Explore India's stunningly picturesque Himachal Pradesh on this overland journey by way of Spiti to the heart of Ladakh
India's Hidden Kingdom
Join us in September for this touring style exploration of India's stunningly picturesque Himachal Pradesh. We'll be visiting the hill stations and following the trade routes into the headwaters of the Sutlej and Chenab rivers; to Spiti with its soaring peaks and hilltop monasteries then beyond across the Zanskar Mountains to Leh in Ladakh. Come prepared for endless mountain vistas and fascinating cultural insightARRIVE EARLY ~ STAY LONGER
Talk to us about things to do if you would like to arrive in Delhi a day or two earlier, or stay a little longer in Leh at the end of our tour.
US$ 5400
2020 price to be confirmed.All inclusive Based on twin share and minimum of two travellers
single room supplement available
Escorted by SRA local professional tour leader
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
Today arrive in Delhi - transfer to hotel
Day 2 - Delhi
Sightseeing today to include Red Fort and Chandi Chowk.
Day 3 - Delhi
There is time for more sightseeing today to the Parliament district , the India Gate and the serene Humayun's Tomb.
Day 4 - Drive to Chandigarh
This morning set off up country to Nalagah. The journey by road takes about 4 hours. On arrival check into the heritage Nalagah Fort hotel and relax.
Day 5 - Drive to Shimla
Our route today will take us to India's most famous hill station. the once upon a time summer capital of 'British' India and now renowned for its colonial era buildings and temperate climate.
Day 6 - Shimla
Time today for sightseeing and leisure time around Shimlas scenic and architectural points of interest,
Day 7 - Drive to Saharan
Today set off toward the picturesque village of Saharan site of famous Bhimakali Temple, originally known as Bhimadevi Temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali,
Day 8 - Drive to Sangla
After breakfast drive 82 km to scenic Sangla (2680m). Located in the Baspa Valley where there are many traditional villages, Sangla is a hill station nestled amongst forested mountain slopes.
Day 9 - Drive to Kulpa
Today the driving distance is a relatively short 67 km along the Sutlej river and through picturesque pine forests to Kalpa (2950m), the former capital of Kinnaur. Enroute visit Karmru Fort/ temple and the small Buddhist Gompa in Sangla. Afternoon visit Baudh mandir and the interesting temple complex at Kalpa.
Day 10 - Drive to Tabo
This morning set off on the 147 km/ 6 hrs drive to Tabo (3050m). Continue along the upper Sutlej river and at Khab cross into the Spiti valley. Enroute visit Nako, the largest village in the Hangrang valley, with its small lake and Gompa. Then continue drive to Tabo
Day 11 - Drive to Kaza
Start the programme today with a visit the ancient Tabo Gompa, often known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its paintings then continue down valley to Kaza with a stop enroute to visit Dhankar Gompa.
Day 12 - Kaza
Activities today include a visit to the small Sakya Gompa and a wander in the colourful bazaar. The trade center of the whole Spiti. Afternoon visit Ki Gompa about 07 kms way from Kaza
Day 13 - Kaza
Today there is no need to get up early. Take the day off. Kaza is the perfect spot for a bit of R&R, browsing the bazaar and catching up on things domestic.
Day 14 - Drive to Keylong
We are back on the road today heading for Keylong by way of the Kunzom La (4551m) and the Chandra and Chenab river valleys to reach Keylong the regional centre of Lahaul/Spiti district
Day 15 - Keylong
Today we will visit some of the Monasteries and Gompa near Keylong, particularly the Shashur and Kardang Monasteries perched in precarious hill top locations above the valley
Day 16 - Drive to Leh
There is a long trip ahead today on the 360km journey to Leh. The road threads a spectacular path between high altitude deserts and several 5000m passes and rightfully holds a reputation as one of Asia's most challenging routes.
Day 17 - Leh
We are going to start slowly today with a wander around the bazaar and a visit to the historic Palace-Fortress. PM enjoy a coffee or a spot of shopping in the city's vibrant market .
Day 18 - Drive to Shyok Nubra
Early start to drive to the summit of the main road access to the Nubra Valley at Khardung La pass (5,359m asl). Continue to Hunder to Overnight at the hotel. Late PM visit the Hunder sand dunes.
Day 19 - Shyok Nubra
A full day to explore the Nubra/Shyok valleys. This morning we head up the Nubra valley to the end of the motor road at Panamik where there are hot springs. Tonight we will stay at a Sumar village in a family guesthouse.
Day 20 - Drive to Leh
Today we get back on the road to Leh and follow the zig zags back to the Khardung La. Expect to arrive back in Leh by early afternoon for a late lunch.
Day 21 - Depart Leh
Early breakfast and transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi the tour arrangements conclude.
Today arrive in Delhi - transfer to hotel
Day 2 - Delhi
Sightseeing today to include Red Fort and Chandi Chowk.
Day 3 - Delhi
There is time for more sightseeing today to the Parliament district , the India Gate and the serene Humayun's Tomb.
Day 4 - Drive to Chandigarh
This morning set off up country to Nalagah. The journey by road takes about 4 hours. On arrival check into the heritage Nalagah Fort hotel and relax.
Day 5 - Drive to Shimla
Our route today will take us to India's most famous hill station. the once upon a time summer capital of 'British' India and now renowned for its colonial era buildings and temperate climate.
Day 6 - Shimla
Time today for sightseeing and leisure time around Shimlas scenic and architectural points of interest,
Day 7 - Drive to Saharan
Today set off toward the picturesque village of Saharan site of famous Bhimakali Temple, originally known as Bhimadevi Temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali,
Day 8 - Drive to Sangla
After breakfast drive 82 km to scenic Sangla (2680m). Located in the Baspa Valley where there are many traditional villages, Sangla is a hill station nestled amongst forested mountain slopes.
Day 9 - Drive to Kulpa
Today the driving distance is a relatively short 67 km along the Sutlej river and through picturesque pine forests to Kalpa (2950m), the former capital of Kinnaur. Enroute visit Karmru Fort/ temple and the small Buddhist Gompa in Sangla. Afternoon visit Baudh mandir and the interesting temple complex at Kalpa.
Day 10 - Drive to Tabo
This morning set off on the 147 km/ 6 hrs drive to Tabo (3050m). Continue along the upper Sutlej river and at Khab cross into the Spiti valley. Enroute visit Nako, the largest village in the Hangrang valley, with its small lake and Gompa. Then continue drive to Tabo
Day 11 - Drive to Kaza
Start the programme today with a visit the ancient Tabo Gompa, often known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its paintings then continue down valley to Kaza with a stop enroute to visit Dhankar Gompa.
Day 12 - Kaza
Activities today include a visit to the small Sakya Gompa and a wander in the colourful bazaar. The trade center of the whole Spiti. Afternoon visit Ki Gompa about 07 kms way from Kaza
Day 13 - Kaza
Today there is no need to get up early. Take the day off. Kaza is the perfect spot for a bit of R&R, browsing the bazaar and catching up on things domestic.
Day 14 - Drive to Keylong
We are back on the road today heading for Keylong by way of the Kunzom La (4551m) and the Chandra and Chenab river valleys to reach Keylong the regional centre of Lahaul/Spiti district
Day 15 - Keylong
Today we will visit some of the Monasteries and Gompa near Keylong, particularly the Shashur and Kardang Monasteries perched in precarious hill top locations above the valley
Day 16 - Drive to Leh
There is a long trip ahead today on the 360km journey to Leh. The road threads a spectacular path between high altitude deserts and several 5000m passes and rightfully holds a reputation as one of Asia's most challenging routes.
Day 17 - Leh
We are going to start slowly today with a wander around the bazaar and a visit to the historic Palace-Fortress. PM enjoy a coffee or a spot of shopping in the city's vibrant market .
Day 18 - Drive to Shyok Nubra
Early start to drive to the summit of the main road access to the Nubra Valley at Khardung La pass (5,359m asl). Continue to Hunder to Overnight at the hotel. Late PM visit the Hunder sand dunes.
Day 19 - Shyok Nubra
A full day to explore the Nubra/Shyok valleys. This morning we head up the Nubra valley to the end of the motor road at Panamik where there are hot springs. Tonight we will stay at a Sumar village in a family guesthouse.
Day 20 - Drive to Leh
Today we get back on the road to Leh and follow the zig zags back to the Khardung La. Expect to arrive back in Leh by early afternoon for a late lunch.
Day 21 - Depart Leh
Early breakfast and transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi the tour arrangements conclude.
Shandur update