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| Nestling in the lap of the
dazzling snow capped Himalayas, the Kashmir valley is undoubtedly
a jewel in India’s crwon. An inspiration for so much art,
music and poetry, Kashmir is an emerald valley, cradled in the
Himalayas, under crystalline blue skies, and against the backdrop
of snow capped mountains.
Along both banks of the Jhelum, in the heart of the Kashmir
valley, is Srinagar, the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Mughal imprint is visible in the many beautiful gardens,
waterways and handcrafted souvenirs of the city.
Stretching like a lunar landscape, high in the remote regions
of the Karakoram mountains, the plateau of Ladakh- wild, vast
and barren – has a compelling charm and beauty of its
own. Awesome snow covered mountains tower above frighteningly
close, terrifying gorges that descend almost vertically to snake-like
rivers thousands of feet below.
Startling patches of greenery break the bleak landscape –
wherever there is water at the base of a glacier or in a river
valley. Here one is likely to find Ladakh’s famous apricot
orchards or giant cabbage heads; as also radish, potatoes and
turnips growing to giant sizes because of longer daylight and
strong intensity of ultra violet rays.
While crossing the extensive plains one is traveling through
the highest plains in the world lying above 2700 m. Here the
land scape assumes fantastic and bizarre shapes, a result of
nature's erosion factor. Surrealistic colours splash off rocks
ranging from rust, gold, pink and yellow.
In this quaint civilization, sheltered from the winds of change,
timelessness prevails. Nestling amongst the rugged rocks and
towering granite, surrounded by cultivated patches that look
like pure jade, are ancient lamasaries carved into the hillside.
Their interiors are resplendent with priceless antiques and
an incense filled atmosphere throbbing with haunting chants
of incessant prayer and music, where butter lamps burn night
and day.
Like a forgotten moment in time, Ladakh - with its villages
carved out of the veritable mountain side, stupas reaching the
sky, dominating monasteries virtually hanging from cliffs and
crags, their stone walls inscribed with ancient texts, standing
in a wild unspoilt country side has the appeal of the rediscovered
past. |
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 Day
04 : Srinagar – Mamer - 50 Kms |
| Early Morning after
breakfast, START CYCLING with a flag off ceremony at the
lawns of the Houseboat. Pass thru the Orchids of Zakura
& Rice fields of Ganderbal. Drive along the SINDH
River upto Mamer. Mamer is famous for the Fishing Angler’s.
Stay in tents. |
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| Day
05 : Mamer-Sonamarg – 40 km |
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| After breakfast leave
with picnic lunch for Sonamarg. Situated at an altitude
of 9000 Ft. Sonamarg is also called as “The meadow
of gold” has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against
a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through
the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can
be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is
a major local attraction during the summer. Overnite in
tents. |
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| Day
06 : Sonamarg-Menamarg – 45 km |
| Start cycling over Zojila Pass crossing
through Gumri check post. On arrival at Minamarg, stop at Police
check post for Passport entry & then ride further 1 km to
stay in tents. All meals & Overnight in tented accommodation. |
| Day
07 : Menamarg- Thasgam - 45 Kms |
| Start the day towards Thasgam, passing
through Drass Town, the second coldest place in the world. Arrive
Thasgam & camp in the fields for overnight stay. |
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| Day
08 : Thasgam- Pashkum - 45 Kms |
| Leave for Pashkum driving along the Drass
River. After passing the district town of Kargil, descend down
to reach Pashkum. Overnight stay in tents with all meals. |
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| Day
09 : Pashkum- Bodhkharbu - 60 Kms |
| Start the day for Bodhkharbu, enroute
visit the 8th century rock carving of Maitriya Buddha. Ascend
over Namikala Pass at 12200 feet & continue driving upto
Bodhkharbu for overnight stay in tents with all meals. |
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| Day
10 : Bodhkharbu- Lamayuru - 45 Kms |
| After early breakfast after passing thru
Heniskot, start ascending over Fatula Pass at 13500 feet, the
highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road. Descend down to each
the picturesque Lamayuru & before arriving take a breathtaking
view of the Gompa with excellent Photographs. Camp near the
green fields. Later in the evening, visit the 10th century Monastery
of Brigunga Sect (Red Sect) which was founded by King Rinchen
Zangpo in 10th Century. All Meals & overnight stay in Tents.
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| Day
11 : Lamayuru-Uletopko – 60 km |
After breakfast
enjoy driving down thru Wanla River upto Khalsi. Stop
for tea at Khalsi. Later drive all along the famous Indus
River, passing thru the fruit cultivated villages of Nurla
& Gera. Check in at Uleytokpo Ethnic Resort for overnight
& all meals.
12
: UletopkoMorning
Half Day visit to Alchi on the bicycles & later
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| return to Camp for Lunch.
Afternoon drive on Bicycles upto Rizong Gompa. Overnight at
Uleytokpo Camp. |
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| Day
13 : Uletopko-Leh- 70 km |
| After breakfast
leave for Leh, passing thru the villages of Saspol. Ascend
over Likir & on the other side, enjoy view of Basgo
Fort. Continue further upto Nimo Village & then start
going up towards Phyang. Stop at the confluence of Indus
& Zanskar River for Photo session. Driver downwards
till Leh. On Arrival check in at your hotel for all meals
& overnight stay. |
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| Day
14 : Leh |
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| Full day visiting Shey,
Thiksey & Hemis. After breakfast, proceed to Shey
– it was the ancient capital of Ladakh and even
after Singge Namgyal built the more imposing palace at
Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey, as their real
home. The importance which was attached to Shey - the
seat of Ladakh's heartland - is attested by the enormous
number of Chorten about the village, particularly around
the palace complex andbarren plain to the |
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| north of the road. Thiksey
– is one of the largest and most impressive Gompas. There
are several temples in this Gompa containing images, stupas
and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two - storied
statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder.
proceed to Hemis – which is dedicated to Padmasambhava,
what a visitor can observes a series of scenes in which the
lamas, robed in gowns of rich, brightly coloured brocade and
sporting masks sometimes bizarrely hideous, parade in solemn
dance and mime around the huge flag pole in the center of the
courtyard to the plaintive melody of the Shawn. The moan of
the eleven feet horns, the boom of drums and the clash of Cymbals.
Hemis was found in the 1630's by Tsang-ras-pa under the royal
patronage of Singe Namgyal, Hemis is the largest and richest
of the Ladakh Gompas. it nestles into the mountain side a little
way up a glen in the mountains of Zanskar range Overnight at
hotel. |
| Day
15 : Leh |
| AM Sightseeing of Spituk & Phyang
Monastery. Spituk - 8 Kms from Leh, Spituk stands Majestically
atop a hillock overlooking the Indus valley for miles.
Many icons and fine "Tangkhas" are to be found
in this 15th century monastery. It also houses a collection
of ancient masks, antique arms and is inspiring image
of "Mahakala". The face of the Kali image is
kept covered and revealed only at the annual function
in January every two years. After Spituk, Visit to Phyang
Monastery, this is 17 Kms from Leh, built by Tashi Namgyal
in 16th century A.D. |
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| and belongs to the Red Cap
Sect of Buddhists. Afternoon visit After Lunch Stok - The Palace
of the banished royal family, Stok has a museum which displays
fabulous period costumes and jewelry of the royalty along with
exquisite Tangkhas representing the life of the Sakya- Muni
Buddha. Interesting historical objects like coins, seals, armour,
weapons, precious jade and porcelain can also be seen here.
Return to your Hotel for overnight stay. |
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| Day
16 : Leh-Delhi |
| In time transfer to
airport to connect flight for Delhi. Meeting and assistance
on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Day free to rest
and relax. Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day
17 : Delhi |
| Full day
combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit
Qutab Minar, India Gate (War Memorial) Lakshmi Narayan
Temple-Modera, Hindu Temple, drive past President’s
House, Parliament House and Secretariat buildings. Also
visit Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana – the cremations
sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawahar Lal Nehru, Jama Masjid
and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Overnight at
hotel.
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| Day
18 : Leave Delhi |
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| In time
transfer to international airport to connect flight back
home |
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Biking Tour In South India
