Kashmir with Ladakh via Kargil

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’(Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. It is sprinkled with glittering gems like: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent's yummiest places to eat. Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India. Delhi is not just a name, it is a feeling. Come experience it...
Overnight Hotel – Delhi

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Day 02: Delhi – Srinagar {Air Asia I5-715@ 0750 / 0930 hrs}
Post breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight to Srinagar. Upon arrival, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’(Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & he would assist you at the airport & transfer to Houseboat for check in.       

Srinagar; situated on the bank of Jhelum, Srinagar is a treasure trove of beauty and it will be a pleasure for many travellers to explore the bounteous beauty of the city. The major beauty of this city are its waterfalls and gardens which were made by the Mughal emperors. Snow-capped mountains, chinar trees and beautiful valleys give a spectacular view to the city.

Welcome by traditional Kashmiri drink (Kahwah) on arrival.

Laterproceed for sightseeing of Srinagar visiting the Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love).Hazratbal and Shankracharya temple.

In the evening we will take you to experience the Shikara ride on the Dal Lake.
Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)

Day 03: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Srinagar (86 Kms / 2 Hrs)
After breakfast day excursion of Sonamarg which is one of the most beautiful drive from Srinagar. Sonamarg is at 98 kms from Srinagar. We will take about 3 hours to reach Sonamarg. Sonamarg is the last stop of Kashmir District. From here starts the territory of Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, Sonamarg is absolutely true to its name, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. The moment you enter Sonamarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonamarg has few of the loveliest flower collection in Jammu and Kashmir. You may take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. Return to Srinagar.

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Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)

Day 04: Srinagar - Pahalgam (96 Kms/ 3 Hrs)
After breakfast we check out of the hotel in Gulmarg and proceed to Pahalgam. On arrival check in to the hotel Arguably Pahalgam is one of the most beautiful places on earth; the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers breathtaking views of Himalayas. On arrival we check in to the hotel. After reaching Pahalgam we have rest of the day free for individual activities.

Later explore the beautiful town at the foothills of Himalayas. One can go on for walks or pony ride to one of the many beautiful spots around Pahalgam. One of the spot is the Mamaleshwara. It is only a km or so downstream from Pahalgam, and on the opposite side of the Lidder, is this small Shiva temple with its square, stone tank. It is thought to date from the reign of king Jayasima in the 12th century, even earlier.

OR

You may go for walks or pony ride to one of the many beautiful spots around Pahalgam,

Rest of the day is Free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Pahalgam (B, D)

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Day 05: Pahalgam - Gulmarg (142 Kms/ 4-5 Hrs)
After breakfast we check out of the hotel in Srinagar and proceed to Gulmarg. On arrival check in to the hotel Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful resorts in the valley. It is at 52kms from Srinagar. Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently.

Gulmarg boasts Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft). You can also try skiing on your own.  Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world and also has highest golf course in the world with 18 holes.

Overnight Hotel – Gulmarg (B, D)

Day 06: Gulmarg – Kargil (170 Kms / 7 Hrs) (A beautiful Long drive “A journey of lifetime)
Post breakfast driven to Kargil, upon arrival transfer to tented accommodation.

IMP: Keep your body properly hydrated. Avoid sleeping at high altitudes. Avoid over exertion. Avoid tobacco and smoking and alcohol and other depressant drugs. Keep your body warm and eat lots of carbohydrates.

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Overnight Tented Accommodation – Kargil (B, D)

Day 07:  Kargil – Leh via Sham Valley (213 Kms / 7 Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast driven to Leh en-route visiting Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas, A drive of another 4 km took us to Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity & further Driving through a picturesque landscape we reached the Confluence Of The Indus And Zanskar River, Just before Saspul a road to the right takes you for your visit to the Likir Monastery, Likir is one of the most active monasteries in the region. As you drive up to the monastery a recently installed colossal gilded image of the Maitreya out in the open is one of the most impressive sights in Ladakh.

After visiting the Monastery you continue your drive along the River Indus to or Uletokpo or Tingmosgang enroute visiting Ridzong Monastery, there is the option to walk up to the Monastery for those that wish to do so. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the Monastery is dramatic. Later driven back to Leh.

Continue drive to Leh, upon arrival transfer to Hotel.
Overnight Hotel Kaal– Leh (D)

Day 08:  Leh
Post Breakfast we proceed for Indus Valley Monastery Starting with Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism, Thiksey Monastery an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village, Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh, 3 Idiots Rancho School & Sindhu Ghat. After visiting above places we drive back to Leh.

Evening visit to Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & Leh Market.....
Overnight Hotel Kaal– Leh (B, D)

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Day 09: Leh – Nubra Valley via Khardung La 18,390 Ft. (120 Kms / 4 – 5 Hrs)
Post breakfast drive to Nubra Valley. The road journey from Leh to Nubra Valley passes over Khardung La (The Highest Motorable Road In The World) at 5,602 Mtrs / 18,390 Ft, around 39 km from Leh. From the pass, one can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 Ft. above sea level.

On arrival in Nubra transfer to Camp / Hotel in Hunder.

Evening walk around the tiny villages to see how the locals live in this part of the world.  Also visit a Ladakhi home and experience the Ladakhi cuisine.

Overnight Hotel Eco Lodge – Nubra Valley (B, D)

Day 10: Nubra Valley – Leh (120 Kms / 4 – 5 Hrs)
After early breakfast driven to Hunder and enjoy the ride on a Bacterian Camel (Double Humped) amidst the sand dunes of this high altitude desert with snow-capped mountains on the horizon.Between Hunder and Diskit you come across sand dunes besides the road. Seen in isolation you could well be amongst the sand dunes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is indeed a strange sight since immediately on the left of the road are Rocky Mountains that characterize the Ladakhi landscape and in the distance can be seen snow-capped mountains.

On the return stop at Diskit which is the headquarter town of Nubra Valley. Stroll around the bazaar observing the shops and local people going about their daily chores. Diskit is famous for 515 years old Buddhist Monastery, lying magnificently situated on a hilltop, facing the entire Valley.

Later we drive back to Leh in the late afternoon via Khardungla Top.
Overnight Hotel Kaal – Leh (B, D)

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Day 11: Leh to Pangong Lake (140 kms / 4 – 5 Hrs – One Way)
After an early breakfast we leave for Pangong Lake en-route visiting Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh & 3 Idiots Rancho School & further 5 Kms Driving through a picturesque landscape we reach Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. After visiting above two monasteries we drive further towards Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs. The long easy ascent takes you to Changla pass through its winding roads passing through Sakti Village. Stop at the Changla Pass for a quick photograph session and drive down to the village of Tangtse, where you can relax for a cup of tea. Leaving Tangtse for Pangong you pass through few small villages of Changthang and finally you can have a sudden view of the Pangong lake situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 133 Kms long with half of its running the other side of the “Indo China Border”. One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery is unforgettable.

After the success of 3 Idiots, this beautiful natural location has attracted more tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival we check in at our Camp near Pangong Lake.

Overnight Mastemik Camp at Pangong Lake (B, D)

Day 12: Pangong Lake to Leh (140 Kms / 6 Hrs)
Morning at leisure to explore the beauty of lake and later we drive back to leh, upon arrival transfer to hotel.

Evening you can stroll around the market place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Overnight Hotel Kaal – Leh (B, D)

Day 13: Leh – Delhi {GoAir G8 226 @ 0700 / 0820 hrs}
Delhi Departure

Transfer to airport to board the flight to Delhi taking back wonderful memory of The Forbidden Land, upon arrival board your International flight for onward journey.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.