A Road to Leh Tour

Taking in the classic sights of Kashmir, from staying in a house boat on Lake Dal and the regal Mughal Gardens of Srinigar to the magnificent scenery of the Himalayas before finishing on top of the world in Leh. Don’t miss this chance to see a outstanding and different part of the world.

Our Program

Day 1: Welcome to Kashmir

Transfer to Delhi airport & onward flight to Srinagar where you will be met at the airport on arrival & transferred to your houseboat. The remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy. Overnight – Onboard houseboat

Day 2: Mughal Gardens of Srinigar

This morning the board of the vibrant shikara to visit the floating gardens, known as “Rad” in Kashmiri, where mounds of earth make for a fascinating display as they protrude from the water topped with all sorts of growing local produce. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons have been found to grow the best with the constant source of irrigation. Hawkers peddle their products from boats and the whole spectacle has a vibrant charm. Later they visit a quantity of the stunning Mughal Gardens that Srinagar is famous for. They visit the terraced Nishat Bagh or Nishat Garden on the eastern side of the lake, Nishat Bagh translates in Hindustani as “Garden of Joy” which is entirely fitting. Later they visit Shalimar Garden, equally as stunning and located on the northeast side of the lake. The gardens are linked to Dal Lake by channel. They also visit the more modest Chesmashahi gardens en route to the Pari Mahal garden perched majestically atop the Zebanwan Mountain. After our tour the remainder of the afternoon is free. Overnight – Onboard house boat.

Day 3: Srinagar Old City

Today they visit the Elderly City of Srinagar, or as it is also known downtown Srinagar, with its winding streets & alleys lined with shops selling & making the finest Kashmiri goods, they take a heritage walk through this part of the city along the River Jhelum. We also visit Hari Parbat, also called the Mughal fort, a hill fort, situated on Shakira Hill & providing panoramic views of Srinagar City & Dal Lake. They also visit the 700 year old Jama Masjid mosque & the Shah Hamadan Mosque situated on the right bank of the Jhelum River. We return to your houseboat for lunch before the tour with a visit to the Tomb of Zain Ul Abideen, well hidden in the streets of the bazaar this mausoleum marks the final resting place of Sultan Sikander’s favourite spouse. After a full day return to your houseboat to enjoy an evening at leisure. Overnight – Onboard house boat.

Day 4: Relaxing on Lake Dal

Today is entirely yours to do as you. Explore the local markets for some bargains or relax on your houseboat with the stunning surrounds of Lake Dal. Overnight – the Onboard houseboat.

Day 5: Onwards to Kargil

Today set out for Kargil, the day will mostly be taken up by driving but the epic sights of the Himalayas all around will make the time fly by. This is not your ordinary scenery. En route a cease will be made at Sonmarg – known as the gateway to Tibet – where the views are incredible. At around 2800 meters above sea level the surrounding mountains dwarf the valley as they rise to 5000 meters and beyond, snow-capped mountains truly give the sense of high altitude. Stops will even be made at Zozilla Pass, a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir, bringing you to an elevation of over 3500 meters, and a cease at Drass, thought about to be the second coldest place on earth with temperatures plummeting as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius in the winter. Arrive into Kargil, the second largest town in the area after Leh, to enjoy a free evening after a long day. Overnight – Kargil

Day 6: On top of the world - Leh

Today continue your mountainous journey & make our way to Leh. On the way, they will visit Lamayuru & Alchi monasteries – thought about to be two of the oldest Gompa’s in the region, dating back to somewhere in the 10th or 11th centuries AD. A cease will even be made at the Magnetic Hill where it is said the laws of gravity are broken as a magnetic pull drags vehicles up a small hill, however, despite what appears to be an amazing feat of nature it is argued that it is actually an optical illusion & despite the hill seemingly going uphill it is actually a slight decline. Arrive into Leh, hotel check-in & evening at leisure. Overnight – Leh

Day 7: Leh Monasteries and Palaces

Enjoy a tour of Shey, Thiksey & Hemis monasteries. Shey monastery situated on a hilltop is about 15km from Leh, was the summer palace of the royal relatives of Leh. The monastery houses a story high-seated picture of Buddha cast from copper & covered with gold leaf. Thiksey monastery is situated on a hilltop & the views of the green Indus valley from its rooftop are splendid. This monastery has various chambers filled with statues & stupas. Courtyard murals are bright & this imposing structure is in plenty of respects a replica of Potala Palace in Lhasa. Hemis Gompa is the largest & wealthiest monastery in Ladakh contains an immense number of gold statues, stupas & thangkas, of which is reputed to be the largest in existence & is exhibited one time every 12 years. On our way back to Leh a cease will be made to visit the 14th Century Stok Palace and museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight – Leh & Ladakh

Day 8: Leh

Today it is time to get higher than you ever have before – on land at least. Take a drive to Khardungla Pass, the highest point on earth that can be reached by vehicle. At a mere 18800 feet high the surrounding vistas offer views like seldom before. Now you are on top of the world. Afternoon return to the hotel & evening at leisure. Perhaps after dinner opt to take a stroll through the markets for some last minute souvenirs.

Day 9: Delhi

This morning after breakfast onward transfer to Srinagar airport & your onward flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, arrangements come to & finish.

Important notes

Inclusion:

  • All sightseeing program as per the itinerary.
  • All transfers, sightseeing & excursions will be by an AC Vehicle.
  • Services of an English speaking local guide for the monuments as per the program.
  • All entrances to the monuments and activities as per the program.
  • Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges and interstate taxes as per the program.
  • Mineral water bottles in the vehicle [02 bottles each day]s
  • Wet tissues places in the vehicle for the entire tour.
  • Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers with meet and Assist.
  • All currently applicable taxes, including, GST of 5% applicable on total invoice amount

Little gifts from Travel East:

  • Departure Gift.
  • Free WIFI in Vehicles.

Exclusion:

  •  Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone / fax calls, alcoholic beverages, Camera /video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure taxes, etc.
  • Any meals, other than those specified above.
  • Any meals other than specified in the quote-supplement mentioned above.
  • Any insurance
  • Any visa fees
  • Any optional activities
  • Any optional activities as mentioned in the program
  • Domestic air-fare.
  • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusion
  • Any additional transfers
  • Early Check-In/Late Check Out
  • Any Tips / Porter charges

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Tour Map

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Staying aboard a houseboat on Nageen Lake (part of Dal Lake) in Srinigar
  • Visit the old city of Srinagar
  • Hemis Monastery – gold statues, stupas, thangkas and wall paintings depicting Gautam’s renunciation of the worldly life.
  • Shey Monastery – houses a 24 metre high image of Buddha cast from copper and covered with gold leaf
  • Visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens of Kashmir
  • Places of interest enroute to Leh, Sonmarg – the gateway to Ladakh, and Zozilla and Drass Pass – the second coldest recorded place on earth.
  • Thiksey Monastery – replica of Potala Palace in Lhasa.
  • Stok Palace – museum housing the heirlooms and relics of the of Namgyal relatives, Sankar Gompa – to view the picture of Avalokitesvara

Tour Map

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Staying aboard a houseboat on Nageen Lake (part of Dal Lake) in Srinigar
  • Visit the old city of Srinagar
  • Hemis Monastery – gold statues, stupas, thangkas and wall paintings depicting Gautam’s renunciation of the worldly life.
  • Shey Monastery – houses a 24 metre high image of Buddha cast from copper and covered with gold leaf
  • Visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens of Kashmir
  • Places of interest enroute to Leh, Sonmarg – the gateway to Ladakh, and Zozilla and Drass Pass – the second coldest recorded place on earth.
  • Thiksey Monastery – replica of Potala Palace in Lhasa.
  • Stok Palace – museum housing the heirlooms and relics of the of Namgyal relatives, Sankar Gompa – to view the picture of Avalokitesvara