Diverse Kashmir with Ladakh – 9N

Meet our representative upon arrival in Srinagar and proceed to your houseboat at Dal Lake. This place is famous for its lakes and the charming houseboats, Srinagar is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. The lake comprises a series of water bodies, including the Nagin Lake. One can take in the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Kashmiri boats called Shikara, are used to explore the intricate maze of waterways on this lake. In evening, visit the popular Mughal gardens – Shalimar and Nishat, followed by a memorable Shikara-ride on Dal Lake. Overnight stay in houseboat.

After breakfast drive to Gulmarg, ‘Meadow of Flowers’ situated at an altitude of 2730 meters, full day at leisure to take walks on the lush green meadows of flowers with a backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. Enjoy local sightseeing of Gulmarg and Gandola-ride (cable car). By evening return to Srinagar for dinner and overnight stay in houseboat.

After breakfast, drive towards Sonmarg - the Meadow of Gold. The drive to Sonmarg is another spectacular facet of countryside in Sindhu Valley. The Sindhu Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir. Drive to Kargil involve road passes through the panoramic villages, reach Sonamarg (2740 Mtrs). Drive throughZojila pass 3527 Mtrs (Gateway of Ladakh) and continue driving towards Drass (The second coldest inhibited place in the world). Another two and half hours drive will take you to Kargil (2710 Mtrs) which has got its importance after opening the Ladakh for tourists in 1974. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kargil.

Depart from Kargil after early breakfast, en-route visiting the monastery of Lamayurupassing through Namkila&Fatula Passes, The highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh road. On way enjoy sightseeing of 1000 year old Alchi monastery, the only Gompa in Ladakh region on flat ground. Thereafter proceed to the LikirMonastrey to visit the splendid three storeys Dharma Wheel Gompa. Here you'll be awestruck with the sight of the massive Buddha statues. Indus & Zanskar River ‘Sangam’ is next highlight, drive along the Indus river and stop-over at Pathar Sahib Gurdwara. Upon reaching Leh, check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

It is advisable to relax and acclimatize to such a high-altitude region. Post lunch visit Shanti Stupa - Built in 1991 by Japanese monks to promote world peace, this large, hilltop stupa has brightly colored reliefs on its midlevel and is topped by a spired white hemisphere. The greatest attraction is the stunning view of Leh. Ideally, make the breathless 15-minute climb when golden afternoon light still illuminates the city but the steps up from Changspa are already bathed in cooling shadow. Later, visit Leh Palace – A nine-storey dun-colored palace of 17th century. Today the very sturdy walls are mostly unadorned, but it’s gently thrilling to weave your way through the maze of dark corridors, hidden stairways and makeshift ladders to reach the rooftop for great views across the city. You can seek out the small palace prayer room and a one-room exhibition showing photos of state monuments. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Check-out from the hotel after breakfast and drive over Khardungla- the World's highest motorable road at 18832 feet above sea level. At Khardungla pass the snow-capped peaks and the mountain views are amazing. The road then passes through a bridge laid on Glacier which finds its way in Guinness Book of world records, drive through the Valley which is extremely beautiful for photography. Nubra Valley is the Oasis of Ladakh as you see some colorful trees in this region. Later reach your camp site and visit the Sand Dunes. You are likely to get a sight of double-humped bacterian camels, enjoy time at the Sand Dunes of Nubra valley spread across Hundur Village. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

After breakfast, proceed to Diskit monastery, which is 515 years old situated on a hill top giving panoramic view of the valley. Later walk around the town of Diskit which has a small village market and giant Buddha Statue. Proceed for the tour of Samsthaling, Panamik, Yaraptso Lake along with the splendid view of the Karakoram Himalayan Range. Samsthaling is situated on the mountainside just above sumur. This was the route taken by the trade caravans, and Panamik, the last village on this circuit, was at that time a busy centre, the last major settlement before the caravans. Proceed back to Leh cross Khardungla Pass once again and reach Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh.

After breakfast, leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft., it is the third highest motor-able road in the world. Pangong Lake is the highest salt water Lake in the World, shared by two countries India & China. Enjoy the beauty of the lake on the banks of Pangong Lake while appreciating the changing colors and fascinating high-altitude of the Lake. Witness the total silence which creates an incomparable meditativeatmosphere, alsoenjoy the spectacular view of color-changing lake during different hours of the day. Dinner and overnight stay in camps at Pangong Lake.

After breakfast, drive back to Lehvia Hemis, evening free for Market. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh airport for return flight.