Way To Shambala

Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative at the International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel.

Rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 2

Delhi to Chandigarh (250 Kms/ 5 hrs approx)

This morning embark on drive to Chandigarh. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

This evening enjoy a city tour of this beautiful city.

Day 3

Chandigarh to Dharamshala (275 Kms/7 hrs approx)

After breakfast, embark on your drive to Dharamshala. Upon arrival, check-in into your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

[Dharamshala altitude: 1597 M]

Day 4

Day in Dharamshala

This morning, visit Mcleod Ganj: the current home of spiritual Buddhist leader Dalai Lama. Owing to the development of several monasteries and Tibetan schools at McLeod Ganj, the hill station is also referred to as the 'Little Lhasa of India'. After fifteen minutes walk visit St. Johns’ Church: built in 1852 adorned with brilliant stain glass windows that light up under the direct rays of the golden sun. Then proceed to visit Dal Lake: surrounded by deep green Deodar forest and renowned for its scenic beauty and the cool ambience.

Day 5

Dharamshala to Manali (260 Kms/7 hrs approx)

After breakfast, embark on your drive to Manali. Upon arrival, check-in into your hotel.

Afternoon, visit Hadimba Temple, Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Visit Monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

[Manali altitude: 1950 M]

Day 6

Day in Manali

After breakfast, full day visit Naggar: approx. 20 kms from Manali, resting on a wooded slope, commanding a panoramic view of the valley, Naggar was capital of Kullu Rajas till 1460 AD. Visit Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery a refuge for artists and art lovers. It served as a residence to Russian Artist Professor Nichloas Roerich that has been converted into a gallery, which houses a right collection of masterpieces.

After visit, continue your drive to visit Manikaran: At 1737 mts., on the right bank of river Parvati is Manikaran. This place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both Hindus & Sikhs pilgrimages. The water of the spring is also said to be radio-active which cures many skin diseases. According to an ancient saying Manikaran is also connected with Lord Shiva and his divine concert Goddess Parvati.

[Naggar altitude: 1768 M]

Day 7

Manali to Rohtang Pass to Keylong to Jispa (141Kms/6-7hrs approx

After breakfast, embark on your drive to Jispa, enroute visit Rohtang pass: the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and lies on the remote and perhaps the stark and haunting landscape of predominantly Buddhist areas. Then drive pass through the Keylong road in a region described by travelers as strange, exciting and primitive.

After visit, continue your drive to Jispa situated 20 km from Keylong and set on the banks of the Bhaga River. Upon arrival, check-in into your hotel.

[Rohtang Pass altitude: 3979M], [Keylong altitude: 3080M], [Jispa altitude: 3200M]

Day 8

Jispa to Sarchu (116Kms/6-7hrs approx)

After breakfast, embark on your drive to Sarchu: a picturesque town 85 km from Jispa and the last point on the Himachal-Ladakh border that offers splendid views of snow-capped mountains. The unspoiled natural beauty of Sarchu offers a perfect ambience to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Upon arrival, check-in into your camp.

[Sarchu altitude: 4290M]

Day 9

Sarchu to Tsokar to Tsomoriri (200 kms/8-9 hrs approx)

After breakfast, depart the vast Sarchu plateau. After uphill curvy drive till Namkila (4950 mtrs) enjoy spectacular view of rugged rocks over Lachulangla (5090 mtrs.) descend to the gorge of cliffy Gangla jal to Pang. Continue through vast plateau of Kyangchu-Thang (plateau of wild donkey) to Tsokar by dusty and unidentified trail. Tsokar Lake - also called as white lake because of salt deposit around it, salt extracted from its shores is still sold all over Ladakh.

Afternoon, continue your drive through rough road leads to the top of Polokongkha (4920 mtrs), descend to Puga valley and reach Sumdo village. Uphill drive till Namstang la (4800 mtrs) to Karzok Gompa

Upon arrival, check-in into your camp.

[Tsomoriri altitude: 4595M]

Day 10

Tsomoriri (Karzok) to Leh (240 Kms/8 hrs approx)

After breakfast, visit Tsomoriri or “Mountain Lake "situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu completely surrounded by 6000 m peaks. The Area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (wild ass), red fox and the rare, highly endangered, snow leopard. Then continue your drive to Leh and visit 350 years old Karzok monastery which has about 33 resident monks and belongs to the yellow sect.

Upon arrival, check-in into your hotel.

[Leh altitude: 3524M]

Day 11

Day in Leh

After breakfast, full day visit a Buddhist monastery called Sankar Monastery or Sankar Gompa (3 kms from Leh). It is a daughter-establishment of Spituk Monastery and the residence of the Abbot of Spituk. The Venerable Kushok Bakula, the senior incarnate lama of Ladakh due to his ancient lineage and personal authority.

Afternoon, visit Namgyal Tsemo Gompa founded in the early 15th century, around the year 1430. It stands atop the crag behind Leh palace, having a full view of the town of Leh. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa was founded by King Tashi Namgyal. It boasts of a rich collection of some ancient manuscripts and wall paintings. Shanti Stupa: (3 km from Fort Road, Leh) Japanese Stupas made for world peace. Shanti Stupa is located at Changspa on the hilltop and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985.

[Leh altitude: 3524M]

Day 12

Day in Leh

After breakfast, full day excursion to visit Stok Palace: Around 14 Kms from Leh, across the Choglamsar Bridge. The Stok Palace was built by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal in 1825. The present Royal family resides at Stok Palace and its Museum has vast collection of thankas, traditional clothing and ornaments from Royal family. Visit Shey Monastery: 15 Km south of Leh, an erstwhile Royal residence up to 16th century, located on the banks of Indus River and is managed by Buddhists Monks from Hemis Monastery. Visit the prime attraction of the monastery the beautifully decorated blue haired Maitreya Buddha of 17.5 m high, made up with copper and brass with studs of precious stones.

Afternoon, continue your drive towards south to visit Hemis: the largest monastery in Ladakh, built in 1630. It belongs to the red sect, Brokpa and lies at a distance of 45 km south of Leh. Impressive and intriguing, Hemis is different from the other important monasteries of Ladakh. The annual festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, held for two days in June-July, enlivening the courtyard of the monastery.

On your way back to Leh visit Thiksey Monastery is located 20 km from Leh and is situated on a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley with full face view of the magnificent Stok range.

[Leh altitude: 3524M]

Day 13

Leh to Delhi (Flight)

This morning, transfer to airport to connect your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 14

Day in Delhi

Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin!

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, ‘silver street’, one of the largest trading centres of India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj; visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi

Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the world’s tallest minaret; Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold tomb, still in active worship; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honour of the soldiers who died in the second world war; drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi.

Day 15

Delhi (Departure)

Today, you will be transferred to International Airport to connect your flight to onward destination.