Delhi has a number of tourist attractions, right from history to present. Museums, heritage, shopping -you name it, Delhi has it all. It’s astonishing heritage is the city's star attraction - both in terms of its monuments and its cultural offerings. Although there are sites in Delhi that one may tick off the travellers list, it is the Old Delhi area which has those lesser talked about places that cannot be missed.
Ladhak, an extension of the Gobi desert and Tibetan plateau, compromises some of the world’s highest and harshest terrain. Large stretches of stark high altitude deserts and moonscapes makes this a forbidding landscape to view, there is a strange beauty of this place making it addictive and attractive for the tourist. Leh, the predominantly Buddhist region has Gompas clinging to mountaintops in what seem the most precarious locations.
The Nubra Valley, once on the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass, is the most recently opened area of Ladakh. Nubra invites you to a trip back in time into a nearly forgotten ‘Shangri La’. With breathtaking views and delightfully hospitable inhabitants, it is quite an experience.
Free yourself from urban congestion in separate cottages sprawled over a large area among apple and apricot trees and the kitchen garden. Closeness to nature will relax your body and soul.
Kargil regained its importance when the area was thrown open for Tourists in the year 1974 with other parts of Ladakh and considerable number of tourists, trekkers and mountaineers started visiting Kargil. The District again came in lime light during the Indo- Pak conflict in 1999 as it remained in the headlines of National and International media and some sites such as Tiger Hill, Tololing, Mushku valley and Batalik have become very popular since then.
The summer capital of Kashmir that stands on the picturesque Dal Lake and the Jhelum River, surrounded by pristine alpine scenery, soaring mountains, crystal clear lakes and flower-dotted valleys. Make time to buy some Kashmiri shawls and scarves – one of Srinagar’s most famous products, loved for their soft pashmina and warmth.
Gulmarg, Derives its root from "the meadow of flowers". Known for its unparalleled beauty and its virgin forests are a welcoming sight to all tourists. The rich verdure with the snow-capped tips provide an ideal ambience for the skiing and winter sports.
Pahalgam, A popular hill station on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. A tourist attraction and a favourite place of shooting of Bollywood films.
Arrival Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
In time transfer to airport to connect the flight for Leh.
Depart: New Delhi by Jet Airways Flight
Arrive : Leh by Jet Airways Flight
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel. Rest day at leisure to get full acclimatized. Dinner & overnight at the Hotel.
Full day visiting Shey, Thiksey & Stok Palace. After breakfast, proceed to Shey – it was the ancient capital of Ladakh and even after Singge Namgyal built the more imposing palace at Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey, as their real home. The importance which was attached to Shey - the seat of Ladakh's heartland - is attested by the enormous number of Chorten about the village, particularly around the palace complex and barren plain to the north of the road.
Thiksey – is one of the largest and most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two - storied statue of Buddha, which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder.
Proceed to Hemis – which is dedicated to Padmasambhava, what a visitor can observes a series of scenes in which the lamas, robed in gowns of rich, brightly coloured brocade and sporting masks sometimes bizarrely hideous, parade in solemn dance and mime around the huge flag pole in the center of the courtyard to the plaintive melody of the Shawn. The moan of the eleven feet horns, the boom of drums and the clash of Cymbals. Hemis was found in the 1630's by Tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Singe Namgyal, Hemis is the largest and richest of the Ladakh Gompas. It nestles into the mountainside a little way up a glen in the mountains of Zanskar range Dinner & overnight at the Hotel
Breakfast at the hotel. Early Morning Leave Leh for 3 Days Trip to NUBRA VALLEY passing thru Horzey & Gangles Village. The road then rises to reach Khardungla (5602 Mts.) the world's highest Motorable road & enjoy the landscape & the beautiful birds eye view of the Leh town. Halt for a picnic lunch at Khardong village + Another 35 Kms drive takes to Khalsar at Shyok Valley, where the scenery is all around. The road after crossing Khalsar Bridge at Shyok River enters Nubra Valley & then proceeds along the Nubra River to arrive in the afternoon at Tegar or Kyegar as locally called. Meals & Overnite stay in tents at Lhari-Mo North Camp at Sumur (Kyegar & Sumur are very close by) OR AT Tirith Camp at Tirith. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.
Breakfast at the Camp. Drive back the same route for Leh. On arrival in Leh, check in at the Hotel . Afternoon Free to explore surroundings of Leh. Dinner & overnight at the Hotel
Leave early morning after breakfast leave for Pangong. Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. While ascending Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake. This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 144 Kms long with half of it's running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable. Dinner & overnight at the Hotel.
After Breakfast Proceed from Pangong to Leh. Overnight Stay in Leh.
Arrive : Uleytopko on arrival check-in at Uleytopko Camp & Resort.
Enroute from Leh to Uleytopko Visit the village of Nimo and stop for photo session at River Zanskar Proceed further to visit Basgo Fort & Likir. Likir is situated in a side valley about 05 Kms from main Srinagar – Leh highway. Likir belongs to Ge-Lung-Pa sect; the monastery also maintains and runs a school for young Lamas. Afterwards cross river Indus and reach Alchi. A Beautiful village covered with Apricot Orchards. On arrival check-in at Uleytopko Camp & Resort. After lunch drive to Alchi Gompa which is 9 Kms from Uleytopko from the most beautiful Gompa of Ladakh & is also called Jewel among the central Ladakh’ s religious sites. It's known as Chos-Kor, or religious enclave. It comprises five temples which are noted for its massive Buddha statues and lavish woodcarvings and art work. Its Murals dating from 11th and 12th centuries, pre-date the Tibetan style of painting that is present in all other Gompas. Overnight at Uleytopko Camp & Resort.
After Breakfast Transfer From Uleytopko to Kargil Including SS of Lamayuru.
Dinner & Over night Stay in Kargil Drive from Uleytopko to Kargil with enroute SS of Lamayuru at a distance of 70 Kms from Uleytopko Ethnic Resort. On arrival enjoy Hot Lunch at Lamayuru Restaurant. After Lunch, visit Gompa. Lamayuru also referred as “Yangdrung Gompa” is the oldest monastery of Ladakh perched on hill top with its village at the foot of the hill. Most of the monastery is now in ruins. It was partially resorted in 1975. The oldest holy side in Ladakh. Lamayuru was once a lake. It was blessed by a lama after which, as legend goes the water of the lake receded Upto the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built. It is also the" free zone" of Ladakh since not even a criminal can be apprehended in this place. Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel in Kargil.
After Breakfast Transfer from Kargil to Srinagar.
Check in Deluxe House Boat. Later evening enjoy 2 - 3 Hours Boat Ride on Dal Lake by a gondola Boat called ”SHIKARA” witness the ride on lake, called Venice of India & experience the aquatic life of Srinagar. Dinner & overnight stay at the Deluxe Houseboat, Srinagar.
After Breakfast visit of Mughal Garden "Nishat" (The Garden of Pleasure) and "Shalimar" (Abode of All). Drive along the Lake side on Boulevard On return visit a local Handicrafts Emporium for hand-knotted specialty Silken carpets, shawls, jewellery ornaments. Also see the scenic extravaganza of the Kashmir and enjoy the profusion of colors in the Paradise on Earth. While returning visit to the local crafts market and see the fine carved hand-made articles from Paper Machie & wood of a walnut. Later evening Visit to Shankar Acharya Temple . Dinner & overnight stay at the Deluxe Houseboat, Srinagar.
After Breakfast Proceed for Gulmarg, called as “Meadow of Flowers”. Gulmarg is 53 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. The place was prominent during the British time. Enjoy the scenic view of Kongdori on a Cable Car Ride – OPTIONAL (Gondola) Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel in Gulmarg.
After breakfast, proceed to Pahalgam, called as “Valley of Shepherds”. Enroute visiting the Awantipur Ruins of 9th Century & Mattan Temple Complex. On arrival in Pahalgam, Check in at Senator Pine N Peak, Pahalgam. Later 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.. Dinner & Overnight Stay at Hotel in Pahalgam.
After Breakfast Transfer from Pahalgam to Srinagar. Later Day Free for Shopping. Dinner & Overnight Stay in Hotel at Srinagar
Full Day Trip to Manasbal Lake & Evening Back to Srinagar. . Dinner & Overnight Stay in Hotel at Srinagar.
In time transfer to airport to connect by flight for Delhi. On arrival check in at hotel Meeting and assistance on arrival.
Later full day sightseeing of Delhi. Overnight at hotel.
In time transfer to airport to connect by flight for onward destination.
The Claridges, New Delhi has strived to be the best in business and has been successful in winning accolades of guests and fraternity. The Claridges houses some of the finest restaurants of the city, huge banquet halls, a rejuvenating fitness center, adequately furnished rooms, a pool with cabanas and lush green lawns to make your experience memorable. Comprising of elegantly adorned rooms, The Claridges offers you a plethora of rooms to choose from. Adequately equipped with all the facilities that you could possibly need, these rooms proffer an unconventional blend of the elegant style of architecture and the contemporary modern styles.
The Grand Dragon Ladakh, one of the first 5 star luxury hotels in Ladakh. It is decorated magnificently with handmade paintings by Gulam Mustafa (First modern Artist of Ladakh) around every corner, and fixtures that are reminiscent of royalty. The Grand Dragon Ladakh is the first hotel with a host of state of the art amenities, such as electronic key cards for the rooms and a baggage scanner, as well as their own sewage treatment facility. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, for providing differently abled guests with a comfortable sojourn. The hotel is also centrally heated and solar powered, not only ensuring warmth but also ensuring that all our services are eco-friendly. The attention to detail offered by the associates, coupled with the magnificent views, will guarantee you take back home sweet memories.
Desert Himalaya is a Luxury Resort nestled in the beautiful Nubra Valley. Due to its unique location in the valley, the Resort offers unparalleled views of the majestic Karakoram and Ladakh Range. Tucked within the lap of 6 acres of lush green land, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and gently caressed by crystal clear meandering natural springs, Desert Himalaya offers an experience that encompasses unmatched luxury, comfort and adventure for its guests.
Just like the firefly looks for the undisturbed nature for its environment, Pangong Sarai turns into the home to the migrants in the disconnection. Pangong Sarai is found simply outside the Pangong Tso. The lake is a surprising marvel in the mountains. The camps give a brave ordeal to the explorers. Climbing around the mountains, trekking and investigating the untouched land are the essentials of being here. We serve you with the flavors of Ladakh in the Pangong style to enrich you in the extreme.
Sham valley, situated on the Leh Srinagar highway is home to ancient monasteries, river gorges and ancient trek routes. Famous for its riverside assortment of beautiful villages, trekking routes, rafting passages and the best yield of apricots, Sham valley is the Eden of Ladakh. Set at the cliff bank of river Indus, 55 Kilometers into Sham valley is the village of Ule Tokpo. The village is home to the family running Ule Ethnic resorts since 1974. A premier property, Ule Ethnic resort with 15 ensuite deluxe cottages and 15 ensuite huts. Ule Ethnic Luxury Hotel, Resort is the first fully solar powered tourism project in Ladakh, taking ahead the local sustainable tourism initiative.
Located 12 kilometers from Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR), Radisson Srinagar provides a comfortable home base in the Western Himalayas. Our welcoming hotel is close to the city’s tranquil Mughal gardens and historic temples, and we offer a car-rental service for easy access to picturesque hill stations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg, both located within a 90-minute drive. Use our free Wi-Fi or 24-hour business center to research area attractions, or ask our front desk for recommendations. A visit to the City of Lakes isn’t complete without a cruise on nearby Dal Lake aboard a wooden shikara boat, and the venerable Kashmir Golf Club is practically on our doorstep. Business travelers appreciate our proximity to the Lal Chowk commercial district.
It is a convenient base for trek to the Himalayas and also offers various winter sports facilities to the tourists.
The 4 star rooms & luxury suites at The Hermitage Pahalgam.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
