A Himalayan Journey - Amritsar To Leh

16 days - from $2170

A fascinating overland journey across the Indian Himalaya
This journey takes us from the plains of India on one of the most spectacular road journeys in the world across the Indian Himalaya to Ladakh. Scenically, religiously and culturally this is a spectacular and diverse trip.From Amritsar, famous for the Sikh Golden Temple, we leave the hot dusty plains of India behind as we drive up into the foothills of the Himalaya to Dharamsala, home to the exiled Dalai Lama, and McLeod Ganj. Heading further into the hills we follow the Beas River to Manali, a popular Indian hill station bustling with colourful hill people, before travelling north across the Indian Himalaya, onto the Tibetan Plateau, and into Ladakh.Ladakh is a Buddhist land more akin to Tibet than the lowlands to the south. Ladakh's centuries-old culture finds expression in the monasteries, monuments, fairs and festivals, and most departures coincide with monastic festivals. These are often the highlight of the year, involving hundreds of people as the local communities celebrate with a feast of colour and entertainment. The trip finishes on a high with a spectacular flight back across the Himalaya to Delhi.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Amritsar; afternoon sightseeing including the Golden Temple. 2-3 Drive to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj; full day to explore the area including the Dalai Lama's temple and Tibet Museum. 4 Drive to Mandi and Rewalsar, visit the Monastery, the Sikh Gurdwara and the Hindu temple. 5 Drive to Manali, set amongst forests and orchards; afternoon free. 6 Full day's sightseeing in Manali. 7 Drive to Jispa via the Rohtang Pass (3980m) and Keylong. 8 Drive to Tsokar Lake where we camp for the night. 9 Drive to Leh. 10 Sightseeing around Leh including Shey and Tikse monasteries (or monastery festival). 11 Drive to Likir Monastery; optional walk to Rizdong; to Alchi. 12 See ancient gompa at Alchi; visit spectacular village and monastery of Lamayuru. 13 Drive to Leh visiting Basgo Fort en route. 14 Free day in Leh (or monastery festival); optional trip to Khardung La can be arranged locally. 15 Fly over the Himalaya to Delhi; afternoon free. 16 End Delhi.

Mode of travel: Travel by private bus and jeep with one mountain flight. Travel at altitude.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus leader and local guides for sightseeing.
Accommodation: 14 nights hotels/lodges, all en suite, 1 night full service camping.
Food: All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $507.50
Trip Reference: AIF
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: AIF