Astounding Himalayas

Ladakh is the Land of Spectacular landscapes, remote monasteries, Buddhist treasures, royal palaces and thefestivals. It lies to thenorthern tip of Indias Capital - New Delhi.The capital town Leh is situated between two of the world's highest mountain ranges - the Karakoram and the Himalayas. Here weshall be seeingsome of the most breathtaking natural scenery, crossing desolate plains, gorges, valleys and mountain passes, Exploring isolated monasteries, trekking diverse and beautiful landscapes and coming face to face with warm hospitality. From delhi wedrive to Shimla - The City Heritage, and once the Summer Capital of British Empire in India during Raj. Here travellers arrive from all corners of the world during the day. Leh isconnected by road and air. It is approachable from two sides those are one from Manali and other from Srinagar. Generally it is recommended to fly to Leh in order to save time but you loose much of the scenery, landscape, history, culture,anda different civilisation that lies in Spiti, Lahaul and Sarchu Valleys.So we have designed the itineraries in such a way that they make you reach Leh after going through something else that you would never like to lose. Kindly go through the Deailed Itneraries mentioned in this page and then we shall be glad to discuss with you in case you have any questions in mind.
 
Astounding Himalayas

Village Tourism Promoters     E – Mail : astoundinghimalayas@gmail.com       Website : www.astoundinghimalayas.synthasite.com

Jeep Safari in the Cold Desert

Delhi / Shimla / Sarhan / Sangla / Kalpa / Tabo / Kaza / Chandertal / Ki Monastery / Kaylong / Trilokinath & Udaipur / Sarchu / Leh

Please Note : The itineraries mentioned in this page have been prepared after a deep research and personal visits of the places. The details of the places mentioned in the itinerary and some other places is also given on page no. …. You are welcome to discuss with us to add or remove any places, if you want, to the itinerary as per your comfort. It is very much possible to do so as most of the places mentioned in the details are on the way from Shimla to Leh).

Duration : 19 Days / 19 Nights                                                                        

Type of Area You are Travelling Through : Your enter from Green to Brown, gradually and cross some of the very high passes such as Kunzum Pass 4551 meters and Tanglang La Pass – 5328 meter. 

Best Period to Travel : Mid June to September End (subject to the opening of Kunzum Pass).

 
 
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi : Our representative waits for you at the airport. Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to you hotel.
 
Day 02 : Delhi - Shimla  : Early morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shatabadi. (dep : 0630. Arr kalka : 1200). Arrive Kalka and change to Toy Train to Shimla. (dep. 1210. Arr Shimla : 1730). The toy train is linked with Shatabadi Express and does not leave till Shatabadi Express has arrived. Arrival at Shimla at 1730 and transfer to your hotel.
 
Day 03 Shimla : Half day Heritage walk visiting Christ Church, Jakhu Peak and Viceregal Lodge. In the after noon we shall meet and discuss anything you have in your mind regarding the trip.
 
Day 04: Shimla to Sarhan : 2165 M (175 KM – 6 hours drive) : Today’s drive takes you through lush green Apple Orchards. On the way river Satluj runs along side the age-old Indo-Tibet road. By early evening you arrive at Sarhan, perched high above the river Satluj. Check into the quaint little Guest House in the temple.
 
Day 05: Sarahan to Sangla : 2680 M (95 KM – 3 – 4 hrs. drive) You now enter the Kinnaur district and the beautiful valley of Sangla. It is also known as Baspa valley as Baspa river flows through the valley. The valley offers enchanting view of snow clad peaks in the surroundings. On arrival check into a guest house or pitch your tents.
 
Day 06: Sangla : Visit to the ancient Kamru fort & temple dedicated to Nag Devta – The Snake God. Afternoon visit to Chitkul, the highest and the last village in this valley.
 
Day 07: Sangla to Kalpa : 2759m (55 KM – 2 hrs. drive) : Kalpa is the main village of the District - Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
 
Day 08 : Kalpa to Tabo : 3050 M (200 KM –  8 to 8 hrs drive) : Another pleasant day drive to Tabo village.  On this drive you enter from green to brown area gradually. Tabo Monastery is known as The Ajantas of Himalayas due to its wall paintings in the old Monestery. 
 
Day 09 : Tabo - Kaza : 3050 M (45 KM – 2 hrs drive) : Today we shall visit Dhankar Monastery and its Museum that depicts Budhism of the area. Dhankar was once the royal seat of the Royal family of the valley. Our next visit is to Lalung Monastery in Lingti Valley. Arrival Kaza in the evening.
 
Day 10 : Kaza : Today visit Lancha Hikkim and Komic Villages (4500 M). The landscape here is breathtaking. No words to describe the beauty of the area.
 
Day 11 : Kaza - Chandertal (3900 M) : Morning after breakfast drive to Kibber & Gete Villages. There is ample opportunity to see Ibex, Red Fox, Yak grazing meadows enroute. On return visit to Ki Monastery located at the height of 3969 meters. Visit the ancient monastery built on what is believed to be have been a crater of an extinct Volcano. The Monastery boasts of ancient brass instruments consisting of Trumpets, Cymbals & Drums. Later visit village of Kibber, one of the highest villages in the world. The Gompa situated above the village is one of the best preserved in the region. Later drive to Chandertal. Reach Kunzum Pass (4551 m) and trek - 9 km, to Chandertal. Those who cannot trek can drive to the lake. 
 
Day 12 : Chandertal - Kaylong (3350 Meter - 5 to 6 hrs. drive) : Now you enter Lahaul Valley. Now drive along the Chandra River, which later becomes the Chandra Bhaga at the confluence in Tandi Bridge. The landscape is barren all around while the valley floor is lush green with fields of Barley, Potato, and Hops springd with trees of Willow & Poplar. En-route we stop at tiny hamlet of Chatru for refreshment.
 
Day 13 : Kaylong to Udaipur (2650 Meter) and Trilokinath (2760 Meter) :  Today drive along the Chandra Bhaga to sacred sites of Trilokinath & Udaipur. Trilokinath is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perhaps the only place in the world that is revered by both Hindus & Buddhist. Udaipur is famous for the temple of Mrikula Devi, that was built by Pandas during their exile. After visiting these exquisite temples return to Kaylong after a full days 100 KM drive.
 
Day 14 : Keylong to Sarchu (4253 Meter) : 115 KM : 6 to 7 hrs drive : Morning after breakfast drive over the Baralacha Pass (4883 meters) and the picturesque Suraj Tal Lake (4800 Meters) slowly entering another cold desert in Himalayas. Overnight at camp Sarchu. Sarchu is the place where we leave Himachal Pradesh Behind and enter Jammu & Kashmir State.
 
Day 15: Sarchu – Leh : (3450 Meter) : 246 KM – 8 to 9 hrs drive) : On this route we also cross the plateau of ‘More Plans’ for 45 kilometers. The beauty here is unexplainable. Then over the Tanglang La Pass (5328 meter) the highest point of the tour where you stand on the world’s second highest motor able pass.
 

Day 16 : Leh : A Complete day of visit to the monasteries (104 Kms) After breakfast drive to visit the    Shey Palace, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries and Stok Palace Museum. Packed or Hot Lunch will be provided. Return to Leh in the evening. Overnight Hotel.

Day 17 : Leh – Nubra Valley (120 Kms) : After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Deskit by Afternoon. Rest of the day  one is free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit  and Hunder Village.  Overnight Hotel.

Day 18 : Nubra Valley to Leh (120 Kms) : After Breakfast visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Overnight Hotel.

Day 19 : Leh – Delhi : Transfer to airport and fly back to Delhi with Sweet Memories of Ladakh. Met on arrival at the airport in Delhi and transfer to Hotel / International airport.

 
                                                                                         *****
 
Astounding Himalayas

Village Tourism Promoters     E – Mail : astoundinghimalayas@gmail.com     Website : www.astoundinghimalayas.synthasite.com

Kinnaur & Spiti

Delhi / Shimla / Sarhan / Sangla / Kalpa / Nako / Tabo / Kibber / Ki Monastery / Kaylong / Trilokinath & Udaipur / Manali / Dharamshala / Amritsar / Delhi

Please Note : The itinerary mentioned in this page has been prepared after a deep research and personal visits of the places. The details of the places mentioned in the itinerary and some other places is also given in page named as Places and the map of the same is here at teh bottom of this page. You are welcome to discuss with us to add or remove any places, if you want, to the ry as per your comfort. It is very much possible to do so as most of the places mentioned in the details are on the way).
Duration : 19 Days / 18 Nights
Type of Area You are Travelling Through : Your enter from Green to Brown, gradually and cross some of the very high passes such as Kunzum La Pass – 4551 meters. Drink lots of water and use aspirin if you suffer Acute Mountain Sicknes.Best Period to Travel : Mid June to September End. (subject to the opening of Kunzum Pass).
 
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi : Our representative waits for you at the airport. Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to you hotel.
 
Day 02 : Train to Kalka : Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway station to board Shatabadi. (dep : 0630. Arr kalka : 1200). Arrive Kalka and change to Toy Train to Shimla. (dep. 1210. Arr Shimla : 1730). The toy train is linked with Shatabadi Express and does not leave till Shatabadi Express has arrived. Arrival at Shimla at 1730 and transfer to your hotel.
 
Day 03 : Shimla : Half day Heritage walk visiting Christ Church, Jakhu Peak and Viceregal Lodge. In the after noon we shall meet and discuss any thing you have in your mind regarding the trip.
 
Day 04 : Shimla to Sarhan : 2165 M (175 KM – 6 hours drive) : Today drive takes you through lush green Apple Orchards On the way river Satluj runs along side the age-old Indo-Tibet road. By early evening you arrive at Sarhan, perched high above the river Satluj. Check into the quaint little Guest House in the temple.
 
Day 05: Sarahan to Sangla : 2680 M (96 KM – 3 – 4 hrs. drive) : You now enter the Kinnaur district and the beautiful valley of Sangla. It is also known as Baspa valley as Baspa river flows through the valley. The valley offers enchanting view of snow clad peaks in the surroundings. On arrival check into a guest house or the pitch your tents.
 
Day 06 : Sangla : Visit to the ancient Kamru fort & temple dedicated to Nag Devta – The Snake God. Afternoon visit to Chitkul, the highest and the last village in this valley.
 
Day 07: Sangla to Kalpa : 2759m (55 KM – 2 hrs. drive) : Kalpa is the main village of the District - Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
 
Day 08 : Kalpa to Tabo : 3050 M (200 KM –  8 to 8 hrs drive) : Another pleasant day drive to Tabo village.  On this drive you enter from green to brown area gradually. Tabo Monastery is known as The Ajantas of Himalayas due to its wall paintings in the old Monestery. 
 
Day 09 : Tabo - Kaza : 3050 M (45 KM – 2 hrs drive) : Today we shall visit Dhankar Monastery and its Museum that depicts Budhism of the area. Dhankar was once the royal seat of the Royal family of the valley. Our next visit is to Lalung Monastery in Lingti Valley. Arrival Kaza in the evening.
 
Day 10 : Kaza : Today visit Lancha Hikkim and Komic Villages (4500 M). The landscape here is breathtaking. No words to describe the beauty of the area.
 
Day 11 : Kaza - Chandertal (4250 M) : Morning after breakfast drive to Kibber & Gete Villages. There is ample opportunity to see Ibex, Red Fox, Yak grazing meadows enroute. On return visit to Ki Monastery located at the height of 3969 meters. Visit the ancient monastery built on what is believed to be have been a crater of an extinct Volcano. The Monastery boasts of ancient brass instruments consisting of Trumpets, Cymbals & Drums. Later visit village of Kibber, one of the highest villages in the world. The Gompa situated above the village is one of the best preserved in the region. Later drive to Chandertal. Reach Kunzum Pass (4551 m) and trek - 9 km, to Chandertal. Those who cannot trek can drive to the lake. 
 
Day 12 : Chandertal - Kaylong (3350 Meter - 5 to 6 hrs. drive) : Now you enter Lahaul Valley. Now drive along the Chandra River, which later becomes the Chandra Bhaga at the confluence in Tandi Bridge. The landscape is barren all around while the valley floor is lush green with fields of Barley, Potato, and Hops springd with trees of Willow & Poplar. En-route we stop at tiny hamlet of Chatru for refreshment.
 
Day 13 : Kaylong to Udaipur (2650 Meter) and Trilokinath (2760 Meter) :  Today drive along the Chandra Bhaga to sacred sites of Trilokinath & Udaipur. Trilokinath is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perhaps the only place in the world that is revered by both Hindus & Buddhist. Udaipur is famous for the temple of Mrikula Devi, that was built by Pandas during their exile. After visiting these exquisite temples return to Kaylong after a full days 100 KM drive.
 
Day 14 : Kaylong to Manali through Rohtang Pass (13500ft) : (4 - 5 hrs drive) : and Transfer to Hotel.
 
Day 15: Manali : Visit to Naggar and visit Reorich Art Gallery and Naggar Castle. The art gallery displays the work of world famous painter Nicholas Reorich who lived here and painted till the end of his life.
 
Day 16 : Manali – Dharamshala (280 km - 8 hrs drive) : Drive to Dharamshala, the seat of Dalai Lama. On arrival check into hotel.  
 
Day 17 : Dharamshala : Visit Dalai Lama Monastery, Tibetan Children Village and Narbulinga Institute where Tibetan Handicrafts are made and displayed. 
 
Day 18 : Dharamshala - Amritsar ( 6 hrs drive ): Drive to Amritsar. Check into the hotel and proceed to see the Flag Ceremony to Waga boarder. Evening visit to Golden temple, the holy Sikh Shrine. 
 
Day 19 : Amritsar - Delhi : Morning transfer to railwa station to board Shatabadi Express to Delhi . (Dep : 0515 Arr Delhi : 1115) On arrival transfer to hotel / International airport to board flight to your next destination. 
 
 
*****
 
 
Astounding Himalayas

Village Tourism Promoters     E – Mail : astoundinghimalayas@gmail.com     Website : www.astoundinghimalayas.synthasite.com

This is a low altitude Jeep Safari and you shall be travelling below the Treeline. In this tour you stay in village houses, visit villages, old castles, temples those are marvel examples of Himalayan Architecture, see the locle lifestyle, culture, religion and history of Himalayan villages.
 
Amazing Seraj  
Delhi / Dharamsala / Jibhi / Sarhan / Sangla / Kalpa / Shimla / Delhi
 
Duration : 13 Days / 12 Nights
Type of Area You are Travelling Through : You start from Dharamsala, the seat of Dalai Lama and then enter Seraj Valley that offers
ample opportunity to explore the history, religion, village life, cul;tue and architecture of Himalayas.  
Best Period to Travel : March to November end.
 
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi : Our representative waits for you at the airport. Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to you hotel.
 
Day 02 : Train to Pathankot : Evening transfer to New Delhi railway station to board overnight train to pathankot at 2030.
 
Day 03 : Arrival Pathankot – Transfer to Dharamshala (80km – 3 hours drive) : Train arrives in the morning at 0630 AM and you are transferred to Dharamshala – 2 hours drive. We try to book you in Chunoor Guest House. The guest house is owned and managed by the Exile government of Tibet and located in Mcleodganj that is 10 kilometer above Dharamshala where the monastery of Dalai Lama is located. But we need to be informed well in advance as it is difficult to get booking there. After breakfast visit to Dalai Lama Monastery, Tibetan Children’s Village, Dal lake, and Art Museum.
 
Day 04 : Dharamshala : Morning after breakfast visit to Kangra Fort. Lunch at Hotel White Heaven – an old British Time house converted into a hotel. Afternoon visit to Narbulinga Institute where Tibetan Handicrafts are displayed.
 
Day 05 : Dharamshala – Jibhi (250 km – 7 to 8 hours drive) : Jibhi is a sleepy village in Seraj Valley where you shall be staying in a village house converted into a guest house. The Retreat is a cedar wood house surrounded by thickly wooded forests there are numerous walks and treks in the surrounding forests and meadows are a special feature of the area.
 
Day 06 : Jibhi : Morning after breakfast we drive for 6 kilometer from where we hike up to Chaini Fort in Chaini Village.  The fort is a vertical tower that is said to be 1000 years old. Afternoon visit to Jalori Pass (3350 meters) from where we can trek to Seolsar Lake that is 5 kilometer.
 
Day 07 : Jibhi - Sarhan (96 km - 4 hrs drive) : Morning after breakfast we drive to Sarhan. Driving through the Seraj Valley. On the way visit to Bhaina temple at Village Bhaina. The drive here is through the Himalayan Villages those are the marvel example of Himalayan architecture, Lifestyle & Culture. we stop at Rampur for lunch. Arrive Sarhan in the evening. Check into the hotel and then visit to Bhima Kali Temple.
 
Day 08: Sarahan to Sangla : 2680 M (96 KM – 3 – 4 hrs. drive) : You now enter the Kinnaur district and the beautiful valley of Sangla. It is also known as Baspa valley as Baspa river flows through the valley. The valley offers enchanting view of snow clad peaks in the surroundings. On arrival check into a guest house or the pitch your tents.
 
Day 09: Sangla : Visit to the ancient Kamru fort & temple dedicated to Nag Devta – The Snake God. Afternoon visit to Chitkul, the highest and the last village in this valley.
 
Day 10: Sangla to Kalpa : 2759m (55 KM – 2 hrs. drive) : Kalpa is the main village of the District - Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.
 
Day 11 Arrival at Shimla : 2180 M (250 km – 7 to 8 hours drive) : After reaching this enchanting town, check into the hotel. Evening a light stroll at the Mall Road.
 
Day 12 Shimla : Half day Heritage Walk visiting Christ Church, Jakhu Peak and Viceregal Lodge. In the afternoon free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 13 : Shimla Delhi : Morning after breakfast transfer to the railway station to board Toy Train to Kalka. (Dep : 1030 – Arr. Kalka : 1530). From Kalka board Shatabadi express to Delhi. (Dep. 1730 – Arr Delhi : 2130). Met on arrival at New Delhi Railway Station and transfer to Hotel / International airport.
 
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