| DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representatives, who will greet you with traditional garlands and then transfer you to the Imperial Hotel (Imperial Room) for a two-night stay. DAY 2: DELHI A full day of touring awaits you in India's capital city. This morning's tour of Old Delhi includes the Red Fort with its imposing sandstone walls; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and the bustling marketplace and shopping lanes. Continue on to New Delhi. Built by the British in the 1920s, New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards, impressive government buildings and green parks and gardens. During this afternoon's tour, visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, the Birla Temple, the famed Baha'i Lotus Temple, and Humayan's Tomb, a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Drive by Parliament House en route to the President's Residence, and take a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. (B) DAY 3: DELHI – LEH Early in the morning you will be met and transferred to the airport for a trans-Himalayan flight to Leh. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.* The rest of the morning is for resting and getting used to the high altitude. We highly recommend that you try to sleep in the morning to help with the adjustment. After lunch, your guide will take you out to explore Leh, a small and accessible town. Houses are made primarily of sun-dried bricks and the Leh Palace and Tsemo Monastery are always in sight. After seeing Leh, you will be driven to visit the Shanti Stupa, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of Leh. From the Shanti Stupa, you will be driven to the Shankar Monastery, nestled in fields of barley. At the Shankar Monastery, examine the miniature gold statues and ancient Thangka paintings. (B,L,D)*All accommodation in Ladakh is on a best-available basis. DAY 4: LEH Spend a full day with a guide exploring the famous Buddhist monasteries. First, drive to Hemis (the drive will take one to two hours). Along the way, stop to see the Shey Monastery. Hemis is the largest and most wealthy monastery in Ladakh, and is the site of a very popular annual festival in June. An illustrious ruler of Ladakh built Hemis in 1630; the monastery is divided into the assembly hall and the main temple. After visiting Hemis, retrace the route back to Leh and stop en route at Thiksey Monastery, which covers an entire hillside. In the main kitchen, the resident chef will offer you a cup of Tibetan tea and lunch – hot Tibetan soup and dumplings. Chilled beer and cold drinks are also available. Return to Leh for dinner and an overnight. (B,L,D) DAY 5: LEH – LAMAYURU - ULEYTOPKO After breakfast, start the drive to Lamayuru, an outing that will give a good sense of the expansive Himalayan landscape. Outside Leh is the Pathar Saheb Gurudwara (Temple of the Sikhs) and then the Magnetic Hill. Stop at Nimo, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Next, visit a Basgo village and enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant. Pass through a post where passports are checked and then continue on a climbing road to the monastery of Lamayuru, perched on a high promontory overlooking the valley. This is believed to be the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Enjoy a packed lunch in the Lamayuru village, and continue on to Uleytopko. If you wish, have an Indian rum and coke before dinner. Overnight in a fixed tented camp at Uleytopko. (B,L,D) DAY 6: ULEYTOPKO – LEH After breakfast, drive to the Thardot Chholing Nunnery at Chulichan. The nunnery is a place for poor girls and girl monks, and the resident teachers are happy to offer visitors a cup of tea or gur gur chai. From here, a short drive and then walk will bring you to the Ridzong Monastery. The name Ridzong means "mountain fort," and its isolation and pristine surroundings truly make it feel entirely removed from the rest of the world. After walking around Ridzong, return to Uleytopko and then head toward Alchi Monastery. Founded in the 11th century, Alchi is considered one of the most important Buddhist religious centers in Ladakh. One wall features thousands of miniature pictures of Buddha. The floodplain in the village is fertile and lush with vegetation, a change from the stark landscape in much of Ladakh. Head back to Leh and stop at the Likir Monastery along the way. (B,L,D) DAY 7: LEH After breakfast, drive to the Stok Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh. The family's heirlooms are displayed here, a reminder of Ladakh's history as an independent kingdom. Next, drive to Choglamsar, where the largest settlement of Tibetan refugees in Ladakh lives. Visit the Tibetan school and a handicraft center before returning to the hotel for lunch. For the remainder of the day, the driver and guide are available for flexible touring. (B,L,D) DAY 8: LEH – DELHI – AGRA This morning, transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Agra, a trip of about four hours. When you get to Agra, you will be transferred to the Oberoi Amarvilas (Deluxe Room with Terrace), the most exclusive luxury hotel in Agra, offering spectacular views of the Taj Mahal. To welcome you back from your trip to the rugged mountains, a treatment at the famed Oberoi Spa will be arranged for you. In the afternoon, set out to see the Taj Mahal in a horse-drawn cart.* One of the most photographed buildings in the world, the Taj still moves all visitors with its perfect proportions and exquisitely jeweled walls. (B)*Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. DAY 9: AGRA Today features a full day of private touring in Agra. While Agra is deservedly famed for the Taj, this Moghul city has many additional riches to offer visitors. The Imperial Mughal city during the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra has long attracted artisans and innovators. First visit Agra Fort on the banks of the River Yamuna; its red sandstone ramparts form a crescent along the riverfront. Also visit Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb, an ornate precursor to the Taj Mahal. Empress Noor Jehan built it in memory of her father and it is one of the most innovative temples stylistically. After these two architectural tours, if you wish, you might visit several factories where craftsmen work on marble inlay, stonework, and Zardozi embroidery. (B) DAY 10: AGRA – JAIPUR This morning set out for Jaipur via the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 17th century, this Moghul city was abandoned due to severe water shortages. The buildings are perfect examples of the pinnacle of Moghul architecture. Proceed to Jaipur, the famed "Pink City" of India. This center for India's gem trade is a marvel of pink sandstone. Spend two nights in Jaipur. After settling in at the Oberoi Rajvilas, the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B) DAY 11: JAIPUR This morning set out to Amber Fort, one of Rajasthan's most dramatic and beautiful. Ride an elephant up to the gateway of the fort, and then explore the magnificent building. The Sheesh Mahal, or pavilion of mirrors, illuminates the chamber with a plethora of flickering lights. Nearby, the Jas Mandir is a glorious symphony of mosaics, cooled by delicate marble screens. Fountained gardens are opposite the Sukh Mahal, cooled by an early style of air-conditioning: water pours through fine perforations in the wall, creating a cool and pleasant environment. Enjoy lunch at the LMB restaurant, known for its Marwari-style vegetarian cooking. Return to Jaipur for an afternoon of shopping. The city is justly famed for its jewelry, textiles and embroidery. Later on, enjoy dinner at the Chokhi Dhani, on the outskirts of the city. Designed along the lines of a traditional Rajasthani village, Chokhi Dhani offers visitors the opportunity to experience the charm and aesthetic richness of traditional village life in comfort and elegance. Enjoy a typical Rajasthani dinner, with music and dance performances. Return to your hotel later this evening. (B,D) DAY 12: JAIPUR – DELHI This morning, enjoy a spa treatment or return to the Pink City – a guide and driver will be available for you to do as you wish. You may wish to explore the local bazaars. Jaipur is famous for traditional footwear embellished with brightly colored embroidery, silver and gold jewelry, blue pottery, block printing, and more. In the afternoon, set out for the five hour drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at the Imperial Hotel (Imperial Room) for a two-night stay. (B) DAY 13: DELHI A full day of flexible touring awaits you on this final day in India. A driver and guide are available. You may wish to visit the Delhi haat, the local market that sells just about everything. After a day of revisiting favorite sights or taking in new ones, enjoy a final farewell dinner at one of Delhi's finest restaurants. (B,D) DAY 14: DEPART DELHI After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your international flight. (B) |