15-28 June 2010 14-days India Leh-Kashmir
Approximately Cost Rm4500 (8 pax), Rm4450 (10 pax) , RM4350 (12 pax) RM4200 (14 pax) & RM4100 (16 pax and above)
Update 26 October 09 - June till mid September is the best time of the year to visit Manali-Ladakh-Srinagar. Therefore don't miss the 'right' timing to experience the best view of these places. We set the date to catch up Hemis Festival which is held in 21-22 June 2010. So do not miss this Festival which is very interesting. Kindly email rachelheng123@gmail.com or yongo@streamyx.com for registration.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is meant to be a "free and easy" trip. Participants should be with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!
Kullu Valley
Himalayas is divided as the Eastern Himalayas, the Central Himalayas and the Western Himalayas. Geographically it is divided as the Shivalik Himalayas, the Lower Himalayas, the High Himalayas and the Trans Himalayas. Kullu valley is located in the Lower Western Himalayas. Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Kullu valley is rightly celebrated as the valley of Gods. Nestled between Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, it is the cradle of great river Beas. About 80 km long, this lush valley extends from the gorge at Aut to Rohtang Pass. It harbors evergreen forest, alpine meadows, beautiful rivers and orchard laden with fruits. Its inhabitants are joyful and gentle.
You can experience the formation of the Himalayas in this trip covering roughly around 800 km of the Himalayan region. This trip first brings you to the Shivalik Himalayas between Kiratpur to Mandi. You will be visiting the Lower Himalayan hills along the Beas river, between Mandi (760m) to Manali (2050m). Continue to the Great Himalayas at Rohtang Pass (3978m), Baralachala Pass (4890m), Lochulangla Pass (5100m) and Tanglangla Pass (5400m). We will also visit the Trans Himalayan valleys of Lahaul and Ladakh.
Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.
Day 1 June 15 TUE Fly to Delhi:
Meet in KLIA for MH flight MH 0190 departing 0620PM arriving 2120PM in Delhi. Check in hotel. Overnight Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi Manali: Morning visit Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple. Qutub Minar is one of the most visited tourist spot of Delhi, Qutub Minar was built in 1199 by Qutub-ud-Din. The sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, completed it. The purpose of building this beautiful monument is not very clear as some believe that it was built as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India, while others say it served as a minaret to the adjoining mosque and was used by the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. It is 72.5 metres high and one has to climb 379 steps to get to the top.The diameter of the base is 14.3 metres while the top floor measures 2.7 metres in diameter. On completion drive to visit the lotus temple surrounded by a landscaped garden and is a symbol of peace. This is the Asian headquarters of the Bahai faith, and a circular temple that is open to all.
Evening transfer to Chandralok Building to board on Volvo coach semi sleepers coach leaving 1830 hour to ride overnight 570 km, 14-15 hours to Manali. Overnight bus
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Qutub Minar/Lotus Temple
Day 3 Manali: Arrive Manali around 1000 am and transfer to Hotel. An easy afternoon around Manali to explore the streets of Manali or visit some of the interesting places like wooden constructed Hidimbg Devi temple, hot water sulfur springs at Vashisht or Mountaineering Institute at Aleo etc. Manali is a nice colorful town on the banks of river Beas with snow think pine forest on both sides of the hills and top of the mountains covered with snow. There are lots of small shops selling lots of interesting souvenirs. It is one of the best relaxing town in the Himalayas. Overnight Manali.
Day 4 Manali-Solang-Manali : After breakfast trek and ride to Solang, visit old Manali and Gushal villages on the way. We will also visit Manu temple on the way. Manali is named after Manu Temple, which was traditionally called as Manu-Alaya which means “House of Manu”. So later it was pronounced as Manali. According to Hindu mythology, human and nature have cycle of development and when it reaches its peak it is destroyed by some natural calamity and only very few people survive in this cycle. In the last destruction of the world, Manu was leader of the people who survived and he started the world from Manali. After lunch ride back to Manali in local bus. Overnight Manali.
Rohtang Pass (3978m) /On the way to Gulmarg
Day 5 Manali-Keylong or Sarchu : Early morning transfer to bus station to board on coach to Sarchu (115 or 235 km, 5 or 8 hours) over the great Himalayas crossing Rohtang Pass (3978m) with fantastic views of the surrounding Chandra Bhaga range of peaks, mountains and glaciers. Most of the peaks in CB range are above 5000m. From Rohtang, we will start to descend to Koksar check-post. After completing formalities to enter into the tribal area of Lahaul, we will follow the Chandra river to a small town Keylong – the district headquarter of Lahaul, passing through many traditional tribal villages with beautiful scenery with lot of waterfalls and huge glaciers and snow capped peaks. If the transport company is organizing till Sarchu then we drive from Keylong over another high pass Baralachala at 4890m and then to Sarchu. Overnight staying in camp.
Day 6 Sarchu or Keylong-Leh: Today we drive 360 or 240 km 12 or 9 hour The scenery changes again from the semi barren Lahaul to barren landscape with different colours of the Trans Himalayan mountains after crossing the Baralachala. You will be visiting two small mountain Lakes Deepak Tal and Surej Tal on the way.
Monks and festival at Hemis Monastery
Day 7 Leh-Stok-Hemis-Leh: Morning drive to visit Stok Palace and museum. Continue to Hemis monastery. Visit to Ladakh is not complete without seeing Hemis monastery. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries with excellent library, well preserved wall paintings and good Buddha figures. We will arrive on time to catch up Hemis Festival which is big events for local people.
Day 8 Leh-Kargil: Early morning drive to Kargil visiting Alchi and Lamayuru monasteries along they way. On arrival walk to your guest house and stay for the night.
Kashmiri boy/Lotus around the lake
Day 9 Kargil-Srinagar(Kashmir) : Early morning walk to the bus station again to board on your scheduled bus to Srinagar. On arrival transfer to the houseboat.
Day 10 Srinagar : After breakfast proceed with tour of world famous Mughal Gardens visiting the Nishat Bagh (The garden of pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love). After lunch on Houseboat, rest of day at leisure for personal activities and visiting handicrafts center. Dinner and overnight at Houseboat morning walk to the bus station again to board on your scheduled bus to Srinagar. On arrival transfer to the houseboat.
Morning floating market & comfortable bed at Nagen Lake/Nice houseboat
Day 11 Gulmarg Excursion : After breakfast at Houseboat, depart by surface for Gulmarg. Arrive at Tanmarg, base of mountain and board jeeps to climb 12 Kms to Gulmarg- one of the most beautiful summer resort in the valley. It is also popular for its golf course during summer season and as a ski resort during the winter season. Enjoy the splendor of nature and the snowy mountains. Optional one can enjoy Gondola ride (Cable car) from Gulmarg to Khalinmarg on extra cost (optional). In the late afternoon return back to Srinagar and transfer to your houseboat. Dinner and Overnight at Houseboat.
Day 12 Srinagar-Delhi : After breakfast transfer to airport to board on Deccan Air flight no DN 626 leaving 1000 hour and arriving Delhi 1115 hour at Delhi. Free and Easy. Overnight Delhi
Day 13 Delhi : Morning Free and Easy at Delhi for final shopping and early dinner,catch evening flight DEL-KUL, MH0191 at 1100PM
Day 14 Home : Arriving Kuala Lumpur at 0655AM
TERMS AND CONDITIONS