Kashmir is the northernmost region of India, renowned worldwide for breathtaking natural beauty and picturesque vistas. Ladakh is a mountainous cold desert with a magical landscape surrounded by the Karakoram and Great Himalayas. Kashmir offers quaint homestays, eco-resorts, stunning architecture, amazing flora, and adventures.
Arrive in Srinagar and meet our representative before proceeding to your houseboat on iconic Dal Lake, known for its floating homes and maze of waterways to explore by traditional shikara boats. Take in panoramic mountain views and visit the exquisite Mughal Shalimar and Nishat gardens. Enjoy a memorable shikara ride on the lake at this famous destination for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Overnight stay in charming houseboat accommodations.
After breakfast, drive to scenic Sonmarg, the "Meadow of Gold", in the picturesque Sindhu Valley, Kashmir's largest tributary. Pass panoramic villages and reach Sonamarg at 2740m. Drive through Zojila Pass, Gateway to Ladakh, and on to Drass, the world's second coldest inhabited place. Continue to Kargil at 2710m, which gained importance after Ladakh opened for tourism in 1974. Overnight in Kargil.
After breakfast in Kargil, visit Lamayuru monastery enroute to Leh, passing the high Namkila & Fatula passes. See the unique 1000 year old Alchi gompa on flat ground. Visit massive Buddha statues at splendid Likir monastery's 3 storey Dharma Wheel gompa. See the Indus & Zanskar River convergence at Sangam. Stop at Pathar Sahib gurdwara before reaching Leh for overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive over Khardung La, world's highest motorable pass at 18832ft. See amazing snow-capped peak views. Pass a glacier bridge in Guinness Records to reach photogenic Nubra Valley oasis with colorful trees. Reach campsite, visit sand dunes to likely see double-humped camels, enjoy dunes spread across Hundur Village. Dinner and overnight at camp.
After breakfast, visit the 515 year old Diskit monastery on a hilltop with panoramic valley views. Walk Diskit's small market and see a giant Buddha statue. Tour Samsthaling, Panamik, Yarab Tso Lake with Karakoram Range views. Samsthaling sits above Sumur on an old caravan route. Panamik was the last major caravan stop. Recross Khardung La Pass to reach Leh for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Pangong Lake (14,500ft) through third highest Changla Pass (17,350ft). Marvel at this high-altitude saltwater lake shared by India and China. Appreciate the ever-changing colors and meditative silence. Enjoy spectacular views of the color-shifting lake throughout the day. Dinner and overnight in lakeside camps.
After breakfast, drive back to Leh via Hemis, evening free for Market. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh airport for a return flight.
The best time to visit Kashmir is March to August, covering spring and summer. Kashmir's blossoms and cool summer weather create the perfect time to experience this "heaven on earth". Leh & Ladakh pristine natural beauty is best seen in summer from May to August when temperatures reach about 30 degrees Celsius. Winter is not recommended as heavy snow makes roads inaccessible. Visiting during summer allows witnessing Ladakh's untouched precious natural possessions.
