The Himalayan Trail

28 Days / 27 Nights

Take a tour of the beauties of Northern India and the Himalayas. Begin in the busy capital city of Delhi, then visit the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar and explore the tranquil Buddhist enclave of McLeod Ganj. Explore the old historical village of Pragpur, travel through gorgeous valleys, and climb to the spectacular heights of Leh and the charming Nubra Valley. Discover the timeless allure of Srinagar's houseboats, the alpine beauty of Gulmarg, and the breathtaking grandeur of Pahalgam.

Duration: 27 Nights & 28 Days

Destination Covered: Delhi – Amritsar – Dharamshala – Pragpur – Mandi – Manali – Sarchu – Leh - Nubra Valley – Uletokpo – Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgham

Tour Highlights
Delhi	Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Bustling Market Of Old Delhi
Amritsar	Golden Temple, Wagah Border Ceremony
Dharamshala	Mcleod Ganj, Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bustling Markets
Pragpur	Temples & Rural Life
Mandi	Tranquil Villages, Charming Markets
Manali	Kullu Valley, Rohtang Pass, Naggar Castle
Sarchu	Tented Camp ,Waterfalls
Leh	Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Alchi Monastery
Nubra Valley	Tibetan monastery, Villages, Ladakhi Culture & Adventure
Uletokpo	Uletokpo Camps Experience
Srinagar	Dal Lake, Shikara Ride & Houseboat, Kashmiri handicrafts, colourful markets
Gulmarg	Gondola ride, Skiing and Snowboarding, Alpine Meadows
Pahalgham	Betaab Valley, Lidder River, Aru Valley

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you’ll be met at the airport and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Rest and relax to acclimatize to the new time zone. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Explore Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past India Gate, Parliament House, and the President’s House. Also visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 : Delhi – Amritsar

Transfer to Delhi airport for morning flight direct to Amritsar, where you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, drive out to the India/Pakistan border at Wagah where the nightly border closing ceremony mixes military pomp with high melodrama- and unforgettable experience. Overnight in Amritsar.
Day 4 : Amritsar - Dharamshala

In the morning, visit the Golden Temple—the most sacred site in the Sikh religion—and later depart for Dharamshala, arriving late in the afternoon. Dharamshala is a busy market town, but just above it perches the enclave of McLeod Ganj, best known today as the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Overnight in Dharamshal.
Day 5 & 6 : Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj

Two full days to explore the area around McLeod Ganj—the program can be as structured or as free as you wish. Enjoy lovely walks, visit scenic and historical points of interest, and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the Tibetan community in exile. Overnight in Dharamshala.
Day 7 : Dharamshala – Pragpur

Descend from the hills and spend a night in the historic heritage village of Pragpur. This small village, with its cobblestoned lanes and wooden buildings, is quite unique in India. Stay at the fantastic heritage hotel, Judge’s Court, which provides traditional hospitality in luxurious surroundings. Overnight in Pragpur.
Day 8 : Pragpur – Mandi

Drive towards Mandi, enjoying picturesque river valleys, waterfalls, and tranquil villages along the way. Mandi is a small market town with a long history and numerous temples. Overnight in Mandi.
Day 9 : Mandi – Manali

Begin the serious ascent into the mountains with a 4-hour drive up the Kullu Valley. Arrive in Manali for lunch and have time in the afternoon to relax and explore the old town on foot. Overnight in Manali.
Day 10 : Manali

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing around Manali and Naggar. Visit Naggar Castle, the estate and museum of Russian ex-pat painter Nikolai Roerich, and the hot springs at Vashisht. Overnight in Manali.
Day 11 : Manali - Sarchu

After breakfast, depart Manali and begin the ascent to Ladakh, climbing to the Rohtang Pass and continuing on to Sarchu. Stay in a deluxe tented camp. Enjoy the stunning scenery, including high peaks, ice sheets, and waterfalls. Overnight at Sarchu Tented Camp.
Day 12 : Sarchu - Leh

Drive to Leh, crossing several high-altitude passes, including Taglang La. Arrive in Leh in the late afternoon—no activities are planned to allow time for acclimatization. Overnight in Leh.
Day 13 & 14 : Leh

Two days to enjoy Leh and its surroundings. Visit Leh Palace, Old Leh, Buddhist stupas, and traditional Ladakhi houses. The culture, language, cuisine, and physical appearance of the people of Ladakh set them apart from the rest of India. Overnight in Leh.
Day 15 : Leh - Nubra Valley

Depart Leh and drive via Khardong La to the Nubra Valley, crossing the highest vehicle-accessible pass in the world. Visit local Gompas and Stupas and marvel at the arid and inhospitable landscape. Overnight in a deluxe tented camp in the valley.
Day 16 : Nubra Valle.

Spend a full day visiting the small villages, Monasteries, and Gompas in the Nubra Valley. Overnight in deluxe tents.
Day 17 : Nubra Valley - Leh

The morning is free for further exploration of the valley. In the afternoon, drive back to Leh. Overnight in Leh.
Day 18 : Leh - Uletokpo

Drive to Alchi Monastery and continue to Uletokpo. Enjoy an evening of stargazing—Ladakh and Kashmir have remarkably clear night skies. Overnight in a deluxe tented camp at Uletokpo.
Day 19 : Uletokpo – Srinagar

Descend through stunning scenery, visiting Lamayuru Monastery and passing through Kargil to reach Srinagar. Stay on one of the famous houseboats of Dal Lake. Overnight in Srinagar.
Day 20 : Srinagar

Sightseeing in Srinagar includes traditional buildings, the Mughal Gardens at Shalimar Bagh, and numerous mosques and mausoleums. Enjoy relaxing on the deck of your houseboat. Overnight on a houseboat in Srinagar.
Day 21 : Srinagar - Gulmarg

Drive to Gulmarg, passing through orchards and saffron fields. Enjoy the alpine setting and explore on foot. Overnight in Gulmarg.
Day 22 & 23 : Gulmarg

Two days in Gulmarg with options including a cable car ride to Mt. Afarwat, shrine visits, and rounds of golf. Overnight in Gulmarg.
Day 24 : Gulmarg to Pahalgham

Drive to the Lidder River valley and the town of Pahalgham. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Overnight in Pahalgham.
Day 25 & 26 : Pahalgham.

Two days in Pahalgham with options for trekking, pony rides, white water rafting, golf, and visits to the 11th-century Mamleshwar Temple. Overnight in Pahalgham.
Day 27 : Pahalgham - Srinagar - Delhi

Drive to Srinagar airport and board a mid-afternoon flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 28 : Departure

Free time until departure. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

End of the Tour!

FAQ

Highlights include visiting iconic landmarks in Delhi, experiencing the Wagah Border ceremony in Amritsar, exploring McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala, journeying through the scenic Kullu Valley to Manali, and exploring Leh and Nubra Valley in Ladakh.

The best time to visit Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamshala, Manali, and Leh is generally from October to March when the weather is cooler and pleasant. Ladakh and higher altitude areas are accessible during the summer months from May to September.

Accommodations range from hotels in cities like Delhi and Amritsar to heritage properties and deluxe tented camps in remote areas such as Dharamshala, Sarchu, and Nubra Valley. Houseboats are available in Srinagar, providing a unique lodging experience.

Activities include city tours, visits to religious sites and monuments, cultural experiences like the Wagah Border ceremony, scenic drives through valleys and mountain passes, and opportunities for trekking, rafting, and cable car rides in places like Gulmarg and Pahalgham.

The tour involves a mix of leisurely sightseeing and some physically demanding activities such as high-altitude drives and optional treks. Participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions and altitude changes, especially in places like Ladakh and Nubra Valley.

Transport includes domestic flights between major cities, private transfers for sightseeing, and scenic drives in comfortable vehicles. In remote areas, travel may include off-road journeys and stays in tented camps.

It's recommended to acclimatize gradually upon arrival, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities initially, and carry necessary medications for altitude sickness. Consult with a healthcare provider before traveling to high-altitude regions.

Pack comfortable clothing suitable for both warm and cool weather, sturdy walking shoes, medications, sun protection, and a light jacket or sweater for evenings. Specific items like trekking gear may be required for optional activities.