This trip is a combination of melting pots: the modern one of Dharamsala, where people from all over the world are drawn to study, travel and live by the Dalai Lama...

This trip is a combination of melting pots: the modern one of Dharamsala, where people from all over the world are drawn to studyand live by the Dalai Lama; and the ancient one of Ladakh, an important stop on the old east-west Silk Road.

This trip will give you a sense of both the recently arrived and long established cultures that call the beautiful Himalaya home.

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2 Delhi

Full day for Delhi sightseeing with a local guide.

Day 3 Amritsar

There is the option to fly or take a day train north to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, the most important gurdwara (temple) for Sikhs the world over. On arrival visit the Golden Temple; in the evening drive 30 kilometres to visit the Pakistan/India border and see the sunset border closing ceremony.

Day 4 Dharamsala

After breakfast drive 5 hours to Dharamsala; rest of the day at leisure to enjoy a walk and a meal among the many Tibetans that live here in exile with the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama.

Day 5 Dharamsala

Many of the major lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, including the monastery associated with the Dalai Lama, have monasteries and nunneries in the area of Dharamsala. Today you will visit some of them with a resident guide.

Day 6 Dharamsala

There are many activities on offer in Dharamsala – Yoga, meditation, sitting in on prayer time at monasteries, cooking classes. There are also day walks into the beautiful surrounding countryside. Travellers also enjoy shopping here, with many Tibetans having street stalls.

Day 7 Dharamsala

There are many activities on offer in Dharamsala – Yoga, meditation, sitting in on prayer time at monasteries, cooking classes. There are also day walks into the beautiful surrounding countryside. Travellers also enjoy shopping here, with many Tibetans having street stalls.

Day 8 Manali

Full day drive to Manali. Overnight in Manali

Day 9 Manali

Half day trip to see the 400 year old Hadimba Devi Temple. In the afternoon visit Vashist hot spring, Jagatsukh temple and the local market of Manali.

Day 10 Sarchu

Full day drive through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you are likely to see any where in the world – over the Rohtang Pass (4111 metres) to Sarchu. Overnight stay in deluxe tents.

Day 11 Leh

After breakfast at camp drive 6 hours to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Rest of the day free to rest and acclimatise with the high altitude in Leh.

Day 12 Leh

Day excursion to some of the monasteries in the area, including an early morning visit to Thiksey monastery to enjoy the prayer ceremony. Continue driving on to Hemis, which is one of the most significant monasteries of the Ladakh region; on the return drive to Leh, visit Shey Palace.

Day 13 Leh

Morning walking tour of Leh, including Kings Palace, Leh Mosque and Leh Bazaar. Afternoon free for soaking up the Himalayan ambience.

Day 14 Nubra Valley

After breakfast drive 4 hours to Nubra Valley. Visit the small villages of this hidden valley. Overnight stay in deluxe tents.

Day 15 Leh

After breakfast at the tents drive back to Leh. Check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure.

Day 16 Leh

After breakfast begin a day excursion to Khardongla pass, which is the highest motorable pass in the world. At the top enjoy the beauty of the snow capped mountain vista.

Day 17 Delhi

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.