loved ones.

Bed and breakfast at 3500m

Day 17: LEH – DELHI

Visit of the Indian capital

This morning, with your head in the clouds, your body relaxed and your mind rested, your driver accompanies you to the airport and you thank him warmly for having accompanied you throughout your trip. Arrived in Delhi, you leave with your private driver to drop off your belongings at your hotel before setting off to explore the Indian capital. Why not visit the Agrasen Ki Baoli, an impressively sized and richly decorated stepwell. This archaeological monument is part of secret Delhi, hidden among the tall buildings of Connaught Place. In the evening, there is nothing like dining in the trendy district of Hauz Khaz village.

Day 18: DELHI – INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Return flight

Depending on the time of your flight, why not give yourself a fabulous moment of well-being during an Indian Ayurvedic massage. Based on the principle of rebalancing the energies of the body, its action is ideal for finalizing your vacation in style. According to your wishes, your driver remains at your disposal all the time before your flight. You can go and discover the India Gate, the equivalent of the Indian triumphal arch, or the incredible tomb of Nizamudin. Your driver will then accompany you to the airport for your return flight. Our services are ending. It is possible to add modules to this trip. Do not hesitate to contact one of our travel experts for any request.