India: Peaks, Deserts, and Monasteries

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly representative, who will assist with your luggage and transport you to your hotel. Relax this evening before the adventure starts tomorrow.

Delhi, the capital city of India, has a rich history that spans several centuries. As the seat of power for numerous empires, Delhi has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, each leaving a distinct cultural imprint on the city. Despite its cosmopolitan character today, Delhi retains many of its unique traditions. The city is home to many awe-inspiring monuments and museums that offer a glimpse into its fascinating past.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 2

Flight to Srinagar in Kashmir and Dal Lake

This morning, your driver will take you to Delhi Airport for your flight to Srinagar. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and transfer you to Qayaam Gah Retreat, where you will check into your luxury villa or suite perched on the hillside among terraced fields.

Spend the afternoon relaxing with a cup of saffron-infused Kashmiri tea while observing daily life on the lake below, or take a leisurely stroll along a mountain path to see spectacular views and local villages.

Later today, your driver will take you to Pari Mahal, an observatory built by Dara Shikoh during the Mughal period. This location offers a stunning panoramic view of Dal Lake in the afternoon light. Enjoy a short shikara (wooden boat) ride on the lake to watch the sunset before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Set on a secluded ridge overlooking Dal Lake, Qayaam Gah Retreat offers a luxurious private escape in nature, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. The free-standing villas feature traditional Kashmiri carpets, exquisite woodwork, and cozy Bukhari wood-burning stoves. Start your mornings peacefully at Qayaam Gah Retreat, enjoying the breathtaking views from your king-size bed and spacious veranda.

Overnight at Qayaam Gah Retreat

Day 3

Srinagar and its Artisans

Your guide will lead you on a craft trail this morning through the old city. You will begin with a scenic drive along Dal Lake to a walnut wood studio in northern Srinagar. Spend an hour with master artisans in their workshop, and then visit their store in Hazratbal Market.

Visit the pashmina and kani shawl weaving workshops located west of the city. Spend time with the artisan women as they spin fine pashmina into yarn and watch the weavers create intricate pashmina designs. Afterward, visit the embroiderers who specialize in creating pashmina Jamawar shawls.

Take a stroll through the old city of Zaina Kadal. This walk will allow you to experience a blend of architectural styles found in Kashmir, ranging from the 14th-century Indo-Saracenic style to the 17th-century Mughal architecture and 19th-century vernacular designs. Your tour will conclude with a walk through the bustling streets of Zaina Kadal Market, where you can find an array of spices and dry fruits and hear the sounds of copper workers skillfully crafting traditional samovars.

Overnight at Qayaam Gah Retreat

Day 4

Pahalgam and Nomadic Culture

After breakfast, check out of Qayaam Gah Retreat for a 3-hour drive to Pahalgam, taking along a packed picnic basket. On the way, you will have the option to stop by the river or in a garden to enjoy your picnic. Upon arriving in Pahalgam, visit a natural artisan cheese factory that sources organic cow and buffalo milk directly from local farmers. The cows and buffaloes graze on grass, herbs, and wild plants that thrive in the Himalayas.

From here, your guide will take you to the Shepherd Craft Project, an initiative to preserve and support the handicrafts of the Gujjar and Bakarwal women in the valley. This project provides income and access to healthcare for these communities. Since the community is migratory, the Shepherd Craft Project tracks their nomadic routes to supply materials and collect finished pieces, no matter where they are located. During your visit, you will walk in their footsteps and see the beautiful free-form embroidery created by these talented women. The designs reflect various cultural influences gathered during their migrations and often echo the stunning landscapes of Pahalgam and its surroundings. Before visiting the local market, you'll also enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by a group of nomadic women. Following that, you can walk through a nearby village to gain insight into the residents' way of life.

Floating above the water in a secluded corner of Dal Lake and surrounded by lotus gardens, the Sukoon Houseboat feels like a scene from a fairytale. This beautifully restored houseboat combines old-world charm with modern comfort. Intricately carved wood paneling, ornate chandeliers, and colonial-style furniture blend seamlessly with contemporary touches. Savor delicious Kashmiri and continental cuisine prepared by an expert chef while enjoying enchanting views of misty mountains, forts, and temples.

Overnight on-board Traditional Sukoon Houseboat

Day 5

Drass and the high Himalayas

Today, your guide will take you on a scenic 4.5-hour journey to Drenmo Lodge in Drass, your base for the next two nights. Drass offers stunning scenery - the remote location is the second coldest inhabited place in the world and is India's premier destination for sighting Himalayan brown bears, locally referred to as "Drenmo." You can enjoy bear-watching this evening, followed by high tea and dinner.

Drenmo Lodge is located in the remote village of Holiyal in the Mushkow Valley. This exclusive lodge offers unique luxury and immersive travel experiences while supporting local communities through eco-tourism. At Drenmo Lodge, you have opportunities to observe brown bears and a variety of wildlife, including Tibetan wolves, red foxes, marmots, musk deer, and Asiatic ibex. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the variety of bird species, which includes warblers, finches, and raptors. In the summer, you may see over 30 species of resident and migratory birds.

Overnight Drenmo Lodge

Day 6

Drass Bear Safari

Start your day with an early morning bear safari and breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast, take a walk along the Mushkow River, where you'll have the chance to spot bears in the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can enjoy an outdoor lunch or a high tea, depending on the weather.

In the afternoon, participate in a wildlife and landscape excursion to Manman Top, followed by evening bear sightings. Conclude your day with a film screening, high tea, and snacks in the lounge.

Overnight Drenmo Lodge

Day 7

Kargil and Nimmu House

After breakfast, begin a scenic six-hour drive to Nimmu House, stopping in Kargil. Upon arrival, check-in and spend the remainder of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude. If you feel up to it in the evening, take a leisurely walk around the village with your guide.

Nimmu House is a century-old glamping retreat at 10,000 feet (3,000m), offering a stunning panoramic setting for acclimatization in the Himalayas. Originally constructed for Ladakhi royalty, Nimmu House respects traditional architecture while incorporating modern comforts. The property features beautifully restored heritage rooms and deluxe tents within an orchard.

Overnight Nimmu House

Day 8

Ladakh and Alchi

Use today to acclimatize to the high altitude at Nimmu House and the nearby village.

Your guide can bring you to a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh for a private butter lamp ceremony and a meditation lesson. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the monastery's school and meet some monks in training, followed by a walk through the barley fields in Likir to meet some residents.

You'll reach the nearby village of Alchi just in time for lunch at Alchi Kitchen, where you can sample delicious local food. Then, visit the 11th-century Alchi Choskor, Ladakh's oldest surviving monastic complex, renowned for its ancient frescoes and architecture. In the afternoon, take some time to browse the open-air market.

Overnight Nimmu House

Day 9

Leh’s deep history

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Leh to check into the Chospah Hotel.

Once settled, enjoy a guided walk through the Old Town of Leh. During this walk, you will visit a small Shia mosque, the newly constructed Central Asian Museum, the historic Jamia Masjid Leh built in the 16th century, and the Ladakh Arts and Media Organization. This organization is a public charitable trust aimed at promoting an alternative vision for the arts and media in Ladakh.

Afterward, walk to the Leh Palace, an impressive nine-story palace overlooking the town. Known as "Lechen Palkahr," it was built in the early 17th century and is Leh's first recorded royal residence.

Post lunch, visit the white-domed Buddhist Shanti Stupa. Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, Shanti Stupa is the perfect location for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

After lunch, you’ll see the white-domed Buddhist Shanti Stupa. Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, the Shanti Stupa offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and valleys below.

Chospa Hotel is a serene retreat located in the heart of the vibrant city of Leh. Built in traditional Ladakhi style, this eco-conscious property offers a unique combination of luxury and sustainability. Each guest room is designed with stone and locally sourced wood, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Overnight Chospa Hotel

Day 10

Leh’s Monasteries

In Ladakh, the Oracle is a spiritual healer who can divine one's future. However, their rituals are not well known outside Ladakh, around 200 oracles practice in the region. These rites and rituals likely originate from the animistic tribes and shamans of Central Asia, China, Tibet, and Mongolia. Start your day with the unique experience of an oracle session in Choglamsar.

After your oracle session, proceed to the Thiksey Monastery for morning prayers. Built in 1430 AD, the Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism. One of its main attractions is the Maitreya Buddha statue, probably the most photographed statue of the Buddha in the region. This magnificent statue stands 49 feet (15m) tall and took over four years to build.

This afternoon, your guide will bring you to the Hemis Monastery, located on the western banks of the Indus River. Hemis is the largest monastery in Ladakh and is both impressive and intriguing. Unlike other monasteries, Hemis is adorned on all four sides with colorful prayer flags that flutter in the breeze and send prayers to Buddha. The monastery has a significant library of Tibetan texts and a valuable collection of thangkas, gold statues, and stupas embedded with precious stones.

Overnight Chospa Hotel

Day 11

Nubra Valley, the World’s Highest Road and Ancient Silk Routes

After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to Leh and drive to Nubra Valley via the Khardungla Pass, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380 feet (5,600m). Nubra Valley, once a trading route connecting eastern Tibet with Turkistan, is one of the most recently opened areas in Ladakh and invites you to take a journey back in time. With breathtaking views and wonderfully hospitable inhabitants, visiting Nubra Valley is truly an unforgettable experience.

Located along the ancient Silk Route in Nubra Valley, Kyagar is a luxury resort that combines history with modern sophistication. Set within 25 picturesque acres of land, the resort offers accommodations that merge the surrounding beauty with comfort. As a family-owned and community-driven establishment, Kyagar takes pride in its friendly service and warm hospitality, ensuring every guest feels at home. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the resort operates on solar power and features a menu highlighting organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Overnight Kyagar

Day 12

Nubra and Ladakhi Culture

Start your day with an early morning walk before driving to Diskit Village, the headquarters of Nubra Valley. Diskit is renowned for the Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest gompa in the valley. This monastery is dramatically perched on a steep mountain, towering above the village. The monastery complex also houses a school with financial support from an NGO.

Enjoy a unique culinary experience with a Ladakhi chef in a beautifully restored 150-year-old house for lunch. Afterward, visit the stunning sand dunes of the Hunder cold desert. This high-altitude desert, located at 13,100 feet (4,000m), is breathtakingly beautiful and is home to Pashmina goats and Bactrian camels, which were essential along the ancient Silk Route. In the afternoon light, set off on an adventurous Bactrian camel ride through the desert.

Overnight Nubra

Day 13

The Awe-Inspiring Wari La Pass

This morning, your guide will drive you to Leh via the Wari La Pass, which has an elevation of 17,428 feet (5,312m). Only opened to civilians in 2008, the pass has retained its raw, natural beauty. During the drive, you may spot wild yaks and Himalayan blue sheep grazing in the vast meadows, all set against open skies and rugged mountains. Upon your arrival, check-in at Chamba Camp and take advantage of their facilities this afternoon.

Chamba Camp is a luxury glamping destination that combines the luxury of a high-end hotel with the adventure of camping in the beautiful Ladakh region. At Chamba Camp, you can enjoy various activities, including visits to monasteries, cultural experiences, archery, scenic hikes, and wildlife spotting, to fully immerse yourself in the landscapes and heritage of Ladakh. The glamping tents at Chamba Camp are spacious and elegantly designed, featuring large windows that provide a front-row view of the captivating vistas the location offers.

Overnight Chamba Camp

Day 14

Flight to Delhi

Today, you will be picked up and transferred to Leh Airport to catch your flight to Delhi.