Classical Indian and Ladakh
This tour includes some of the most popular Nord India cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and wonderful land that is Ladakh, one of the highest inhabited plateaus in the world at altitudes ranging from 2,750 to 7,672 meters where, in winter, the high-altitude temperature drops to -40 ° C. For its barren but fascinating aspect is called the land of the moon. The population of Ladakh is evenly divided between Muslims and Buddhists and past and present are splendid examples of their deep religiosity. The flight from Delhi to Leh is also an extraordinary experience.
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival, meet with our staff and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Breakfast and proceed for Old Delhi , external visit of the Red Fort, a UNESCO heritage site, built in 1639 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, which is also built by Shahjahan and finished in 1656. Passing through 17th century old Chandni Chowk market. Visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Proceed for New Delhi and panoramic tour of government buildings. Visit of India Gate, built in the memory Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Army in World War I. Visit the Qutub Minar, 73 meters high tower, engraved with verses of the Koran, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03: Delhi / Leh (by air)
In the morning transfer to airport and board flight for Leh, capital of Ladakh, at 3,400 meters above sea level. Day at leisure to acclimatise. Late in the afternoon, walk in the city center of Leh. Full board and overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Leh
Breakfast and visit of the Hemis Buddhist-Tibetan monastery existed before 11th century, one of the most old and famous for its collection of ancient texts, the statue of Buddha and for gold and silver stupas . Visit the Thiksey monastery, located on a hill at 3600 m.s.l.m., similar to the Potala in Lhasa, home to Buddhist Art and famous for Maitreya statue, the future Buddha. Visit of Shey monastery. Afternoon visit the Shanti Stupa, built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist monk, located at height of 4,267 meters and it offers stunning view over Leh. Full board and overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Leh / Nubra Valley
Transfer to the Nubra Valley (average altitude 3048 m.) through the spectacular pass of KardungLa on 5602 meters hight. Afternoon, visit of Diskit monastery, the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery of the Valley, situated on the top of the hill, with its 32 meters statue of Buddha. Visit the Samstaling monastery, built in the early 19 century in one of the most remote villages of the Valley, in a picturesque landscape. Late in the day, walk on the sand dunes where you can also enjoy camel safari by your own. Full board and overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Nubra Valley / Leh
In the morning, drive back to Leh through KardungLa pass. Afternoon you can walk in the city centre of Leh and visit the castle and Sankar Gompa. Full board and overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Leh / Uletokpo
Transfer to Uletokpo, along the Indus valley. Along the way, visit of two most beautiful monasteries of Ladakh: Likir, founded in 1065 and Alchi in 11th century, rich in frescoes and with large 23 meters high golden statue of Maitrya. Lunch. In the afternoon, visit of the Lamayuru monastery, the most oldest Gompa of Ladakh, at 3510 mt. high, on top of a "lunar" landscape. Full board and overnight at Hotel.
Day 08: Uletokpo / Leh
In the morning, drive back to Leh. Visit of 11th century Spituk Monastery and Phyang, which houses a collection of bronzes, ancient paintings and tantric salt. Afternoon visit of the small monastery of Stakna and Matho, in a picturesque landscape. Downhill walk through the delightful village. Full board and overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Leh / Delhi (by flight) Delhi / Jaipur (Km.270 - approx 6 hrs)
Transfer to the airport. Flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, drive to Jaipur, called "Pink City" because of the color of buildings in pink sandstone. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10: Jaipur
Breakfast and visit to the Amber fort, whose construction began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, the ancient capital of the state and home to all the Rajput dynasties until the founding of Jaipur. Built with redsand stone, clay and white marble. Inside, richly decorated interiors with sculptures, mirrors, precious stones. Access to the fort on elephant back or jeep. Return to the city and stop at the magnificent Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, built in 1799. Visit of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Visit the complex of the City Palace, the historic seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, whose construction began between 1729 and 1732 by Sawai Jai Singh II, and still today is a Royal residence. Visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory, UNESCO Heritage, architectural forms used for astronomical purposes, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. Walk in the colourful bazaar of Jaipur. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (Km.245 - approx 5 hrs)
Breakfast and leave for Agra enrouting visit of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned only after 15 years for water shortages. Its palaces and pavilions in red sandstone are perfect. Continue on to Agra. In the afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), UNESCO heritage monument built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, died while giving childbirth in 1631; the construction was finished in 1653. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12: Agra / Delhi (Km. 240 - approx 4 hrs)
Breakfast and visit the Red Fort, a World Heritage Site, built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Visit the royal palaces and the hall of private and public Audiences. At noon departure to Delhi. Stop at Sikandra to visit the tomb of Akbar. Arrival in Delhi and dinner at local restaurant. No overnight. After dinner transfer to International Airport.
Day 13: Departure from Delhi
Boarding on the flight for onward destination.