Northern India: Dharamshala, Kashmir & Ladakh Highlights

Northern India: Dharamshala, Kashmir & Ladakh Highlights

• Trip code: 485X037
• Dauer: 22
• Stil: Classic

Discover the very best of Northern India on this epic 22-day adventure. From the spiritual calm of Dharamshala to the golden glow of Amritsar’s iconic temple, from Srinagar’s dreamy houseboats to Ladakh’s sky-high mountain passes — this journey is pure bucket-list material. Wander through ancient monasteries and serene valleys. Sip chai with Himalayan views that stop you in your tracks. Cross some of the highest motorable roads on Earth (pretty cool, right?). Add in warm hospitality, authentic flavours, and a few surprises along the way — and you’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s as bold as it is breathtaking.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Simple hotel (twin-share): 14 nights, Homestay: 6 nights, Boat House: 1 night

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 18

Highlights

Explore Dharamshala’s Tibetan culture and Amritsar’s Golden Temple, Cruise Dal Lake and overnight on a traditional Srinagar houseboat, Travel the epic Srinagar–Leh Highway into the Himalayas, Visit cliffside monasteries and trek through Nubra Valley, Stargaze on the shores of Pangong Lake

Introduction

Discover the very best of Northern India on this epic 22-day adventure. From the spiritual calm of Dharamshala to the golden glow of Amritsar’s iconic temple, from Srinagar’s dreamy houseboats to Ladakh’s sky-high mountain passes — this journey is pure bucket-list material. Wander through ancient monasteries and serene valleys. Sip chai with Himalayan views that stop you in your tracks. Cross some of the highest motorable roads on Earth (pretty cool, right?). Add in warm hospitality, authentic flavours, and a few surprises along the way — and you’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s as bold as it is breathtaking

Meals Included

13 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 6 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD390-510 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Dharamshala
- Besuch des Norbulingka Institute

Chamba
- Bhagsu Nag Waterfall

Srinagar
- Dachigam National Park

Leh
- Astronomy Experience
- Alchi Monastery and Likir Village visit

Start / Finish

Delhi nach Leh

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Train, Boat, Jeep, Walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Ankunftstransfer durch Women With Wheels, Indira Gandhi International Airport
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Tenacious Honey Bee Collective, Dharamshala
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery, Lāmayūrū
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Kyagar House Experience, Nubra Valley. Guided temple and museum visit in Chamba. Half-day hike in Chamba Valley. Organic farm tour. Embroidery workshop on Chamba rumal - experience and Chamba painting. Cooking class with homestay family. Dharamshala orientation walk & Dalai Lama Temple visit. Impact experience at Tenacious Bee Collective with honey tasting session .Wagah Border ceremony & Golden Temple visit. Vande Bharat express from Delhi to Pathankot (air-conditioned seat class). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Domestic flight from Amritsar to Srinagar. Panoramic walk to Shankaracharya Hill. Guided visit to Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashm-e-Shahi). Houseboat stay & shikara ride on Dal Lake. Guided Lidder Valley trek. Short guided hike in Sonmarg + Jeep ride to Zero Point. Scenic drive through Zozila Pass & Kargil. Visit to Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, and Kargil Gompa. Evening walk through Lamayuru’s moonlike landscapes. Leh Old City guided walk and Central Asian Museum visit. Sunset visit to Shanti Stupa. Morning prayer experience at Samstanling Monastery. Crossing Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Visit Diskit Monastery and explore the Nubra Valley. Immersive cultural storytelling at Kyagar House and Pangong Lake homestays. Early morning yoga by Pangong Lake. Visit Rezang La Memorial and meet Pashmina herders. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. In the evening, join your CEO for a welcome meeting

Day 2 Delhi/Chamba

Today is a long travel day, but well worth the trek. We'll take a train from Delhi to Pathankot and transfer to a private vehicle. Pathankot is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, so our drive will get even more beautiful as we travel deeper into Himachal through the Western Himalayas. We'll arrive to Chamba in the evening and walk to our farm-stay. Enjoy a traditional welcome with the family followed by a local dinner. Sit back and relax as you get comfortable in your incredible farm-stay tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains

Day 3 Chamba

Start the day off right with a morning yoga and meditation session before a delicious breakfast. Today we explore the picturesque town of Chamba, tucked away in the Himalayas. Visit ancient temples, vibrant paintings and an embroidery workshop to experience Chamba's rich cultural heritage

Day 4 Chamba

Spend the morning on an beautiful hike accessible for all levels of hikers. Make sure to bring your camera to take in the incredible beauty of the Himalayas along the way. This evening, join your farm-stay host family for a well deserved feast! Together we'll learn to cook local favorites and then sit down together to dig in!

Day 5 Chamba/Dharamsala

Say goodbye to our amazing Himalayan farm-stay hosts and drive toward Dharamshala, where the exiled Tibetan government has lived since 1960. Stop in the town of Jia for an amazing experience with G Adventures-supported Tenacious Honey Bee Collective - a chance to learn about ethical honeybee keeping in the Himalayas. After some honey sampling and an apidomik experience, finish the drive to Dharamshala. Visit the Mcleodganj Market and feel the strong connection this town has to Tibet. Then visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple. This temple was built shortly after the Dalai Lama's exile from Tibet and now serves as the political centre of Tibet for the community-in-exile. Take time to explore the temple and visit the Tibet Museum as well. The rest of the day is yours to wander the markets and Dharamshala as you wish

Day 6 Dharamsala

Today is yours to see the incredible town of Dharamshala how you'd like. Feel free to relax or get out and visit the Norbulingka Institute or see the Bhagsu Nag Waterfall

Day 7 Dharamsala/Amritsar

Depart for Amritsar early this morning to make the nearby evening Wagah Border Ceremony. Every night, just before the sun sets on the border of Pakistan and India, the two sides simultaneously lower their flags as a sign of peace, discipline and hope for the future between these two countries with a long history of rivalry. Afterwards, head to the Golden Temple-arguably the most important Sikh temple in the world-in hopes to witness the palaki ceremony, which symbolizes putting the holy book to rest for the night

Day 8 Amritsar/Srinagar

Fly from Amritsar to Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. Then walk through the famous Lal Bazar market area on an orientation walk

Day 9 Srinagar

Today we'll learn why Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. With the stunning Dal Lake, beautiful gardens and historic temples, you'll quickly see why Srinagar is so magnificent

Day 10 Srinagar

Join your group for an unforgettable sunrise from the deck of a Shikara, a traditional Jammu and Kashmir style boat. Pay a visit to what's considered the oldest temple in all of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shankaracharya Temple. The rest of the day is yours to explore Srinagar. We recommend a safari at Dachigam National Park to spot the Royal Kashmir stag. Tonight we will stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake

Day 11 Srinagar/Pahalgām

Drive to Pahalgam and stop at the Avantipura Temple Ruins and Martand Sun Temple on the way. Arrive to Pahalgam in the afternoon and join an orientation walk of the bazaar and down town area

Day 12 Pahalgām/Sonāmarg

We continue east through Jammu and Kashmir to the town of Sonamarg. We'll stop at the famous Zero Point for incredible glacial views and then explore the Sonamarg Bazaar

Day 13 Sonāmarg/Lāmayūrū

Cross the border into the next Indian union territory of Ladakh, known for its high-altitude cold Himalayan desert and often referred to as "Little Tibet." On the way stop and visit the Kargil War Memorial. In Lamayuru, we will be staying in the guesthouse of the Lamayuru Monastery, an incredible opportunity to witness the activities of the monks

Day 14 Lāmayūrū/Leh

Travel deeper into the Ladakh region as we head to Leh today. On the way, stop at Sangam point, a beautiful lookout point where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet. Next stop is at the optical illusion known as "Magnetic Hill," a gravity hill where a downhill road appears to be uphill, making vehicles in neutral seem to roll upwards. This phenomenon is caused by the layout of the surrounding landscape and slopes, creating the illusion. Third stop is to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site. Arrive to Leh and join an orientation walk of the Leh Market

Day 15 Leh

Spend today exploring Leh on your terms. As Ladakh's biggest city, there is much to do and see

Day 16 Leh

Dive head first into historic Leh today on a tour of the Old City. Learn about its unique connection to Tibet as you wander the narrow, winding streets. Then continue to the Central Asian Museum to learn about Ladakh's connection to the Silk Road. Enjoy the beauty of the town with an evening visit to Thiksey Monastery and the Shanti Stupa. Tonight, opt to join an astronomy experience with local women of Leh

Day 17 Leh/Nubra Valley

Drive across one of the highest motorways in the world as we head to Nubra Valley. On the way, visit the colourful Diskit Monastery, the incredible Sumur Sand Dunes and connect with local Ladakhi culture at the Kyagar House

Day 18 Nubra Valley

Explore the breathtaking region of Nubra Valley today. Visit the Ensa Monastery, hike to Yarab Tso Lake, soak in a picturesque hot spring and learn of the Indo-China War at the Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum

Day 19 Nubra Valley/Pangong Tso

Join the morning prayer ceremony at Samstanling Monastery. Then drive northwest along the Shayok River to Maan Village on the shores of Pangong Tso Lake (at 4350m in elevation). Check into the homestay then walk alongside your CEO to Pangong Lake for an easy yet rewarding hike! Tonight, join your homestay host for some stargazing in this remote village

Day 20 Pangong Tso/Leh

Make the most of your lake time and rise early for a special morning yoga session by the beach for all levels. Afterwards, fill up on breakfast before starting the drive back to Leh. The first stop of the day is to Rezang La Memorial, an important monument from the 1962 War. The next stop brings us to a nomadic settlement where we will learn about the luxurious pashmina cashmere. Then arrive to Leh in the evening for free time

Day 21 Leh

Today is yours to do as you wish in Leh. Want to rest? Chill out in the hotel. If you want to explore, get out on the town! The choice is yours

Day 22 Leh

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Day 2 Delhi/Chamba

Day 3 Chamba

Day 4 Chamba

Day 5 Chamba/Dharamsala

Day 6 Dharamsala

Day 7 Dharamsala/Amritsar

Day 8 Amritsar/Srinagar

Day 9 Srinagar

Day 10 Srinagar

Day 11 Srinagar/Pahalgām

Day 12 Pahalgām/Sonāmarg

Day 13 Sonāmarg/Lāmayūrū

Day 14 Lāmayūrū/Leh

Day 15 Leh

Day 16 Leh

Day 17 Leh/Nubra Valley

Day 18 Nubra Valley

Day 19 Nubra Valley/Pangong Tso

Day 20 Pangong Tso/Leh

Day 21 Leh

Day 22 Leh