11D Kashmir to Ladakh Overland,
Himalayan India

Itinerary

Day 01 / Singapore – Delhi SQ 408 SIN/DEL 1905/2100
On arrival meet/greet by our representative and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 / Delhi – Srinagar
After breakfast transfer to domestic airport for a spectacular mountain flight to Srinagar. On arrival, transfer to deluxe boathouse anchored on the shore of the Nagin Lake. Srinagar, the capital of the state in Jammu and Kashmir is a crowded and colourful city. The water world of the Dal and Nagin Lakes are amazingly clear and the houseboats have been a part of Kashmir’s aquatic culture for centuries. Late afternoon depart for shikara ride (Gondola of Kashmir) on Nalgin Lake visiting the floating gardens, lotus and vegetable gardens and backwaters of the lake.
Overnight in Deluxe Houseboat in Srinager.

Day 03 / Srinagar – Gulmarg excursion (B/L/D)
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Gulmarg (approx. 125km; 2½ hours drive), an attractive hill station at 2,730m. The journey to Gulmarg, widely known as the Meadow of Flowers, is half the enchantment of reaching there – roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar giving over to flat expanses of rice and maize fields interspersed with picturesque villages, where we witness the country life of the Kashmiris. Depending on the season, nature’s colors could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chilies festoon windows of village homes. Return to Srinagar in time for a brief rest before dinner.
Overnight in Deluxe Houseboat in Srinager.

Day 04 / Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil (2,900m) (B/L/D)
After breakfast start the spectacular journey to Sonamarg by car. The distance of about 50km will be covered about 2.5 hrs through the rural civilization along the meandering Sindh River. Sonamarg surrounded by mountains and pine forests lies at the head of the Sindh valley. The drive through here presents a spectacular facet of the countryside. After Sonamarg we start our climb to first pass on our route and stop at Zojila Pass (3,551m) to experience the thin air. Zojila Pass marks dramatically the boundary line between Kashmir and Lardakh. Dense green forest clad slopes give way to bare multi-colored mountains of stark beauty. Drive through Drass Town en-route, the second coldest inhabitant place in the world. You will notice a sudden change of landscape from lush green to barren Himalayan mountain ranges in a small transition.
Overnight Kargil.

Day 05 / Kargil – Lamayaru – Alchi (B/L/D)
After breakfast drive to Alchi. We will stop at Shergol Monastery and then drive to Mulbek. Mulbeck where a 1400 years old image of Maitry – the future Buddha, built atop a huge rock, can be seen. We drive over Fotula Pass (4,108m) and Namikala Pass (3,718m) the highest points on the Leh to Srinagar highway. En route visit Lamayuru monastery and visit Atitse Monastery and Naropa Cave. Lamayuru is one of the most significant gompa set amidst majestic scenery. The monastery, the finest in Ladakh, is about 900 years old and houses the image of Chanaric – The God of Compassion and Mercy – of which Dalai Lama is considered to be reincarnated. We make a quick photo-stop at moonland before we continue our journey to Alchi.
In the evening visit Alchi Monastery. This monastery was founded in 11th century by by the great Translator, Rinchen Zangpo. He even made a reference about the monastery in his biographies. It is written that he brought thirty-two sculptors and wood carvers from Kashmir, for the construction of the Alchi Monastery of Leh Ladakh. One can easily see an Indian touch in this monastery, especially in the way its paintings have been made. Three sacred temples, with the main one being that of Rinchen Lhakhang at Lotsa Lhakhang, make up a major part of the Alchi Gompa. However, there are other temples also, namely Jamyang Lhakhang (Manjusri temple), Sumtsag Lhakhang and so on.
Overnight in Alchi.

Day 06 / Alchi – Leh (B/L/D)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Leh. Brief detour to visit Likir Monastery with lovely villages around it. We also visit Spituk Monastery then drive to Leh. Leh is the largest town in Ladakh Region situated on the elevation of 3,450m above sea level. After lunch visit Namgyal Tsemo Monastery perched on the hillock just above the massive Leh Palace. In the evening visit Shanti Stupa built by Japanese in 1985 to spread the message of peace to the world. Time permitting we will visit Shankar Monastery.
Overnight in Leh.

Day 07 / Leh – Hemis (B/L/D)
After breakfast a day trip to Hemis. A visit to Ladakh is not complete without seeing Hemis monastery. Hemis Monastery holds the distinction of being the biggest as well as the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. It dates back to the year 1630 and was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso. We would visit Shey Palace and Monastery and Thiksey monasteries on our way back to Leh. Thiksey Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries of Ladakh, it belongs to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism. Shey monastery, located on a hilltop. The monastery was erected on the instructions of King Deldon Namgyal, in the memory of his late father, Singay Namgyal. The main image inside the Shey Monastery is that of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is a huge image of the seated Buddha and is considered to be the biggest metal statue and the second largest Buddha statue in the Ladakh region. Copper sheets, gilded with gold, make up this amazing Buddha statue. Later visit Stok Palace Museum where the royal family of Leh still resides.
Overnight in Leh.

Day 08 / Leh – Nubra (B/L/D)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Nubra valley via Khardungla (highest motorable road in the world at 4,500m). On a clear day one can have stunning views of the Indus Valley and the Karakoram range. Later descend to reach Deskit in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for exploring Deskit & Hundur villages. There is one small sand dune in Hunder where we can find two hump camels. Overnight Camp.

Day 09 / Nubra – Leh (B/L/D)
In the morning after breakfast drive back to Leh taking the same route over Khardungla Pass. We will make a short stop at the Pass before driving on to Leh. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Evening explore the market and some last moment shopping.
Overnight in Leh.

Day 10 / Leh – Delhi – Singapore (B/L/D) SQ407 DEL/SIN 2325/0735+01 DAY

Early morning transfer to airport for our scheduled flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to Delhi. Free afternoon for own activities and/or shopping around Delhi. After dinner transfer to airport for board on our scheduled flight to Singapore.

Day 11 / Arrive Singapore
Arrive in SIngapore.

** Arrangement of short treks around Leh area is possible with extension of one or two more nights.