Jan Goldstein and Shereen Arendt
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Delhi
Arrive to Delhi’s International Airport and after clearing customs & immigration, you will be met by a representative at the airport arrival lounge and transferred to your hotel via private vehicle.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern day India. It is the third largest city in India and one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Rich in culture, Delhi is always changing, but its complex past is never far from sight. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent and even tumultuous history.
Overnight Claridges Hotel
Day 2
DELHI AND TOURING OF OLD CITY
Morning free at hotel to recover from jet lag and relax. After lunch, proceed with your guide to explore the the Walled City and Old Delhi.
Here you’ll see the vestige of the grandeur and subsequent ruin of the Mughal Empire. Colorful, vibrant, noisy, and chaotic are words that best describe Old Delhi, known as the the “7th city of Delhi,” which was built by the mighty Mughal Emperor of Shah Jahan.
You’ll visit India’s second largest and most aesthetically designed mosque (it’s gorgeous!)– the Jama Masjid. Then walk with your guide, exploring the streets and markets where you’ll experience the fragrance of the spice markets, one of Asia’s largest bazaars. Be dazzled by the glitter of India’s largest jewelry markets and get a glimpse of the once-glorious havelis (royal mansions) of Old Delhi. With a mix of walking and rickshaw rides you will discover hidden gems, while exploring the narrow alleys and 350-yr old markets built by the Mughal Empire.
A rickshaw ride in the old city market laid by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, will give you an experience of life time. Pass through the colorful shops of bustling Chandani Chowk – one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia. If you feel up to it, go with your guide and take a short walk in the market and explore another facet of Indian life. You may wish to have tea at a local stall or just take in the intensity of such a bustling place!
Overnight Claridges Hotel
Day 3
DEPART DELHI FOR LEH AND ONWARD TO NIMMU
After early breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport terminal to board a flight to Leh. Upon arrival in Leh, travel by private car and to Nimmu House.
On arrival, check in to the hotel and take some time to explore the grounds.
Leh is situated in an amazingly scenic part of India as it is bound by two of the world’s most impressive and large mountain ranges. These mountains are home to numerous monasteries and offer insight into the Buddhist history of the country.
Day at leisure for proper acclimatization, it is very important to move take it easy, drink lots of water/tea, and not to put much stress on your body. Relax and enjoy the boundless views!
Stay overnight at Leh at Nimmu House.
Nimmu House is a jewel of Ladakhi architecture. The beautiful thirty rooms, including two Buddhist temples, stables, and an orchard with hundreds of apricot, apple and walnut trees. Nimmu House is definitely an unique place in Ladakh, situated in the village of Nimmu at 10,170 feet, between heaven and earth. Emblematic of the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region, its history and legends have been passed down through the generations and Nimmu House is one of the few noble houses of Ladakh that has not been demolished.
Overnight Nimmu House
Day 4
TOUR LEH AND VISIT THE DONKEY SANCTUARY
After breakfast, drive to Leh to visit this beautiful city. You will visit Sankar, Shanti Stupa, and the Leh Palace. Sankar Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa School of Tibetan Buddhism and is a branch of Spituk Monastery.
The impressive, Shanti Stupa sits on a prominent hilltop. It was built by the Japanese for World peace and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1985.
Leh Palace built by King Singey Namgyal in the beginning of 17 century AD is a must see.
This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the endearing Donkey Sanctuary. Donkeys are almost as common as cows and dogs in India. They are subjected to very hard labor and scorn in equal measure – making their lives difficult and demanding. Now, they have a place to rest and live out their final days, safe and sound in the Donkey Sanctuary of Leh town in Ladakh.
Meet and feed the donkeys and their caretaker. Later, return to Nimmu House to relax.
Overnight Nimmu House
Day 5
NIMMU TO ULLEY
After breakfast head to raft the beautiful Indus River!
A rafting journey on the magical waters of the ancient river of Indus sets your spirit afloat. This river journey experience remains unparalleled as probably the highest white-water rafting routes in the world. This river, home to ancient human civilization, passes through scenic Ladakh at a very placid pace. The kaleidoscopic landscape unfurls itself as you meander on the lazy river. Float down the Indus rapids generally of Grade I to Grade III. The element of surprise at each bend lets you soak in the picturesque surroundings and enjoy this exhilarating experience.
After your morning rafting trip, transfer to Ulley (2 hrs) en-route visit Likir & Alchi Monasteries.
Likir Monastry: The name Likir means “The Naga – Encircled”. The monastery is situated at a distance of approximately 40 miles to the west of Leh town. Lhachen Gyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh, offered the site where the monastery now stands, to Lama Duwang Chosje. The Likir Monastery of Leh Ladakh was founded in the latter half of the 11th century, around the year 1605. It belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect, founded by Tsongkhapa. It consists of a number of shrines inside its complex. Presently, it serves as the residence of approximately 120 Buddhist monks. The monastery also has a school, in which almost thirty students study. In the 15th century, Likir Gompa came under the influence of Lodos Sangphu. As a disciple of Khasdubje, he made efforts to see that the monastery was able to flourish and prosper.
Overnight at Ulley in the famous Snow Leopard Lodge. Snow Leopard Lodge directly puts money into the hands of local people and supports the conservation of the endangered snow leopard!
The lodge is built separately from the main house with a dining room, lounge and kitchen – all in the same low stone building. Enjoy this unique opportunity to live with a Ladakhi family and understand their life-style. Here, you have a very special experience in store – especially sharing the large and warm kitchens that are the heart of a Ladkahi home and resplendent with brass, copper and silver ornaments. You’ll enjoy the serene location of this incredible local treasure.
Overnight Snow Leopard Lodge
Day 6
EXPLORE ULLEY VALLEY
Full day free to explore the valley by hiking or walking with your guide or on your own (as you wish!)
Overnight Snow Leopard Lodge
Day 7
ULLEY TO STOK
After breakfast drive to Stok Palace (2-3 hrs).
The charming village of Stok (11,972ft) lies at the foot of Stok Kangri which at 20,074 ft is not Ladakh’s highest mountain, but one of its most beautiful. The village is home to Ladakh’s royal family and their Tibetan style palace with views of apricot orchards and barley fields.
Later this day, depending on how you are feeling you could do a village walks in Stok and explore the Stok Palace and Heritage House and Museum.
Stay overnight at Stok.
The Stok Palace’s Heritage rooms have been recently opened to visitors where you can enjoy the hospitality of the royal family with well appointed rooms in comfort. Here you will be awed by the remarkable natural and cultural heritage overlooking the Ladakh mountain range. In the morning, experience the chants by the monks in the temple above, and fire at the courtyard at night, which will make you feel at home in this grand palace!
Overnight Stok Palace
Day 8
DAY TO EXPLORE AND ENJOY STOK AREA
Full day free to relax and walk around the area taking in all the sights!
Overnight Stok Palace
Day 9
Departure
After breakfast drive back to Leh (30 min) to board the flight for Delhi.
Once in Delhi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to a nice hotel where you can clean up, shower, and prepare for your flight home. Transfer will be arranged to take you to the Delhi airport to connect with your flight home.
Enjoy a day room at the Pride Plaza Hotel.
Depart Pride Plaza Aerocity Hotel for the international airport.
