The Best of Kashmir & Ladakh via Kargil – Silk Route

Day 01ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive by international flight. After a traditional Indian-style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by the Exceptional Escapes representative, you will be assisted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Delhi, the heart of India, has been the seat of power for many dynasties. It is a city where history and modernity coexist beautifully, offering a blend of ancient charm and contemporary vibrance. From majestic monuments, world-class museums, art & culture, to mouthwatering cuisine, Delhi offers experiences like no other.
Must-See Highlights of Delhi (Added for balance):

• India Gate & President House (Drive-Past)
• Qutub Minar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Lotus Temple
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Overnight Stay – Delhi

Day 02DELHI - SRINAGAR (Air India Express @ 0750 / 0930 hrs)

Post breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Srinagar. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri Kahwah welcome, followed by transfer to your Deluxe Houseboat for check-in.
Srinagar, located on the banks of River Jhelum, is renowned for its snow-clad peaks, Mughal gardens, tranquil lakes, and Kashmiri heritage.

Sightseeing in Srinagar

• Mughal Gardens
  • Chashme Shahi – The Royal Spring
  • Nishat Bagh – The Garden of Pleasure
  • Shalimar Bagh – The Abode of Love
• Hazratbal Shrine
• Shankaracharya Temple
• Pari Mahal (Added missing sightseeing)

Evening Shikara Ride
A peaceful Shikara Ride on the iconic Dal Lake, floating through lotus gardens and houseboat clusters.
Overnight Stay – Srinagar Houseboat (B, D)

Day 03SRINAGAR → SONAMARG → SRINAGAR (86 Kms / 2–3 hrs)

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to the breathtaking Sonamarg – The Meadow of Gold, situated at an altitude of 2743 m. The drive itself is incredibly scenic.

Highlights of Sonamarg

• Snow-covered Himalayan ranges
• Lush meadows and pine forests
• Pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier (snow available year-round)
• Zero Point (Zojila Pass) (Added major sightseeing; optional, based on local taxi)

Return to Srinagar.
Overnight Stay – Srinagar Houseboat (B, D)

Day 04SRINAGAR → PAHALGAM (96 Kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds), one of the most scenic valleys in Kashmir.
Check-in at the hotel. Later, explore the serene valley surrounded by mountains and the flowing Lidder River.
Sightseeing in Pahalgam

• Aru Valley (Added missing sightseeing)
• Betaab Valley (Bollywood filming spot)
• Chandanwari (starting point of Amarnath Yatra)
• Mamaleshwara Temple – 12th-century Shiva shrine

Note: Local union vehicles are required for Aru, Betaab & Chandanwari.
Evening free to relax in the natural ambiance.
Overnight Stay – Pahalgam (B, D)

Day 05PAHALGAM → GULMARG (142 Kms / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to the enchanting Gulmarg, a world-famous ski resort and summer meadow.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

Highlights of Gulmarg

• Gulmarg Gondola – Asia’s highest & longest cable car
  • Phase I: Kongdoori
  • Phase II: Apharwat Peak (13,780 ft)
• World’s Highest 18-Hole Golf Course
• Skiing / Sledging / Snow Activities (winter)
• St. Mary’s Church (Added missing sightseeing)
• Maharani Temple (Shiva Temple) (Added missing sightseeing)

Explore the enchanting meadows and panoramic snow views.
Overnight Stay – Gulmarg (B, D)

Day 06Gulmarg – Kargil (170 Kms / 7 Hrs)

“A Beautiful Long Drive – A Journey of a Lifetime” **
Post breakfast, drive to Kargil through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
 Upon arrival, check in to your tented accommodation.
Travel Advisory (Important):

• Keep your body well-hydrated
• Avoid sleeping immediately after reaching high altitude
• Avoid over-exertion, tobacco, smoking, and alcohol
• Keep yourself warm & eat high-carbohydrate meals

Overnight: Tented Accommodation – Kargil (B, D)

Day 07Kargil – Leh via Sham Valley (213 Kms / 7 Hrs Approx.)

Post breakfast, drive to Leh, en-route visiting:

• Gurudwara Patthar Sahib
  A spiritually enriching Sikh shrine nestled in the Himalayas.
• Magnetic Hill
  Experience the famous “anti-gravity” phenomenon.
• Confluence of Indus & Zanskar River (Sangam Point)
  A spectacular viewpoint where two mighty rivers meet.
• Likir Monastery
  One of the region’s most vibrant monasteries, known for its gigantic Maitreya Buddha statue.

Continue drive through the Indus Valley to visit:

• Ridzong Monastery (Optional Short Hike)
  Known as the “Paradise Monastery” hidden in a steep gorge.

Upon arrival in Leh, check in to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Kaal – Leh (D)

Day 08Leh – Indus Valley Monasteries & City Tour

Post breakfast, proceed for a full-day Indus Valley Monastery Tour:

• Hemis Monastery
  One of the largest and richest monasteries of Ladakh.
• Thiksey Monastery
  A spectacular monastery resembling the Potala Palace.
• Shey Palace
  The former summer capital of Ladakh.
• Rancho’s School (3 Idiots School)
  A popular attraction from the famous Bollywood movie.
• Sindhu Ghat
  A serene riverbank dedicated to River Indus.

Return to Leh and later visit:

• Leh Palace
• Shanti Stupa
• Leh Market for shopping.

Overnight: Hotel Kaal – Leh (B, D)

Day 09Leh – Nubra Valley via Khardung La (120 Kms / 4–5 Hrs)

Post breakfast, drive to Nubra Valley via:

• Khardung La Pass (18,390 ft)
• One of the highest motorable passes in the world.
• Marvel at the panoramic views of the Indus Valley, Zanskar Range, and Saser Peaks.

Upon arrival in Hunder, check in to Camp/Hotel.
In the evening:

• Walk through traditional Ladakhi villages
• Visit a local Ladakhi home
• Enjoy authentic Ladakhi cuisine

Overnight: Hotel Eco Lodge – Nubra Valley (B, D)

Day 10Nubra Valley Sightseeing – Return to Leh

Post breakfast proceed for:

• Hunder Sand Dunes
• Enjoy a ride on a Bactrian (double-humped) camel.
• Diskit Monastery
• One of Ladakh’s oldest monasteries with a giant Maitreya Buddha statue.
• Stroll around Diskit Bazaar for local culture.

Later drive back to Leh via Khardung La.
Overnight: Hotel Kaal – Leh (B, D)

Day 11Leh – Pangong Lake (140 Kms / 4–5 Hrs)

After early breakfast, depart for Pangong Lake, en-route visiting:

• Shey Palace
• Rancho’s School
• Thiksey Monastery
• Changla Pass (17,590 ft) – Scenic stop for photography

Drive through Tangtse Village and enter the mesmerizing Changthang region.
Pangong Lake (14,000 ft)
The world-famous blue brackish lake, 133 km long, extending into China.
A breathtaking natural wonder and a highlight of Ladakh.
Check in to your lakeside camp.
Overnight: Mastemik Camp – Pangong Lake (B, D)

Day 12Pangong Lake – Leh (140 Kms / 6 Hrs)

Morning at leisure to explore the stunning landscapes of Pangong Lake.
Later drive back to Leh, check in to hotel.
Evening free for shopping at Leh Market.
Overnight: Hotel Kaal – Leh (B, D)

Day 13Leh – Delhi (GoAir G8 226 @ 0700 / 0820 Hrs)

Delhi Departure**
Transfer to Leh Airport to board the flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival connect to your international flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of The Land of High Passes.

Tour Concludes – Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist with airport formalities.