Tour 22 Days - Amritsar, Dharamshala, Shimla, Spiti And Ladakh

Guide

English Speaking Guide throughout the Tour will escort you from your arrival in Amritsar to departure in Leh. All our Guides and Tour Leaders are very knowledgeable about their area and know the places very well where needed we use local guides also but the Tour Manager / Guide provided to you remains with you till the departure. Language: We do not have Other Language Speaking Guides other than English. Speaking Guide with very good knowledge of the area. http://shimlawalks.com/tour-leaders.html

Accommodation

Amritsar: Hotel/Homestay Shimla: Hotel Oak Tree / Hotel Landmark or similar. Shimla : (Shimla has a great variety of hotels coming up in recent years, and some Home Stays have also come up. We always try our best to provide a better experience and so we use all of them depending upon the availability). Sarahan : Hotel Green Valley / Hotel Srikhand. (Sarahan is a well-known destination but unfortunately, we fail to get good quality hotels. There are only simple hotels with neat and clean attached facilities with running hot and cold water. Food is homely and simple but hygienic). Chitkul : Homestay/Guest House. Chitkul is one of the must-visit places on this trip. Presently the last village in this part of India, towards Tibbet, Chitkul holds great interest for the traveler. It offers basic accommodation in the shape of very simple hotels and homestays. Kalpa : Hotel Shambhala. (It is an experience staying at Hotel Grand Shambala at Kalpa. Located amidst the Apple orchard the hotel offers a grand view of Shivling peaks. The food served here is the best in this region and the friendly service with a smile of the staff wins your heart. The hotel also has a meditation room, a bar, and a library with free Wi-Fi for visitors). Nako: Fixed Camp (Fixed Camps at Nako are well equipped with proper beddings with neat and clean linen and attached facilities. Instead of using a hotel or a guest house in Nako we prefer to use this fixed camp as it is more comfortable than the hotels/guest houses in the area. Food is served in the dining area). Tabo: Tow Dhey. (Tobo also has a limited number of accommodation units. Tow Dhey is owned by a local family and is run and managed by them. The rooms are comfortable and have attached facilities and the food is basic. We add something extra from our side to enhance the menu). Kaza : Hotel Sakya Abode. (Hotel Sakya Abode in Kaza is the oldest and the first hotel ever started in 1993 only with four rooms. Now the number has increased to 15 rooms and a multi-cuisine restaurant and a garden only for the residents. The hotel is built in a traditional style, with mud walls and small doors. You may find the rooms a little smaller but they are cozy and warm. The restaurant of the hotel offers excellent food and lovely drinks. We prefer to use this hotel as it is closer to the main town and yet not crowded). Kyelong: Guest House : (Kyelong is the headquarter of Lahaul Valley and is the entry gate to two new areas, To the right it leads to Ladakh, and to the left it leads to Pangi Valley. Here the accommodation is available only in the shape of guesthouses and budget class hotels. Please do not expect to have silky beds but we assure you the clean linen and neat toilets. Food is served generally in the dining hall and is tastefully cooked). Sarchu: Fixed Tents : (This place is the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. This high-altitude plateau is tucked between the passes from both sides. We cross Baralacha Pass and enter Sarchu and on the other side, it has Naki la. The accommodation is found only in tents with comfortable warm beds and attached facilities with running water. Electricity is provided only through a generator from dusk to 11 pm and food is served in the dining tent). Leh: Hotel Spic-N-Span :( This place offers lovely options of accommodation and we have chosen one of the best for you. Hotel Spic N Span or some other similar to it is with a lovely garden in front and comfortable spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. Twenty-four hours of running hot and cold water, great food, and the amazing climate of the area relaxes you from the tiredness of the journey). Nubra: Hotel Lharimo : (Hotel Lharimo offers an amazing location and tiny huts with attached washrooms. Aa nicely made traditional-style dining room with a small garden in front is the best to enjoy your meals).

Transport

Amritsar to Sarchu: All Transport by Toyota Crysta car. Two people + Guide sites in one car. In case of more people, one car is given for three persons + Their Tour Escort / Guide. Sarchu - Leh: At Sarchu we change the cars as in Ladakh the cars from outside are not allowed. So here we call the cars from Leh. It could be Toyota Innova / Mahindra Scorpio

Meals

In most hotels, meals are provided on the table or buffet. Breakfast: The menu remains North Indian, South Indian, Continental, and others. Porridge / Corn Flakes with milk (hot / Cold) are the essential part of the breakfast, added with toast, butter, jam, honey, marmalade, fruit, and a variety of Indian bread such as paranthas and poori with freshly cooked vegetables and pickles, sausages, tea/coffee, all depending upon the quality of the hotel. Lunch: In most cases, we prefer to have lunch outside, in some local restaurant/dhaba. Most o the places, nowadays have reasonably okay type restaurants that offer a variety of menu of meals. Dinner: Depending from place to place we prefer to have dinner. For Example, Shimla and Dharamsala have a variety of restaurants so we dine out whereas at other places we prefer to have dinner in the hotel. After a long day’s drive, it is recommended to have dinner in the hotel and sleep.

Not included:

Others

Any air fares. Any Lunch / Dinner in Delhi. Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices included”. Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls. The Services of Vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary. Any Kind of Drinks / Table drinks (Alcoholic, Aerated). Camera fee, Soft or Hard drinks, Starters. Medical & Travel insurance. Additional costs due to flight cancellation, train delays road blocks, natural calamity etc. In most cases people ask us about the tips in the restaurants, for the drivers and for the guides. We recommend the following. In the restaurants : Normally it is 10% of the total bill. For the Driver : This man works very hard as he drives on the narrow an bumpy road with a great care and at night hardly finds any place to sleep. Next morning he has to drive again and so a sound sleep is required. He expects the hotelier to provide him a comortable room and some hotels do that but in most cases he sleeps in his car. The tip recommended to him is Rs. 300/- per day. For the Guides/ Tour Manager : This man is your friend, philosopher, guide for throughout the trip and with his knowledge he keeps your trip alive and brings different experiences to the front. He takes care of check ins / check outs at the hotels / organises and decided the venue for your meals, organises local guides for you, takes care of your in case of emergency, helps you with the local language, remains your local care taker and remains your friend for ever even after the trip is over. He deserves the better portion of the tip and so we recommend minimum of Rs. 500/- per person per day for him.

Insurance

As per the norms of Indian Government all travellers traveling to India must have holiday insurence with them.

Flights

No flights are included in this trip.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrival Amritsar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival Amritsar

On arrival, your escort cum guide and the driver will meet you just outside the exit gate. Drive to your hotel and check in.

Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities in India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travelers coming to India on the overland route from Central Asia, it soon became the center of various commercial activities. The Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ramdas, and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is famous for its full golden dome, one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Sikhs. The Mandir is built on a 67-foot square of marble and is a two-storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other temples, such as the Durgiana Temple. After lunch we visit the Golden Temple of the Sikhs. We will circumambulate the temple, stopping periodically for moments of quiet reflection. The temple complex is like a small community, filled with many different activities. We will visit the kitchen where free meals are prepared by volunteers throughout the day; the temple where the holy book, Aad Guru Sahib, is read aloud from 4 am to 10 pm daily; and observe devotional rituals. On arrival transfer to hotel and then proceed to visit Golden Temple. Later travel to the border town Wagah to see flag ceremony at dusk.
Day 2 Drive To Dharamsala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Dharamsala

We enter the hills today and gradually gain an elevation of 2000 meters. Drive to Dharamsala is through the farmlands and villages in the Himalayan foothills. On the way stop at Masroor temples, a temple built by cutting one single rock in the 8th century. On arrival check in to your hotel.

Evening visit to the Dalai Lama Monastery.
Day 3 Dharamsala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Dharamsala

First, we drive to Bhagsunag to see the age-old Shiva temple. Till a few years ago this temple was the only building in the area. With time growth has taken over the area and many high-rising structures have encroached on the landscape. Tibetan Children’s Village is a school run by the government of Dalai Lama and is the house of nearly 1500 orphans.

Later we go to see St. John’s Church and then to Narbulingka Institute where you can see the Tibetan artists making paintings and sculptures.
Day 4 Drive To Shimla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Shimla

Distance: 200 km

The drive to Shimla is a little long (7 hours) and all on the curvy roads. On arrival at Shimla check into your comfortable hotel. This is the last hill station in the foothills on this trip. After this, we shall constantly be moving uphill to enter the hidden valleys of the Indian Western Himalayas.

Shimla came into existence after the Gurkha British wars in 1816. From then until 1947 the British used it as a holiday resort and then as their Summer Capital. Entirely developed by the British Officers Shimla takes you back to the bygone era as the town is a Victorian and post-Victorian architecture. A large number of buildings built by the Imperial government remain scattered and the climate of the town has an unmistakable resemblance to Europe.
Day 5 Shimla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shimla

Shimla is Walker’s paradise. Many people coming to Shimla regret if they miss it, so we keep here two nights for you so that you can walk through the Heritage Lanes of Shimla with your guide. There are beautiful Churches, A Viceregal Lodge now called the Institute of Advanced Study, the Army Heritage Museum, Annandale Ground, the Gaiety Theater, and of course The Mall Road - a busy street but meant only for pedestrians.

Sumit - your today’s Guide is the author of eight books, all about Shimla. His passion for the town is the way of his life. Learn a lot from him about the past and present of this lovely hill station developed by the British officers.
Day 6 Drive To Sarahan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Sarahan

Distance: 175 km

The drive is through the Apple orchards, lush landscape, and over Narkanda - a small but busy town at the elevation of 9000 feet. Early morning breakfast, Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (5155 M/16,912 feet) resembles the "Shivling." We visit the Bhimakali Temple, a wonderful mixture of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. It is very sacred to both communities. The idol of Goddess Bhimakali is approximately 200 years old.
Day 7 Drive To Chitkul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Chitkul

Distance: 75 km

Chitkul is one place that is not to be missed on this trail. This is the last village in the valley of river Baspa and keeps an amazing landscape with its temple of the village at the backdrop. Also known for the forests of pine and pinenuts Chitkul is still keeping the old charm of its traditional lifestyle. You will see the locals in their traditional attire and living in age-old wooden houses. The architecture of the houses collectively makes the village unique.
Day 8 Drive To Kalpa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Kalpa

Distance: 45 km

Let’s have a little early breakfast and leave for Kalpa. On the way, we shall visit village Batseri and village Kamru. The fort of Kamrunag is an attraction in itself. We reach Kalpa in 3 hours. After leaving the main road we follow the road to Kalpa but on the way to the crowded bazaar of Recongpeo, we need to stop to obtain the permits for the inner line area.
Day 9 Kalpa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kalpa

Kalpa is known for its elevation, towering cedar trees, and apple orchards. We shall have at the Hotel garden and then proceed for a walk to village Rhogi. The village is located about three km away from Kalpa on the old Hindustan Tibet road. Village Rhogi is known for its age-old temple with amazing woodwork on its walls. The driver meets us there in the village and then we drive to the ancient and exquisite villages of Chini, Kothi, Pangi, and Telangi. Make good use of your camera as the landscape and the architecture attract you repeatedly.
Day 10 Drive To Nako
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Nako

Distance: 110 km

The village of Nako lies at an altitude of 3625 meters (11,893 feet), high above the last stretch of the Spiti Valley. It was once a very important center of Buddhism in the region. There are different small-sized temples belonging to different periods between the 11th and 12th centuries distributed all over the village, including a monastic complex on its western edge. Boasting four temples and a number of additional buildings, this complex preserves the earliest artistic heritage. The austere and un-ornamented exteriors of the buildings give little hint of the important artistic and religious legacy that lies within the walls.
Day 11 Drive To Tabo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Tabo

Distance: 65 km

Today we enter the Spiti Valley. Geographically and archeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The mountains are devoid of any vegetation due to erosion by wind, sun, and snow over thousands of years. Our vehicles climb up to the village of Tabo (3050 M/ 10,006 feet). Built-in the year 996 AD, the Chos Khor Monastery at Tabo is the largest monastery in Spiti and one of the few remaining examples of the Golden Period of Buddhist Culture in the Himalayan Region. The wall frescos of the Monastery are comparable in their antiquity and quality to those of the Ajanta caves, hence they are called the Ajanta of the Himalayas. It houses more than 100 Lamas, a large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings, tankhas and stucco. We will reach Tabo for lunch. In the afternoon and evening, we will visit the monastery and village.
Day 12 Drive To Kaza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Kaza

Distance: 45 km

Rise early if you want to join the monks in morning worship at Tabo monastery (5 min walk through the village). After breakfast, we drive to Kaza. On the way, we shall visit Dhankar, the ancient capital of Spiti. Dankar Gompa (3800 M/ 12,467 feet) was built in the 12th century. This hilltop fort dominates the scene and once served as a jail. It contains more than 160 scriptures of Lamas and Buddhists in the Bhoti language. A statue of Dhyan Buddha consisting of four complete figures seated back to back is the main attraction of this four to five-century-old monastery. Unfortunately, the ancient Gompa, situated on the very edge of the peak, is deteriorating. Entering the interior may be restricted very shortly. They have shifted the main monastery to a new complex at the entrance of the village. His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated this temple in June 2004. Before we drive to Kaza, a detour to Peen Valley is strongly recommended for a photographer. Peen Valley was the sea bed of the ocean Tythes from where the Himalayas rose. Commonly known as Geologist’s paradise Peen Valley is known for its amazing rock folds and Moonlike landscape. We continue our drive to Kaza.

Lunch: Packed Lunch
Day 13 Kaza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kaza

The morning after breakfast we visit Kye Monastery. Then drive to Village Kibber and Village Gete from where the view of Spiti Valley is just astounding. Afternoon drive to Langcha, Komic, and Hikkim Villages. In all these Hikkim is the highest village (4587 meters) in the world that is connected by road, electricity, water, and telephone. Please don’t ask about the beauty of the landscape here. We shall not be able to explain it in words.
Day 14 Drive To Keylong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Keylong

Distance: 185 km

Today we are going to cross over the first highest pass of this journey – Kaunzum La (4000 m). Over the pass, we enter Lahaul Valley and drive along river Chandera. The road is rugged and rough with some of its stretch tarred. On the way, we shall visit the temple of Raja Ghepan at Sisu. Just after that is Tandi where river Chandra is joined by River Bhaga and further on it becomes Chenaab. Kaylong is the headquarter of Lahaul Valley. In the evening we shall visit to Khardong Monastery known for making Thangka paintings.
Day 15 Keylong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Keylong

Today we shall drive to Pattan Valley known for growing hops, the only place in India. Visit to Trilokinath temple where Hindus and Buddhists worship together and then to Udaipur. The temple of Mrikula Devi in Udaipur is said to have been built by Pandavas. The woodcarving inside the tiny structure is just amazing.
Day 16 Drive To Sarchu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Sarchu

Distance: 110 km

Today we drive over the second-highest pass on the way. The view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks from the pass is just. On the way, there is a place called Darcha. This village got buried under a landslip in 1976. The huge boulders are still laying as they fell on the village as they are too big to move. Overnight stay at Camp, tents with attached facilities. Sarchu is the first highest place where we are going to sleep above the tree line. Some of you might suffer from a lack of oxygen so used the oxygen cylinders that we carry.
Day 17 Drive To Leh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Leh

Distance: 250 km

Today is going to be the longest drive but the most stunning landscape will come our way. Apart from the passes, the other attraction today is Morey Plain. This 45-kilometer-long plateau used to be a lake in the past. The next major attraction of the route is Tanglang La Pass, the second highest motor-able pass in the world. A short stopover for a click is a must in this area.
Day 18 Leh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Leh

Today we spend visiting the monasteries in and around Leh. Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery Hemis Monastery, and Stok Palace Museum. Hemis is the largest and richest monastery in the Indian Western Himalayas.
Day 19 Leh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Leh

Fullday visit to Likir and Alchi Monasteries. Alchi is one of the oldest monasteries in this region and is known for its wood carvings.
Day 20 Drive To Nubra Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Nubra Valley

Distance: 150 km

Nubra Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the area. The major attraction of today’s journey is the drive over Khardong La – the highest motorable pass in the world (5600 m). Afternoon drive to Hunder to enjoy a camel Safari on a double-humped Mongolian camel.
Day 21 Drive To Leh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Leh

Drive to Leh that same way. Evening free to stroll in Leh Bazaar.
Day 22 Leh Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Leh Departure

Morning transfer to the airport to board flight to Delhi.

Tour Ends. Stay in touch.
Day 23 Day 23: New Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: New Delhi

Morning transfer to the airport to board flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the hotel for wash and change. Later transfer to the International airport to catch flight to your next destination.

+20

22 days tour

22 Days - Amritsar, Dharamshala, Shimla, Spiti And Ladakh

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 22 Days - Amritsar, Dharamshala, Shimla, Spiti And Ladakh

Arrival Amritsar

Drive To Dharamsala

Dharamsala

Drive To Shimla

Shimla

Drive To Sarahan

Drive To Chitkul

Drive To Kalpa

Kalpa

Drive To Nako

Drive To Tabo

Drive To Kaza

Kaza

Drive To Keylong

Keylong

Drive To Sarchu

Drive To Leh

Leh

Leh

Drive To Nubra Valley

Drive To Leh

Leh Departure

Day 23: New Delhi

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