Kashmir
is actually divided into three landmasses: the foothill plains of
Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and the mountains of Ladakh. The people
here are basically a quiet race and among the most beautiful people
of India. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and
Kashmir is where you can boat in cushioned and canopies shikaras
across the Dal and Nagin Lakes.
Ladakh
is
The
Desert in the Mountains, The
land of several passes “ The Moonland”.
Geographically on the Tibetan Plateau located between two
highest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas and Karakoram. Its
Tibetan culture which are cut off from the rest of the world for
centuries has flourished and left very much untouched.
Its ancient monasteries carved high into the hillsides and
its unspoilt villages have remained unchanged over the centuries.
Its unique sceneries and colourful lifestyles of the people
who live in harmony with its barren land. The
average altitude varies from about 9000 ft in Kargil to about 12000
ft in Leh, above sea level. Peopled by a race related to Tibetian
stock in culture, religion, language and features, it is also called
“Little Tibet”. Best
season to visit between June to mid October.
DAY 1: SINGAPORE - DELHI
Assemble
at Singapore International Airport for your flight Delhi.
On arrival, meet by our representatives and transfer to hotel
for overnight.
DAY 2: DEHLI - SRINAGAR (B/L/D)
Today
transfer to domestic airport for a spectacular mountain flight to
Srinagar located on the foot of Himalayan Mountains. On arrival,
transfer to deluxe boathouse, which is anchored, on the famous Dal
Lake for overnight. Srinagar, the capital of the state in Jammu and
Kashmir is a crowded and colourful city. The water world of the Dal
and Nagin Lake are amazingly clear and the houseboats have been a
part of Kashmir’s aquatic culture for centuries. Late afternoon
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake visiting the Floating Gardens, Lotus and
vegetable gardens and backwaters of the lake.
DAY 3:
SRINAGAR - GULMARG - SRINAGAR
(B/L/D)
We’ll
proceed to Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) at a height of 8,800 ft above
sea level. On a clear day, one can see Nanga Prabat at 26,600 ft
high. Gulmarg used to be a favorite hunt for the British in summer
and has the highest green golf course in the world. Here you can
find old-fashioned hotels and shops in the village. Afternoon enjoy
trip to Mughal Emperors, visit silk carpet weaving center and other
handicrafts centers.
DAY 4:
SRINAGAR - SONAMARG
(B/L/D)
Drive
to Sonamarg at 2900 metres above sea level. The is beautiful along
the Sindh River, enroute stop at Kangan town, and an interesting
small town where mountain people from the surrounding valleys come
down for trading. The meadows of Sonamarg have a spectacular beauty
from the strewn with the loveliest of Alpine flowers, lots of fir, pine and silver birch trees. After
lunch, take a pony ride to Thajwas Glaciers.
DAY 5: SONAMARG - KARGIL (B/L/D)
Today,
explore Sonamarg on foot and visit one of the typical mountain
village of Kashmir. After lunch, drive to Kargil, 120 km via
Zojilla Pass at 3530 meters. A scenic drive all the way up to the
pass and after crossing the pass, the landscape will change
drastically. Drive
through Drass, which is a small town and is the second coldest town
in the world where winter temperature is known to plummet to minus
40 degrees.
DAY
6: KARGIL - LEH (B/L/D)
Today
drive to Leh for 230 km via Namikala Pass at 3737 meters and Potula
Pass, the highest point of Srinagar - Leh road at 4294 meters. The
drive to Leh is a spectacular drive with the scenery of Karakoram
Range on the way. Enroute visit Mulbeck, Maitreya the future Buddha
and Lamayuru Monastery. The monastery is 900 years old and houses
the image of Chandric (God of Compassion and Mercy). Also visit
Alchie Monastery, which were built by Rinchen Zangbo in the 11th
century. Alchi Chosko is the largest and most famous with a widely
renowned collection of paintings and massive, lavishly carved and
painted wooden statues, many of Buddha.
DAY 7: LEH
(B/L/D)
Leh
is at 3500 metres above sea-level. Take it easy on the first day to
acclimatise to this high altitude. After breakfast, proceed for tour
of Shankar Gompa, the monastery of Yellow Sect of Buddhism, Leh
Palace and Leh Bazar. Afternoon visit a Ladakhi family.
DAY 8: LEH
(B/L/D)
A
full day tour of Leh visiting the three famous gompas of Leh, Hemis
Thiksey and Shey. Shey is set up in the hill and the monastery has a
statue of sitting Buddha of copper and gold. Thikse provides a
panoramic view of the green Indus valley. It houses beautiful tankas
and there are 60 residents lamas. Hemis is the biggest monastery,
which contains few statues and stupas decorated with precious
stones. It houses the biggest tanka in existence and is exhibited
only once in every 11 years. Evening is free to explore the Leh
bazaar.
DAY 8: LEH -
DELHI
(B/L/D)
Depart
by flight back to Delhi on a short spectacular mountain flight to
Delhi. On arrival, proceed for meals and for last minute shopping
before transferring back to airport for flight back to Singapore.
DAY 10: ARRIVAL SINGAPORE
