The Himalayas Tour Package consists of a 12 days trip to Srinagar, Kargil,
Leh etc. Himalayas Tour India offers the spectacular scenic beauty and the
rich flora and fauna of the Himalayan region. During a tour to Himalayas,
you can visit the ancient monasteries and different palaces of the Himalayas
tour. Covered Destination : Delhi - Srinagar - Kargil - Uletokpo - Leh
- Delhi Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days Day 1 : Delhi
A land of rich heritage that's ancient. The mystique of India, its history
of 5000 years, philosophy, religions, fabulous history monuments all add
to its bewildering diversity to create a unique and colorful mosaic. This
is the wonder that is India, come, enjoy and experience it. Later stay in
the 5 star deluxe hotels & leisure.
New Delhi begins with the drive past Safdarjang's
Tomb (1753 AD) on the way to Qutab Minar (1193 AD) this striking medieval
tower of victory of Persian World is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex,
amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which
has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted over 1500 years.
Then drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave),
Government buildings, India Gate, Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara),
Birla Temple and Connaught Place, New Delhi's main shopping area. Visit
Humayun's Tomb - considered to be the fore runner of Taj Mahal.
Day 02: Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, the tour guide escorts you to Jama
Mosque built in 1650 AD, followed by a drive past the breathtaking Red
Fort (1639-1648), and built by Shah Jahan, creator of the Taj Mahal. Then
we proceed on to Raj Ghat, which is the memorial of Mahatma Gandh.
In the afternoon, your tour of New Delhi begins
with the drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD) on the way to Qutab Minar
(1193 AD) this striking medieval tower of victory of Persion World is
73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam
mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather
and has not rusted over 1500 years. Then drive through New Delhi includes
the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings, India Gate,
Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place,
New Delhi's main shopping area. Visit Humayun's Tomb - considered to be
the fore runner of Taj Mahal.
Day 03: Delhi - Srinagar
In time after breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic airport
in time for flight to Srinagar. As soon as you arrive there, you will
be transferred to a beautiful houseboat on the Dal Lake. You can spend
the rest of the day at leisure.
Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir
valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides
of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting,
while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures
that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.
Day 04: Srinagar
Early morning, start for a trip to the Mughal Gardens visiting Cheshme
shahi, Nishat and Shalimar Gardens. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the
Dal Lake. Return to the hotel and spend the night there.
Day 05: Srinagar - Kargil
In the early morning start for a drive to Kargil along with packed lunch.
On the way, visit Zojila Pass, which is 3600 mts high. After arriving
at Kargil, check into a hotel to stay overnight.
Kargil: About 15,000 sq. kms. in area, Kargil
district has an agrarian population of approximately 120,000 people, who
cultivate the land, along the course of the drainage system, wherever
artificial irrigation from mountain streams is possible. About 85 % are
Muslims, mainly of the Shia sect, Islam having been introduced to the
original Buddhist population around the middle of the 16th century by
missionaries from Kashmir and Central Asia. Their descendants, locally
titled Agha, are mostly religious scholars who continue to hold sway over
the population, even as the age-old traditions of Buddhist and animistic
origin are discernible in the culture. Many elements of the ancient supernatural
belief systems, especially many traditions connected with agricultural
practices, are still followed with subdued reverence.
Day 06: Kargil - Uletokpo (152 Kms)
From Kargil depart for a drive to Uletokpo in the early morning. On the
way, you will visit the famous Namika-la Pass (3600 mts.) and Fatu-la
Pass (4000 mts), the future Buddha statue, Mulbekh Chamba and Lamayuru
Monastery. After reaching Uletokpo, enjoy the night in the fixed tented
camp.
Lamayuru Monastery:-Situated at the altitude
of 3800 meters between Fotu-la and Khalsi. As per the legend, in ancient
times a lake covered this site. One day a Hermit predicted that there
will be a monastery one day and he throws the grainof rice on the earth
which automatically forms the shape of Swastika (Yundrung) from where
the name comes (Yundrung Tharpaling Gompa), constructed by Rinchen Zangpo
one of his 108 constructions. Monastery noted for the sect drigungpa.
In the gallery see 35 Buddha painted on the wall. Chapel of Avlokiteshvara
- the 2 mtrs high image of him with 11 heads and 1000 heads.
Day 07: Uletokpo - Leh (95 Kms)
Early morning depart for Leh and en-route visit to the splendid monasteries
like Alchi, Likir and Phyang. After visiting the monasteries, drive along
the river Indus to reach Leh. After reaching Leh, check into a hotel for
overnight stay.
The Alchi Gompa is situated on the bank of the
River Indus and is easily accessible since it is the only Gompa in Ladakh,
which is located on flat ground. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo, the Great
Translator, the Alchi Gompa displays a Kashmiri influence in its art and
architecture. Within the monastery you can see many beautiful images of
Buddha. Photography is not permitted within the Alchi Monastery.
Phyang Monastery, 17km. west of Leh is remarkably
built on the hilltop, similar to the Likir monastery. This monastery belongs
to the Degungpa Order. It was the first monastery, which introduced the
Degungpa teaching of 'Skyob Jigsten Gonbo' in Ladakh that was founded
by Chosje Danma Kunga, during the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal in the
16th Century A.D. It has about 50 monks in residence. Phyang also has
a festival called 'Phyang Tseruk' on the 2nd & 3rd of the 6th month
of Tibetan Calendar.
Day 08: Leh
In the morning, enjoy a trip to Shey Monastery, Stock Palace and SOS children
village in Leh. Visit the Spituk, Shanti Stupa and Sankar monasteries
in the evening and return to hotel for an overnight stay.
Shankar Gompa: Situated 2 Km North of the city
center, the Sankar Gompa houses monks of the Gelukpa or Yellow Hat order.
It has a grand image of Avalokiteshvara (The Buddhist deity of compassion)
who is depicted with 1,000 heads and 1,000 arms.
The Shanti Stupa is an impressive white-domed structure in Chandspa that
is beautifully illuminated at night. It was built by a Japanese Buddhist
organization to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote World
Peace. The Shanti Stupa was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
in 1985. You can approach the monastery by a steep flight of steps or
by a 3 Km route from the Fort Road. The views of the sunset and sunrise
from the Shanti Stupa are spectacular.
The Spituk Gompa is perched on a high hill overlooking the Indus river
about 18 Km from Leh. Rinchen Zangpo the Great Translator who helped spread
Buddhism in Ladakh named the monastery. (Spituk means exemplary). The
Spituk monastery is known for its collection of Buddhist artifacts and
for the Spituk festival held from the 17th to 19th days of the 11th month
of the Buddhist calendar. Further up the hill is a Mahakal Temple, where
a fearsome image of Vajrabhairava is unveiled once a year at its annual
festival.
The Stokh Palace is located on a glacial deposit of pebbles and overlooks
fields of barley grown on terraces on the mountains. Standing four storeys
tall, the Stok Palace was the official residence of the royal family of
Ladakh and was constructed in 1814 by Ladakh's last ruler. The museum
at the Stok Palace has an intriguing collection of Buddhist art, weapons,
jewelry and artifacts, including thangkas painted with colors derived
from crushed precious stones. Also on display are the ceremonial headdresses
or 'peraks' of the erstwhile rulers of Ladakh. These headdresses are decorated
with turquoise, lapis lazuli and coral and gold, making them an exotic
sight.
Day 09: Leh
In the morning visit Leh Palace by foot. The famous Leh Plalce is now
almost in ruins, but you can get a beautiful view of Indus valley and
Leh town from here. After visiting the palace you can walk around in the
Leh market. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and stay overnight in
the hotel.
Leh, the capital
of Ladakh is a fascinating destination. Age-old monasteries, quaint lanes,
colorful markets and stunning views of the Himalayas make Leh an exotic
destination. Leh is where your adventure in Ladakh begins. You can go
trekking through the mountainous terrain of Ladakh, enjoy a game of polo
in a high altitude arena or watch an archery contest where local residents
compete in a contest that remains unchanged by time. Mountaineering, white
water rafting and wildlife tours are other adventurous attractions of
Leh Ladakh India. Though the weather can be freezing cold, the smiles
on the faces of the Ladakhi people are sure to warm your heart. Feel on
top of the world in Ladakh, on tours to Ladakh with Leh Ladakh India.
Day 10: Leh
Start for a full day tour to Thiksey, Hemis, Chemre and Tokhak monasteries.
Return in the evening to hotel for an overnight stay.
Shey Gompa: Situated on a hillock 15 km
south of Leh, Shey Gompa was previously the summer palace of the Ladakhi
kings. A prince of Ladakh installed the 12 m tall gold-plated copper statue
of Sakyamuni Buddha, which can be seen here. The Shey Gompa celebrates
its annual festival on the 30th day of the 1st month of the Tibetan Buddhist
calendar.
The Thiksey monastery located 17 Km from Leh is 12 storeys high and has
many statues of Buddha, a pillar inscribed with Buddhist teachings, a
15 m high seated Maitreya Buddha in the main prayer hall, and a vast collection
of Buddhist art. Home to monks of the Gelukpa order the Thiksey monastery
is known for its annual festival held from the 17th to 19th day of the
12th month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar.
The Hemis Gompa is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. Located 45 Km to the
south of Leh. Hemis Gompa was built in 1630 and houses monks of the Brokpa
or Red Hat sect. Tourists can see beautiful frescoes (paintings) on the
walls and the largest Thangka painting in Ladakh, which is over 12 m in
length. The Hemis Gompa is famous for its annual Tse Chu Festival held
in June-July, which is characterized by colorful masked dances. The festival
commemorates the anniversary of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan
Buddhism. Dancers wearing brightly colored masks that represent good and
evil characters in Mahayana Buddhism, enact an age-old tale of the victory
of good over evil. The Hemis Festival also includes a vibrant bazaar where
craftsmen sell handcrafted items.
Day 11: Leh - Delhi
After breakfast you will be free to enjoy the morning in a relaxed mood.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to airport to board flight to
Delhi. On arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. Rest of the will
be leisure. Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 12 : Delhi - Back Home
After break fast you will be free at leisure. In time you will be transferred
to airport to board flight for onward destination.
The tour includes
a) Accommodation in the prescribed category of hotels on twin sharing
basis with breakfast on regular basis.
b) A/c Transport of high standards with soft beverages and mineral water
served during drives with compliments.
c) Entrances at all the monuments and services of an excellent personal
guide at all the destinations.
d) Assistance upon arrival and departure by our skilled representatives
at all destinations.
e) Meals as prescribed
f) All internal flights and Trains (1st Ac).
Exclusions:
a) International Flight From Your Country to India and Back.
b) Any tips for the porters, drivers or the tour guides.
c) Any drinks and beverages during the paid meals, if not specified.
Taj Mahal with Kerala Backwaters
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