Ladakh Cultural Tour (with Hemis Festival in June)

In Ladakh the gold and copper toned bare rocks of the Ladakh, Karakorum and Zanskar mountain ranges, above the tree line, surround the high River valleys. On the horizon beyond are the pure white snow capped Himalayan and Karakorum mountain peaks under the azure blue sky. This amazing landscape is very unique to this region and found no where else in the world.

Ladakh, a far flung region in the northernmost part of India, has continued to be a haven for Mahayan Buddhism. Three ranges of the highest mountains of the world – Himalaya, Karakorum and Zanskar - merge in this land that stretches along the valleys of the River Indus and the River Zanskar. Being difficult to access by land, this region escaped the attention of all the invading armies that intruded in to India from the northwest over thousands of years. Nonetheless it was not completely cut off from the world because the Silk Route trade caravans of precious commodities from China and central Asia passed through Ladakh on their way to the Arabian Sea ports in Gujarat state. Lying west of the Kailash Mountain, Hindu pilgrims to the abode of Lord Shiva passed through Ladakh. The Tibetan Buddhists on their way to the land of Lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha passed Ladakh in the opposite direction. The art in the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh reflects the blend of Chinese, Tibetan, Central Asian and Indian traditions. Tibetan Buddhism pervades the lifestyle of the people of this land where Tantric Mahayan customs and religious culture have flourished unblemished by foreign influences.

The highlight of this fascinating tour of Ladakh is undoubtedly the festival to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Padmasambhava, the ancient Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to the Himalayan region, central Asia and China. This two-day long celebration is held each summer in the largest monastery in Ladakh, the Hemis Gompa and you will have premium seats in the monastery courtyard.

This tour is not a mountain hiking expedition; nonetheless some walking on steep slopes is involved because most Buddhist monasteries are situated on the peaks of hills and mountains. The Ladakh valley itself is over 3,505 meters or 10, 500 feet above sea-level. Please consult your personal physician before registering for this tour. Oxygen cylinders and medication against high altitude sickness are available in Leh in case they are required.

The only time to visit Ladakh is between May and September when the snow covered mountain roads are open to traffic. For visiting Hemis Festival in 2009 you have to arrive in Delhi on June 26.

Itinerary:

Day 1, US International Airport: Departure

Day 2, Delhi:

The representative of our tour operator will receive us on arrival in Indira Gandhi International Airport and transfer to Radisson Hotel (5-star), New Delhi for overnight.

Day 3, Delhi: - Leh

Transfer to airport to board the morning flight to Leh. Our local representative will meet, greet, assist and transfer us to our hotel in Leh. All hotels in Leh are about 2-star standard or less. Leh city is located at an altitude of 3,505 meters or 10,500 feet above sea-level. Rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude of Ladakh .Overnight at Pangong Hotel or Spic n Span Hotel or Poplar Eco Resort in Leh.

Day 4, Leh:

Full day sightseeing of Shey Palace and Thiksey monastary. Thiksey Gompa or Buddhist monastery is one of the largest in Ladakh and is situated on the peak of a craggy hill. It holds a valuable collection of Tibetan manuscripts and art work including the 15 meters or 49.2 feet high statue of Maitreya, the compassionate future Buddha. From the Shey Palace one has a panoramic view of the Indus River Valley. On way back visit Tibetan refugee center. Overnight at Pangong Hotel or Spic n Span Hotel or Poplar Eco Resort in Leh.

Day 5, Leh and neighboring areas:

Full day sightseeing tour of Phyang, Spituk monastery, Stok palace and museum . Overnight at the Pangong Hotel or Spic n Span Hotel or Poplar Eco Resort.

Day 6, Leh – Uletokpo

Drive to Uletokpo with a stop on the way to visit the Alchi monastery at 70 kilometers or 44 miles from Leh. Arrive and check in at camps or Alchi Resort. After lunch visit the beautiful villages of Mangyu. Overnight at Alchi Resort Hotel or Ule Ethnic Camps, the tented accommodation

Day 7, Leh – Lamayuru:

In the morning drive to the Lamayuru monastary at a distance of about 130 kilometers or 81 miles in about 3 hours. In the afternoon visit Rizong monastary and Chulichan nunnery . Overnight at Alchi Resort Hotel or tented accommodation.

Day 8, Uletokpo – Leh:

After breakfast drive 70 kilometers or 44 miles in about 1 ½ hours to Leh with a stop on the way to visit the Likir Monastery. Overnight at the Pangong Hotel or Spic n Span Hotel or Poplar Eco Resort

Day 9, Leh- Sumur ( Nubra valley )

Early morning drive 166 kilometers or 103 miles in about 6 hours to Nubra valley traversing the highest road in the world over the Khardungla pass at 5,602 meters or 18,379 feet above sea-level. Arrive at Nubra and check in at the Tirith Camps, a relatively comfortable tented accommodation.

Day 10, Nubra sightseeing

After breakfast proceed for a visit to the white sand dunes at Hunder and enjoy the Bactrian 2-humped camel ride with amazing views of the snow capped Himalayas on the horizon. Visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries. In the evening a short trek will bring us to the Samstling monastery. Overnight at the Tirith Camps, a relatively comfortable tented accommodation.

Day 11, Nubra Valley to Leh:

After breakfast drive to Leh once again passing over the Khardungla, the highest pass in the world. Arrive and check in at hotel. In the late afternoon free time to walk in the Leh market or visit the Leh mosque. Overnight at the Pangong Hotel or Spic n Span Hotel or Poplar Eco Resort.

Day 12, Hemis Festival:

Full day to enjoy the masked dances accompanied by cymbals, drums and long horns; prayers and other rituals of the Hemis festival in this ancient Buddhist monastery that is located at a distance of 45 kilometers or 28 miles from Leh. The Hemis monastery festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have protected the local people and monks from demons. Every 8 years the largest Thanka painted scroll is ritually taken out and hung in the courtyard of the monastery. The next unveiling of this Thanka will be in 2016. A colorful fair with local handicrafts is held on the sidelines of this festival. Premium place seats will be reserved for our group in the courtyard of Hemis Gompa. Overnight Pangong Hotel or Spic n Span Hotel or Poplar Eco Resort in Leh.

Day 13, Leh-Delhi-Agra

Transfer to airport to board the Kingfisher at 0810 IT 3342 (Jet Airways flight 9W1610) at 8.25 AM to arrive in New Delhi at 9.40 AM. Drive to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Later drive to Jama Masjid built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. After sightseeing of the Friday Mosque, enjoy a Cycle Riksha ride in Old Delhi. After lunch sightseeing of Qutub Minar and the tomb of second Mughal Emperor Humayun. In the afternoon sightseeing of Qutub Minar, Lotus Bahai Temple, drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan – residence of the President, the office of the Prime Minister, Parliament House and India Gate. Around 4/5 PM transfer to railway station to board the train to Agra. Transfer to a 5-star hotel in Agra.

Day 14, Agra:

Early morning a short drive will take us to the world famous Taj Mahal to view it at sunrise. After breakfast visit a marble factory to see the traditional craftsmen working on inlay of semi-precious stones in marble. After lunch sightseeing the Red Fort built by third Mughal Emperor Akbar and marvel at the white marble palaces in this fort that were added to it by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Overnight in a 5-star hotel in Agra.

Day 15, Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-New Dehi-US International Airport:

After breakfast drive about one hour to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar for sightseeing of the red sandstone palaces with a unique blend of predominantly Hindu and Jain features with Islamic architecture. Later visit the Jama Masjid with the beautiful white marble tomb of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chistie in its massive courtyard. After the sightseeing drive further to New Delhi. Farewell dinner at Radisson Hotel before the transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport to board the return flight to US International Airport.

The price of $ 1,360.00 includes:

·         Assistance and baggage handling at arrival, departure in airports, hotels and tented accommodations

·         Accomodation on double or twin occupancy basis

·         2 overnights in Radisson Hotel in Delhi with breakfast

·         Round trip airfare by Jet Airways from Delhi to Leh

·         6 overnights in A-Cateogory (the best available) hotels in Leh

·         2 overnights in Tirith Camps in Nubra Valley with common bath and toilets

·         2 overnights in Ule Ethnic Camps in Uletokpo with common bath and toilets

·         All meals during the stay in Ladakh with breakfasts and dinners in hotels or camps while the lunches could be at stops on the way or packed picnic lunches

·         Transportation in Delhi and Agra with deluxe air-conditioned car with daily mineral water

·         Transportation in Ladakh with Toyota Qualis or Scorpio 4WD vehicles without air-conditioning

·         Services of a knowledgeable, good English speaking guide in Delhi, Agra and in Ladakh

·         Premium reserved seats at the Hemis Festival

·         Entrances to monuments in Delhi and Agra as well as in Ladakh

·         Accommodation for two overnights in 5-star hotel in Agra with breakfast

·         Inner Line permits

·         All applicable luxury taxes in hotels as well as road tolls and taxes

The price does not include:

·         Round trip international airfare from a US international airport to New Delhi (Please call or email us for flight tariff)

·         Single room supplement of $ 890.00

·         International travel insurance (highly recommended, we will give you the cost of travel insurance on receipt of your registration form

·         Lunches and Dinners in Delhi and Agra except farewell dinner

·         Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in hotels and restaurants

·         Telephone, laundry, internet and room service charges in hotels

·         Transportation in Ladakh is prepaid, there will be no refund in case of cancellation of any segment of the tour due to bad weather or any other reason

·         Tips to drivers and guides (recommended tip is about $ 3 to 5 per day per person)

Payment:

An advance payment of US$ 370.00 with registration form, duly filled out and signed. Balance is due 90 days before departure date. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit and debit card payments. There is an extra charge of 2.75% for payment with Visa, MasterCard or Discover cards because credit and debit card commissions are not included in the price.