Glimpses Of Kashmir - Ladakh 12 Nights - 13 Days Tour

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive towards Pahalgam (2133 mts ) also known as ‘The valley of Shepherds or Trekker's Paradise.

Pahalgam is the most famous place for Indian Film Industry. On the way visit Awantipura ruins and saffron fields. One of the most beautiful places on earth, the town of Pahalgam offers breathtaking views. Pahalgam is also the entry point for the famous Amarnath Cave, a holy site for Hindus. Pahalgam is situated at the union of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River. Pahalgam is now Kashmir's premier resort; cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

Long before this little village 92 Km east from Srinagar, 2400 meters above sea level, became the popular holiday resort it is today, it was the preserve of nomadic shepherds. Its rugged charm has remained un-spoilt by progress, while a bustling main street and its wide range of tented camps, hotels and lodges have established it as a favorite holiday resort.

Pahalgam spreads along the banks of the Lidder, which is the focal point of interest to the angler. The trout fisherman delight, the Lidder is divided into three fishing beats between Mattan and Phalgham, and the trout are so thick that even the first time fisherman can land a good catch.

Pahalgam is perhaps best known as the take off point for trek into the surrounding mountains. The resort is well geared to meet the demands at onward going trekkers and camping equipments is readily available, as are ponies and porters. Walking the Lidder valley is scenically most rewarding, through forests of virgin pine, fording crystal clear mountains streams and through meadows of wild flowers, higher up the valley.

Evening at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Pahalgam hotel.

After breakfast today, proceed for full day ABC sightseeing tour.

Aru Valley: Overlooking the majestic snow-capped peaks of Himalayan Range, Aru Valley is a pristine scenic village situated in the region of Trans-Himalaya. Clear blue canopy over the head, misty surroundings, whispers of the native pines and conifer forests and beautiful meadows create a captivating diorama for travelers thronging the place. Though the village is the smallest hill station in the state, but still its breathtaking beauty and interesting activities like trekking, hiking and horse riding make it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam.

An excellent choice for both leisure seekers and adventure lovers, Aru Valley enriches the glory of Jammu and Kashmir tourism by being the starting point of trekking expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonmarg. Apart from the trekkers, the village also caters to the skiing desires of tourists who love to visit the place during winters. Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 12 km from Pahalgam.

Betaab Valley: Earlier known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon, Betaab Valley got its present name after the blockbuster Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ was shot there in 1983. A combination of picturesque surroundings, the valley falls on the way to Amarnath Temple Yatra and is one of the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam; the other two being Aru and Chandanwadi.

Encircled by mountains featuring deodar and pine forests, Betaab Valley is a perfect gateway to enjoy the heavenly pleasure of Mother Nature. The sights of colouring beds of flowers amid the lush walnut and willow vistas make the entire panorama quite stunning casting a spell of magic on this land of eternal beauty. The experience is even more heightened by the musical whispers of several birds. Being a precious jewel of Jammu and Kashmir tourism, Betaab Valley is among a handful of Pahalgam tourist places to visit that should not be missed. Situated at a walking distance from the main center of Pahalgam, the valley is also an excellent camping site for trekkers and explorers.

Chandanwari: Nestled at an elevation point of 2,895 meters above sea level, Chandanwari is situated on a motorable road, around 16 km from main Pahalgam. Blessed with Goddess Nature in its full bloom, the valley is mainly known as the starting point of he sacred Amarnath Temple expedition, which is an annual event held during the months of July – August. Along with special significance, this pristine valley is also known for its snow bridge and serves as an excellent hiking destination among the troves of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. Whether you like a rejuvenating and off-track destination for your honeymoon or want to explore the eternal beauty of Pahalgam, Chandanwari is an ideal stopover to unwind in the lap of nature. Sheshnag Lake and Panchtarni, the two beautiful spots en route to Amarnath Temple, are just 12 km and 23 km away from Chandanwari respectively.

Baisaran: Often dubbed as ‘Mini Switzerland’ because of its long dark meadows resembling the ones in Switzerland, Baisaran is an eye-catching meadow, located just 5 km away from Pahalgam. The dense pine forest that gives the green carpet look to the meadow provides a contrasting hue to snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. A major tourist place to visit in Pahalgam, a voyage to the meadow is truly a treat for the senses. Additionally, Baisaran is also an ideal campsite for trekkers who want to move further up to Tulian Lake. Accessible through ponies from Pahalgam, this off-beaten track of Jammu and Kashmir tourism offers panoramic sights of the town and Lidder Valley.
Return to your hotel in the evening. Dinner & overnight stay at Pahalgam.

Today after breakfast, checkout and drive towards Gulmarg (situated at 2730 mts above sea level) which is also known as “Meadow Of Flowers” & has a famous Golf course during summer.

Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world and highest golf course with 18 holes. If weather permits one can also have the view of Nanga Parbat, the naked mountain that is over 26,000 ft. and dominates the entire region. If you are in Gulmarg then it goes without saying that do not forget to indulge in the best of all snow adventure activity, skiing. Under the expert guidance of the ski-instructors here your nervousness and high expectations will eventually get blended into confidence. Apharwat, Khilanmarg, and Kongdori peaks are for skiing in Gulmarg.

Once you arrive at this picturesque location, head straight to Gondola station & board the Gondola at the cable station at Gulmarg that will take you up to Kongdori at an altitude of 3099.6 meters, it is almost a vertical, upright ride that lasts for about 10 minutes. The ride goes through tall fir trees and opens out to grassy slopes below, dotted with wildflowers or snow, during winters. At the Kongdori station, if it isn’t hazy or cloudy, get astounded by the alluring views of the Nanga Parbat looming majestically in the distance. You may also be able sight the peaks of K2 on a clear day. Ask the locals here to point the LOC, which is clearly visible from here. The mesmerising snow peaks seem close enough to touch here.

The phase 2 of the Gondola ride will take you to Apharwat. The majestic views of the lush hilly terrain and picturesque surroundings is truly a sight to behold. The ride also passess over Khilanmarg, a meadow adorned with colourful flowers.
Once you reach Apharwat, you can enjoy the beautiful Apharwat peak and Alpather lake. Surrounded by snowy mountains and a calm, this place transports to a totally different world, miles and miles away from the daily chaos of the city life. The views from the top of the Apharwat peak are truly spectacular and comprise the panoramic views of Gulmarg and the surrounding valleys. Dig into all that powdery snow or go for a fun snow-fight or simply make your own interesting versions of snowman, in short create wonderful memories of a lifetime with your loved ones.
Dinner & overnight stay at Gulmarg

Today after breakfast at the hotel, check out and leave for Srinagar. On the way, you can check out many shops selling authentic pashmina shawls, carpets and rugs.

Later in the evening, we will take you for 1-hour Shikara ride in the world-famous Dal Lake, enjoy the beauty that God has graced this city with, which is often compared to Venice.
You will get views of some very interesting places around the Lake.
Dinner and overnight stay at Srinagar hotel.

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel, start your journey on 434 KM long Srinagar – Leh Highway also known as National Highway – 1D (NH – 1D). It is the most reliable and one of the only two ways to reach Leh – Ladakh by road, the other one being Manali – Leh Highway Generally, travelers or adventure lovers from all over the world loves or dreams to undertake this road trip of their lifetime by covering both routes connecting Leh – Ladakh to rest of India. Apart from being famous for its enchanting views, this highway holds a strategic importance for India and being close to LOC, you see the heavy army presence on it when you travel through Srinagar – Leh Highway.

The highway runs alongside the Indus River and through some extremely harsh and barren terrain including the three high mountain passes named Zozi La (3528 Mtrs), Namki La (3815 Mtrs) and Fotu La (4108 Mtrs). In any case, Srinagar – Leh highway offers some breathtaking landscapes ornamented by various historical and cultural constructions which are just like a dream treat for any traveler driving/riding through Srinagar – Leh Highway.

On the way, visit Sonamarg (Known As Meadow of Gold) at 2690 Mtrs. You will be mesmerized by the greenery sprinkled around the snow covered mountains. One can also enjoy a pony ride that will take you to Thajiwas Glacier (at your own cost). One can see snow here all around the year. Sonamarg is also known as Gateway to Ladakh. Drive through Drass (famous as the second coldest inhabited place in the world) and then cross mighty Zoji-la Pass (11,500-ft. / 3,505 m), often called the daddy of passes to reach Kargil.

Dinner & Overnight Stay at hotel in Kargil.

After breakfast, start your drive towards Leh.

Enroute visit Lamayuru monastery, one of the oldest Monastery of Ladakh and enjoy the view of Moon Landscape. Lamayuru is roughly 100 km before Leh, right after Fotu la, the highest pass on the Srinagar Leh highway. A peculiar landscape near Lamayuru on Leh Kargil Road is the MoonLand. It is called so fondly, because the landscapes here are said to
be like that of the moon. It has also been said often, that on a full moon night, the area is an extraordinary sight to behold, something one doesn't get see everyday, making it a must visit area of the town.

Further visit Confluence of river Indus & river Zanskar, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib and Hall of Fame museum.

Once you cross Nimmu village, you follow the Indus running through a deep gorge, and emerge to view a dramatic confluence of the muddy Indus with the sparkling blue Zanskar.

The next stop is not one to be missed – around 5km further, you will find a sign on your side of the road that reads “Magnetic Hill”. Park your vehicle, turn off the engine, release the brake and you will find yourself moving uphill for a good 10ft or more, without any external assistance! The explanation for this gravity-defying feat is something as mundane as an optical illusion but you be the judge!!

Your next stop can be at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. According to legend, in 1517 when Guru Nanak was on his way back after a two year journey to Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, he stopped and spent time here. The Gurudwara holds the rock with the imprint of Guru Nanak’s sitting body and is visited by people of all the faiths.

Reach Leh by evening. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

It is advisable you use this day to acclimatize to the low air pressure at higher altitudes (11,562 ft.) of Leh. In the evening, we will take you to Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.

Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms.

Dinner & Overnight Stay at hotel in Leh

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Nubra Valley. En route visit Khardung-La, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380ft. The pass on the Ladakh Range lies north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The Siachen Glacier lies part way up the latter valley. Built in 1976, it was opened to public motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. Maintained by the Border Roads Organization, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier.

The foremost tourist attraction in Khardung La is the excitement of travelling to the highest motorable road itself. There are spectacular views that greet you along the way, that of Leh City & the surrounding mountain ranges. Because of extremely low oxygen and air pressure, you will probably suffer from Altitude Mountain Sickness, or AMS. It is best, therefore, not to spend more than 15 minutes on the K-top.

It is better to acclimatize by staying 3-4 days in Leh before travelling to Khardung La Pass. You should carry medicines like Diamox and plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Sunglasses and woollen clothing is a must.

Nubra Valley is popularly known as Ldorma or the valley of flowers. It is situated to the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. Arrive at Hunder & check in at Hotel. Later enjoy the Camel ride on sand dunes. Like an oasis amidst the cold desert, Hunder Sand Dunes are beautiful beyond imagination. Located at an altitude of 4,000 meters, the desert is cut across by a gentle stream and the beautiful countryside. With such stunning landscapes against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, the Hunder Sand Dune looks nothing less than a fairy world. Beyond its beauty, the dunes are home to the Bactrian Camels, the major key players during the ancient silk route, and Pashmina Goats. Tourists can also go on a safari on the Bactrian camel that will take them back to the time when the trade was quite prominent within Central Asia and to the remote village of Hunder.

Later visit Diskit Village, the impressive 32 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha is visible from a distance as soon as one enters the Diskit Region. Perched atop a hillock, facing the Shyok River towards Pakistan and complementing the surroundings, Maitreya Budhha was constructed in 2006 keeping in mind three objectives - protection of Diskit Village, prevention of further war with Pakistan, and to promote world peace. The statue was inaugurated by H.H Dalai Lama in 2010. The imposing and colourful image, also known as Jampa is mounted on a large hall that has a preserved a huge drum and a collection of statues and Buddhist literature. One can see statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Guru Rimpoche inside the hall.

Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel/Camp in Nubra Valley.

After early breakfast, start your scenic drive towards Pangong Tso. This route follows the Shyok River from Agham to Shyok Village, 36 km. You will have to cross the water streams on the way. Stop at Shyok village for a quick bite and snacks and move to Pangong Tso which is perhaps one of the most amazing lakes in Asia which changes its color 4 – 5 times a day.

The Pangong Lake or “lake of the great hollow” is considered as the largest lake in Asia. The water is clearer though salty. It is believed that these waters must have been fresh at some ancient age. The mountain ranges at the Pangong’s north-western extremity are of lime stones which seem to affect its water. The Crystal clear salty water shines in many shades of blue depending upon its depth. It literally changes shades with sunlight. With a backdrop of mountains of various hues and colors, it is a sight for the Gods. At an elevation of 4300 meter, the air is cool even in summers at Ladakh. Pangong Lake is about 4 Km wide on the average and at least 136 Km long. The extent of the known portion is, therefore, upwards of 250 square miles (400 sq km).

At evening, enjoy the breathtaking views of Pangong Lake. Dinner & overnight stay at Pangong Lake.

If you’re ready for a spectacular peep into the universe, you may want to put Hanle in Ladakh on your list. The cluster of six hamlets—Bhok, Shado, Punguk, Khuldo, Naga & Tibetan Refugee habitations within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, has just been formally notified as the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve. Effectively, an expanse of 1,073km situated around the Indian Astronomical Observatory is now a sanctuary for darkness, where light is managed so that scientists and astronomy enthusiasts can access the night sky in its purest possible form. Hanle also falls in the rain-shadow region in this part of the Himalayas, resulting in more number of clear nights in the year. The telescope in Hanle is situated at Mt. Saraswati or Digpa Ratsa Ri, which is the Scorpion Mountain, and at 4,500m is one of the highest observatories in the world.

After breakfast at campsite, we will start our drive towards Hanle or Anlay. Hanle in changthang region of Ladakh is one of the most beautiful calm and soul-stirring places in India.

There is a beautiful hilltop Hanle Monastery offering some great aerial views of whole village that is a home of about 1000 people. Hanle monastery is a 17th century monastery of the Drukpa lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan buddhism. Monastey is home to about 60 monks. The main monastery, one of the largest and best known of ladakh’s monasteries, was built under the patronage of the King Singee Namgyal. The views from the top of monastery are just breathtaking.
Dinner and overnight stay in local homestay.

Today after breakfast, we will start our drive towards Leh. On the way back, we will take a de-tour and take you to Puga Valley, located in the south-eastern portion of Ladakh in the breathtaking Changthang Valley, is one of the region’s greatest natural wonders. In addition to its abundant sulphur, borax, and other mineral reserves, Puga valley is one of the places to visit in Ladakh for its numerous hot springs and mud pools. It is believed that these mud pools and springs have medicinal characteristics and can treat skin problems and even rheumatism.

Puga Valley, a source of vast geothermal energy, attracts a large number of tourists as well as scholars who travel here to study and experience these geothermal events. Steam from hot springs can be seen several times during the day, adding to the valley’s mysterious appeal. The Puga Valley, which is about 30 kms long, is also a great place for people who love nature and wildlife.

Later on, we will be visiting Thiksey Gompa, Shey Gompa, and Rancho school if time permits.

Thiksey Gompa is located close to Shey and is about 17 kms from Leh. This monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey Gompa was built in the beginning of 17th century AD by Deldan Namgyal. One of the major attractions in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue located inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Stop at Rancho School (popularized by movie 3 Idiots) on your way back.

Reach Leh by evening. Evening free for leisure. You can check out any of the fancy cafes the town has to offer.

Ladakh exhibits many markets which are famous for Tibetan handicraft items, Ladakhi gowns as well as ornaments and also other local handicraft items. Some of the popular shopping items of Leh Ladakh are:

Tibetan Handicrafts: Prayer wheels, Thangpa paintings, Buddhists masks, Tibetan trumpet, bell, Gur tea churners, Buddhist flags, etc.

Ladakhi Ornaments: Turquoise stoned Jewellery, Tibetan Silver Jewellery, semi-precious stoned Jewellery, etc.

Pashmina Products: Shawls, stoles, woollen garments, caps, gloves and socks

Other Handicraft Items: T-shirts with various motifs and designs, Hand-woven rugs, carpets, etc.

Dinner & Overnight stay in the hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, check out and we will drop you at Leh airport for your onward journey.