The Himalayan Trail

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Explore Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past India Gate, Parliament House, and the President’s House. Also visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight in Delhi.

Transfer to Delhi airport for morning flight direct to Amritsar, where you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, drive out to the India/Pakistan border at Wagah where the nightly border closing ceremony mixes military pomp with high melodrama- and unforgettable experience.

Overnight in Amritsar.

In the morning, visit the Golden Temple—the most sacred site in the Sikh religion—and later depart for Dharamshala, arriving late in the afternoon. Dharamshala is a busy market town, but just above it perches the enclave of McLeod Ganj, best known today as the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Overnight in Dharamshal.

Two full days to explore the area around McLeod Ganj—the program can be as structured or as free as you wish. Enjoy lovely walks, visit scenic and historical points of interest, and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the Tibetan community in exile.

Overnight in Dharamshala.

Descend from the hills and spend a night in the historic heritage village of Pragpur. This small village, with its cobblestoned lanes and wooden buildings, is quite unique in India. Stay at the fantastic heritage hotel, Judge’s Court, which provides traditional hospitality in luxurious surroundings.

Overnight in Pragpur.

Drive towards Mandi, enjoying picturesque river valleys, waterfalls, and tranquil villages along the way. Mandi is a small market town with a long history and numerous temples.

Overnight in Mandi.

Begin the serious ascent into the mountains with a 4-hour drive up the Kullu Valley. Arrive in Manali for lunch and have time in the afternoon to relax and explore the old town on foot.

Overnight in Manali.

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing around Manali and Naggar. Visit Naggar Castle, the estate and museum of Russian ex-pat painter Nikolai Roerich, and the hot springs at Vashisht.

Overnight in Manali.

After breakfast, depart Manali and begin the ascent to Ladakh, climbing to the Rohtang Pass and continuing on to Sarchu. Stay in a deluxe tented camp. Enjoy the stunning scenery, including high peaks, ice sheets, and waterfalls.

Overnight at Sarchu Tented Camp.

Drive to Leh, crossing several high-altitude passes, including Taglang La. Arrive in Leh in the late afternoon—no activities are planned to allow time for acclimatization.

Overnight in Leh.

Two days to enjoy Leh and its surroundings. Visit Leh Palace, Old Leh, Buddhist stupas, and traditional Ladakhi houses. The culture, language, cuisine, and physical appearance of the people of Ladakh set them apart from the rest of India.

Overnight in Leh.

Depart Leh and drive via Khardong La to the Nubra Valley, crossing the highest vehicle-accessible pass in the world. Visit local Gompas and Stupas and marvel at the arid and inhospitable landscape.

Overnight in a deluxe tented camp in the valley.

Spend a full day visiting the small villages, Monasteries, and Gompas in the Nubra Valley.

Overnight in deluxe tents.

The morning is free for further exploration of the valley. In the afternoon, drive back to Leh.

Overnight in Leh.

Drive to Alchi Monastery and continue to Uletokpo. Enjoy an evening of stargazing—Ladakh and Kashmir have remarkably clear night skies.

Overnight in a deluxe tented camp at Uletokpo.

Descend through stunning scenery, visiting Lamayuru Monastery and passing through Kargil to reach Srinagar. Stay on one of the famous houseboats of Dal Lake.

Overnight in Srinagar.

Sightseeing in Srinagar includes traditional buildings, the Mughal Gardens at Shalimar Bagh, and numerous mosques and mausoleums. Enjoy relaxing on the deck of your houseboat.

Overnight on a houseboat in Srinagar.

Drive to Gulmarg, passing through orchards and saffron fields. Enjoy the alpine setting and explore on foot.

Overnight in Gulmarg.

Two days in Gulmarg with options including a cable car ride to Mt. Afarwat, shrine visits, and rounds of golf.

Overnight in Gulmarg.

Drive to the Lidder River valley and the town of Pahalgham. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Overnight in Pahalgham.

Two days in Pahalgham with options for trekking, pony rides, white water rafting, golf, and visits to the 11th-century Mamleshwar Temple.

Overnight in Pahalgham.

Drive to Srinagar airport and board a mid-afternoon flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Delhi.