AMC Adventure Travel
Trekking in Ladakh, India (Little Tibet); Delhi Tour
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
INDIA/LADAKH/GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Day 1: FLY FROM US TO DELHI
Day 2: ARRIVE IN DELHI
Upon arrival in Delhi we are greeted by a Yama Adventures representative and transferred to our
hotel. Radisson Blue by the Airport.
Day 3: DELHI TO LADAKH (11,500’)
Leaving the heat of Delhi behind, we depart on an early morning flight to Leh. This
unforgettable mountain flight provides spectacular views of the Zanskar Range, including
the two peaks of Nun and Kun, and K2, the second highest peak on earth.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh and an historical transit point for caravans of the bygone Silk Route,
still looks and feels like a trading post of the ancient past. Buddhism spread to Tibet from India
via Ladakh, and Leh remains the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture in India. Its numerous
colorful gompas (monasteries) and renowned collection of Buddhist art and artifacts attract
devout Buddhists on spiritual pilgrimages from around the world. It is a fascinating city,
surrounded by rugged snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, verdant farmland, sprawling
monasteries, crumbling palaces, and countless narrow alleyways beckoning to the curious visitor.
To stroll through Leh’s old quarter, taking in its sights and sounds and interacting with the
charming inhabitants of its pleasantly small population, is to experience what writer Andrew
Harvey called “the peaceful life.”
Upon arrival we transfer to hotel. Today should be a day of rest in order to properly acclimatize.
After lunch, we may spend the afternoon relaxing on the roof terrace, soaking up the bucolic
scenery, or take an easy-going stroll to Merket.
Day 4: EXCURSION TO ALCHI
This morning we set off for the furthest reaches of western Ladakh, to explore the many sights
around Alchi.
Alchi Gompa dates from the 10th century. Because it was built before the invading wars began
in the 15th century, Alchi was built on lowlands, rather than on a hilltop as all others monasteries
were. It was erected by Saint Lotsava Rin-chen-Izghimpo. Much of the woodwork is original and
reflects Kashmiri influence. The gompa’s prolific collection of wall paintings, chortens, and fine
statues hints at the rich and powerful society that once thrived here. One of the best preserved
murals which is one of the most remarkable to have survived anywhere in the Tibetan-speaking
world.
Basgo is an ancient monastery situated within an impressive hilltop citadel which served as the
capital of Ladakh during the 15th and 17th centuries. It was here that Ladakh held out against the
Tibetan and Mongol armies sent by the fifth Dalai Lama in 1685. In a fateful move, the King of
Ladakh sought to break the three-year siege with military assistance from Emperor Aurangzeb in
Srinagar, swinging open the doors of Buddhist Ladakh to centuries of Islamic culture and
influence. A significant Shia Muslim population still exists in Ladakh today.
Likir Gompa houses one of the world’s tallest statues of the Maitreya Buddha (over 80 feet).
This 14th century gompa was the first in Ladakh to have been built by Tibetan monks.
Day 5: DRIVE TO NUBRA VALLEY
After checking out of the hotel, we drive on the highest motorable road in the world over the
18,380 ft. Kardung La pass. The road descends from the pass down a spectacular gorge through
the Kardung village and on down to the valley floor where we set up camp /hotel, in the evening
drive to Diskit and Hunder Diskit Monastery. We then drive further down the river to scenic
village of Hunder, which has nice sand dun and special camel. Heaven camp BLD
Day 6: DRIVE TO LEH
After breakfast we follow the Shyok river to beautiful village of Summur, where we visit the
stunningly Samstanling Gonpa with its large children’s school. Then drive to Leh.
Day 7: DRIVE TO CHILLING: TREK TO SKIU
After breakfast we drive to the entrance of the Zanskar canyon and the village of Chilling. This
small settlement was traditionally an epicenter for metal smiths, who for centuries provided the
entire region with its copper, bronze, silver and iron works. Here we find the local metal smith at
work and learn about this ancient tradition and its role in Ladakhi commerce. After a picnic
lunch in Chilling, we trek Skiu. (9,900ft). 6hrs. The village of Skiu is at only 9,900ft, and the
Markha Valley here is narrow, so the temperatures can soar. We camp at Skiu, and at dusk it is
worth climbing back up the valley to where the Skiu Nala meets the Markha river. Here there is a
small monastery cared for by an old nun who comes every evening to light the candles at the
altar of 'Chamba', the future Buddha. Camping
Day 8: TREK TO MARKHA. (11,776ft). 6 -7hrs.
A very pleasant walk up one of the loveliest sections of the Markha valley. Woody bushes
grow thickly along the river which is spanned by several bridges over which the trail marches to
Thinlespa. The camp is beyond this small village on the right bank of the river, just before the
village of Markha. Camping
Day 9: TREK TO THACHUGTSE. (13,078ft). 6-7 hrs.
The trail continue eastwards climbing steadily up the valley through the picturesque village of
Markha, which has a fascinating monastery, well worth the visit. Coming in from the south is the
trail from Rubering La, one of the routes from Zangla. From Markha the country changes and the
warm, relatively heavily wooded section of the lower Markha is left behind. Between the twin
villages of Lower and Upper Hankar is a ruined fort, the walls of which climb sharply up a crag
to an aerie of a lookout tower - worth visiting for those with a good head for heights. Camping
Day 10: TREK TO NIMALING. (16,097ft). 3 hrs.
The trail continues to climb up the valley to a picturesque lake with a reflection of snow-capped
Kang Yatse, the highest peak in the Zanskar range. From here the Nimaling plain is a broad
undulating meadow which slopes upwards to the base of the ice-clad Kang Yatse which
dominates the area. Nimaling with tiny ponds and rivulets flowing all over its meadows provides
pasturage in the summer for an astonishing number of animals; yaks, sheep, goats, dzos (hybrid
of cow and yak) and horses, not only from the Markha but also from villages all around.
Himalayan marmots and white-tailed hares are seen in plenty and it is not unusual to spot the
occasional blue sheep or wolf. You should reach camp in the early afternoon and have the rest of
the day to relax and explore. Camping
Day 11: TREK TO CHUSKURMO. (13,530ft). 6 hrs.
After crossing the Nimaling river, climb to the top of the highest pass on the trek, the 17,409ft
Kangmaru La with its wonderful views from the top. Snow peaks in every direction, and on a
clear day the giants of the Karakorams, including K2 can be seen on the north-western horizon.
The trail descends steeply to the head of the Martselang valley past the sulfur springs of
Chyushkarmo, chokdo. Camping
Day 12: TREK TO SHANG SUMDO DRIVE TO LEH
Follow the Martselang stream to the village of Shang-Sumdo, at the confluence of the Shang
Nala and the Martselang where taxi will pick up and drive to Hemis monastery then drive to Leh
via Hemis and Thiksay. Hemis Gompa is also known as Chang-Chub-Sam-Ling (or the Lone
Place of the Compassionate Person), Hemis Gompa, south of Leh belongs to the Drukpa order
and was founded in the early 17th century. Now it is one of the most accessible, famous festival
Shey Gonpa and Palace Shey, around 15kms south of Leh was the seat of power of the first king
of Ladakh, Lhachen Spalgigon, who constructed the hill top fortress. The ruins can be seen
further above the present Shey Palace. There are hundreds of Chortens (stupas) and
Dresthang Gonpa built around the palace, which are under the Thiksey Monastery. King Deldan
Namgyal built Shey Palace in the beginning of the 17th century AD. The main image in the
monastery is the three-story statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, made of copper guilt, which was
made by Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only of
its kind in the region. Dresthang Gonpa near the palace was built during the reign of king Singay
Namgyal, with a three-story statue of Buddha. "Shey Srubla" festival is also held here
at Dresthung Gonpa. The Rock-carved statue of five Buddha can be seen below the palace on the
roadside, which was probably carved during the reign of Singay Namgyal. Thiksey Monastery
Thiskey Gonpa, 17kms. south of Leh the most beautiful of all the Monasteries in
Ladakh, belongs to the Gelukspa order. The Gonpa was first built at Stakmo by Sherab Zangpo.
Later the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, Paldan Sherab, founded the Thiskey Gonpa on a hilltop to
the north of Indus River. The Thiskey festival (Thiskey Gustor) is held in the month of OctoberNovember. Around 80 Monks reside here at present. Dukhang Karmo is a huge long assembly
hall, which consists of the image of Shakyamuni and Maitriya Buddha statues. Chamkhang at the
top near the courtyard contains the three story Maitriya Buddha's statue, constructed in recent
years. Dukhang at the top, consists of thousand armed Avaloketesvara, Shakyamuni Buddha and
Bodhisattavas, Gonkhang contains the statues of Vajra Bhairava, Mahakala & Dharmakaya, the
goddess Paldan Lhamo and Cham-sring. Kidar hotel
Day 13 FLY TO DELHI
Upon arrival at Delhi’s airport, a Yama Adventures representative meets you and takes you to
your hotel to rest up for the adventure ahead. Tomorrow you’ll begin exploring this pulsating
capital city, where no less than eight empires rose and fell over 5,000 years. When Bombay and
Madras were mere trading posts, Delhi had already logged five centuries as seat of an empire.
Synonymous with power and imperial sovereignty, Delhi captivated Hindu kings, Mughal
emperors, and the British Raj, all of whom centered their realms here for a time and left behind
distinct legacies. Remnants of Delhi’s glorious past and its valiant struggle for independence and
freedom are visible throughout the city. Radisson Hotel B
Day 14 OLD DELHI
Enjoy a leisurely morning as your guide sets off into Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established
by Shah Jahan in 1638. At the famous Red Fort, where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of
newly independent India on August 15, 1947, you trade vehicle for bicycle rickshaw. You weave
through the warren of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and
busiest bazaars; visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site; and see
the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India and Shah Jahan’s last architectural triumph.
After Lunch, you check out some of New Delhi’s monuments. Humayun’s Tomb (Humayun was
the second Mughal Emperor), an exquisite predecessor to the Taj Mahal, is a prime example of
early Mughal architecture and garden layouts. Nearby Rajpath (the “King’s Way”), one of the
India’s most important avenues, is the architectural pinnacle of Lyuten’s New Delhi and host to
the annual Republic Day Parade. At the western end of Rajpath is Rashtrapathi Bhavan, former
home of the viceroy and the current residence of the India’s president, and towering over the
eastern end is the India Gate, Delhi’s Arc de Triomphe. Radisson Hotel B
Day 15 DELHI TO AGRA
Bidding adieu to Delhi, you drive four hours to Agra. En route you stop at the Agra Bear Rescue
Facility, a sanctuary for rescued “dancing bears.” For centuries the Kalandar nomadic tribe has—
using inhumane methods—captured sloth bears and trained them to perform for emperors and
tourists. Thanks to the efforts of Wildlife SOS, the conservation organization that operates the
center, hundreds of bears have been rescued and the Kalandar people are being assisted in
developing alternative ways to earn a living. After making some new furry friends, you head to
your Agra hotel.
This afternoon there’s time to relax by the pool before your sunset visit to the Taj Mahal,
described by Lord Curzon as “without flaw or blemish, exquisite, irresistible, impossible to
criticize, incapable of improvement, the most perfect structure in the world.”
Constructed by
Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is the most famous Mughal
monument and the most extravagant ever built for love. Erecting it took 17 years, 20,000
workers, and a king’s treasury. Alongside your knowledgeable guide you wander through the
inner chambers and marble paths, marveling at the palace’s architectural brilliance. If you feel
like you’re in a dream, you’re not the first: Theo Cruz once wrote of his time at the Taj, “The
only way I could escape the feeling of being in a dream was to close my eyes.” Trident Agra B
Day 16 AGRA TO JAIPUR
If you’re up for an early wake-up call, you can return to the Taj Mahal to see it light up at
sunrise, then have breakfast at the hotel. Afterward it’s off to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. This enormous 16th-century citadel made of red sandstone was the work of Akbar
the Great and stands as a testament to his renowned military might and architectural genius. The
fort was occupied by his grandson, Emperor Shah Jahan, who was later imprisoned here, left to
gaze at the Taj Mahal until his death.
After lunch you depart for Jaipur, stopping en route to explore a real-life ghost town: the
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory). Built by Akbar to celebrate
the birth of his heir (the future Emperor Jahangir), Fatehpur Sikri served as capital of the Mughal
Empire from 1571 to 1585 and was, according to English traveler Ralph Fitch in
1585, “considerably larger than London and more populous.” Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned in
1585—some say because Akbar turned his attention to fighting Afghan tribes and chose a new
capital, others say because there wasn’t enough water to support the population—but its
collection of elegant red-sandstone palaces, mosques, and public buildings, are perfectly
preserved and a sight to behold.
Jaipur is the “bustling, monkey-filled, oleander pink toytown capital of Rajasthan,” according to
Louise Nicholson. A stop in a Rajasthani village breaks up the four-hour drive and gives you a
chance to stretch your legs. In time for dinner, you arrive at your next accommodation, an
amazing family-friendly property nestled in the Aravalli Hills on seven serene acres. Inspired by
Rajasthani architecture, the Tree of Life Resort and Spa features local designs and extensive use
of sandstone and lime. It, in turn, inspires relaxation and sets the scene for poolside fun.
Day 17 JAIPUR
Your Jaipur exploration begins on a hillside outside of town at Amer Fort, also called Amer
Palace because of its opulent internal complex, constructed of red sandstone and white marble,
and adorned with mosaics, paintings, and silver. (Amer is often pronounced “Amber” by
visitors.) One of India’s most famous forts, it was constructed in the 1590s on four levels by
Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army. Head inside to check out the Kali
temple, the Hall of
Victory, and the Hall of Pleasure, among other interesting nooks and
crannies. If this area looks familiar, it may be because the surrounding ruins appeared in Mira
Nair’s movie Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.
From here you jaunt off the beaten path and into the Aravalli Hills for a quiet lunch and a new
perspective on the scenery: from the back of an elephant! At Dera Amer you climb aboard a
pleasant pachyderm and ride into the bush, watching for antelope, jackals, birds, and shy
panthers and hyenas. If you’re done in time, you’ll get the chance to give the elephants a bath
before returning to your hotel for a leisurely evening. Radisson Jaipur B
Day 18 JAIPUR
As soon as you enter the old city of Jaipur through one of its seven gates, you see why it’s
known as “the Pink City.” Rose-hued buildings rise at every turn.
Built in 1727 by the
warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai
Singh II and home to the Rajputs, a group of warrior
clans
that ruled this part of India for a thousand years,
Jaipur was designed in accordance with the
Shilpa
Shastra, the Hindu treatise on architecture. Battlement
walls enclose broad avenues,
which divide the old town into nine neat squares, each representing a planet of the ancient
astrological zodiac. The central square
corresponds to earth and holds the sprawling City
Palace
complex, your first stop today. Amid its collection of
palaces, courtyards, public
buildings, and zenana mahals (harems) is seven-story Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace). Pop into
its museum to see a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal wardrobe. A hop, skip,
and jump away is our next site, the Jantar Mantar. This wildly constructed astronomical
observatory, constructed in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, captures the imagination of
people young and old. After looking around, set off for an early-evening stroll through the
hubbub of ancient Johari Bazaar. Rickshaws, cows, bejeweled women, and men with shockingly
pink turbans pass by as you soak up spice aromas and vibrant street life.
Sure to be a highlight of the day—and the trip—is the time you spend with a local family
learning how to make kites. Kite flying is extremely popular in India, which explains the
prevalence of kites throughout the bazaar. Your new friends show you the ropes, helping you
construct your own kite out of colorful paper or silks and thin bamboo. Back at the hotel tonight,
you can practice getting it up in the air. Radisson Jaipur B
Day 19 FLY TO DELHI
The morning is yours to relax or get in some last-minute exploring and shopping in Jaipur. Then
you bid a fond farewell to Jaipur and fly one hour to Delhi. After landing you’re met at the
airport and taken to the Trident Gurgaon. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Delhi on
your own. Radisson Hotel B
Day 20 FLY TO US