Search

Your Holiday Proposal

PROPOSAL ID: DH-20250117-2327

Start your visit to the Himalayas and Ladakh in western Himachal Pradesh by visiting Shimla, the former summer capital of British-ruled India. Shimla is one of India’s most popular hill resorts, full of colonial heritage.

From Delhi, journey on the express train to Kalka, from where you’ll ride the World Heritage Mountain Railway to Shimla. This train has been operating since 1906 and takes a scenic five to six-hour trip, crossing 102 tunnels and 988 bridges on its winding 96km route.

From Shimla, proceed to Dharamshala, made famous as the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile and residence of the Dalai Lama at McLeod Ganj. The Dhauladhar ranges make for some excellent trekking and the valley lying between them is beautiful and culturally intriguing.

McLeodgunj attracts thousands of international visitors to learn Buddhism, meditation or yoga, trek in the Dhauladhar mountains, shop for Tibetan crafts, or just relax and enjoy the spiritual vibe and the many good cafes and restaurants.

Visit one of the finest tea estates in India, located in Palampur, a bustling little market town surrounded by tea plantations and rice fields at the foot of the Dhauladhar range. You can visit the factory and taste the green and black teas with experts.

As you drive up from Palampur to Ladakh via Manali, spectacular Himalayan vistas unfold before your eyes. Manali is set in a stunning location amongst the Himalayan foothills and old Manali has some beautiful old wooden houses and fruit orchards to explore.

From Manali to Leh you’ll drive through Alpine foothills peppered with juniper, cedar and deodar pines, and see waterfalls crashing beside the road.

Ladakh, the ‘Land of High Passes’ possesses a timeless, rugged beauty. The landscape of jagged, arid mountains is different from any other in India, with whitewashed monasteries and stupas decorating rocky outcrops, scores of colourful prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, and lush green villages nestling photogenically in this mountainous desert.

Visit a selection of magnificent monasteries to discover the rich history and culture of this important stop on the famous Silk Route.

The Nubra Valley is reached via Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, where the cold desert of Hundar with its Bacterian Camels, and the Diskit monastery await those who travel to this remote and beautiful spot. Meet the disarmingly friendly and pragmatic Tibetan people who’ve preserved their traditional lifestyle while adopting new technologies like solar energy.

All throughout, you’ll stay at some of best value properties in areas of natural beauty and wilderness, known for their hospitality and warmth.

Created/Updated: January 17, 2025
Route:
Manchester > Delhi > Kalka > Shimla > Dharamshala > Palampur > Manali > Jispa > Leh > Nubra Valley > Leh > Delhi > Manchester
Themes:
Activity Levels
Mildly Challenging
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Activities and excursions as specified in itineraries
  • Entrance fees/tickets for all monuments, safaris etc
  • All in-destination transfers & transport in A/C vehicles with safe and experienced driver
  • Accommodation & Meals as specified
  • English speaking experienced guides and naturalists
  • 24/7 support throughout your holiday

Your itinerary in detail

Day 0

Fly out from the UK.

Day 1

Arrive in Delhi at 1445 on Emirates Airline EK516. You’ll be met at the airport by our representative and transfer to your hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
The hotel is centrally located near Connaught Place, the shopping hub of Delhi and an easy walk to many good restaurants.

Day 2
Transfer to the New Delhi Railway station to catch the morning express Shatabdi train to Kalka (0740-1140, Executive Chair Car), connect to World Heritage Himalayan Queen (1155-1645). There is a short connection time, and it requires walking a short distance across the concourse to an adjacent platform, but it’s easy to find your way, and railway staff are happy to guide tourists. The Himalayan Queen will delay its departure if the Shatabdi is running late, so you don’t need to worry about missing the connection.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 3
Shimla sightseeing – guided city walk including Viceregal Lodge, Mall, Gaiety Theatre etc

Day 4
Drive to Dharamshala (228 kms / 7 hrs) – Arrive Dharamshala and check in at your hotel.
Enjoy rest of the day at leisure or explore independently.

Day 5
Dharamshala and McLeodganj offer several trails to hike in great mountain scenery. Spent half day in Dharamshala and half day in McLeodganj (with your guide)

Day 6
After breakfast drive to Palampur (01 hour) and explore the Palampur region, with a short train ride on the historic Kangra Valley metre gauge railway (if operational) that rolls through the picturesque area (No guide required, the driver will help)

Visit the Wah tea estate and enjoy fine tea tasting experience, with visits to tea factory, and walks around rolling countryside covered in tea plantations (No guide required as the staff of Tea Estate conduct the tour)

Day 7
After breakfast drive to Manali, arrive Manali and check in at your hotel.
Relax or explore local walks independently

Day 8
Guided tour of Manali (local walking and Small Hikes around Manali)
Manali is set in a stunning location amongst the Himalayan foothills and old Manali has some beautiful old wooden houses. Wander through the town, apple orchards and forests, cross rivers and meet the locals.

Day 9
Drive to Jispa (04 hours), crossing Atal Tunnel and visiting Sarchu enroute, arrive Jispa and check in at your hotel.
Today’s section is one of the most spectacular drives in the entire Himalayas – from Manali to Leh. Lush Alpine foothills peppered with juniper, cedar and deodar pines, and see waterfalls crashing beside the road.
Drive towards the Rotang Pass (~4000m) onto Jispa, a scenic river-side village near Spiti Valley. If time permits, enjoy a walk around the village and surrounding areas.

Day 10
After breakfast drive to Sarchu (85 kms / 3 hours) where you will transfer from your Himachal licensed vehicle to a Ladakh licensed vehicle and driver. The drivers will coordinate with each other, so you don’t need to worry about the transfer. This transfer is due to state laws in Ladakh which do not permit tourist vehicles from other states to drive into Ladakh.
Drive to Thiksey (232 kms / 5 hours). Travel over the 5,400m Tanglang La, where if you are lucky, you can spot rare Ibex. The road goes through 21 hairpin bends, red sandstone gorges, high altitude desert steppe and grand canyons before reaching Leh.
Arriving in Thiksey, the rest of the day is at leisure, enjoy walks to the town and market.
In Thiksey, you will meet your guide for Ladakh.

Day 11
Visit Thiksey monastery and drive to Leh (30 min) – Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, confluence of Indus and Zanskar river and do short hikes.

Day 12
Leh – Select from visiting the Stok Palace, Shey, Stakna, Hemis and Matho monasteries, and doing the 7km walk to Saboo village.
With the help of your guide, you can choose which monasteries and walks you wish to cover today, based on convenience and mood.

Day 13
Drive along the Khardung La, Cross Khardung La and reach Nubra Valley, check in at your hotel. Relax rest of the day

Day 14
Nubra Valley – meet local villagers

Day 15
Diskit & Hundar

Day 16
Drive Back to Leh

Day 17
Relaxed morning in Leh.
Transfer to the airport to catch your Leh-Delhi flight.
Connect with your international flight back to Manchester this evening

Please let us know how you feel about this itinerary, remember we'll be more than happy perfecting it to your satisfaction.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS
• Accommodation with the meals as specified in the itinerary
• Local guide in Shimla on day 03
• Local in Dharamshala on day 05
• Local guide in Manali on day 08
• Local guide from day 11 till Day 16
• A/c vehicle for the entire tour with a good knowledgeable driver
• Entrances to the monuments visited as per the above itinerary
• Shatabdi Express Train in Executive Class from Delhi to Kalka
• Himalayan Queen Train Ticket from Shimla to Kalka in best available class
• All currently applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS
• Any flights (international and domestic) and associated airport taxes
• Any meals not specified in the itinerary
• Any expenses of personal nature – phone calls, laundry, gratuity etc.
• Anything not specified explicitly in the Inclusions section.

Why travel with Instep Adventures?

Explore your way

Travel on a tailor-made itinerary, or join one of our group or expert-led tours.

Destination Knowledge

This is our part of the world. We know it like the back of our hand.

Excellent Value

We are lean & keen. We make your holiday deliver excellent value.

Trust

100% financial protection. We're here for you, before, during and after your holiday.

Responsible Travel

Instep Adventures isn’t simply our brand name. It is our motto. Our vision for tourism, done right.

Our responsible travel charter helps us create adventures that are a force for good, enlightening you while benefitting the lives and places we touch.

Through careful choices and considered partnerships, our holidays help protect what matters: communities; wildlife and habitats; the planet.

What our clients say

Don’t just take our word for it

Great safaris in Ranthambhore

Alex Chapman

I would have no hesitation of going with Instep again

Christopher, Crewe

Saved a lot of stress and effort

Christina, Cambridge

Had a great time

James, St.Ives

The most wonderful time in north India

Eddie, Cambridge

Look forward to travelling with you again, maybe Sri Lanka next time?

George Hollis,Ely

Cannot wait to go back!!!

Mr and Mrs Miller, Eastbourne

Offered some great alternatives that we had not known about

Karen Willloughby, Norwich

Expert guide brought history to life

Mr. and Mrs. Broad, Lincoln

No hesitation in recommending them to our friends and family

Kenneth Baker, Manchester
5/5
5/5
5/5
error: Copyright content is protected.

Our Accommodation Ratings

Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)

Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)

Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)

Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)

Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)