This tour shows you the amazingly beautiful contrast between alpine valleys
of Kashmir & highaltitude desolate arid mountainscape of Ladakh. With
every changing day you will travel from the old colonial charm of Srinagar's
houseboat life to the delightful backwaters of Dal lake. From the rich
persian & Islamic heritage sights along river Jehlum in the down town to
the cascading fairy land -- Mughal gardens rolling down the green hills. The
highlight of this trip is a week long trek in the upper golden meadows and
alpine lakes few of them glaciated in the backdrop of magnificent mountains.
This trek is regarded as one of the best in Himalayas for the sheer wealth
of its flora, fauna & fishing. Finally driving through Suru Valley of
old carvan serai of Kargil to the 1000 years old monasteries at Lamayuru &
Alchi. We conclude in Leh the capital city of Ladakh-" The Little Tibet",
exploring its many monasteries and old valleys along the Indus River.
Day
01 : Delhi - Srinagar.
Arrive New Delhi and transfer to prebooked hotel. Early morning transfer to
domestic airport for flight to Srinagar (Kashmir), departs at 10.45 hrs.
Arrive Srinagar at 12.00 hrs, met upon arrival and with assistance transfer
to your House Boat. Lunch at Houseboat. Late afternoon Shikara boat cruising
to the back waters of Dal lake (2 hrs). o\n Houseboat.
Day 02 : Srinagar.
Srinagar, Morning sightseeing of the Mughal gardens , visiting Nishat Bagh
built by Asaf Khan, the brother -in- law of Mughal Emperor Jehangir in 1632
A.D., and Shalimar Bagh built by Jehangir for his wife empress Nur Jahan.
All the gardens are situated on the banks of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan
hills in the background . Late Afternoon visit Shankaracharya temple
dedicated to lord Shiva perched on the hilltop with lovely views of the
valley & old city. O\n Houseboat.
Day 03 : Srinagar-Sonamarg (2720 m).
Full day excursion about 87 kms / 3 ½ to Sonamarg (the meadow of
gold). The route goes through the villages of Ganderbal, Gund and Kalan en
route to Sonamarg which is the last village in the Kashmir valley on the way
to Ladakh. Sonamarg lies in Sindh Valley strewn with flowers and surrounded
by mountains. Sonamarg is also the base for some interesting treks to high
altitude Himalayan lakes. O\ n Tents.
Day 04 : Sonamarg-Nichinai (3620 m).
Half a kilometre past the Shitkari bridge the trail leaves the bank of the
Sindh and climbs up the left side of the mountain. Nichinai is at 3620
meters, 910 meters above Sonamarg and on 15 kms distance from Sonamarg. Wood
and water are on hand in the camp. O\n tents.
Day 05 : Nichinai - Vishansar (3680 m) - Krishansar (3819 m).
The 13 km trek starts by crossing the 4080 meters Nichinai chain then
follows the river before crossing it at Hirampathri. Enroute you pass by
Vishansar at 3680 meters and reach the camp at Krishansar at 3819 meters.
There is a good site for camping with water available and trout fishing
possibilities but the only wood is that sold by nomads at rather high
prices. O\n tent.s.
Day 06 : Krishansar-Dubta pani.
Cross the Razbal Gali at 4191 meters and follow the right bank of the
river. The route descends to the Gadsar Lake at 3680 meters and crosses the
river at Gadsar Maidan. There is no wood at Dubta Pani, there is
possibilities to collect fuel on the final ascent to the camp at 3280
meters. O\n tents.
Day 07 : Dubta Pani-Gangabal Lake (3570 m).
The day's 17 km trek starts with an ascent to the Satsaran Gali pass at
3680 meters, it's only open from June to October. You have a fine view of
the Satsar Lake at 3600 meters. The climb then follows to the 4081 metres
Zajibal Gali pass, also open only from June to October. From here there is
fine view of the Nund Kol Lake (3501 m). The camp site at Gangabal Lake
(3570 m) has wood, water and trout fishing. The Lake, at the foot of
Harmukh, is the site for a major pilgrimage each August. O\n tents.
Day 08 : Gangabal Lake.
Enjoy the day with trout fishing . Visiting the Nomads with their floks of
sheep & goats. o\n tents.
Day 09 : Gangabal Lake-Wangat (2050 m).
The 19 km trek descends 1500 metres to wangat at 2050 meters. About five
kilometres from Wangat there are the interesting ruins of two old temples.
O\n tents.
Day 10 : Wangat-Kargil
Drive Kargil about 07 hrs. Kargil (2650 m), is the headquarters of district
Kargil. It was a transit for caravans on their way to and from China, Tibet
Yarken and Kashmir till 1949, today it is a major stop over for the
travellers to Srinager and Zanskar. O\n hotel D'zojila.
Day 11 : Kargil-Lamayuru-Alchi.
Drive Alchi about 160 km, overcrossing Namikala ( 3718 m) and Fotula (4094
m) . Enroute visit the huge rock cut statue of Lord Buddha at Mulbek, also
visit Lamayuru monastery-known to be the oldest monestic establishment in
Ladakh. Arrive Alchi and transfer to hotel. . O\n hotel Alchi Resort.
Day 12 : Alchi-Leh.
Morning visit Alchi Choskor (Religious Enclave)- famous for its
architecture, woods carvings and frescoes. Evening stroll around the
charming village of Alchi . Later drive to Leh (69 km/ 2 hrs.), en route
visit Likir gompa & Museum.. Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel.. O/n
hotel. Singge Palace.
Day 13 : Leh.
Explore Indus Valley, After breakfast proceed for a day excursion with
packed lunch to visit Shey Palace, Thikse and Hemis monastery. Later drive
back to Leh. O\ n hotel.
Day 14 : Leh.
Morning visit to the Shankracharya temple (Shiva temple) which commands one
of the magnificent view of the Srinagar City. Overnight at Houseboat.
Day 15 : Leh-Delhi- Onward Destination.
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.
