Big Jeep Safari through Northern India and the Himalayas

Day 3 In Dharamsala

We visit the Tibetan monastery and its museum. Then we walk to Bagshu to a waterfall and the Baghsunag temple. Later we go to Sant John’s Church. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 4 Dharamsala to Shimla (260 km/ 9 hours)

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. The mountain station is a popular tourist destination for Indians as well as foreigners and is often called “The Queen of the Mountains”. At an altitude of 2205 meters and surrounded by pine forests, rhododendron and oaks, Shimla has pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is famous for its Tudor and Neo-Gothic buildings. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 5 In Shimla

Today we explore Shimla and visit the “Indian Institute of Advances Studies”, the Jakhu Temple with its large Hanuman statue on the highest point of Shimla and the British Viceroy. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 6 Shimla to Sarahan and visit of the Sun Temple (175 km/ 7 hours)

First we go to Narkanda, a popular winter sports resort and a must for every visitor of Shimla in summer. We pass dense forest, apple orchards and potato fields during the tranquil journey. We will have a unique view of the snow-capped mountains and can enjoy the silence of the mountains. Sarahan is a tiny but beautiful village in the Sutley Valley. It is surrounded by apple orchards and is dominated by the Shrikhand Mahadev peak (5777 m). It was the ancient capital of Rampur Bushehr, one of the largest empires in the mountains of Shimla. We can visit the Bhimkali Temple with its 6 silver gates. It consists of a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist elements and is world famous. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 7 Sarahan to Sangla (113 km/ 8 hours)

Today the tour takes us to one of the most romantic and beautiful valleys of Kinnaur: the Sangla valley. It is 95 km long, the pastures on both sides of the river are green and full of fruit trees and flowers. The mountain ridges are covered with snow all year round. The wooden houses in the Sangla Valley are an example of the unique architecture.

Chitkul is the last inhabited village in the Sangla Valley. One thinks that one is in a fairy tale: green fields, high, white mountain peaks, temples and monasteries… (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 8 Sangla to Kalpa (51 km/ 2 hours)

Kalpa, 51 km from Sangla, is a good place for buying scarves and typical Kinnour hats.Today we get our permit to go deeper into the Himalayas and closer to the boarder to China. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 9 Kalpa to Tabo and visit Nako (167 km/ 8 hours)

On the right side of the spiti river is the ancient village of Tabo, flanked by high mountains on both sides. Here you will find one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries: more than a thousand years old, the Tabo Gompa has exquisite frescoes and stucco statues. Before we stop at the beautiful mountain village Nako for lunch. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 10 Tabo to Kaza on the way we visit Lalung and the Dhankar Gompa (48 km/ 5 hours)

Dhankar is the ancient capital of the Spiti king. The incredibly beautiful monastery is located between high rocks. If we like, we can hike from here to the nearby Dhankar Lake. Kaza is the district capital of Spitis. It is worth visiting the local market. Every year in August there is a big folk festival here. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 11 Kaza to Ki Monastery & Kibber Village (37 km) 4205 m

Today we visit the famous Ki Monastery. It is the largest monastery in Spiti and participating in the daily morning prayer is something very special! You should also try the traditional butter tea! Kibber was for a long time the highest permanently inhabited village, which had electricity and was connected by road. In the afternoon we make our way down to Kaza. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 12 Kaza to Keylong via Kunzam Pass 4558 m (200 km/ 10 hours)

Today we have a long journey ahead of us. It goes through some villages in Spiti, then over the Kunzum Pass and on poorly developed roads always along the Chandra river into the slightly greener Lahaul valley. We stay in Keylong, the district capital of the region. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 13 Keylong to Tsokar Lake (165 km/ 7 hours)

Today we first cross the Baralacha Pass (4820 m). Then we cross the temporary tent settlement  Sarchu. It is the focal point of the Manali Leh Highway. Continue up the 21 Gataloops (21 narrow turns) up to Nakeela La (4780 m) and a few kilometers later over our first 5000 m high pass: the Lachung La (5065 m). Now the road gets quite bad down to Pang. Nevertheless, this section of the route is probably the most beautiful on the whole trip: rugged rocks of red rock, interesting shaped patterns on the slopes, small bridges… In Pang we take a short break and can taste a salted Buddhist butter tea. Now come the pleasant 40 km over the Morray plain: almost straight along the plateau: on the right and left the mountains rise gently. Shortly before Tanglang La, the highest pass on the route to Leh, we turn on a bumpy path to our luxury camp near the beautiful salt lake Tsokar. The beautiful area by the lake invites you to take a walk! (Overnight in a luxury tent) B/-/ D

Day 14 Zsokar Lake to Leh 5 hours

Today the last stage to Leh starts: At the beginning we cross the Tanglang La (5360 m) and then we cross the first smaller villages of Ladakh. It goes through Rumtse and Upshi, where we are asked one last time for passport control. Then we drive on to Hemis monastery to visit it. Continue to Thiksey Gompa until we finally reach Leh. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 15 Leh

Today we visit Leh’s main sights, including the Shanti Stupa, as well as Leh’s old town. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of the city or for shopping. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 16 Leh to Uleytokpo (70 km/ 6 hours)

Today we head towards Kashmir on the highway to Jammu. On the way to Uleytopko we visit the Basgo Palace as well as the famous monasteries Liker and Alchi. We can take a short walk in Uleytopko. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 17 Uleytokpo to Lamayuru back to Leh (170 km/ 8 hours)

Today we drive to the famous Lamayuru Monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries from the 10th millennium and is spectacularly built on the rocks. In the afternoon we drive back to Leh. (Overnight stay at the hotel) B/-/-

Day 18 Leh Departure by plane to Delhi, Delhi Onward travel home

We will take you to the airport. B/-/-