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Your tailor-made holiday itinerary

Ladakh & Kashmir

Most people are completely unaware of the natural beauty and unique culture of Ladakh, India’s far north, which lies on the ‘other’ side of the Himalayas. Srinagar has seen a resurgence in tourism, and the whole area retains its stunning beauty and popularity with those in the know.

Together, Ladakh, Srinagar and other areas of Kashmir make a perfect summer destination. The rich cultures, lip-smacking cuisine and warm locals welcome visitors who are not afraid to venture off the beaten track.

Wildlife here is amazing too, with Himalayan species such as the rare Himalayan Black and Brown bears, Hangul and loads of other smaller mammals to be seen.

The hotels we’ve chosen for this trip are some of the best available in the region, reflecting traditional hospitality and architectures.

18 DAYS
Quote:
QINN3-LS-250212
Route:
Delhi- Leh – Nubra Valley – Leh – Draas – Sonmarg – Srinagaaar – Delhi
Themes:
Activity Levels
Moderate
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 01

Arrive Delhi, met upon arrival and transfer to your hotel

Hotel: The Lalit, New Delhi (Deluxe Room)

Meals: None

Day 02

Full day guided tour of Old & New Delhi

  • Visit the grand mosque Jama Masjid, climb a minaret to get bird’s eye view of Old Delhi. Explore the Old Delhi streets on a bicycle rickshaw. Wander through the markets
  • Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi
  • Visit India Gate, walk around the central boulevard and then drive past the Presidential Palace

 In the afternoon, visit two of Delhi’s grandest monuments, the World Heritage sites of Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

Hotel: The Lalit, New Delhi (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 03

Very early morning departure from Delhi airport, to Leh 6E 2003 (0540 hrs / 0700 hrs)

Arrive Leh and transfer to your hotel, rest for the remainder of the day for altitude acclimatisation

Hotel: Grand Dragon (Premier Heritage Room)

Meals: Dinner

Day 04

Further acclimatisation day in Leh (relax in your rooms or the hotel grounds)

Hotel: Grand Dragon (Premier Heritage Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 05

Leh city tour with your local English speaking guide

An afternoon tour of the nearby Shey and Thiksey monasteries and the Stok Palace.

Hotel: Grand Dragon (Premier Heritage Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 06

After an early breakfast drive along the Khardung La & reach Nubra Valley

Visit Diskit Monastery and Hunder

Hotel: Lachang Nang (Nomad King Cottage)

Meals: Breakfast in Leh & Dinner at Nubra

Day 07

Full day excursion to Turtuk village (on the Indian border) to see nomadic tribes and the scenic beauty of this remote village

Hotel: Lachang Nang (Nomad King Cottage)

Meals: Breakfast in your resort, lunch at a local restaurant in Turtuk village & dinner at Nubra

Day 08

After breakfast, return to Leh through the Khardung La again

Hotel: Grand Dragon (Premier Heritage Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 09

After an early breakfast drive to Drass (280 kms / 06-07 hours).  The drive is very scenic and road conditions are excellent.

Stop en-route at Alchi and Lamayuru Monasteries (w/o guide)

Arrive in Drass later in the evening and check in at your hotel

Hotel: The Kargil (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10

Seek the rare and elusive Himalayan Brown Bear in the wilds of Drass, on morning and afternoon safaris. These majestic bears are much larger than the sloth bear (Baloo of the Jungle Book fame), and are very similar to the Canadian Grizzly bears. You shall be accompanied by highly skilled and experienced local naturalists to ensure a good chance of sightings from positions of safety.

Hotel: The Kargil (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at a local restaurant & dinner at hotel

Day 11

One more session this morning session, looking for the Himalayan Brown Bear

In the afternoon, explore Drass and Kargil region (visit the nearby villages to see the traditional culture)

Hotel: The Kargil (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at a local restaurant & dinner at hotel

Day 12

In the morning explore Kargil and Drass with your cultural guide

In the afternoon drive to Sonmarg (124 kms / 3 hours), crossing the Mighty Zozi la Pass

Hotel: The Mountain Lodge by Rah Hotels (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

Explore surroundings of Sonmarg (you can enjoy trekking or hiking to near local villages)

Hotel: The Mountain Lodge by Rah Hotels (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14

After breakfast drive to Srinagar (90 Kms / 02.5 hours)

Arrive Srinagar and check in at your hotel

Visit the Wildlife SOS bear rescue centre at Dachigam – Wildlife SOS is a charity we support, for its excellent work protecting India’s wild animals. Here, you can watch rescued animals including Himalayan Black bears being cared for.

Return to Srinagar and explore on foot with your local English speaking guide

Enjoy a short ride on the famed Shikara (traditional Kashmiri boat) at the Dal Lake (1hr)

Hotel: Rah Bagh (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15

The Dachigam National Park is the last remaining habitat of the endangered Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, a subspecies of the European Red Deer. It was on the verge of extinction in 1970’s with less than 200 individuals left, but now there is a stable population in Dachigam. Explore the park in morning & afternoon safari sessions, where we will look at the wildlife here, including Hangul and Himalayan Black Bear.

The Himalayan Black Bear is a key species that very few people ever get the chance to see – with the efforts of our naturalists, you will have a good chance of spotting on here in Dachigam, in its prime natural habitat.

Hotel Rah Bagh (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 16

Explore the scenic region of Doodhpatri in the morning with your guide. Doodhpatri is situated about 60kms from Srinagar.

Srinagar is famous for the high quality of its Mughal gardens. The mighty Mughal emperors and noblemen often visited Srinagar in summers to escape the heart of the Indian plains in Delhi and Agra, and coincidentally, you are doing exactly the same on your holiday. This afternoon explore Nishat Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16th century (1633) by Mughal nobleman Asif Khan. Follow this up by visiting Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16th century (1619) by Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his beloved wife Noor Jehan.

Hotel Rah Bagh (Premium Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 17

This morning is spent at leisure.  Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi

Flight to Delhi AI 2644 1345 hrs / 1535 hrs

Check in to your hotel close to the airport

Hotel: Vivanta by Taj @ Dwarka (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 18

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the mentioned hotels
Meals as mentioned in the above itinerary.
All Transportation by Tempo Traveller
An English speaking local guide in Delhi for the guided tour as mentioned in the above itinerary
Manual Cycle Rickshaw OR Battery Rickshaw in the Old Delhi
English speaking local guide (from Ladakh) to meet you on Day 05 and will accompany you till Day 08 except days for acclimatisation.
Local English speaking Wildlife Expert for 03 sessions for Brown Bear Expedition
Accompanying English speaking guide from Drass (Day 12) till Srinagar (Day 16)
Entrances to the monuments visited as per the above itinerary
Oxygen Cylinder in the vehicle for any emergency
All currently applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS

Flight tickets from Delhi-Leh and Srinagar – Delhi
Sleeping Bags, trekking shoes and clothing.
Any Kind of Personal Expenses, Personal binocular or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices Included”.
Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.
Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.

 

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

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What our clients say

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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

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. (£)