Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at New Delhi’s new International Airport you will be met with a traditional Indian floral welcome by a local representative following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiralling skyscrapers and flyovers, the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport is of a town in a hurry. Using your horn is de rigeur to warn of your presence. Cyclists, pedestrians and public transport stream down the main roads in a dance of organised disorder. It is quite simply a unique country so expect a unique experience.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be greeted with traditional Indian hospitality. Your forehead will be anointed with the traditional red ‘tikka’ (vermillion) which is considered auspicious. Welcoming guests in India is an age-old tradition where they believe in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - treat your guest as if he were God.

Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast in your hotel you have the option of a highly recommended sightseeing tour of Delhi.

Starting in Old Delhi, the tour begins at Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; it continues past the magnificent Red Fort which stands majestically over the river Jamuna. It was built from 1638 - 48 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. Next is the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.The tour includes a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India and one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. Started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak it was completed by the sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is a tapered column with the diameter of the base being 14.3 metres while at the top floor it is 2.7 metres.

Then on to visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. This is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, and a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.

After visiting Old Delhi and the distant past, the splendours of the Raj architecture and town planning can be seen in New Delhi, which reflects the legacy of the British period.

Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax by the pool, visit the spa and enjoy the benefits of Indian hospitality.

In the afternoon, you can get acquainted with your hire car, GPS, Roadbook, route and do the paperwork.

Day 03: Delhi to Shimla(350 Kms – 6Hrs)
After an early breakfast you start your journey to Shimla – the Queen of the Hill Stations. Set at an altitude of 2130 metres, Shimla is the capital and the most important town of Himachal Pradesh. It derives its name from an ancient temple of goddess Shamla, also known as Kali, and was discovered by the British in 1819 but it was only in 1822 that the first permanent house was built here by a young officer, Major Kennedy - and it is still there.

Shimla became the summer capital of the British Raj and was not only famous for its high-flown social life, but eventually became a centre of many important activities which are landmarks in the political history of India. The most significant was discussions that led to the partition of India in 1947. Here we will stay at the magnificent Cecil Hotel, the first hotel in the Oberoi group and a monument to luxury living.

Day 04: Shimla Rest Day
After breakfast we have arranged a heritage walk of Shimla. First stop is the former Viceregal Lodge, now known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

This walk takes in the major buildings of the British era including the Shimla Club Gaiety Theatre, The Mall, The Ridge and Gorton Castle which is now the office of The Accountant General and the State Museum of Himachal.

Day 05: Shimla to Sarahan(1920 m) by Jeep (175 kms / 6 hrs.)
The drive to Sarahan takes you along the ridge up to Narkanda (3,690Mts) after which you descend into Baspa valley driving along the Sutluj river. En route you stop at Rampur (135km), erstwhile capital of Baspa Kingdom. Sarahan itself is a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shirkhand Mahadev Peak (5,155M). Sarahan was once the ancient centre of a trading route from Bhutan with caravans from Ladakh, Kashgar and Yarkand bringing their wares to sell.

Day 06: Sarahan to Sangla(2680 m) by Jeep (95 kms / 3-4 hrs.)
A short but enchanting drive. Today you visit Bhimakali Temple before descending to the river Satluj. Here you follow the river until Karcham where you turn into Sangla Valley, famous for Kamru Fort, where many Rajas of Kinnaur were crowned. It’s now dedicated to Kamakshi Temple. Sangla is built on a steep slope with houses rising one above the other. The gigantic Kinner Kailash peak (6,050M) dominates the background. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 07: Sangla-Chitkul-Sangla circuit
After breakfast you drive to Chitkul, the last inhabited village in the Sangla Valley. Surrounded by green fields and high mountain peaks, Chitkul is has a fairyland feel to it. The quaint little houses, temples, gompas and the people of Baspa Valley conjure up the perfect image of a Shangri-La. In the afternoon on the return journey follow the Baspa river through one of the most beautiful locations in the Kinnaur valley. The road winds its way through a narrow valley and round precipitous bends before arriving back at the fairy tale village of Sangla.

Day 08: Sangla to Nako(2950 m) by Jeep (120 kms / 5-6 hrs.)
After breakfast you drive towards Nako - the destination of the day. On the way there are a number of man monasteries you can visit. Of particular interest is Rinchen Zangpo which will give a greater understanding of the rich architecture, system and growth of Trans Himalayan Buddhism. Here you can see he footprints of the Second Buddha. Here area is rich in stories of Padmasambhava the great Buddhist teacher - also called the second Buddha. According to one legend, Padmasambhava in a demonstration of his tantrik powers is said to have landed on a rock in the village of Nako! It is typical Kinnaur village with a glacier fed lake.

Day 09: Nako to Tabo(74 kms / 3-4 hrs.)
After breakfast drive to Tabo (3,050M), a small village famous for its 10th century Buddhist monastery said to have been established as a seat of learning by Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism. It houses more than 100 Lames, a large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings, Thankas and stucco. Surely the gods live here as the grandeur and magnificent scenery create a magical atmosphere. Overnight stay in tents at Tabo.

Day 10: Tabo to Kaza(by Jeep 95 kms / 5 hrs.)
The day starts with a morning walk to the nearby caves followed by a drive to Dankhar and Lalung monasteries – among the finest in Spiti. A detour into Pin Valley in the South West of Spiti offers the chance to explore another centuries old monastery, Kungri. The Pin Valley has a pass connecting it with Kinnaur and from there by lower valleys with Kullu. LW Dane a British Traveller pioneered this new route and the Danes Pass is now known as the Pin Parvati pass.

Day 11: Kaza Rest Day
A day off or a chance to visit the mysterious but extremely beautiful monasteries and villages of Langza, Hikkim and Komic. The drive takes you towards Kibber village and on the way the chance to visit Kee monastery, the biggest in the valley. Kibber village is the highest village in the world connected by road. Drive back to your hotel by the evening.

Day 12: Kaza to Manali(300 kms via key long by Jeep)
Drive to Kunzam Pass 4558 Mt is our first detonation of the day. The top of the pass offers superb views of the facing mountain ranges. Then it’s on to the lake of the moon – Chander Tal.
The journey continues towards Manali though Batal, Chotadara, Chatru and Rohtang La. After crossing Rohtang you get into a modern world of Manali with lush green valleys.

Day 13: Manali
In the morning we suggest you visit Naggar, the capital of Kullu Rajas until A.D. 1660. The Ancient castle, now converted into Tourist Bungalows, overlooks the entire Beas Valley. Nicholas Roerich, the famous Russian painter and philosopher lived here and his quaint little house has been converted into a small museum. There are two old temples near castle. Afternoon explore Manali town, its old wooden temples and its folk music and dances.

Day 14: Manali – Nalagarh(250 kms / 7-8 hrs.)
Nalagarh Fort Resort is located atop a hillock with a panoramic view of the Shivalik Hills. It rises above a 20 acre estate of forest and orchards and is built on five levels, two of which have well manicured lawns. The fort and the palace of Nalagarh have a series of structures that are mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. It has seen better days but is nevertheless a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi life.

Day 15: Nalagarh - Delhi(300 kms / 6 hrs.)
Drive to Delhi Farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.v

Day 16 : Leave Delhi
In time transfer to international airport to connect flight back home.

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