Journey to the heart of Himachal and Ladakh

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  France – DELHI

  Welcome at the airport by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 2

  DELHI – AMRITSAR

  Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the station to take the train to Amritsar, the land of the Sikhs. Welcome by our driver at the station and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, departure for the visit of the Golden Temple. Overnight at the hotel. Note: Please bring a scarf to cover your head during the visit to the Golden Temple.

• day 3

  AMRITSAR – WAGAH BORDER – AMRITSAR

  After breakfast, departure for the visit of the temple and the kitchen (Langar), then visit of the Jallianwala Bagh and its lively bazaar. Lunch in the Sikh temple. In the afternoon, departure towards the Wagah border to attend the parade between the Indian army and the Pakistani army. Return to Amritsar. Overnight at the hotel. Ceremony of the parade: The village of Wagah is the only land crossing point between India and Pakistan. It is located halfway between Amritsar (in Indian Punjab) and Lahore (capital of Pakistani Punjab), cities about 60 km apart. Wagah, which is situated on the demarcation line established by Cyril Radcliffe during the partition of 1947, found itself split in two, with the eastern part in India and the western part in Pakistan. Every evening, a ceremony is organized, bringing together soldiers from both countries. Then, each army proceeds, on its side, to lower its flag and to fold it very meticulously.

• day 4

  AMRITSAR – KALKA – SHIMLA

  After breakfast, departure to Kalka station to take the Toy Train. You will enjoy a very beautiful landscape of the mountainous region. We suggest you leave the train at Solan station. Welcome by our driver at the station and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Toy Train: The train between Kalka and Shimla (Shivalik Deluxe Express) runs on narrow tracks, hence its name Toy Train. It covers a distance of 96 km in 5 hours (sometimes more depending on the weather) and especially goes from 656 meters in altitude to 2076 meters. It serves 21 stations and passes over 864 bridges and through 102 tunnels. In short, you will tackle the foothills of the Himalayas in a small train. The mountain landscapes are magnificent and the small stations where you will stop are very cute. The train itself has a great charm, a bit old-fashioned.

• day 5

  Shimla

  Among the most interesting sights in Shimla, Christ Church is a must-see. This church is one of the oldest in northern India. It is truly magnificent, with large, ornate and decorated stained glass windows. Visiting it is an essential moment for all travelers, who appreciate its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Continue this incredible day of touring India with the Shimla State Museum. This building brings together all the historical and cultural relics of Shimla. You can admire sculptures, paintings, bronzes, as well as costumes and jewelry from the traditional art of the city and even the entire region. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities in Shimla. It is located along Mall Road, the city's famous shopping center. Finally, set out to discover the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, a British colonial building steeped in history. It is built at the top of Observatory Hill, one of the seven hills surrounding the city. Most of the building is underground and contains prisons and torture chambers! Gandhi stayed there, invited by the British... It was originally built to accommodate Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. Since 1965, it has housed the prestigious "Indian Institute of Advanced Studies." Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  Shimla - Manali

  After breakfast, transfer to Manali, located at the northern end of the Kulu valley, on a very ancient site. The landscape is magnificent with its snow-capped peaks, pine forests, tiny meadows, orchards, and the clear waters of the Beas River flowing through the town. Arrival and rest at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 7

  Manali

  In the morning, after breakfast, departure to the trekking site. The trek will last you 3 or 4 hours. Lunch in the village. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 8

  MANALI / ROHTANG PASS / KEYLONG / JISPA

  After breakfast, departure towards Jispa. You will cross the mighty Rohtang Pass. On the way, visit the village of Goshal, which is one of the richest villages in this valley. The valley is very well known for its salty tea and local rice beer. You can experience the tea or the local beer in this village. The inhabitants of this valley are mainly Buddhists and the local society still follows the ancient culture of polygamy. Continue towards Jispa via Keylong, which is the capital of this valley. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 9

  JISPA / SARCHU

  After breakfast, departure for the visit of the local villages around Jispa. Later, drive to Sarchu (the border of the Himachal and Jammu-Kashmir states). Sarchu is inhabited by a Himalayan clan, the Gaddis, as well as a few solitary soldiers in an army outpost. Night in the camp. Night at the fixed camp.

• day 10

  SARCHU / LEH

  Breakfast, then drive to Leh. Travel through the highest passes of this road and, across the southern end of the Tibetan plateau, cross the highest pass of this route, called Tanglang La (5359 m). Arrival in Leh in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 11

  LEH

  After breakfast, departure for the visit of Spituk, 18 km from Leh. Visit en route to the Shanti Stupa and the Spituk Monastery. After the cultural visit, you will go for a hike in the village of Sabu (2 hours on foot). An interesting desert, an easy two-hour hike passes through two pretty little passes at 3,700 m altitude. From the top of the passes, you can admire the beautiful view of part of the famous village of Sabu, then continue the hike descending to the village of Sabu. Lunch with a local family. Return to Leh by car. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 12

  LEH

  After breakfast, departure towards Hemis, 45 km from Leh. On the way, visit the monasteries of Shey and Thiksey. Return to Leh. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 13

  Leh – Delhi

  In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to Leh airport to take the flight to Delhi. Welcome at the airport by our driver and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit of Gandhi's house, the government buildings, and Gandhi's mausoleum. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 14

  DELHI – DEPARTURE

  After breakfast, transfer to Delhi International Airport to take the return flight. End of our services.