Overview
Enter the lap of nature – snow capped Himalaya Mountains, beautiful lakes,
Chir and Pine forests, and gushing rivers. One of the most beautiful regions
of India, surpassing paradise. Trace the Islamic history from the 14th
century, and experience a rich cultural heritage. The Mughal rulers of India,
retreated from the heat of the plains to the cool, green heights of Kashmir.
Enjoy a four day Lidder to Sindh Valley trek, wandering and camping at a
height of over 3000 m through mule tracks, scenic meadows, beautiful glacial
lakes, forests and snowbound passes. Be part of the Amarnath Yatra contending
with 25000 Hindu pilgrims annually who visit the cave. Witness natures secret
an ice lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva) which changes size according to the
season.
Day 01 Delhi
Flight to Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi
Arrive Delhi, in its 3000 years of existence seven cities rose 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 beside a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be
explored. Transfer to hotel.
Morning enjoy a half day city Tour of Old Delhi. Visit the 7th city of Delhi - Shahjahanabad, which was built by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD)
after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort –17th century
imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall
33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. Pass through the
impressive
Naubat Khana or the Music Gallery / Drum House where ceremonial music was played
5 times a day to the glory of the Emperor. The floral panels were painted in
gold or other colours, traces still visible on the gateway. The open courtyard
leads to the Diwan-i-Am - the hall of public audience, where the normal visitor
would reach. The hall is well proportioned with a façade of nine cusped arches
standing three-based deep. At the back of the hall is the platform where the
marble throne of the Emperor was situated. Silk carpets and brocade curtains
hung from the outside of the building, the canopy rings are still visible above
the pillars. The Diwan-i-Khas - hall of private audience is built completely of
white marble and was decorated with inlaid precious and semi precious stones,
and the ceiling was of silver. In the center stood the famous Peacock Throne on
a marble pedestal with a gold canopy with two peacocks at the back and a parrot
carved out of a single emerald. The throne was inlaid with a vast number of
sapphires, rubies, emeralds, pearls and diamonds. The Royal Palaces or Khas
Mahal consists of three rooms, highly decorated with fine silk carpets and rich
silk brocade curtains. The walls lavishly decorated - the Tasbih Khana or the
private prayer chamber, the Khwabgah or the dream palace for the emperor, the
Tosh Khana – private sitting room with a beautiful marble screen, which is
carved with the scales of justice above the filigree grill. The Rang Mahal -
chamber for the ladies of the royal harem, beautifully decorated with a silver
ceiling ornamented with golden flowers to reflect the water running in the
channel in the building. The Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace set with hundreds
of small mirrors in the ceiling. In the center is a lotus shaped marble
fountain. Moti Masjid – the pearl mosque built by Aurangzeb in white marble for
his personal use. It looks like a small pearl with exquisite decorations. The
Nahir-i-Bihisht or stream of paradise flows through a water channel from the
Hammams or Royal Baths through the palaces. The Hammams have three apartments
separated by corridors with canals to carry water to each room. There are three
fountains emitted rose water. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday
Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656 at a cost of
one million Rupees has perfect proportions. India’s largest mosque where more
than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. The interior of the prayer hall is
divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels.
Finally to Chandni Chowk – the Moonlight Square, (silver streets) with narrow
lanes and alleys leading into mohallas or wards devoted to workers of different
trades. A rikshaw ride through the narrow streets and lanes will certainly
transport you to the era gone by. Finally visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the
river Yamuna is 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 tour New Delhi: 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 elements in its design – a squat building,
lighted by high arched entrances, topped by bulbous dome and surrounded by the
char bagh (garden divided into quadrants), water channels and fountains. It was
from here that the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zaffar was taken captive by
the British and sent to Rangoon. 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. The tower has 379 steps
to the top. Qutub-ud-din built the first 3 storeys and his son-in-law Iltutmish
added the fourth. Twice it was damaged due to lighting in 1326 and 1368, while
repairing the damaged caused by the second, Firoz Shah Tughluq added a 5th
storey and used marble to face the red and buff sand stone. The Quwat-ul-Islam
mosque in the complex was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak using the building
material and pillars of the 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples, defacing the
figures of gods, goddesses, birds and animals as engravings of any living being
as these are not acceptable in Islam. In the middle of the mosque there is an
iron pillar from the 4th century 7 m high, has a six line Sanskrit inscription
which indicates that it was initially erected outside a Vishnu Temple, possibly
during the Gupta period in Bihar. Scientists have never discovered how the iron,
which is of such purity has not rusted after 2000 years. Proceed to the
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 colonades very British. It has 340 rooms. In the center is an imperial
symbol, the Jaipur column donated by the Maharaja of Jaipur, which stood as a
symbol of victory, carved with English oak leaves, it culminates brilliantly in
a bronze Indian lotus from which bursts forth a crystal star. The 4.3m high iron
grill at the entrance is decorative and airy as antique lace, it conveys at the
same time an impression of solidity with its red stone piers and sentry posts,
and elephants carrying lamps and urns. A masterpiece of symmetry, discipline,
silhouette and harmony. 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. Earlier
it was intended to have a dome with but the idea was dropped. Inside is the liberary and chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and
legislative assembly. The India Gate (42m) arch built of Bharatpur stone,
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.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Delhi - Srinagar
After breakfast transfer to Delhi’s domestic airport for flight to Srinagar.
On arrival, transfer to your houseboat.
Dinner and overnight in house boat.
Day 04 Srinagar
Srinagar is situated between the Pir Panjal and the Higher Himalayas, at an
height of 1580 m. The Nagin and Dal lakes dominate Srinagar.
After breakfast sightseeing in Srinagar: Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) 1674 is
notable for the wooden pillars supporting the roof,
each made from a single
deodar tree. The Pattar Masjid - Stone Mosque 1623 built for the Empress Nur
Jahan. You walk through the bazaar, observe the city and activities along with
the banks of Jhelum river and cross one of the 7 wooden bridges. Before
returning to houseboat visit a carpet factory. During the visit you see how the
workers manufacture a fine carpet in silk and wool.
Afternoon visit the Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh built by Jahangir for his
wife, Nur Jahan. The gardens distinguished by a series of terraces linked by a
water channel, surrounded by decorative pools. The uppermost pavilion has black
marble pillars and niches in the walls for flowers during the day and candles at
night. The water tumbles in a series of waterfalls. The Chashma Shahi (Royal
Spring) a smaller garden built by Shah Jahan around a renowned spring.
Originally the water bubbled into a marble lotus basin in a central pavilion.
Experience the Mughal romance as you walk through these gardens .Before dinner
you get enough time to pack your baggage for the 4 day wander tour.
Dinner and overnight at the boat.
Day 05 Srinagar - Pahalgam (48 km) - Chandanwari
After breakfast drive to Pahalgam (96 km) at an altitude of 2130 m. The journey
along roads lined with poplar, is very attractive. Set
amidst pine and fir
woods, surrounded by snow capped mountains. The shepherds are a common sight
herding their flocks from pasture to pasture, thus maintaining the tracks and
bridges over this trekking country. Around the town are seen luxuriant meadows
and groves of poplar, willow and mulberry, which is important for the
sericulture. It is also the center for the famous Kashmir Saffron – which grows
in profusion here. This is where you begin your wandering tour / trek. You only
need to carry your camera and water bottles, your baggage will be transported on
the mules. From Pahalgam drive to Aru offering excellent views down the valley.
The trail from here climbs through pine forests to a Gujar grazing meadow with
flocks of goats and sheep. Follow the Lidder River to Chandanwari (2895m) 16km.
Camp near a river.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 06 Chandanwari - Sheshnag (3500 km)
Get up early morning and start trekking along a pony track; in places steps are
cut into the mountainside. During the day you see thousands of pilgrims. After a
hard 4 hours climb up to Pissughati and passing Zojibal, you reach the beautiful
glacial lake at Sheshnag (11 km) (3573m). The day’s trekking strain is soon
forgotten as you overlook wonderful mountain landscapes around. The seductive
mountain peaks reflect in the crystal clear water.
This is where we set up camp for the night on the bank of the lake.
Dinner and overnight in camps.
Day 07 Sheshnag - Panchtarni (12Km)
After breakfast we climb up to the snow-bound Mahgunis-Pass (4580m), which is
the highest point in this wander tour. You reach the snow zone cross a glacier
through Poshpathar, then descend to Panchtarni (3800m) (13 km) in the Sindh
Valley Our camping place is situated on the confluence of 2 rivers. In the green
mountain valley can be seen sheep and horses. The scenery is breathtaking.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
Day 08 Panchtarni - Amarnath (6 Km) - Bal - Tal (12Km)
Get up before the sunrise. Today begins your trek to
Amarnath Cave (6 km), one of the most religious place of Hindus at an
altitude
of 3.962 m. You see the pilgrims taking holy bath in the ice cold water and
performing rituals. The steep rock cut steps leads you to the cave. After the
visit of the Amarnath Cave where the ice lingam stands, a century old symbolic
statue of God Shiva, begins the ascent to Bal-Tal, a small village the last
Kashmiri settlement at the foot of the Zoji La Pass, entering the Zanskar
Valley. Every year this pass is closed due to snowfall.
On our arrival in Bal-Tal our camping tents are ready. Here ends your wander
tour. Dinner and overnight in Bal-Tal.
Day 09 Bal Tal - Kargil(140 Km)
After breakfast drive to Kargil via Zoji-La (2800m). The
road descends to Minamarg meadows, rich in rare alpine flora, leading to Dras
the first village 50 kms from Bal-Tal. The vegetation begins to change, you find
yourself in the middle of mountains covered with snow and deep valleys with
green oasis.
Arrive in Kargil at an altitude of 2740 m on the bank of the river Suru. It was
an important trading post between Kargil and Leh, and the lower Indus Valley. A
medieval city with narrow cobbled streets with many mosques mostly inhabited by
the Shia Muslims.
Check-in in the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10 Kargil - Leh
Early morning drive to Leh. (231 km). The road goes to
Shergol, the cultural boundary between Muslim and Buddhist areas. The fertile
valley introducing a welcome splash of green. Enroute visit Mulbekh, the remains
of an old castle and a 7m high rock sculpture of the Buddha Maitreya.
Before reaching Leh you cross the highest point, the Fatu-La at an altitude of
4010 m.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Leh.
Day 11 Leh
After breakfast,
morning at leisure. Mysterious dust-covered Leh, is the capital of Ladakh and
lies at an altitude of 3500 m in a fertile valley of the Indus river, about 10
km. The city, once the trading centre on the silk route from Sikiyan, Khasgar
and Lhasa to India. Afternoon roam around the local market to feel the pulse of
Leh.
Dinner and overnight in Leh.
Day 12
Leh
Although Buddhism was the main religion in India till 7th
century AD, it lost its value later mainly due to Muslim invasions during
11.-13.century AD. Nevertheless, it blossomed in the heart of Himalayas. Today
we are off on an excursion to the Buddhist monasteries of Hemis is 45 km south
of Leh on the west bank of the Indus river. 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.
Thikse 25 km south of Leh on a
crag overlooking the flood plain on the east bank of the Indus. One of the most
imposing monasteries belonging to the 15th century. The gompa a 12 storey
monastery is painted deep red, ochre and white with typical tapering walls has
10 temples, a nunnery and 60 Lamas in residence. The complex contains numerous
stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, swords, and a large pillar with the
Buddha’s teachings. There is a 15 m high Buddha figure at the entrance of the
new temple. The Shey monastery is 15 km south of Leh on the east bank of the
Indus river. Up to the 16th century it was the royal palace. Kings of Leh were
supposed to be born in the monastery. It is also regarded as an auspicious place
for cremation. It is now in ruined state, though the wall paintings have been
restored. There is a 17.5 m high blue haired Maitreya Buddha of copper and
brass, gilded and studded with precious gem stones. The large victory stupa is
topped with gold. The new temple houses another old giant Buddha statue. There
are several rock carvings.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 13 Leh
Today 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. The Shankar Monastrey is 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.
Afternoon excursion to Phyang and Spituk monasteries. The 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 8th fold path of
Buddha’s teachings. The Spituk Monastery is 8 km from Leh. It was founded in the
11th century with 3 chapels in a series of tiers with courtyards and steps which
date from the 15th century. This is the seat of the head Lama. The 16-17 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.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Leh -
Delhi
After breakfast
transfer to airport and flight to Delhi. After arrival transfer to hotel. Rest
of the day free.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 15 Delhi
- Europe
Early morning transfer
to the international airport for flight to Europe.
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