Himalayan soujourn- An incredible spiritual experience

Pick up from Delhi airport. Drive to Rishikesh. After arriving at the stunning city of Rishikesh adorned with countless ashrams (pilgrim center) and ancient temples, check-in to the accommodation and freshen up by taking a rejuvenating break followed by exploring the Lakshman Jhula, a famous hanging bridge across the river Ganga connecting two villages. Built during 1929, a folklore moulded during the years depict Lord Lakshman crossing the river at this very spot. Adjacent to the bridge lies the vibrant Tera Manzil (13 storey) or Trimbakeshwar temple, containing idols of numerous Hindu Gods and Goddesses but mainly the shrine is devoted to Lord Shiva.

The rest of the day can be spent at leisure.

(Inclusions – Dinner)
(Overnight at Rishikesh)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and proceed to the wondrously picturesque temple of Neelkanth Mahadev, where the Mighty Lord Shiva, according to the Hindu Mythology, ingested poison created from churning the ocean by evil mystical beings, to create the ultimate elixir of eternal life. Situated at a height of 1675 meters, this temple stands right above the famous Swarg Ashram, one of the oldest spiritual centers in India, embedded for meditation and soul enhancement. Make your way to the extraordinary Beatles Ashram, established during 1968 when the “Penny Lane” singers traveled down here to accrue Transcendental Meditation at the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. These were the golden years of The Beatles, when they produced several hit songs, changing the world’s interpretation toward Indian spirituality. Surrounding the ashram is the astounding Rajaji National Park, one of the oldest ecosystems in the country, ranging from fauna like Bengal Tigers and Sloth bears to vibrant species of flora covering the snow-clad valleys during seasons.

Head back to the accommodation.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Rishikesh)

After a wholesome meal at the hotel, set your ride to Shivpuri for some amazing adventure sports activities ranging from Trekking, Whitewater rafting, to Kayaking, with an otherworldly surrounding to impel your zest.

Later, discover the ethereal exquisiteness of the Indo- Gigantic plains and the Snow-clad mountains of Shivalik (outer Himalayas), on a road trip to the snow-white valley of Manali. Check-in to the respective hotel while the rest of the time can be spent at your leisure.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Manali)

After a healthy breakfast, proceed for a memorable trip to Leh along with multitude sightseeing experience at the frosty land of Manali, quite an isolated village in the Himalayan range of Himachal Pradesh.

Indulge yourself in the life style of the native folks in the Solang valley, offering an enigmatic view of ice capped highlands and glaciers. The valley runs well maintained ski slopes, under Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute who provides skiing training for tourists as well. This skiing paradise is replaced by parachuting, paragliding, horse riding, and zorbing during the summer.

The next stop is housed amidst the blissful hilltop of Manali, the Hidimba Temple is indeed a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of a great ancient warrior, Bhima (mentioned in the scriptures of Mahabharata). Bounded by the elegant cedar trees, the rock is claimed to be the soul image of Goddess Hidimba herself.

Moving on to Vashisht village, named after Rishi Vashisht, one of the most esteemed seven sages of Hindu Mythology and lots of folklore implicating to the name of this rural haven. Believed to be dating more than 4000 years old, the temple embraces a black stone image of Sage Vashisht wearing dhoti (wrapper worn by Indian men during olden days) and other sculptures depicting brilliant carvings on wood. The temple is decked with traditional antique painting and various artistic strcutures. The Vashisht Hot Water Spring is renowned for its medicinal value and believed to be a vital cure for many skin diseases, rendering to experience by people.

Behold the amazing, Rohtang pass, located at a distance of 51 kilometres from the main town of Manali and can only be accessible by the road. The path measures a colossal height of 3978 metres, enabling people to analyse the hearth robing landscape from an ethereal sight. This marvelous site is the favourite amongst Bollywood movie directors who are often know for portraying this heavenly quintessence of nature.

After an enormous array of mind-blowing scenic representation through road trip, check-in to the hotel after arriving in the extra-ordinary town of Leh.

Spend the rest of the time at leisure.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Leh)

Proceed for sightseeing after a scrumptious meal at the hotel. The peculiar town of Leh is enclosed in the snow-covered summits of the Himalayas and has been a significant site of Tibetan-Buddhist culture in the history and the best place for Hiking in India, especially for backpackers. Its vibrant gompas (Buddhist learning centers) have fascinated Buddhists devotees and admirers, all over the world.

Arrive at the quaint Nubra Valley along with its picturesque environs striking snow clad peaks and dales. Proceed towards Chamba Gompa, a monastery where a wonderful heritage is enriched by obtaining sheer knowledge. Head your way towards Diskit Gompa, located on the Diskit village embedded on a high hill. This is one of the oldest and infact largest monasteries to have been established in the Nubra Valley, the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of the Tibetan Buddhism looks after this area. The Thiksey monastery, is a sub-gompa that embraces the statue of the Maitreya Buddha in the prayer Hall, and other fierce guardian deities’ sculptures strewn around the monastery. The dome of the monastery is elevated on the top, only to illustrate a fresco of a monastery in Tibet namely Tashilhunpo.

Return to your accommodation.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Leh)

After the morning meal, proceed for sightseeing to this mesmerising morning endeavour, village of Turtuk, the Himalayan sojourn engraved into the charming scenery located in the Balti dynasty region. Explore the peripheral hamlets, often referring these traditional houses as “nangchung”.

Discover the exclusive village life, ranging from implementing kitchen tools and savouring the amazing apricots grown during that season. Visit the wonderful white sand dunes and ride all the way on a dual humped Bactrian camel.

Continue your road trip along the rocky ways to Gulmarg, Kashmir. Check-in at the hotel.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Gulmarg)

After finishing your meal, explore the aesthetic town of Gulmarg with the very first skiing resort built in 1927 and holding Asia’s largest and world’s second largest cable car called Gulmarg Gondola. The cable cars connect Gulmarg with the breath-taking Aparwath Mountain and also reach out to Kongdoori, from where one can ski down on a snow-trail during season. Check out the longest Golf Course in the country with a magnificent environment, attracting many tourists. This petite town is just about perfect for the nature lovers who seek serendipity and also adventurers who are gritty to discover more. Khilanmarg is situated in the neighbourhood of Gulmarg offering extraordinary scenery and a frozen lake situated 13 kms from the spot possess an epic backdrop of Himalayan array. The next stop takes us to the unexplored landscapes of Nagin Valley and the holistic shrine established there, sanctifies the tranquil dale. Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

After the morning supper, take your journey to Srinagar in an hour drive, discover the world famous Dal lake, and ride the shikara (an unique type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake) and Nigeen lake on the facade. Proceed to the airport for your next on-route voyage.