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Day 1 Delhi
Flight
to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Check in
time is 1200 hrs.
Day
2 Delhi
In
Delhi’s 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where
the present capital of India stands. Here you’ll encounter a
fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary - where
government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist
besides a modern metropolis. Delhi
is a city waiting to be explored.
After
breakfast sightseeing of
Old and
New Delhi.
Visit
the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad
(Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
(1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi.
Red Fort
– the 17th century imposing fortress built in red
sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high.
Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite
the Red Fort lies Jama
Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white
marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque
where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer.
Visit
Raj Ghat on the
banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where
he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948.
The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made
of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his
last words “Hey Ram”. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.
Afternoon
visit New Delhi.
Visit
the Humayun’s Tomb,
built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early
example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of
the Taj Mahal. The Qutub
Minar – the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory
started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high
with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed
to the Rashtrapati
Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official
residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it
combines western and eastern styles – the dome reflects the
Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades
very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government
Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes
and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north
and south gateways are Mughal in design.
The northern
building
has an inscription with “Liberty will not descend to
a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.
It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be
enjoyed”. The Parliament
House,
designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is
the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of
princes and legislative assembly. The India
Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who
died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British
and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are
engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar
Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the
Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Day
3 Delhi/Leh
After
breakfast, in time transfer to the airport to connect flight
to mysterious dust covered Leh the capital of Ladakh, also
famous as “Small Tibet”. Lying at an altitude of 3500m in
a fertile valley of the Indus river, about 10 kms. The city,
once the trading centre on the silk route to China , Tibet
and Pakistan in the past.
On
arrival in Leh, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free
for acclimatization and relaxation.
In
the evening you can roam around the local market to feel the
pulse of Leh.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day
4 Leh
Although
Buddhism was the main religion in India till 7th
century A.D. it lost its value later mainly due to Muslim
invasions during 11th-13th century A.D. But
nevertheless it blossomed in the heart of Himalayas. Morning
take an excursion to Shankar
Monastery,which lies on the foot of the city a couple of
km north of the town centre. The gompa has evening lighting.
There is a library and great views from the roof. There is an
impressive representation of Avalokitesvara complete with 1000
arms and 1000 heads. Finally climb the huge 9 storey Leh
Palace.
Sengge Namgyal
the “Lion King” (1616-42) ruled here and made Leh
his residence. The clay/wood construction with its impressive
Lion portal is in ruins today. Further on the mountain peak
the wall of an old castle and a decayed temple. The view is
very unique from the 6000m high mountain with its snow peaks
and green valley of Leh with vegetable and fruit plantations.
Visit the ruins of the Leh
Gompa an old temple above the Leh Palace houses a large
golden Buddha, many painted scrolls, murals and old
manuscripts.
Return
to hotel.
Day
5-6 Leh-Hemis-Leh
Today
as well as tomorrow excursion to Hemis
Monastery (45 km) south of Leh on the west bank f the Indus
river where you see the famous mysterious Mask Dance, which
takes place annually. The Drukpa
monastery is built on a green hillside surrounded by
spectacular mountains. It was founded in the 17the century,
and is the biggest and wealthiest monastery. The gate leads
into a courtyard where mass sacred dances were performed.
Colourful prayer flags can be seen fluttering from the four
posts. There are two assembly halls, the larger one in plain
and used for ceremonies and the smaller contains some silver
gift chortens and a Kashmiri lacquered wood throne.
Return
to Leh. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day
7 Leh-Lamyuru-Uletokpo
Start early for
Lamayuru monastery, oldest in the region was founded in 11th
century and it belongs to Tibetian Kagyupa sect. Though partly
destroyed in 19th century it still has some beautiful murals,
the 11 headed and 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara image, along with
the decorated Dukhang (assembly Hall). There are caves carved
out of the mountain wall and some of the rooms are richly
furnished with carpets, Tibetian tables and butter lamps.
Later drive back to Uletokpo.
Overnight in
the camps in Uletokpo.
Day 8 Uletokpo/Leh
Drive to Leh.
En-route visit Alchi. Alchi's large temple complex is regarded
as one of the most important Bhuddhist centers in Ladakh and a
jewel of monastic skill. Founded in the 11th Century by
Rinchen Zangpo the "Great Translator", it was richly
decorated by artists from Kashmir and Tibet.
Proceed to Leh.
Overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 9 Leh
Morning
at leisure. Afternoon excursion to the Phynag and Spituk
monasteries. Phyang
Monastery built in the 16th century by the
founder of the Namgyal Dynasty. It houses hundreds of statues
including some Kashmiri bronzes, thangkas and manuscript
copies of old temples. The temple walls have colourful
paintings of the 8 fold path of Buddha’s teachings. Later
visit the Spituk
Monastery, 08 kms from Leh. It was founded in the 11th
century with 3 chapels in a series of tiers with courtyards
and steps dating from the 15th century. This is the
seat of the head Lama. The 16-17th century Du-Khang is the
largest building and has two rows of seats the length of the
wall to the throne. It has sculptures and miniature chortens
are displayed on the altar.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day
10 Leh/Sarchu
Today
starts your four days drive to Manali. You cross many mountain
passes.
The
first leg of today’s drive goes through beautiful landscape,
surrounded by huge mountains. Pass by village Gya (4100m),
which is situated near the place where Upshi leads to Indus.
Today you cross the Taglang la Pass (5370m) and the Lachalung
la Pass (5065m).
On
arrival in Sarchu. Overnight in Camps.
Day
11 Sarchu/Keylong
After
breakfast drive on to Keylong. You go along with Bhaga River,
up to the Baralacha Pass (4880m). On the way you can see
breathtaking views of the nearby lying mountains.
Overnight
stay in at the hotel in Keylong.
Day
12 Keylong
Keylong
is set amidst fields of barley and buckwheat surrounded by
brown hills and snowy peaks and was once the home of the
Moravian missionaries. The whole day is spent in Keylong.
Visit
to Khardong Monastery,
3.5 km across the Chandra river. Believed to have been founded
900 years ago, the monastery has four temples, contains a huge
barrel drum, a valuable library and collections of thangkas,
Buddhist statues, musical instruments, costumes and ancient
weapons.
Return
to Keylong. Overnight the hotel in Keylong.
Day
13 Keylong/Manali
Early
morning drive to Manali. Set out after breakfast. We pass Tandi,
8 kms from Keylong,
which is at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga
rivers, forming the Chenab. As the road ascends towards Khoksar
there is an excellent view of the Lumphu Nala coming down from
the Tempo La glacier. The road crosses the Chandra river by a
Bailey Bridge past fields of peas and potatoes. The ascent
to Gramphoo
offers superb views of the glaciated valley of the Chandra
River, source of the Chenab. On the south side lies the
Chandra Valley of Lahaul. Drive to Manali in the Lahul-Valley,
famous for its potato plantations. Continue through a
breathtaking mountain world the road leads downwards, from
where you can have a marvelous and spectacular view of
Himalayan-Chain with precipitous cliffs, deep ravines, large
glaciers and moraines. We pass through the Rohtang
Pass (3985m) from the Tibetan area through a series of
tight hairpin bends to Marrhi,
where the landscape becomes totally devoid of trees. Pass
Kothi Kodi (2530m).Going along the right bank of the river
Beas through small settlements we arrive Manali in the
evening. It is located at a height of 1900m in the Kulu
Valley.
Upon
arrival check-in to the hotel.
Day
14 Manali
Whole
day is free for relaxation.
Optional
visit to the Tibetan
Monastery and a Hindu temple the Hadimba
Devi Temple (1553), in the middle of Pine forest a 27 m
high pagoda temple, has 3-tier roof and fine naturalistic wood
carvings of animals and plants, specially around the doorway.
Overnight
in hotel.
Day
15 Manali
Morning
at leisure to explore the city on your own. Afternoon
excursion to Naggar,
which was once the capital of Kullu valley. The 16th
century castle is a fine example of timber bonded building. It
was used as the Royal residence till the 17th
century. It is built round a courtyard with verandahs having
enchanting views over the valley. In the courtyard are several
sati stones with primitive carvings. Around the palace there
are more temples to see. On the foot of a small bazaar there
is Gauri Shankar
Temple (11/12 century) built of sandstone is dedicated to
God Shiva.
Chatar Bhuj
Temple, which is dedicated to God Vishnu. Tripura
Sundri Devi Temple in wood has a multi-level pagoda roof
in the Himachal style is also nearby. Roerich
Art Gallery -
the home of Prof Nichola Roerich,
in a peaceful garden with excellent views, has a
collection of his paintings and of his son. Return to Manali.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Manali
Day
16 Manali/Shimla ( 120 Kms)
Early
morning drive to Shimla
through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. Pass by
Kullu
(1200 m) sprawling along the grassy west bank of the
Beas. It hosts the dramatically colorful Dusshera festival.
You will pass Mandi which was founded in 1520. Drive through Bilaspur.
After
arrival check-in to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Shimla.
Day
17 Shimla
Shimla
a charming hill station, was the summer capital of the of
British rulers from 1865, which they endowed with the mock
Tudor houses, churches, clubs, parks with bandstands of
English country towns, and a main street invariably called the
Mall. Today Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh state.
Morning
at leisure. Later in the afternoon, a short tour of the city.
Walk through Shimla: a crescent shaped ridge connecting a
number of hilltops. Pass by the Christ
Church
(1844) on the Jakhu Hill with the mok tudor library
next door. The main street – The Mall joins Scandal
Point, where people collect to gossip. Originally the name
referred to the stir caused by the elopement of a British lady
from the Vice regal Lodge and a dashing Patiala prince after
they arranged a rendezvous here. The Gaiety
Theatre (1887) and the Town
Hall and the General
Post Office
are reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts style. Gorton
Castle, once the Secretariat. The Vice regal Lodge (1888)
built by Lord Dufferin in the Elizabethan style. Now the
Rashtrapati Niwas, it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced
Study. Reminders of its British origins include a gatehouse, a
chapel and the meticulously polished brass fire hydrants
imported from Manchester.
Inside you may visit only the reception room and the
library which are lined from floor to ceiling with impressive
teak paneling. The local bazaar and houses with red tiled
roofs lie below the Mall.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Shimla.
Day
18 Shimla/Delhi
Today
drive through the breathtaking landscapes and surroundings of
the Shivalik hills from Shimla to Delhi via Chandigarh. After
arrival in the Delhi transfer to the hotel.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Day
19 Delhi
Day
free at disposal
Day
20 Delhi/Home
Early
morning transfer to the airport to connect flight back home.
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