About the expedition

Two faces of Himalayan India

Set out on an unforgettable journey through the two most breathtaking faces of northern India. Kashmir welcomes you with emerald lakes, Mughal gardens and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, while Ladakh reveals the stark high-altitude landscapes and Buddhist monasteries of “Little Tibet”. Along the way: a shikara cruise on Dal Lake, a night aboard a houseboat, and drives along some of the highest roads on earth. This is an expedition for travellers who value authentic experiences, small, intimate groups and sightseeing at an unhurried pace.

Shikara cruise and a night on a Dal Lake houseboat The Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Wagah border ceremony Turquoise Pangong Lake via the Chang La pass Khardung La — one of the world’s highest passes (5,359 m) Thiksey and Diskit monasteries and the Nubra Valley
Itinerary

17 days, day by day

Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

Welcome at the airport, transfer to your hotel and overnight in India’s capital.

Day 2

Delhi → Amritsar

Drive to Amritsar and an evening visit to the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs.

Day 3

Amritsar and the Wagah border

Jallianwala Bagh, the Durgiana Temple and the spectacular border-closing ceremony at Wagah.

Day 4

Amritsar → Srinagar

Flight to Srinagar, check-in and your first evening in the heart of Kashmir.

Day 5

The Mughal Gardens of Srinagar

Stroll through the terraced gardens of Cheshma Shahi, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, with views over Dal Lake.

Day 6

Gulmarg

A scenic drive to Gulmarg and a ride on one of the highest gondola lifts in the world.

Day 7

Pahalgam and a houseboat night

Excursion to the “Valley of the Shepherds” on the Lidder River, return to Srinagar and a night aboard a houseboat.

Day 8

Visit to a local school

Meet pupils and teachers — a glimpse into everyday life and education in Kashmir.

Day 9

Sonamarg → Kargil

A full-day trip to dazzling Sonamarg with its alpine meadows, then onwards to Kargil.

Day 10

Kargil → Leh

Drive to Leh, check-in and rest to acclimatise after the ascent to altitude.

Day 11

Around Leh

The confluence of the Indus and Zanskar at Nimmu, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Spituk Gompa and the Hall of Fame.

Day 12

Pangong Lake via Chang La

Thiksey Monastery, a drive over the Chang La pass to turquoise Pangong Lake and a night with views over the water.

Day 13

Pangong → Nubra via the Shayok Valley

Sunrise over the lake and a drive through the majestic Shayok Valley into the picturesque Nubra Valley.

Day 14

Nubra → Leh via Khardung La

Diskit Monastery with its giant Maitreya Buddha statue, then back to Leh over the Khardung La pass (5,359 m above sea level).

Day 15

Flight Leh → Delhi

Morning flight to Delhi and free time to relax, shop or explore the city at your own pace.

Day 16

Old Delhi

A walking tour through the vibrant bazaars and monuments of Old Delhi, followed by a farewell dinner.

Day 17

Departure from Delhi

Airport transfer and the end of the expedition.

What’s included

What you never have to worry about

The price does not include: international flights, visa and insurance, entrance tickets, meals and drinks outside the itinerary, or tips. Seasonal supplement of €200 for departures 20 December–5 January. Leh sits at around 3,500 m above sea level — the first day is set aside for acclimatisation; the Chang La and Khardung La passes (up to 5,359 m) require good fitness.

Price

How much this expedition costs

Price per person
from €1,400 / person
group of min. 10 people
Single-room supplement: €500

Full itinerary in PDF

Download the detailed offer: the day-by-day route, hotels, what the price includes and practical information.

Download the itinerary (PDF, in Polish) (5 MB)
Gallery

This is what the journey looks like

Enquire about this expedition

No online payment — first we’ll talk everything through over the phone, calmly and with no obligation.