Ladakh with Rajasthan Tour

Duration: 20 Nights - 21 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi - Leh–Chumathang – Tso Moriri Lake - Tso Khar Lake - Tanglang La Pass – Leh - Delhi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for ceck in.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.

Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 02: Delhi -Jodhpur (By train Mandor express @ 2055hr - 0800hr)

Full Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jehanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aybak. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later transfer to you Delhi railway station to board overnight train to Jodhpur.
Overnight Train

Day 03: Arrive Jodhpur
Arrive Jodhpur Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.

Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.

Half Day Tour
Later we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.

We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Overnight Hotel – Jodhpur (B)

Day 04: Jodhpur – Udaipur via Ranakpur (260 km - 6 hr) Today we drive to Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples.

En route Ranakpur
En route we will visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha.

Later we continue our drive to Udaipur
Overnight Hotel – Udaipur (B)

Day 05: Udaipur

Full Day Tour
Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.

Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake.
Overnight Hotel – Udaipur (B)

Day 06: Udaipur - Pushkar (200 kms/04 hour)
Today we drive to Pushkar.

Later we visit Pushkar
Overnight Hotel - Pushkar (B)

Day 07: Pushkar - Jaipur (160 kms/03 hours)
Today we drive toJaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B)

Day 08: Jaipur -Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (260 km - 6 hr)
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km); the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.

Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar, the Solar Observatory, an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We now visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur.

Day 09: Jaipur -Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (260 km - 6 hr)
Today we drive to Agra en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.

Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)

Day 10: Agra

Half Day Tour
Today we visit Taj Mahal, (closed on fridays) symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Overnight Hotel – Agra (B)

Day 11: Agra – Jhansi (Shatabdi Express Dep. at 0800-1015 hrs.)
Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho (150 kms - 04 hours)
Morning post breakfast on time transfer to railway station to board the train for Jhansi. Upon arrival assistance & drive toOrchha has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th century palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time.

we will visit Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Ram Raja temple.

Later we drive to Khajuraho, well known for its magnificent temples which are among the most creative examples of the Indian architecture. Built between 950 and 1050 A.D, only 22 temples out of 85 now survive. Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and sensuous, the centre of new imagery in art. The popular theme is woman: reflective, playful amorous. The carving also depict Griffins, Nymphs, Beasts, Demons in revolt, Gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. Upon arrival assistance and check-in hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Khajuraho

Day 12: Khajuraho – Varanasi (by flight)
Today we will take you for a sightseeing trip to Khajuraho temples, built by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. The temples are famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous sexual postures of the famous “Kamasutra”, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.

Later we drive to reach on timeto the airport to board the flight to Varanasi, the oldest and the holiest Hindu city, known for its Hindu traditional customs and rituals. We meet and assist you on arrival at Varanasi airport and help you check-in at our hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Varanasi (B)

Day 13 Varanasi

Half Day Tour
Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of this Oldest living city of the world.

Later today we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 14: Varanasi - Delhi (by flight)SG 119 1615/1745 hours

Day at Leisure
We transfer on time to the airport to board flight for Delhi. We arrive Delhi, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 15: Delhi – Leh (3500m)(Flt IT 3341 / 0610-0740 hrs)
Morning transfer to Delhi airport to board flight for Leh.Arrive Leh receive upon arrival and drive to hotel. Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk to the colorful bazaar.
Overnight Hotel - Leh.

Day 16: Leh Monasteries
After breakfast we leave on a full day tour of the monasteries around Leh and vist Shankar, Spituk and Phyang monasteries. Later in the afternoon we walk around Leh town and visit Leh Market, Leh Palace ruins, Leh Gompa & Shanti Stupa.
Overnight Hotel – Leh

Day 17: Leh

Excursion to Shey, Thiksey, Hemis
Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue.

Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa founded in 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyall.

Hemis is one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh.The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world.

Later in the evening we drive back to hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Leh

Day 18: Leh–Chumathang – Tso Moriri Lake(Korzok
Monastery)(4572 m)(227 km / 9-10 hrs)
After early breakfast, we drive towards Tso Moriri Lake. From Leh we reach Upshi on Leh-Manali road and then turn to another valley and drive along the mighty Indus River. It is one of the most interesting areas and goes through narrow valleys, sandy deserts, rocky paths, and our vehicle crosses number of mountain streams. On the way we visit Chumathang, famous for its hot springs that has medicinal properties and Sumdah village from where Korzok village is another 55 km. Little before Tso Moriri Lake we drive past a small green valley famous for wild Marmots locally known as Phya. We arrive at Korzok village (4572 m) in the evening and check-in the Camps little away from the village. Korzok (4572 m), the only village near Tso Moriri Lake, is the only permanent settlement in Rupshu region with an approximate population of 500 people. The few barley fields at Karzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world. In the evening we visit Korzok Monastery. Dinner
Overnight Camp - Tso Moriri

Day 19: Tso Moriri Lake - Tso Khar Lake - Tanglang La Pass – Leh
After breakfast we drive to Mahe village where the road turns left towards Puga Valley, a grassy plain with a small sacred stream, Sulphur springs and Geysers (shooting fountain). Continue drive to Tsokar via Polokongka Pass (4116 m) and visit Tso Khar (4485 m). It is also called White Lake because of salt deposits around it. The Lake is so salty that the salt extracted from its margins are still sold all over Ladakh. The place is also famous for Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass), which are generally seen here grazing and moving in groups. From here after short drive we reach Leh-Manali road and continue drive towards Leh via Tanglangla Pass (5329 m), the third highest motorable point in the world. En route we drive past beautiful villages of Rumtse, Gya, Miru and Lato. We arrive Leh in the evening and check-in the Hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Leh

Day 20: Leh - Delhi (Flt: 9W-610 / 0735 hrs – 850 hrs)
Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi.Arrive Delhi receive by our representative & transfer to hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi

Day 21: Delhi - Departure
Today we will transfer you to Delhi International airport to board flight for onward Journey.

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.