Soul of the Himalayas

Upon arrival at the airport of Delhi , you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to The Haveli Dharampura, the only member of Secret Retreats in Old Delhi, a stunning 13 rooms and suites 200-year-old heritage boutique hotel located in the best area for experiencing all the best sights, sounds and flavours of this amazing city. The Haveli Dharampura is a beautiful and living example of Delhi’s culture and history and a ‘Must-Stay’ hotel experience for any visitors to New Delhi. After check-in, you can relax at the hotel. If your flight lands in evening we will recommend a hotel closer to airport.

Transfer back to airport in the morning to catch your flight to Srinagar (1,600m)- summer capital of Kashmir. Welcome upon arrival at Srinagar airport by our team and drive past the crocus fields and fruit orchards to the shores of the Dal Lake where we stay 2 nights in the eco luxury houseboat Sukoon. Be welcomed by your smiling hosts at the Houseboat Sukoon - a slice of paradise on a Himalayan lake. Lunch on board, on the upper deck at Sukoon. In the evening, enjoy a gentle shikara (Kashmiri canoe) ride through wetlands in the heart of the lake to see people farming on the manmade islands cultivating flowers and vegetables. Sukoon enjoys an incomparable position moored on the shores of Dal Lake with glorious views across Dal Lake to snow covered peaks of Pir Panjal, old fort and hilltop temple.
Dinner served at Sukoon.

Inhale the morning air as you tuck into a hearty breakfast on the sundeck of Sukoon, aptly named Fizaa (ambience). This morning is a fascinating walk through the by-lanes of the old city with our most informative local guide, observing the markets, heritage buildings and day to day life, as well as having an understanding of Sufism that reflects the Kashmiri way of life.
The walk begins at Zaina Kadal (bridge). Across the bridge is a living breathing museum of Islamic architecture, where as far as the eye can see are located homes, more than a century old. Tramp through the old quarters of Srinagar city into narrow streets, past structures and buildings, relics from an earlier period, trying to retain their dignity in the fast changing world so alien to them. Perambulating through the narrow lanes and by lanes you come out at the grand mosque of Jami Masjid and later at the Shah Hamadan mosque. One of the most important mosques Jami Masjid is an impressive wooden structure, notable for the more than 300 soaring pillars supporting the roof; each made of a single deodar tree trunk. The main gate is to the south and the outer cloisters surround a spacious, green and peaceful inner courtyard. Shah Hamdan Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Srinagar. The wooden mosque stands right beside the Jhelum River and is noted for the papier-mâché work on its walls and ceilings. No nails or screws were used in the construction of this all-wooden mosque. Originally built in 1395 it has been destroyed by fire in 1479 and again in 1731.
The last stop today on our itinerary is the Zaina Kadal Market to soak up the atmosphere so typical of a local market like the bazaar of Ali Baba. After a traditional Kashmiri lunch in a local restaurant, drive up to the Shankaracharya temple. The car will take you to the foot of the flight of stairs, leading to the temple point and no further. The rest of way you have to climb but the effort is rewarding because the bird eye views of the valley from the temple precincts are truly breathtaking around sunset. After visiting the temple you take shikara crossing back to Sukoon and it delights!
Dinner served at Sukoon.

Today will be a long but scenic drive 380km through the mountains from Kashmir to Ladak. After an early breakfast drive to Kargil via the Zoji-la pass (3,528m). We will stop in Kargil for lunch (it is also possible to add one night and sleep in Kargil, to split the drive over 2 days). After lunch continue the drive to Nimmu, if time allows, we can visit Lamayuru monastery on the way and reach Nimmu House, a comfortable rural heritage accommodation for 2 nights.
Dinner served at the hotel

Today: Monastic Trail.
After breakfast you will go to Saspol (30 mn drive) to discover the meditation caves and their amazing paintings. From there you will continue to Alchi (15mn drive) one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh, from the 11th century. Enjoy this particular structure and location in the middle of apricots tree orchard. Have lunch at Alchi, Thereafter, proceed to the Likir Monastery to visit the splendid Dharma Wheel Gompa. Here, you’ll be awestruck by the sight of the massive Buddha statues. Visit the only pottery in Likir and experience Ladakhi clay molding. Back to Nimmu House, to relax, enjoy the bone fire and the dinner.

After breakfast, we head towards Nubra Valley for the next 5 nights and cross over one of the world's highest motorable roads, Khardung La (5,600m). It is at the same altitude as the base camp of Mt. Everest. Enjoy the aerial view of the snow-clad mountains. Nubra Valley, once on the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass, is the most recently opened area of Ladakh. Nubra invites you to a trip back in time into a nearly forgotten 'Shangri La'. With breathtaking views and delightfully hospitable inhabitants, it is quite an experience. We will reach the property by noon and have lunch. Post-lunch, enjoy the afternoon getting to know the property and nearby attractions.

Enjoy a relaxed morning to use the hotel facilities or explore the village. Around 11h30 we head to Turtuk (1h30mn), the northernmost village in India, located in the only Balti region under the Indian administration and was under Pakistan's control until 1971 after which India gained control over this strategic area. Geographically Turtuk lies in the Baltistan Region and is one among four such villages in India, the other three being Tyakshi, Chalunkha and Thang. The residents of Turtuk and its adjoining villages speak Balti language along with Ladakhi and Urdu. Turtuk is the last outpost of India at Thang after which Pakistan-controlled Gilgit-Baltistan begins. Lunch at Farmers House Cafe & Cuisine. The fancy café at Virsa Hotel. Then check-in. Virsa Baltistan revives the lost royalty of Baltistan, blending heritage, history and luxury in a boutique hotel. Turtuk is very famous for the availability of different varieties of fruits especially apricots. Explore the village by foot and visit the Balti Museum, Crafts man’s workshops, and the Nurbakashia Mosque.
Dinner served at the hotel.

Spend the morning to enjoy activities at Virsa, check out then lunch. After lunch we drive to Sumur, passing by the Hundar sand dunes with the native Bactrian camels, where the views are almost reminiscent of the Sahara - if your imagination allows you to momentarily conceal the snowy peaks. Check-in and rest at the lodge for 2 nights. Dinner at the lodge

After a hearty breakfast, we set out on foot, meandering through the narrow lanes of Kyagaar village. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of juniper and distant prayers whispered by fluttering prayer flags. Our destination is an old heritage house, its weathered walls echoing tales of generations past. Here, amidst the warmth of the community, we immerse ourselves in the simplicity of village life, exchanging smiles and stories with the locals. Our next stop is the Samstangling Gonpa, a sanctuary of serenity nestled amid nature's embrace.
After a soul-nourishing experience, we retreat to a picturesque spot where a sumptuous lunch awaits. If the weather permits, we indulge in a picnic, surrounded by breath-taking vistas that seem to stretch to eternity. Post Lunch we embark on the next leg of our journey towards Panamik village. Here, the earth's warmth bubbles to the surface in natural hot springs. Back to Lchang Nang Retreat, to relax, enjoy the bone fire and the dinner.

After an early breakfast, leave for Pangong Lake (4,400m) via Shayok. Though we do not cross any high passes today, the drive is quite interesting, as we would be driving on a less travelled road via Shyok. The majority of our journey is along the stunning Shyok River, passing through villages such as Agham, Shyok, Durbuk, and Tangste. Since the road remains slushy, with some exciting water crossings and rocky terrain, being cautious is very important. After crossing Durbuk, the last stretch of the drive is along the lake. Arrive at Pangong Lake. It is the highest saltwater lake in the world, shared by two countries, India and China. Enjoy the beauty of the lake on the banks of Pangong Lake while appreciating the changing colours and fascinating high altitude of the lake. Dinner served at the lodge in Pangong.

Post breakfast, we explore Pangong Lake and the surrounding areas. It is a long narrow basin of inland drainage. About 1/3 of the lake is Indian Territory and the remaining is Chinese. The Chinese border is just beyond the mountains across the lake. Drive back to Leh, crossing Changla Pass (5,300m), it is the third highest motorable road in the world.
Reach Stok Village mid afternoon and settle done in the Palace. Embark on a guided tour of the Palace Temple and the Museum. Dinner in the Royal Kitchen.

Enjoy the morning breakfast at the rampart with a panoramic view of Leh and nearby attractions. After breakfast we head to Hemis Monastery for full day Hemis Tsechu Festival. Hemis Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage, it was established in 1672 by king Singay Namgyal with the Blessing of Lama Staksang. The monastery has a museum that houses a wide collection Tibetan book, Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones. You can either have lunch at the monastery in the Royal Families Chambers (subject to Availability) On our way back, if time allows, we will visit Chemdey Monastery as well.

Enjoy a lazy morning at the Palace or walk around the village and check out around 11.00 to get to Leh, final destination in Ladakh). After checking in at Dolkhar Hotel, begin your exploration with a visit to the Shanti Stupa, perched high above the town, offering panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains. Visit the Old Town of Leh, where ancient mud-brick houses, narrow lanes, and historic monuments like Leh Palace offer glimpses into Ladakh's past. Take time to wander through Leh's markets, where you can shop for local handicrafts, pashmina shawls, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Depending on the time of your flight, if you fly in afternoon, start the day early with a visit to the serene Thiksey Monastery to witness the morning prayers, a deeply spiritual experience. After the prayers, you can choose to enjoy a thoughtfully arranged breakfast near the monastery or return to the hotel. You will be then transferred to Leh airport for your departure flight.

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