Snow Leopard New Delhi - Leh - Jammu and Kashmir 14 Days / 13 Nights 10 Persons Date of Issue: 03 August 2018

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Start Accommodation Destination Basis Duration

Day 1 The Lalit New Delhi Hotel New Delhi B&B 1 Night

Day 2 The Grand Dragon Ladakh Leh FB+ 3 Nights

Day 5 Snow Leopard Lodge Jammu and Kashmir FB+ 7 Nights

Day 12 The Grand Dragon Ladakh Leh FB+ 1 Night

Day 13 The Lalit New Delhi Hotel New Delhi B&B 1 Night

Key B&B: Bed and Breakfast FB+: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities Daily

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Day 1: The Lalit New Delhi Hotel, New Delhi

Day Itinerary Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, you will clear customs and transfer to the Lalit New Delhi hotel, where you can check in for 1nt.

Optional: If feeling up to it, try one of the recommended activities listed, which are all within 15 minutes of the hotel. Akshardham Temple conducts evening tours and all activities are highly recommended. Entry fees and transfers not included for these activities.

India’s largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, particularly for jewellery and traditional Indian saris; the iconic Bahà’i Lotus Temple – an award-winning architectural gem; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.

Overnight: The Lalit New Delhi Hotel Standing tall in the heart of the business and commercial district of Connaught Place, the Lalit New Delhi is a fine luxury hotel in the city. The hotel is located just minutes away from the government offices, cultural centres and international trade fair grounds. Surrounded by upscale shopping centres, heritage monuments and neighbourhoods buzzing with cafés and bazaars, this 5-star hotel offers the perfect gateway to India’s vibrant capital. The hotel features 7 distinctive dining and nightlife destinations, the award-winning Rejuve – The Spa, and sophisticated event venues ensure that every expectation is surpassed. Among the urban bustle of India’s capital, the Lalit New Delhi is the destination to relax, unwind and discover the city.

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Recommended New Delhi Akshardham Temple Humayun's Tomb Lodi Tomb Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

New Delhi India’s largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, particularly for jewellery and traditional Indian saris; the iconic Bahà’i Lotus Temple – an award-winning architectural gem; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.

Akshardham Temple Located in New Delhi, India, Akshardham is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. This Hindu house of worship is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and each element of Akshardham echoes with spirituality. The Akshardham mandir has over two hundred murtis, representing many of the spiritual stalwarts over many millennia.

Humayun's Tomb The mausoleum complex of Humayun, India’s second Mughal Emperor, was commissioned by his widow in 1565 and was the first garden tomb to be built in India, taking seven years to complete. Humayun had travelled widely in Persia and Central Asia during his lifetime, and many of the architectural principles he brought back from these journeys were incorporated into the building at his wife’s instructions. With its double domes, decorative inlaid marble and vast garden with pools connected by channels, this 16th Century building set the stage for the style that culminated in the Taj Mahal almost 100 years later.

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Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Included Breakfast

Transfer

Excluded Visa

Optional activities and transfers

Day 2: The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Leh

Day Itinerary Today you will be transferred to Delhi Airport where you can check in for your flight to Leh.

Flight Information Date Flight Airline Departure Time Arrival Airport Time Class Ref Airport

Scheduled Delhi Domestic Leh Kushok Bakula Airport Rimpochee Airport [IXL]

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you can check in for 3nts. Enjoy a day of leisure.

Note: The 2.5 days spent in Leh are to allow adjustment to the higher altitude.

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Nestled among isolated mountain peaks, the bustling town of Leh has long been an important stopover for trade between Kashmir, Tibet, India and China. From a high viewpoint, grey flat-topped houses dominate the old city and sprawl through the valley easing off into a verdant patchwork of irrigated barley fields and tall trees, which light up the landscape. Major attractions offering superb views include the Buddhist Shanti Stupa and the former royal palace, Leh Palace, which is currently being restored. A worthwhile trek once you’ve settled into town is a hike to Victory Fort.

Overnight: The Grand Dragon Ladakh The Grand Dragon Ladakh is situated in the ancient city of Leh and it overlooks the famous Cold Desert and the surrounding mountains. Rooms come with standard amenities including a work desk, complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary natural spring water, free Wi-Fi, well stocked mini fridge, in room electric safe, hair dryer, individually controlled heating radiator, tea/coffee making facilities, 40 inch LED TV with Satellite channels and modern private bathroom. Facilities include a restaurant, open terrace, garden, coffee shop, banquet hall and meeting facilities.

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Included All meals

Transfers

Day 3: The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Leh

Day Itinerary This morning you have a scheduled visit to the Snow Leopard Conservancy. After lunch you then have an afternoon visit to the Thiksey Monastery. Return to the hotel and relax for the night.

Activities Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery Thiksey Monastery, of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect, is around 19kms to the East of the main city of Leh. The architecture of the largest monastery in central region of Ladakh is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This 12-storey building complex consists of a number of things related to Buddhist art such as Thangka paintings, statues, P a g e | 7 stupas, swords, and so on. The building also has a nunnery. A major tourist attraction is the Maitreya temple installed in 1970. The statue of future Lord Buddha in this temple of 49 feet high, which is also the largest in the region.

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Included All meals

Activities

Day 4: The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Leh

Day Itinerary Today you have a scheduled drive into the Ladakh landscape to Taglang La Pass and villages of Gya, Lhato and Meru. You will see the line where the Indian mainland collides with the Asian land mass and have opportunities to view wildlife endemic to this area.

Return to your hotel for the night.

Activities Ladakh

Ladakh Ladakh, meaning ‘land of the high mountain passes’, is renowned for its remote mountain beauty, with the Kunlun mountain range to the north and the Great Himalayas – the highest section of the Himalayan range – to the south. Often described as ‘Little Tibet’, Ladakh is a magical destination with a fascinating cultural mix of Tibetan Buddhists and Shia Muslims. This high-altitude desert region, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, offers a myriad of tourist attractions including the atmospheric town of Leh, the region’s capital; and the Indus Valley, which has the largest concentration of medieval monasteries, perched up on rocky hilltops. Drive along the Khardung La, the highest driveable pass in the world to the valley of Nubra; or visit the vast wilderness of Rupshu. P a g e | 8

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Included All meals

Activities

Day 5-11: Snow Leopard Lodge, Jammu and Kashmir

Day Itinerary After breakfast, check out of your hotel before being transferred west into snow leopard and Ibex country. Arrive at Ulley Village and Snow Leopard Lodge and check in for 7nts. Over the next 6 days you will use the Snow Leopard Lodge as a base while exploring the wilderness both on foot and in SUV's with a team of trackers.

A mystical land of snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, glacial lakes and beautiful Buddhist temples, the border region of Jammu/Kashmir was plagued by conflict for many years – a factor that long deterred tourism but also preserved the region’s pristine environment. Now that the strife has died down, it is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, due to its spectacular alpine scenery and ‘off-the-beaten-track’ allure. Highlights include a houseboat stay on Srinagar’s exquisite Dal Lake; a visit to the sacred Amarnath cave temple, located at 4000 metres above sea level; and trekking rugged mountain routes around Ladakh.

Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge View iBrochure The Snow Leopard Lodge is the only dedicated wildlife lodge in Ladakh. It began originally as a homestay owned by one of Ladakh’s top snow leopard trackers – Tchewang Norbu – under the auspices of a program initiated by the Snow Leopard Conservancy designed to use tourism as a conservation tool for the preservation of snow leopards and their ecosystem by putting revenue directly into the local community. P a g e | 9

The Lodge is located in the village of Ulley in West Ladakh, at an altitude of 13,000 feet. It is 2 - 3 hours driving time from Leh. Ulley itself is a hamlet of just 7 houses beyond which are the high summer pastures. This is excellent Ibex country and an area that has only recently been developed for Snow Leopard tracking. It has quickly gained a reputation not just for the high numbers of Snow Leopards but as one of the best areas to see Ibex, Urial, Wolf, Red Fox, Bearded and Himalayan Griffon Vultures and Golden Eagles. The Snow Leopard lodge is also open in the summer from which to enjoy not just the stunning high altitude fauna, but also the flora of Ladakh, both on foot and using vehicles, guided all the way by our excellent nature guides and spotters.

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Included All meals

Activities

Day 12: The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Leh

Day Itinerary After breakfast, check out of the Snow Leopard Lodge, bid farewell and join your guide for your transfer back to Leh. During the drive you will stop and visit the Alchi Gompa Monastery. Upon arrival in Leh, check in to the Grand Dragon Hotel for 1nt. P a g e | 10

See Above

Activities Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery Alchi Monastery is located in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir in India. This 10th-century Buddhist monastery is a sacred enclave and is well preserved. The monastery opens to a 3-storey building featuring statues, beautiful Buddhist fresco paintings, and wood carvings. Also featured are three temples supported with wooden pillars and dedicated to Manjusree. There is a garden in the courtyard with exotic flowers and fruit trees.

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Included All meals

Transfer

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Day 13: The Lalit New Delhi Hotel, New Delhi

Day Itinerary Today, enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel and beginning your scheduled transfer to Leh Airport where you will check in for your flight to Delhi.

Flight Information Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time Class Ref

Scheduled Leh Kushok Bakula Delhi Domestic Rimpochee Airport [IXL] Airport

Upon arrival you will be transferred to The Lalit Hotel where you can check in for 1nt.

Optional: Once back in Delhi you may wish to participate in one of the recommended activities listed which are in relatively close proximity to your hotel.

See Above

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Recommended Chandni Chowk Gandhi Smriti

Red Fort Named for the pink-red sandstone from which it is built, the Red Fort is located deep in the centre of Delhi and is one of the city’s most compelling sights. This magnificent building was built in 1648 and was the residence of India’s Mughal Emperors for almost two centuries, as well as the headquarters for events of ceremonial and political significance. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing several museums, it is an exquisite and immaculately preserved example of Islamic architecture, featuring octagonal towers, turrets and opulent facades inlaid with white marble, as well as elements of Persian and Hindu design.

Chandni Chowk Situated in Delhi’s historical old town, frenetic Chandni Chowk – meaning ‘moonlit square’ – is one of the city’s oldest, busiest and most famed shopping areas, built in the 17th century and originally intersected by (now defunct) canals that were designed to capture and reflect the moonlight. It’s a shopper’s paradise – with an eclectic diversity of wares ranging from traditional Indian sweets and other delicacies, to leather goods, electronics, intricately embellished saris and tailor-made suits. But even if you’re not up for any retail therapy, the sights, sounds and atmosphere of this pulsing, labyrinthine marketplace are captivating enough in their own right.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Included Breakfast

Transfer

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Excluded Lunch and Dinner

Optional activities and their transfers

Day 14: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary Today, transfer to Delhi Airport where you can check in for your flight back home.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Included Breakfast