Duration: 28 Nights / 29 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi - Leh - Diskit - Lamayuru - Basgo - Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Deogarh - Udaipur - Rohetgarh - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 01: Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi - Leh
By Flight: - 9W 609 0540/0655
Early morning transfer to domestic airport to connect flight to Leh.
On arrival in Leh, airport transfers by jeep to hotel.
Leh is the capital of Ladakh, lies nestled among low hills on the north side of the Indus Valley, between the Stok Mountains to the south and the Ladakh Range to the north, for centuries it has been a place where travelers of different nationalities have rested, In the 15th century both Leh and the village of Shey shared the responsibility of being the capitals of Upper Ladakh, Shey was the more fortified of the two, while Leh was in the prime position for trade. The town's growth in importance is relegated by the building of the first royal residency on top of Namguyal peaks. Leh's prosperity derived from its location at the foot of the Khardung La, the gateway of the infamous trade route to Yarkand in Turkistan. the trade involved the people of Leh at all levels, a few undergoing the rigorous journey over the mountains themselves, some merely setting up as merchants. Rest of the day will be at leisure to get used to the rarefied air of Ladakh.
Relax during the whole day getting used to the altitude. In the evening you can take a small walk in the market.
Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 03: Leh - Nubra Valley (3075m)
By Road - 150 km in 6 hrs drive
Early morning drive via the highest motorable Khardongla Pass (5580m) the major attraction are majestic peaks and glaciers, enchanting valley and villages, Diskit and Samstanling Gompa, Palanmik hot spring double hump camel safari, river rafting, trekking and sun bath at Hunder are of great attraction for the visitors. The valley is popularly known as Ldomra or the Valley of Flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between Karakoram and Ladakh range of Himalayas.
Nubra lies at an average altitude of about 3033m. The climate of the areas being soft, soil is much fertile and the vegetation of the area is comparatively thicker than those of the other area of Ladakh. Nubra is largely drained by Shayok River and Siachen River forms its single largest tributary. Nubra is a broad valley with lofty monitions on its all sides. Valley assumes greater attractions at the site where both the rivers meet. The formation of central part of Nubra also takes place there.
Enjoy the evening here and overnight will be at the camp.
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Day 04: Diskit - Hunder - Panamik - Diskit
By Road - 180 km in 6-7 hrs drive
Proceed for full day excursion of Nubra valley. Hunder is the pretty village set among lots of trees and gurgling streams.
Diskit is the sub divisional HQ of Nubra. Diskit Gompa is also situated at a height of about 200m above the village. On the spur of the rocky mountain and at the most commanding points having clear view of the entire central part of Nubra. Samstanling Gompa is situated on the north facing Diskit Gompa. This Gompa is equally important and recreationally it assumes greater importance for being situated at a scenic view point at the foot hill of Karakoram ranges up above Tiger and Summur village, amidst plenty of water and high vegetation. Major villages here are Khardong, Khalsar, Tirit, Summur, Tiger, Titisha and Panamik.
After a full day excursion of these villages proceed to the camp. Overnight will be at camp.
Day 05: Nubra - Basgo
After breakfast drive to Basgo.
Basgo was the capital of lower Ladakh before the Ladakh kingdom was united at Leh. Old mud-brick gompa is up winding, steep tracks. The prayer room is Ser Zung Temple has great frescoes and another temple has an enormous gold and copper statue of the Maitreya Buddha.
Overnight share the dinner with a local family, enjoy the local food, local folk dance, song and local wine.
Day 06: Basgo - Alchi - Lamayuru (3390m)
By Road - 315 km in 6-7 hrs drive
After breakfast drive to drive to Alchi village, Alchi Gompa is the only one in Ladakh on flat ground, so no knee breaking climb is involved. The Gompa was founded in the 11th century by the great translator, Ringchen Zangpo and named on his return from India, which accounts for the Indian, & particularly Kashmiri, influence. The three stories Dharma Wheel Gompa (actually run by the Gompa in Likir) is noted for massive Buddha statues. After visiting the monastery drive to Lamayuru. Lamayuru is the gateway points of the Zanskar valley. Lamayuru will seem a relatively scruffy little place. But it is completely overshadowed by one of the most famous and spectacularly set gompas in Ladakh. The gompa part of the Kagyupa order, is not a interesting as others, Lamayuru is the oldest known gompa in Ladakh, dating back beyond 10th century.
Overnight near the monastery and see the evening pray in the gompa.
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Day 07: Lamayuru - Drokhpa Area (2600m)
By Road - 91 km in 4-5 hrs drive
Drokhpa area is along the Indus River and main village are Dunkhar, Tirit, Skurbuchan, Hanudo, Biama and Dha, on the road to Baltistan. Inhabitants are called Drokhpas, belong to the purest of pure form Aryan race, they are tall, handsome and hospitable. Drokhapas are believed to have migrated to this area via Gilgit around 1000 years ago from central Asia. The man women and children wear heavy metallic ear-rings. Rest day explore the Biama village, the Pashmina village. Sheep breeding and apricot cultivation is in the main business.
Overnight will be at the camp.
Day 08: Biama - Basgo - Leh
By Road - 29 km in 6 hrs drive
Biama is the village of handicrafts and Shawls Dha and Hanudo visit the community center where children are trained in shawl weaving and local handicraft.
Then continue drive to Ney. Ney is a pleasant palace to stop for overnight. This is the junction of the different colored Indus & Zanskar River.
Drive to Leh. Overnight will be at Leh.
Day 09: Leh - Delhi
Jet Airways flight - 0735/0850 hr
Delhi - Agra
By Road - 200 km in 4 hrs
Drive to Leh airport after breakfast for flight to Delhi.
Proceed for Agra after breakfast. Reach Agra in the afternoon. (It will be a drive of 201 km in 4 hr)
Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Overnight will be in Agra.
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Day 10: Agra
Proceed for sightseeing after breakfast.
Taj Mahal: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-d'etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the Agra Fort - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress Noor Jahan in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 11: Agra - Jaipur
By Road - 220 km in 6 hrs
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur. This will be a five hour drive for 221 km.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition. It's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Jaipur - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Overnight will be at Hotel.
Day 12: Jaipur
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Roam in the local markets or explore the city. Overnight will be at Hotel.
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Day 13: Jaipur - Deogarh
By Road - 250 km in 5 hrs
Proceed to Deogarh after breakfast.
Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them.
Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests.
Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details, which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan.
Enjoy your day riding horses and visiting the villagers and also visiting the animals in the surrounding areas.
Overnight will be at the Deogarh Mahal.
Day 14: Deogarh - Udaipur
By Road - 120 km in 2 hrs
Proceed to Udaipur after breakfast. Reach and check in at hotel.
The City of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening and spend night at Udaipur.
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Day 15: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the Local Folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Hotel.
Day 16: Udaipur - Rohetgarh
By Road - 230 km in 5 hrs
After breakfast drive to Rohetgarh.
En-route, visit the Ranakpur Temples, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Rohet is the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan, Thakur Dalpat Singh I. The "Jagir" (Fiefdom) of Rohet was bestowed upon him in 1622 A.D. by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, as a mark of appreciation for his bravery in battle. Generations of valiant noble-men have built this heritage home where, notwithstanding the inroads of modernity, aristocratic values are respected. The visitor of today experiences the famed warmth of courteous Rajput hospitality.
Brilliantly plumed peacocks strut about, perching themselves under finely carved stone archways and the wind whispers through the neem tree groves and bougainvilleas.
Rohetgarh is a recognized Heritage Hotel. Rare among hotels it has remained a family home, where the members of the erstwhile ruling family welcome you personally as their honored guest. Its elegantly appointed rooms have their own individual character and furnishings. Rooms are air-conditioned and have attached bathrooms and modern facilities. The drawing room has ornately carved wooden ceiling, traditional lamps and old photographs. You are invited to relax in spacious verandah lounges decorated with historic trophies and artifacts.
There is a beautifully designed swimming pool with four charming pavilions at each corner where musicians perform in the evenings as dinner is served by the poolside. Often, folk dancers enliven the evenings with their vibrant hues and vigorous rhythms.
Overnight will be at Rohetgarh.
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Day 17: Rohetgarh
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Visit the Bishnoi villages and spend time there enjoying the culture and the uniqueness of the people.
Overnight will be at Rohetgarh.
Day 18: Rohetgarh - Jodhpur
By Road - 280 km in 6 hrs
Spend time at the Bishnoi Villages after breakfast at the resort.
Start for Jodhpur and reach in an hour.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 m above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Relax in the hotel and enjoy visit to the local markets. Spend night at Jodhpur.
Day 19: Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
In the late afternoon visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 20: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
By Road - 300 km/5 hr
Proceed for Jaisalmer.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.
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Day 21: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelis, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.
Overnight will be in Jaisalmer.
Day 22: Jaisalmer - Khuri Sand Dunes:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Take a walk of the town visiting more Havelis.
In the afternoon, proceed to the Khuri Sand Dunes for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. Enjoy the camel ride and view the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at the Mud Huts in the dunes.
Day 23: Khuri Sand Dunes
Lunch will be at the camp.
Day will be spent taking a short camel safari through the villages and the desert. Lunch will be in the dunes.
Return in the evening and dinner will be at the camp. Overnight will be in the Mud Huts.
Day 24: Jaisalmer - Bikaner
By Road - 330 km/5 hr
Proceed for Bikaner after breakfast.
Bikaner - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minaret towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
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Day 25: Bikaner
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. The city is also called the "Camel Country".
Visit the Camel-Breeding Farm - the only one in Asia. Visit the Karni Mata Temple.
Overnight will be in Bikaner.
Day 26: Bikaner - Mandawa
By Road - 140 km/3 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for Mandawa.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelis worth a visit are Chowkhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. A two hundred and forty year old fortress has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Visit the Mandawa Haveli and the other important ones near the hotel.
Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Day 27: Mandawa - Delhi
By Road - 260 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel in Mandawa.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli are of special interest. Spend the major part of the day looking into frescoes.
Leave for Delhi at lunch. Reach by evening and check into hotel.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
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Day 28: Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Start a tour of Old & New Delhi in the morning.
Old Delhi - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandini Chowk.
New Delhi - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Also visit the Lotus Temple & Birla Mandir.
Enjoy the Dances Of India Show in the evening and Farewell Dinner.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 29: Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight home.
Tour Ends.
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