Glamping in Mystic Ladakh
08 Day Luxury Tour
#233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada Tel 1 604 279 8794 Fax 1 604 608 3421 Call us toll free from anywhere in North America: 1 866 978 2997
TOUR NAME: GLAMPING IN LEH LADAHK, INDIA TOUR DAYS: 08 DAYS / 07 NIGHTS TOUR STYLE: LUXURY TOUR
DELHI – LEH - DELHI
TOUR SUMMARY: Explore the monuments and monasteries of the region while camping in Leh Ladakh. Enjoy the various art forms, festivals and local fairs found there and soak in the hospitality of the region, from the comfort of your well-appointed tents. Tour the city of Leh, explore the magnificent Leh Palace, immerse yourself in the architectural heritage of the city, and ensure that you make the most of your Leh and Ladakh tour package.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Camping at Spectacular Locations at the top of World Enjoy a tour of city the of Leh with high tea in a Ladakhi home Visit fabled monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis Enjoy culinary class with in-house chef in Leh Witness a traditional dance performance from the folklore of Ladakh
TOUR PRICE:
Valid for 15 June 2015 – 30 September 2015 Price per person on twin sharing basis: USD 4575 Single Supplement: USD 4425
TOUR LODGING INFO: 07 Nights Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis
CITY NIGHTS LUXURY HOTELS Delhi 02 Nights The Leela Palace Leh (Thiksey) 05 Nights The Chamba Camps
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: - Accommodation at listed Luxury hotels and tents in Leh - Daily breakfast, full board at Leh - Arrival and departure transfers - Transportation and sightseeing as per itinerary - Traditional Ladakhi Welcome upon arrival - High tea in Ladakhi home - One culinary class with in-house chef - Optional activities like archery, croquet, star gazing while in the camp - Enjoy Horse Polo match in Leh - Ceremonial farewell in Leh - Services of english speaking guides
TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: - International or domestic air fares - Meals not mentioned as being included - Visa fees - Items of personal nature - Camera fees - Travel insurance - Tips and gratuities
#233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada Tel 1 604 279 8794 Fax 1 604 608 3421 Call us toll free from anywhere in North America: 1 866 978 2997
TOUR ITINERARY:
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI Welcome to India! The land of 33 million gods and demi gods, land of diversity in Landscapes, culture, beliefs and people! Begin here your journey to the top of the world, The Land of Lamas still renowned as Mystical Ladakh! Arrive Delhi - the capital of India – one of India's fastest growing cities spread far beyond the "seven cities" created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. On arrival assisted transfer to your hotel Your Stay: The Leela Palace, New Delhi; one of the finest architectural marvels built from ground up in the last thirty years in downtown Delhi. Built in the shape of a butterfly, this is a visual spectacle. Overnight stay at The Leela Palace
DAY 02: DELHI Leisurely after breakfast, you’re English speaking tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to discuss about the day. He will be at your disposal as you are introduced through the experiences and al carte activities as you are independent to explore the city in your style and at your own pace. You will decide your comfort level based on which the vehicle will be provided. It could be a Tuk Tuk or local Delhi Metro or Indian made Toyota Innova car or a true luxury indulgence: Mercedes or BMW car. Plan yourself, a day of indulgence or leisure:
Some recommendations are:
• Antique Anecdotes: Tour of Old Delhi (04 hours duration): Starting at the Red Fort you’ll take a cycle rickshaw through the maze of narrow lanes that make up the bazaars of Old Delhi. Continuing on foot, your guide will bring the city to life as you visit the spice markets and the vast Jama Masjid (mosque) that dominates Chandni Chowk OR.
• Lutyens calling (01 hour 30 min duration): Visit New Delhi to see the colonial architecture that defined the British era in India. For those seeking some adventure, explore the attractions of Lutyens Delhi through self-driven Segway ride OR.
• Go Shutter crazy! An interesting photography experience: Delhi is a photographers dream. Mystical, fascinating and diverse, pursue your vision, giving life to your photographs having fun on a truly amazing experience of a life time as you capture the great historical remnants or markets or people OR
• The essential Delhi (Qutab Minar + Humayun Tomb)- (04 hour duration): Visit Qutab Minar complex - the tallest tower in world for centuries, erected by first Islamic rulers of India and still the most imposing, artistically carved and engraved sandstone pillar anywhere! Continue to Humayun's Tomb built in 1562 and designed by a Persian architect. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 OR
• Walk down the ages (03 hour duration): - Delhi Museum Safari: Visit National museum (Closed on Monday and national holidays) to discover amazing curios and relics from the past preserved in their original forms from ancient civilizations
• Diversity in Faith (03 hour duration): - Places of Worship: Catch the spiritual fervor at some of Delhi's most popular sites of worship, on a tour led by your expert guide. Visit a popular Hindu & Sikh Temple
Overnight stay at the Leela Palace
#233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada Tel 1 604 279 8794 Fax 1 604 608 3421 Call us toll free from anywhere in North America: 1 866 978 2997
DAY 03: DELHI – LEH BY MORNING FLIGHT, LEH ALTITUDE (11,562 FT.) Morning arrival into Leh and transfer to your residence, Chamba Camp, Thiksey. You will be guests of the Thiksey Monastery. Soak in the serenity of the surroundings as you are accorded the traditional welcome of Ladakh. You will be accompanied to your well-appointed luxury tents, where the check-in formalities will be completed by our Guest Relations hostess. There will be no activity on your day of arrival as it is medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable you to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels at this high-altitude. At your convenience, the Excursion Specialist at Chamba Camp will discuss your planned activities and you can make changes to suit your interests. Overnight stay The Chamba Camp, Thiksey
DAY 04: LEH Enjoy a late breakfast and unwind whilst making yourself at home at the camp. Early risers can take a bird watching sojourn with the camp naturalist, spotting and identifying the Trans-Himalayan birds of the region. Enjoy lunch, followed by a gentle afternoon tour of Leh, 1 hour from camp. Visit the magnificent Leh Palace: built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the palace has nine storeys, some of which are in ruins and some display traces of Ladakhi architecture. Continue by foot to the LAMO [Ladakh Arts & Media Organization] Centre, housed in one of the most important heritage houses, Munshi (Togoche) House at the foot of the Leh Palace, followed by a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the old city. Explore the bazaar and end at the Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of the stone strewn landscape, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea watching the setting sun. Overnight stay The Chamba Camp, Thiksey
DAY 05: LEH After early morning tea and coffee visit the gorgeous Thiksey monastery, 1km from camp. It houses a two storey statue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus and spectacular views of the valley. Participate in the morning prayer ceremony at sunrise followed by a tour of the beautiful prayer room with many handwritten and painted books as well as the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. See small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham Spring, the protector deity of Thiksey. Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free, allowing you time to relax and drink in the pristine natural beauty around you. Or You can take a cycling trip in the vicinity of the Thiksey village and its surroundings, Or Drive to the Saboo village for a séance session with the Oracle [NB: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]
This afternoon, explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage, the Hemis Monastery, the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, 1 hr from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King Senge Namygal in the 13th century, where young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings. This evening enjoy a drink as the sun dips under the horizon, casting exquisitely colored shadows on the snow-capped peaks surrounding the camp. Overnight stay The Chamba Camp, Thiksey
DAY 06: LEH Driving through picturesque landscape along the River Indus, you will embark on an exploration of the monastic treasures of Ladakh. Firstly, the fabled Alchi Monastery built in the 11th century. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo, the Great Translator, the Alchi Gompa displays a Kashmiri influence in its art and architecture. Within the monastery you will see beautiful Tibetan and Gandhara style murals of Ladakh, frescos and images of the Buddha.
#233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada Tel 1 604 279 8794 Fax 1 604 608 3421 Call us toll free from anywhere in North America: 1 866 978 2997
On your way back from Alchi, stop by at the Basgo fort, built in the 16th century. Basgo, literally "Bull's Head" in the local language, was the center of power and politics in this region at one point of time and houses a copper-gilt Buddha statue in one of its prayer halls. The ruins of the fort bear the horrific evidence of the invasions of the Mongols. Relish a picnic lunch in a picturesque setting. Alternatively; Combine your visit to Alchi with our optional rafting excursion. The day begins with a drive through the pastoral countryside, arriving at the put-in point. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages, enjoying the mesmerising views, and the contrast between the greenery of the Nimoo village on one bank and the stark barren landscape of the other. Following a picnic lunch continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery. On your return to the camp, later in the evening, as the sun sets on varied mountain hues amidst the rustic landscape with the Thiksey Monastery standing tall as a monumental back drop, you will be enchanted by a cultural dance performance, Zyabro. Overnight stay The Chamba Camp, Thiksey
DAY 07: LEH This afternoon, you will drive 1 hr to visit the Stok Palace, across the River Indus. Take a walk through the Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress, serving as the residence of the Queen Mother and Prince of Ladakh. A section of this Palace has been converted into a museum which houses some of the most interesting and priceless collections of the Royal family. Admire some of the exquisite Royal perag (headgear) embedded with priceless coral and turquoise. The museum also exhibits Royal costumes, coins, photographs and paintings. Continue onwards to the Stok village. Explore the rustic beauty of the village as you walk down the narrow lanes, catching a glimpse of local village life, culminating at a quaint Ladakhi house, where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea. Overnight stay The Chamba Camp, Thiksey
DAY 08: LEH – DELHI BY MORNING FLIGHT DEPART DELHI Breakfast at the camp Transfer intime from the camp to Leh airport to baord flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi, met & assisted and transfer to departure terminal for onward journey.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Why Indus Travels for your Tour?
Well over 70% of our clients have travelled with us in the past or have had Indus recommended by friends and family. Repeat business and recommendations are an essential part of our business. When you book with us you are assured of quality arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot afford to risk our excellent reputation.
Our Travel Consultants possess extensive first-hand regional knowledge of Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Central and South America.
We are India’s Ministry of Tourism 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 & 2012 recipient of the Best Tour Operator to India from the America’s.
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Our tour directors & guides are among the most knowledgeable, charming and fun people you will meet on tour. We worked hard to find them so that you don’t have to.
TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY: You may cancel your booking at any time prior to commencement of the tour by notifying us in writing, which must be signed by the person that signed the Reservation Form. If you cancel on or before 45 days before the first day of the tour, we will retain
#233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada Tel 1 604 279 8794 Fax 1 604 608 3421 Call us toll free from anywhere in North America: 1 866 978 2997
your deposit to cover our costs. In addition, if the cancellation notification is received less than 45 days prior to the first day of the tour, additional cancellation charges shall be as follows:
Amount of Cancellation Charges: -30 Days before the first day of the tour 50% -15 Days before the first day of the tour 75%
CHANGES BY YOU: If you request any changes to your travel arrangements once we have confirmed a booking, all out of pocket charges, including charges imposed by our suppliers, will be payable by you, plus an amendment fee of $ 50.00 per revision per booking. If after the commencement of your tour you request any changes to your travel arrangements, we will do our best to implement them, but we cannot guarantee that it will be possible. In the event of such change(s) being made, you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by us and our suppliers in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Any name changes must be provided to us in writing and are subject to any airline fees or penalties.
HOW TO BOOK: If you are happy with the arrangements outlined within this itinerary and would like to book, please forward your completed booking form and the deposit. If you would like to revise the itinerary, feel free to contact us and we can prepare another version which will hopefully match your requirements. The deposit is 25% of the total cost, plus any applicable insurance premiums and can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or credit card.
PASSPORTS & VISA FEES: All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Passports are required; in addition travelers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding Visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is sole responsibility of the traveler.
#233-11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond V7A 5H9, BC, Canada Tel 1 604 279 8794 Fax 1 604 608 3421 Call us toll free from anywhere in North America: 1 866 978 2997