Ladakh is bounded by world's two mightiest mountain ranges the great Himalayan and the Karakoram, It lies athwart two others The Ladakh and the Zangskar range.

It lies at altitude ranging from about 2,750m to 7,673m. The temperature in summer goes upto 27C and in winter it drops down to minus 20C.

Ladakh Holidays
See towering mountains reach up to a clear blue sky. Hear the rhythmic chant of Buddhist monks in an ancient monastery where time stands still. See the rushing waters of an icy river surge down from a glacial height. Ladakh - the Land of Passes and the Roof of the World awaits you. Leh Ladakh India offers tours to Ladakh, an exotic region in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. From age-old Buddhist monasteries to exciting adventure tours, Leh Ladakh India has a lot to offer. Explore a Gompa, go mountaineering in the Himalayas, camp on the Ladakh plateau where the earth seems nearer to the sky, trek on treacherous and breathtaking routes and see rare mountain goats ascend the slopes and cranes fly overhead. Leh Ladakh India welcomes you to holidays in Ladakh. Tour a land that will amaze you with its stark beauty and delight you with the warmth of the Ladakhi people.

HISTORY OF LADAKH
From the middle of the 10th Century, Ladakh was an independent kingdom, its dynasties descending from the Kings of Old Tibet. Its Political fortunes ebbed and flowed over the centuries, and the kingdom, was at its greatest in the early 17th century under the famous king Sengge Namgyal, whose rule extended across Spiti and Western Tibet up to the Mayumla Beyond the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. It recognized as the best trade route between the Punjab and Central Asia, for centuries it was traversed by caravans carrying textiles and spices, raw silk and carpets, dyestuffs and narcotics. Heedless of the land's rugged terrain and apparent remoteness , merchants entrusted their goods to relays of pony transporters who took about two months to carry them from Amritsar to the Central Asian towns of Yarkand and Khotan. On this long route, Leh was the half way house, and developed into a bustling entrepot, its bazaars thronged with marchants from far countries.

Laddakh together with the neighboring province of Baltistan, was incorporated into the newly created state of Jammu & Kashmir, just over a century later, this union was disturbed by the partition of India , Baltistan becoming part of Pakistan, while ladakh remained in India as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir the paradise on Earth
Set like a jeweled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centred around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among thes people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured ones.

GULMARG
Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer's rich emerald, or autumn's golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance

PAHALGAM - The Valley of Shepherds.
Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including J&K TDC's huts.
Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.

The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes

SONAMARG - The Meadow of Gold.
The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.
Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

ITINEARY 11 Days / 10 Nights

Early in the morning receive you from delhi hotel / residence and straight drive to katra, lunch and dinner on the way, upon arrival check into the hotel.

Day 02: Katra - Vaishnodevi Bhawan

Morning after breakfast proceed to Vaishnodevi Shrine (Approx. 13 km Trek ) One can trek up to the Shrine if fitness permits, otherwise Pony or Palanquins are also available at an extra cost. Arrive at Vaishnodevi Bhawan. Wash and change before Mata Darshan. After Mata Vaishnodevi Darshan, proceed for Bhaironji Darshan (Optional).

Day 03: Katra

After Darhsan, arrive at Katra and proceed to hotel. Relax in the hotel

Day 04: Katra – Jammu – Srinagar

After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for srinagar, upon arrival you will be transferred to a Deluxe Houseboat. In the late afternoon, enjoy a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake and visit the Floating and Vegetable gardens etc. Also experience the walnut woodcarving and papier machie making demonstration. Enjoy the dinner and spend overnight in the Deluxe Houseboat.

Day 05: Srinagar- Local sight-seeing 50 kms

In the morning, get ready for a trip to the picturesque Mughal Gardens. Visit Nishat Bagh or the Abode of pleasure, which was built by Asif Khan in 1632 AD. Asif Khan is the brother in law of the Moghal Emperor Jehangir. Also visit the charming Shalimar Bagh or the Abode of love. Shalimar Bagh was built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. These gardens, situated on the bank of Dal Lake, have the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. The distance from Srinagar to the said gardens is near about 12 and 15 kms respectively. You can visit the carpet-weaving factory on the way. Enjoy the dinner and spend the night in the Deluxe Houseboat.

Day 06: Srinagar – Gulmarg (56 KMS ~ 2 Hrs)

In the morning start for Gulmarg-the Meadow of Flowers, which is situated at an altitude of 2730 mts. above the sea level. It will take 2 hrs to reach Gulmarg, which is 60 kms far from Srinagar. Gulmarg has one of the best Ski slopes in the world and the highest golf course of the world with 18 holes. You can also enjoy the view of Nanga Parbhat, if the weather permits. There is an opportunity to enjoy a short trek upto Khilangmarg. The trek can be covered in about 3 to 4 hrs. Chair Lifts for mountain ride are also available. Lunch will be carried from the Houseboat. Have dinner and stay overnight in a hotel at Gulmarg.

Day 07: Gulmarg – Pahalgam (140 KMS ~ 4.5 Hrs)

Leave Gulmarg after having early breakfast and drive to Pahalgam or the Valley of Shepherds via Srinagar. Drive through the eye-catching Saffron fields, visit Awantipura ruins, an 1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King Awantiwareman. Drive through the green pine forest and along the Lidder River. The total distance of about 140 kms will be covered in about 4 hrs. After reaching Pahalgam, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the lunch and dinner and spend overnight in the hotel at Pahalgam.

Day 08: Pahalgam

After Breakfast, Visit to Chandanwadi {at your own cost}, The snow Point (14 Kms) at your own cost or enjoy pony ride at your own cost, Return back to Pahalgam, rest of the day at leisure to explore the countryside and enjoy leisurely walks through the pine forest along the River Lidder. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Pahalgam – Srinagar

This morning is at leisure. Later today you will be transferred back to Srinagar, rest of the day at leisure for shopping or shikara ride to Floating Market for shopping (Cost not included), overnight in the Houseboat

DAY 10: SRINAGAR – JAMMU

Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Jammu, upon arrival check into the hotel, evening free for rest, dinner & over night stay at hotel,
Jammu. the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A land of grand ancient temples, and beatiful palaces. All nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is said that, on becoming King, the Suryavanshi Jambu Lochan went on a hunt and, crossing the Tawi, found a deer and a tiger drinking water from the same tank. His ministers explained that this meant that the soil of the place was so virtuous that no living creature bore enmity against another. Raja Jambu Lochan, who lived in the later vedic period, decided to found his capital , Jambupura, on his soil, on the right bank of the Tawi, overlooking his brother king Bahu's fort. Today the temple of Maha Kali ( better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahufort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The present temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab singh, in 1822. The existing fort, as well as the Manasabdar's palace inside it, was constructed in 1820.
Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its tends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful ziarats. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites. The other major tourist attraction is the Ragunath Temple Complex. Maharaja Gulab Singh began the construction of the Raghunath Mandir Complex in the crowded downtown Bazaar named after it, in 1851. It was left to his son, Ranbir Singh, to inagurate it six years later perhaps the most popular temple north of Benares, it contains representations of almost entire Hindu pantheon, though the emphassis falls on the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The complex houses a rich collection of ancient texts and manuscripts.
 

DAY 11: JAMMU – DELHI

Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Delhi, late in the evening drop you at Delhi airport to catch the flight for next destination.

Services Ends

Cost of the tour is Rs. 14,550/- per person (based on 06 person)

COST INCLUDED:

• Transportation by A/C Innova Car through out the tour.

• All pick up and dropping facilities

• Sightseeing as per the itinerary

• Accommodation on sharing basis.

• Breakfast

• All taxes.

• Drivers T.A. – D.A.

• ALL fuel, and state taxes, parking fee.

COST EXCLUDED:

• Any airfare.

• Lunch & Dinner

• Any personal expenses like Laundry, STD calls, etc.

• Any insurance.

• Any claim due to natural Calamities such as land slide, road blockage etc.

• Or any other things which are not mentioned in cost included column.