Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari

Destination::Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla-Manali Duration :16 nights / 17 days

DAY 1: Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla by Surface

In time transfer to railway station to connect your train for Chandigarh (dep: 0730.arr:1040 hrs). Meeting and assistance on arrival and drive to Shimla (110 km, 3 hrs).Evening free to explore the down town which is situated at a altitude of 2130 m, Shimla is the capital and the most important town of Himachal Pradesh. It derives it's name from an ancient temple of goddess 'Shamla', a synonym of 'Kali'. Shimla was discovered by the British in 1819 but it was only in 1822 that the first permanent house was built here by a younge officer, Major Kennedy-and it is still there. Shimla assumed the title of being the summer capital of the British Raj. It not only became famous for its high-flown social life, but eventually became a center of many important activities which are landmarks in the political history of India. Evening free to rest and relax. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2: Shimla

After breakfast walk on the Mall, Ridge and after lunch visit Indian Institute of Advance Studies (formely known as Vice regal Lodge). Evening free to rest and relax. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 3: Shimla-Manali by surface

After early breakfast drive to Manali -1896 m above see level and situated at the northern end of Kullu valley, is a picturesque little town, and is the most popular place in Himachal Pradesh. It is typical small town bustling with activity during the summer season. Around Manali, nature has lavished the region with forests, waterfalls green slopes rivulets and souring snow-cover mountain peaks. Manali also boots of a Mountaineering Institute, which imparts training in Mountaineering, Skiing and other adventure activities. Driving and exploring the beauty of nature on the way enjoy the picnic lunch en route. Ovenight at hotel.

DAY 4: Manali

Morning visit to Naggar - 27 kms from Manali and 22 km from Kullu, Naggar was the capital of Kullu Rajas till A.D. 1660. The ancient castle, now converted into Tourist Bungalow, overlooks the entire Beas valley. Nicholas Roerich, the famous Russian painter and philosopher lived her an his quaint little house has been converted into a small museum. There are two old temples near castle. Afternoon at leisure to explore down town famous for apple orchards, its old wooden temples and its folk music and dance. Overnight at hotel/resort.

DAY 5: Manali - Jespa by surface(147 km, 6-7 hrs)

After early breakfast drive to Jespa a small village in Lahaul region, crossing enroute Rohtang pass (3980 M) and visiting Keylong village. Teh lofty Shigri Glacier in seen in from in all its grandeur, with high pases standing between them and the civilized world, the people of these valley have developed and intense love for their home and culture, there songs and dances are as chaste and pure as the snow that clothes the mountains around Spiti valley is famous for Yaks and Choru. Overnight in hotel at Jespa.

DAY 6: Jespa - Sarchu by surface (98 km, 5-6 hrs)

Beyond Keylang, the region's main town, the road follows the Bhaga river up towards its source, it hairpins up to the Baralacha-la (16050 ft/4,892 m), a pass that is perhaps unique in being a tri - junction, with a trail from Spiti coming in from the south-east. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 7: Sarchu - Leh

After breakfast drive to Leh. There remains the Zanskar range to be crossed and this takes two more passes, the Lungacha-La (16,600 ft/5,059m) ant the Tagland-La (17,469 ft/5,325 m). Leh is rapidly growing town, spreading in all directions from its original position bebeath the long abandoned Namgyal Palace while the town has come a long way from the days when polo was played on its main street, Leh still retains a pleasant, traditional quality. A stroll through the main treet of the town is more than enough exercise to being with. Evening free to rest and relax. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 8: Leh

Morning free to rest and relax. Afternoon sight seeing tour of Shankar Monastry - a relativity modern monastery, it is closely associated with the Spituk Monastery and services as the residence of the head priest-Kushak Bakula. A number of gold icons are to be found here. 8 kms from Leh, Spituk Monastry stands prominently on the top of a hillock commanding panoramic view of the Indus Valley for mailes. Many icons of Buddha and fine. Thankas are to be found in this 15th Century gompa. The Gompas also houses collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and a awe inspiring image of Mahakali. Also visit Phyang Monastry which is 17 kms from Leh-Kargil road, built by Tashi Namgyal in the later half of the 16th century A.D. It belongs to the RED CAP SECT of Buddhist. Hundreds of icons of Buddha and other Gods are kept on wooden shelves. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 9: Leh

After early breakfast full day sightseeing to the massive Tinetan Buddhist Gompas(Monastries) of Shey and Thiksey a few kilometers up the Indus is Shey, the most ancient capital, which its palsce and temples, their vibrantly coloured mirals cleaned ane resorted in the mid 1980's. Hemis was founded under the direct patronage of members of the ruling Namgyal dynasty. In the evening back to your accommodation. Overnight stay in hotel.

DAY 10: Leh - Uletopko by surface (65 km, 3 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Uletopko, the beautifully situated camp. Enroute visit Likir Monastery. Lunch at camp. Afternoon a pleasant walk thorugh a wooded, close valley to Ridzong Monistery, one of the less frequented monastery of Ladakh. Evening free to explore the down town. Overnight at Uletopko.

DAY 11: Uletopko - Lamayuru - Uletopko by surface

After breakfast drive to Lamayuru. The oldest site in Ladakh. Lamayuru was once a lake. It was blessed by a Lama after which, as legend goes the water of the lake receded upto the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built. It is also the 'free zone' of Ladkh since not even a criminal can be apprehended in this place. Now mostly in ruins only the main hall exists today and houses numbers 'Tankhyas'. Afternoon drive back to Uletopko. Evening free to explore the surroundings, Overnight in Camp.

DAY 12: Uletpoko - Alchi - Leh by surface

After breakfast drive to Leh. En-route visit Alchi.

DAY 13: Day 14: Leh - Hunder (ht 4350 mtrs)- )ver Khardong La (5260 mtrs)

After breakfast drive to Sumoor village 120 kms (5-6 hrs) over Khardong-La, the highest motorable road pass on the world. The view from the top of the pass is amazing. One can see all the way south over the Indus valley to seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Sase massif. After crossing the pass, drive another 80 kms(2-3 hrs) crossing the river Shyok to reach Hunder. Overnight at Hunder Camp.

DAY 14: Hunder

Bacterian camel safari on availability/drive Tirith en-route Disket village and visit the Disket monastery perched on the rock overhanging the steam which is the source of the energy used by the mills. The monastery is rich, full of tangkas (skill paintings) and above all of magnificent giant statues, effigies of the Buddha and old mural paintings in which can be noted a multitude of influences. Overnight in camp at Summor.

DAY 15: Hunder - Leh by surface

After breakfast drive to Leh over Khardung La. Afternoon rest and relax or take a walk to the local market. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 16: Leh

Day free to explore the local market or rest and relax.

DAY 17: Leh - Delhi by air

In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi. Afternoon free to rest and relax. Overnight at hotel.