India Luxury Trip : Hardly any other region on earth offers a stronger contrast to the restlessness of everyday life than the monumental mountains of the Himalayas. On India Luxury trip you will explore the Indian part of the Himalayas in the high valley of Ladakh, which geographically and culturally already belongs to the Tibetan plateau. Ladakh is not only fascinating because of its magnificent landscapes, but also because of its lively monastic life, which culminates every year in colorful festivals.
Breathtaking views of wide valleys and snow-capped peaks, intimate insights into the everyday life of the mountain dwellers and unique experiences that will stay with you for a long time, such as a Buddhist morning prayer ceremony at sunrise in the castle-like monastery of Tiksey. You can also look forward to two very special accommodations at the Ultimate Travelling Camps, which offer you the perfect combination of a nomadic lifestyle with all the amenities of a luxury hotel in the middle of a picturesque setting.
The luxury camps also leave nothing to be desired in terms of cuisine and your personal butler is there for you around the clock. Your trip begins and ends in India’s capital Delhi, whose most beautiful sides you will explore together with your tour guide.
Travel information
Itinerary: 11 days: Delhi – Leh Thiksey – Diskit – Leh Thiksey – Delhi
Specials for you:
- Transfers with private vehicles and your own chauffeur
- Hotels and luxury camps carefully selected for you
- Personal contact before, during and after your trip
- Explore the urban area in Delhi
- Experience the fascination of the mighty Himalayas
- Enjoy peace and quiet in peaceful mountain ranges and monasteries
- Insights into the strange world of semi-nomadic tribes
- Morning prayers in the Thiksey and Diskit monasteries
- Cross the sand dunes near Diskit on the back of a camel
- Enjoy free time in Diskit to hike or cycle
- Get to know the diverse bird life of Ladakh
Day 1 Arrival in Delhi
Your journey begins in Delhi, where you will be met & greeted by our representative at the airport upon arrival and driven to your hotel. First, rest or relax in your hotel. The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the heart of the city and is therefore an ideal starting point for exploring. The magnificent Mughal architecture, the dramatic façade made of pink Dholpur sandstone, immaculately maintained gardens and the spacious pool create the atmosphere of a luxurious oasis of calm.
Enjoy the fantastic view of the city from your room and just relax. In the early afternoon, you will meet your tour guide to explore the imperial city of New Delhi with its wide avenues and imposing buildings. New Delhi also has fascinating historical sights: for example, the 72-meter-high Qutab Minaret and the Mausoleum of the Great Mughal Humayun’s, which is considered the architectural forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2 Old Delhi: a journey back in time
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will go on a journey back in time in Old Delhi, where the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, bears witness to Delhi’s past as the capital of Islamic India. Past the Red Fort, the palace complex of the Mughals, which owes its name to the outer walls made of red sandstone, your journey takes you to the Moonlight Square – “Chandni Chowk” – one of the oldest and busiest market places in the city.
Here you can experience the typical flair of an oriental bazaar: the noise of traffic mixes with the echo of prayers and the haggling of business people. You can delve even deeper into the streets and alleys of Delhi on a rickshaw ride. Your driver will show you the beauty of Old Delhi from a different perspective on various routes off the main routes and take you to traditional shops and bazaars. Back at the hotel, you have the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 Luxury in the high Himalayas
After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport to continue your journey to Leh by domestic flight. Once there, you will be taken to your luxury tent in Thiksey. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings and enjoy a traditional Ladakhi welcome. The rest of the day is at your leisure to get used to this high altitude. If you wish, you can take a walk near by Thiksey monastery and get a first impression of the life of the local population. Or you can enjoy the peace and comfort of the luxury camp.
Located in the beautiful Leh Valley, Chamba Camp Thiksey is a tribute to the Ladakh way of life. The 11 exquisitely furnished, cream-colored tents exude the charm of the unattached nomadic life combined with exceptional luxury. Each tent is spacious and has a bedroom, a private bathroom and a veranda area. The large windows allow you to enjoy the beautiful and idyllic mountain world all around. The dining tent provides a first-class culinary experience. Overnight stay in Thiksey.
Day 4: Excursion to Leh
Morning free & enjoy your breakfast. Are you a bird lover? How about an early morning walk through the beautiful landscape with the camp’s naturalist (optional). If you are lucky, you will be able to observe a variety of birds from the Trans-Himalaya region. After lunch in the camp, you will visit the Matho Monastery, which is hidden in a side valley. The monastery is famous above all for its winter Nagrang festival, during which the oracle Rong Btsan reveals himself in two monks.
Afterwards, you will explore the most beautiful sides of the city of Leh with your tour guide. Stroll through the winding streets of the old town at the foot of the old fortress towards the south, where the new town joins. Your walk ends near the village of Chubi, where you will be picked up and driven to the Shanti Stupa, which is visible from a far and sits on a hill. From up here you can enjoy spectacular views of the city before being taken back to your accommodation. Overnight in Thiksey.
Day 5: Insights into rural life
After a first cup of tea or coffee, you start the day with a visit to the Thiksey monastery, probably the most impressive complex in this part of the Indus Valley. The Yellow Hat Gompa, built around 1440, is a beautiful example of the castle-like monastery complexes that have shaped the cultural landscape of Ladakh since the 15th century. There you have the privilege of taking part in the Buddhist morning prayer ceremony at sunrise. After a hearty breakfast in the camp, the rest of the morning is at your leisure.
In the afternoon you visit the famous Hemis monastery, which was founded in the 17th century. Here young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. Alternatively, after an early breakfast you can take a India Luxury Trip to one of the most scenic passes in Ladakh (optional): the Wari La, the fourth highest drivable road in the world! After lunch in nature, you will cycle down the track to the green oasis of Shakti village, where you will finish your cycling tour and return to your camp. Overnight in Thiksey.
Day 6: Continue to Chamba Camp Diskit
After breakfast, your journey continues over the Khardung La Pass, which is considered the second highest drivable road in the world, (after Umling la), to Diskit. From the pass you have a beautiful view of the Nubra Valley. On the way you stop in the village of Khardung to have a packed lunch to strengthen yourself for the onward journey, which takes you past the famous sand dunes of Nubra.
Finally you reach the village of Diskit and are immediately taken to your camp. The luxury camp Chamba Camp Diskit, which, like Chamba Camp Thiksey, is one of The Ultimate Travelling Camps’ exclusive camps, is located in the middle of the dramatic glacial landscape of the Nubra Valley at an altitude of 3,100 meters. The facilities include a dining tent with indoor and outdoor seating, a library with board games and an organic vegetable garden. Each of the eight tents has a private veranda and is beautifully furnished with four-poster beds, wooden chandeliers and nomadic-style furniture. The bathrooms are also luxurious. Overnight stay in Diskit.
Day 7: Insights into village life & camel ride through the sand dunes
Today gives you unique insights into traditional village life in the beautiful Nubra Valley. With your tour guide you will travel to the picturesque village of Sumur, which lies on the banks of the Nubra River. There you will learn about life in the region and will be initiated into the special initiative of the Nubra Women’s Alliance. Its aim is to increase the status of women in rural areas and to strengthen local culture and agriculture.
A beautiful drive through the farmland of Sumur then takes you to a traditional farm, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch in a family atmosphere. There you will gain fascinating insights into rural life in this region and learn a lot about its rich history. In the evening a special experience awaits you: a ride through the sand dunes on the back of a Bactrian camel. Relive the dreams of the merchants, mercenaries and monks who once crossed these dunes in search of gold, glory and God. Finally, return to your camp for the night. Overnight in Diskit.
Day 8: Diskit according to your taste (Without tour guide & driver)
You can design this day according to your own ideas. After a leisurely breakfast, you can hike to your heart’s content, cycle, try your hand at archery or visit other impressive monasteries, of which the region still has many to offer. Or how about a Ladakhi cooking session with one of the camp’s chefs or a picnic in the middle of the picturesque nature?
We also recommend a trip to the village of Turtuk (optional), located on the Shyok River, which is inhabited by the Muslim Balti ethnic group. Many of them have amazing blue eyes, chestnut brown hair and rosy cheeks, making them very different from the Mongoloid Ladakhis. Stroll through the picturesque town with its traditional houses and enjoy the delicious apricots that are grown in the region. You should also visit the last frontier mosque, which dates back to the 16th century, and the 11th century Turtuk Gompa. After picnic lunch, you will be transferred back to your camp. Overnight in Diskit.
Day 9: Morning prayer at Diskit Monastery & back to Thiksey
Early in the morning you will drive to Diskit Gompa, which sits on a hill above the pristine village of Diskit and is considered the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. The prayer room is one of the most beautiful in all of Ladakh and the view of the valley is also breathtaking. There you are invited to start the day with a special prayer near the towering Maitreya Buddha.
After breakfast at the camp you will make your way back to the Leh Valley via the Wari La Pass. On the way you will probably see some shepherds grazing their Pashmina goats or the shaggy yaks grazing in the meadows along the streams. Of course there is also enough time for photo stops. After arriving at Chamba Camp Thiksey, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax in your luxurious tent or in the camp and once again enjoy the spectacular nature with the starry night sky. Overnight in Thiksey.
Day 10: Return flight to Delhi
Today it’s time to say goodbye to the breathtaking and enchanting mountains of Ladakh, India Luxury Trip. Your driver will take you back to Leh, from where you will fly back to Delhi. After checking in at the hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. We would also be happy to organize an exploration tour of India’s capital for you. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 11: Farewell to India in India Luxury Trip
Now your exciting and impressive trip through India is coming to an end. Richer for many impressions of the legendary cultural and natural treasures of the high valley of Ladakh, you will be taken to the airport and take your onward or return flight.
Thankyou, for reading this blog India Luxury Trip by Delighted Journey.
