Kashmir/Ladakh Photography Tour - Kashmir Ladakh - Squarespace

2018
  Kashmir Ladakh
  Photography Tour
Kashmir/Ladakh
Photography Tour

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Kashmir Ladakh
           Photography Tour

    Itinerary prepared for:         Mike Langford & Jackie Ranken
    Number of guests:               12 in total (incl Mike & Jackie)
    Cost twin share per person:     NZ $6,298.00
    Cost single supplement:         NZ $7,997.00
    Travel Dates:                   13th – 27th June, 2018
    Duration:                       15 Days/ 14 Nights

    Inclusions:

·     14 nights Twin share accommodation in standard rooms
·     Meals as mentioned in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
·     English-speaking tour escort to accompany group for entire tour
·     Internal flight Delhi to Srinagar & Leh to Delhi in economy class
·     Porter fees at airports
·     All transfers and excursions in Delhi in private air-conditioned vehicles
·     Travel by Toyota Innova or similar (4 pax per vehicle) in Kasmir & Ladakh
·     Entrance fees: Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi market
·     All toll taxes and parking charges.
·     Mughal Gardens Entrance Fees.
·     Vegetable Market & Local Shikara Ride.
·     Entrances for Monasteries.
·     Hot Lunch at Lamayuru.
·     Inner Line Permits/Wild Life Fees.
·
    Exclusions:
·     Visits not mentioned in the program
·     International airfares, Airport Departure taxes, ticketable taxes
·     Insurance (mandatory)
·     Passport/Visa Fees
·     Personal meals/beverages (unless specified in the itinerary)
·     Porterage (unless specified in above/below notes)
·     Gratuities (unless specified in above/below notes)
·     Items of a personal nature

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Kashmir Ladakh
      Photography Tour

                                ITINERARY

TOUR OVERVIEW

Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, is famed as one of the most beautiful
places on earth and it doesn’t disappoint. With your accommodation on one of
the famed houseboats on Dal Lake, you will be able to relax in the tranquil
waters, and explore the Mughal gardens and monuments of this great city.
On Dal Lake enjoy retail therapy in the form of local traders plying the wares
lakeside while you are rowed around the lake in a Shikara. They call it "Little
Tibet", not just because of its geographical proximity to Tibet, but also because
it plays host to several Tibetan cultural festivals.
Ladakh might be India's most remote region, but its beauty is incomparable.
Stark mountains dotted with colourful gompas (monasteries), fluttering prayer
flags, rocky ridges, dry plains and tiny settlements.

                            TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

                             DELHI: Discover the long and fascinating history of the
                             cosmopolitan capital city with its rich array of monuments
                             SRINAGAR: Famous for Dal Lake and Mughal gardens.
                             KARGIL: Famous for beautiful Peaks
                             ALCHI: Beautiful village in Ladakh and famous for wall
                             paintings
                             LEH: Few places in India are at once so traveller-friendly and
                             yet so enchanting and hassle-free as mountain-framed Leh
                             NUBRA: Nubra Valleys offer tremendous scenery on a grand
                             scale
                             PANGONG : Pangong Tso, Tibetan for "high grassland lake",
                             also referred to as Pangong Lake, is an endorheic lake in the
                             Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m

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Kashmir Ladakh
       Photography Tour

DAY BY DAY
DAY 01: ARRIVE IN DELHI
On arrival at Delhi International airport you will be met by an airport
representative and transferred to your hotel.
Welcome to the capital city of India, for a journey across the fascinating
history-markers of medieval north India. Wars were fought and rulers changed
in Delhi but ordinary lives were lived in relative continuity. Glimpses of these
can be seen even today as the character of the city underwent massive
changes in the last few decades. In the lands fabled to have seen seven cities,
signs of the old are continuously jostling with the new, presenting an ever-
fascinating panorama. India is a country of contrasts, chaos and stability,
steadfast and impatience and a delightful rainbow of amalgamation, producing
a world completely its own.
Two nights’ accommodation: The Royal Plaza Hotel.

DAY 02 : GUIDED SIGHTSEEING OF DELHI             (B)
Delhi is often distinguished as the old and new, the old referring to the pre –
British habitations and the new is Lutyen’s Delhi, built to suit British
sensibilities and the rapidly expanding city of independent India. However as
you walk with your guide through this city which has fascinated one and all for
centuries, you will see that these demarcations are fluid with an intermixing of
the old and new Delhi’s producing a supremely fascinating pulse to its city life.
After breakfast visit old Delhi, the capital built by emperor Shahjahan. The
narrow winding lanes best traversed by walk and cycle-rickshaw house some
of the oldest inhabitants and also the oldest trading establishments of the city.

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Kashmir Ladakh
      Photography Tour

Visit the historic Jama Masjid, drive past the Red Fort., On the way back
contrast the swift architectural changes brought by the colonial rulers
mirroring styles from across Europe and adapted to the Indian environment.
Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and the secretariat
buildings, the impressive Rajpath and the World War I memorial arch, the India
Gate.
In New Delhi you will visit one of the oldest monuments of Delhi- next to the
ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in Mehrauli, standing tall with
pride is the Qutub Minar. Also visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a
forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture
Optional Evening visit of Lodhi Garden for a leisurely walk: Lodhi Gardens-
Lodi Gardens are a real heaven of tranquility and peace from the hustle and
bustle of Delhi. The gardens derive their name from the fact that these
gardens were laid out in 1936 around four monuments built during the Lodi
dynasty, the last of the Delhi Sultanate the Lodi monuments add to the
serenity of the environment of the gardens.

DAY 03 : DELHI /SRINAGAR BY AIR        (B,D)
Morning at leisure. Transfer to Delhi Airport.
Delhi/Srinagar 6E-555 (Indigo ) 1300-1420 hrs.

Arrival at Srinagar Airport and transfer to Houseboat/Hotel. Srinagar the
capital city of Jammu & Kashmir is situated at an altitude of 1, 730 m. In the
heart of the Kashmir valley, Srinagar spreads out on both sides of the Jhelum
River. The valley's beauty has enticed visitors from distant lands. Srinagar bears
the hallmark of the Mughal dry fruits and the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts
are the other major attractions of the hill resort. If there is a heaven on earth,
it's here, in Srinagar.
Later this evening enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on famous Dal Lake.

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Kashmir Ladakh
      Photography Tour

Three nights’ accommodation Houseboat: Royal Deluxe Houseboat (B,L,D)

DAY 04 : SRINAGAR SIGHTSEEING                    (B,L,D)
After breakfast visit Badam Wari, Jama Masjid, Shah Hamdan and
Shankarachariya Temple.
Badamwari Garden is located in downtown Srinagar. It is one of the prettiest
sights to see in spring when the Almond trees are in full bloom. Situated on
the foothills of Hari Prabat, the 300 kanals garden is dotted with trees, flowers
and cascades providing a soothing experience to visitors.

Continue your trip to Jamia Masjid, a mosque in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir,
India. The Jamia Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of
the old city. It was built by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri in 1394 AD
Under the order of Mir Mohammad Hamdani son of Sayyid-ul-Auliya sayyid Ali
Hamadani. Shah hamdan also stayed here to propagate Islam.

Shah-I-Hamdan Sultan Sikander reigned from 1389 to 1413 AD. He had
constructed the shrine in memory of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. The Khankah in
Kashmir houses two relics of Prophet Muhammad. These were a Standard flag
that the prophet used in his campaigns and also a pole of tent that belonged to
him.

ShankaracharyaTemple also known as the Jyesteshwara temple, or Pas-Pahar
by Buddhists. Shankracharya Temple is situated on the top of the

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Kashmir Ladakh
       Photography Tour
Shankaracharya Hill, also called Gopadari Hill. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The
temple is on the summit of the same name at a height of 1,000 feet (300 m)
above the plain and overlooks the city of Srinagar.

DAY 05 : SRINAGAR SIGHTSEEING                   (B,L,D)
Early morning around 5 or 6 am you will visit the local Vegetable market.
Return back to the Houseboat for breakfast.

After breakfast tour to famous Mughal Garden, Nishat Garden known as
‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan.
Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16th century
(1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr-un-
Nissa.

Continue with a visit to Chashmashahi. The Chashma Shahi Mughal gardens in
Srinagar have been loved by emperors and picnickers alike, and have now been
restored to their past glory - despite violent political unrest in the region.

Pari Mahal or The Angels' Abode is a seven terraced garden located at the top
of Zabarwan mountain range over-looking city of Srinagar and south-west of
Dal Lake.

DAY 06 : DRIVE FROM SRINAGAR TO KARGIL ( 204 KMS./06 Hours) (B,L,D)
After breakfast leave for Kargil (204 Kms) & drive through Sonamarg. Situated
at an altitude of 9000 Ft. Sonamarg – 84 Kms is also called as “The meadow of
gold” has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh
River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer.
Stop at Sonamarg for Photography/tea.
There will be an opportunity to visit the Glaciers of Thajwas on ponies. (Pay
direct) These glaciers remain throughout the year. Continue towards Kargil
and pass over Zojila Pass. Stop at Drass, the 2nd coldest inhabitant place in
the World for & enjoy cup of tea. Then drive along the Drass River to Kargil &
Check in at Hotel.
One night accommodation at Highland Resort & Spa            (B,L,D)

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Kashmir Ladakh
      Photography Tour

DAY 07 : DRIVE FROM KARGIL TO ALCHI ( 175 KMS & 06 HRS) (B,L,D)
After breakfast Drive for Alchi enroute visiting the Monastery of Mulbekh,
famous for 1st century Statue of Maitrya Buddha, carved out of a huge rock.
Proceed further towards Lamayuru & passing thru Namikala & Fatula Passes,
the highest pass on Srinagar – Leh road. The landscape changes dramatically
from green mountain slopes to bare mountainsides, beige and brown.
One night accommodation at Alchi Resort
DAY 08 : DRIVE FROM ALCHI TO LEH ( 70 KMS & 03 HRS) (B,L,D)
After breakfast visit Alchi Monastery. Alchi is famous for its wall paintings. A
great opportunity to take some picturesque shots and walk back to Hotel for
lunch. After lunch transfer to Leh, stopping enroute for photos at Saspol
Village and Likir, Phyang & Spituk Monastery.
Phyang Monastery, Phyang (or Phiyang) Gompa is a Buddhist monastery
located in Fiang village, just 15 or 16 kilometres west of Leh in Ladakh. It was
established in 1515. There are a couple of divergent traditions regarding its
founding.
Spituk Monastery, also better as Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa, is a
Buddhist monastery in Leh district, Ladakh. The monastery contains 100
monks and a giant statue of Kali (unveiled during the annual Spitok festival).

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Kashmir Ladakh
      Photography Tour

Three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Ladahk Palace or similar

DAY 09 : LEH SIGHTSEEING      (B,L,D)
After breakfast visit the Samka Gompa, a monastery founded in the 18th
century, representing the movement of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa), so-called
reformed school belonging to the Dalai Lama. The temple walls are decorated
with colourful frescoes representing the different postures adopted by the
Buddha.
After lunch visit the Stok Palace, the current royal residence. The palace
museum houses a beautiful landscape by the widow of the king of Ladakh.
The museum has many precious objects belonging to the royal family.
Retrum to Leh with a stop at Choglamsar, an interesting village built by the
Tibetan refugees and staffed by many artisans.
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh
district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was built
in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the
Peace Pagoda mission
Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town
of Leh. Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by
King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century.

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Kashmir Ladakh
      Photography Tour

DAY 10 : LEH SIGHTSEEING (B,L,D)
After a leisurely breakfast, visit Shey, Thiksey & Hemis.
Shey – the ancient capital of Ladakh. Even after Singge Namgyal built the more
imposing palace at Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey, as their real home.
Thiksey – one of the largest and most impressive Gompas. There are several
temples in this Gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings.
Experience a local village followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch at a
local family in Leh
Hemis – which is dedicated to Padmasambhava, what a visitor can observes a
series of scenes in which the lamas, robed in gowns of rich, brightly coloured
brocade and sporting masks sometimes bizarrely hideous, parade in solemn
dance and mime around the huge flag pole in the centre of the courtyard to
the plaintive melody of the Shawn

DAY 11 : DRIVE FROM LEH TO NUBRA VALLEY (150 KMS & 05 ½ HRS) (B,L,D)
After breakfast at hotel drive towards Nubra valley through beautiful the
Khardungla Pass.
Pass through Horzey & Gangles Villages. On arrival in Nubra Valley, enjoy
lunch at the camp and then continue to Panamik Hot Springs which are rich in
Sulphur contents.
Continue to Deskit, the main town of the Nubra Valley. Visit also Khalsar
Bridge and Desklit Monastry. Watch out for the Double Humped, Hairy and
Bactrian Camels enroute.
One night accommodation at Organic Retreat Camps

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Kashmir Ladakh
       Photography Tour

DAY 12 : DRIVE FROM NUBRA TO PANGONG VIA SHAYOK RIVER (36 KMS & 2
HRS) (B,L,D)
After breakfast depart for a full day excursion to Pangong Lake. Drive through
Changla pass (5486 Mtrs.) While ascending Changla pass enjoy the beautiful
panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass stop for
a picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive at
Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the
Lake.
One night accommodation at Mastermilk Camps

DAY 13 : DRIVE FROM NUBRA TO LEH (150 KMS & 05 ½ HRS) (B,L,D)
After breakfast head back towards Leh crossing Chang La Pass. At 17590 Ft. it
is the second highest driveable road in the world. On arrival to Leh visit Sakti
Village and enjoy local beer "Chang" and interact with village heads.

One night accommodation at Hotel Ladahk Palace or similar

DAY 14: LEH-DELHI BY AIR (B)
After breakfast and check-out transfer to Leh airport to board the flight for
Delhi.
Leh/Delhi    UK-966              0905-1025 hrs
On arrival at Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure for final shopping and exploration.
One night accommodation at The Royal Plaza

DAY 15: DEPART DELHI (B)
At leisure until you are transferred to Delhi Airport for your onward flight.

                   ARRANGEMENTS WITH QCCP CONCLUDE

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Kashmir Ladakh
          Photography Tour

OVERALL HIGHLIGHTS
  § cycle-rickshaw ride in Old Delhi market
       § Shikara (Houseboat ride in Dal Lake Srinagar)
       § Monasteries visit in Leh
       § Experience a local village followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch
         at a local family in Leh

LIST OF HOTELS
City              Nights                             Hotel Name & Website
DELHI            02 NIGHTS   The Royal Plaza (http://www.hoteltheroyalplaza.com/
SRINGAR          03 NIGHTS   Royal Deluxe Houseboat (http://www.royalhouseboats.com/)
KARGIL           01 NIGHT    Highland Resort and Spa. (http://www.thehighlandkargil.com/)
ALCHI            01 NIGHT    Alchi Resort – (website under maintenance )
LEH              03 NIGHTS   Hotel Ladahk Palace or similar ( http://www.ladakhpalace.com/)
                             Organic Retreat Camps
NUBRA            01 NIGHT
                             (http://www.nubraorganicretreat.com/summer/index.php
PANGONG          01 NIGHT    Mastermik Camps (http://www.martsemik.com/)
LEH              01 NIGHT    Hotel Ladahk Palace or similar ( http://www.ladakhpalace.com/
DELHI            01 NIGHT    The Royal Plaza (http://www.hoteltheroyalplaza.com/

                                                        To confirm a place on this journey
                                                        please contact
                                                        Tori Keating of xtravel,
                                                        Queenstown

                                                        Ph. +64 3 442 9815 opt 2
                                                        M: +64 27 426 5563
                                                        E: tori@xtravel.co.nz

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