Explore mystic culture in a landscape which is stark and haunting in its beauty.
Journey in Brief: Spend ten exhilarating days on your gap year abroad traversing the Himalayas enroute to Ladakh. Ladakh is set high between two of the world's highest mountain ranges; the Karakoram and the Himalayas. Known as Little Tibet it shares many ties with its neighbours especially religion and culture. Starting in Delhi this ten day journey takes you through some breathtaking scenery and to monasteries on the roof of the world. You will have the chance to hike through the mountain passes and camp under the stars. You will visit many of Ladakh's beautiful towns including the spectacular Leh and get the chance to see traditional Nomadic tribes and ancient palaces.
The Experience: Over 11 days you will leave behind the hustle and bustle of Delhi, traveling across the plains of northern India to the lush Himalayan foothills to Manali with its orchards, forests and rivers before heading for 'the top of the world' or 'Little Tibet' as Ladakh is known. There is something totally magical about the remoteness of this area, its gentle people, culture and religion. The monasteries, monks, markets and prayer flags all exude color and richness in stark contrast with the dusty mountain terrain.
Have a look at your detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi - Wander at will or just relax.
The starting point for this 11-day trip is Delhi, where you can sightsee or spend the day preparing for your journey. Sleepless after a night flight or just want to relax? An undemanding stroll among the outdoor sculptures and the monuments to former leaders Indira and Rajiv Gandhi or the Mahatma's cremation site (now a shrine) in the landscaped gardens of Raj Ghat (near Delhi Gate) may be just the thing.
Day 2: Manali - A taste of train and road travel.
A combination of train to Chandigarh then by road to reach your destination Manali by the evening.
Day 3: Manali - See the sights.
This is a hill station known as the land of Gods and Goddesses, lakes and ancient temples. Visit Naggar Castle and the Reorich Art Gallery. It's the converted house of a Russian professor who settled there in 1929 and displays many of his rare paintings along with other works of art.
Day 4: Keylong - The start of the The Ladakh safari.
Now you're in a very different land from the rest of India! It's known as "Little Tibet" and the "rooftop of the world". It's the home away from home for the Buddhists exiled from Tibet since the Chinese invasion of the 1950s Let the wonderful, majestic mountain scenery ease you into a gentler rhythm as your journey takes you up the Rohtang Pass to Keylong.
Day 5: Sarchu - Climb still higher.
Your journey away from the crowded metropolitan world with all its perils and excitement continues as you cross the second and higher Baralacha La Pass on your way to Sarchu on day four. Try the region's favourite foods - Thukpa, a thick soup with vegetables that provides a complete meal, and Momos or steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, accompanied by a fiery chilli sauce.
Day 6: Leh - And even higher!
Onwards and upwards, your journey takes you across the second world's second highest pass, Tanglong La (5360m) up to Leh, Ladakh's capital.
Day 7: Leh - Two full days in Leh.
This is a highly spiritual place but unless you have reached an advanced state of enlightenment and can distance your body from the environment you might need to wrap up warm! Visits to Spituk and Phyang monasteries, Leh palace, Shankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa and Leh Bazaar - with an evening spent watching a thrilling horseback polo match. A day of contrasts!
Day 8: Leh - There's more to explore.
Today's agenda is Shey palace, Thiksey, Hemis Monastery and Stok palace museum. One of the biggest and most famous of the monastic festivals normally held throughout the winter is at the gompa of Hemis, about 40Km from Leh. It's the exception to the rule- held in late June or early July. Every 12 years, the gompa's greatest treasure, a huge thangka, (hanging scroll) is ritually exhibited. The last time was in 2004.
Day 9: Uletopko - Fancy a night under the stars?
Leave Leh for an overnight camp in tents at Uletopko. En route there are visits to the Basgo palace, Liker and Alchi monasteries.
Day 10: Leh
Spend the day on the return trip to Leh via Lamayaru monastery
Know your destinations better...
New Delhi, Delhi
Highlights: It's a mega contrast between rich and poor. India's teeming capital city is home to centuries of fine buildings - and unexpected parks. They say over the centuries since the Mughals first invaded seven Delhi's have been built on different hills beside the Yamuna river. It means there's so much to see and to do you can get overwhelmed by the choice - but one thing's for sure, you won't be bored. The building's still going on - a metro is rapidly connecting parts of this sprawling city. But while travelling through the streets in a cycle or auto-rickshaw can be slightly hair-raising it's still one of the best ways to see the city - bargain and agree the price before you set off.
It's no surprise to find old, older and newest. As befits the country's capital and a rapidly-expanding economy there's no shortage of modern among the ancient. Pizza, Chinese and burger-style fast food are all big in Indian cities but for something a little different how about Murgh Doner (spicy Indian chicken in a kebab-style wrap) from Fusion? - It's near the entrance to Greater Kailash 1 Market, where you can browse the small shops and the market hall.
When to Go: "The best time to visit New Delhi is during the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. Delhi wears a festive look between February and April, the blooming season. Summers in Delhi are very hot and it is not recommended to visit it during May, June or July."
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: 40 kms. away from Kulu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. It is known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA.
When to Go: The best season to visit Manali is from April to June and then mid September to early November.
Keylong, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: Situated at an altitude of 3350 mtrs Keylong is the head quarters of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh lying on Indo -Tebetan Border.
When to Go: The best time to visit Keylong is during summer i.e. from May to mid October.
Leh, Jammu & Kashmir
Highlights: Leh is a hill resort with several attractions. The capital of Ladakh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture since long. Its colorful gompas attract the devout Buddhists from far and away. Leh also is a favorite hiking locale that is thronged by adventure seekers.
When to Go: Throughout the year, but the extreme winters can be harsh on your system if you are a first timer. Otherwise, June to November are the preferable months.
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Testimonials:
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The scenery was breathtaking as we drove along the winding paths along the mountainside. During our trip the Himalayan landscape changed dramatically from lush green valleys to snow-capped mountains to barren, desert-like scenery.
Imma Ramos
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