Kashmir tour: 8 nights and 9 days
Itinerary that includes both Gurez and Bungus Valleys as part of a broader Kashmir tour:
*Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar*
– Arrive in Srinagar and transfer to your hotel or houseboat.
– Relax with an evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
– Overnight stay in Srinagar.
*Day 2: Srinagar to Gurez Valley*
– Early morning drive to Gurez Valley (approx. 5-6 hours), passing through the scenic Razdan Pass.
– Check into your accommodation in Gurez.
– Explore Dawar village and admire the majestic Habba Khatoon Peak.
– Overnight stay in Gurez.
*Day 3: Discovering Gurez Valley*
– Full day to explore the stunning landscapes of Gurez Valley.
– Visit the Kishanganga River and the charming villages of Tulail and Angaikot.
– Interact with the local community and learn about their unique culture.
– Overnight stay in Gurez.
*Day 4: Gurez Valley to Srinagar*
– Morning drive back to Srinagar (approx. 6 hours).
– Spend the evening exploring Srinagar’s vibrant markets or visiting local attractions.
– Overnight stay in Srinagar.
*Day 5: Srinagar to Kupwara and Bungus Valley*
– Drive to Kupwara (approx. 2 hours).
– Arrange local transport or guided tour to the pristine Bungus Valley (approx. 2-3 hours from Kupwara, includes off-road travel).
– Spend the day exploring the serene meadows of Bungus Valley.
– Return to Kupwara in the evening.
– Overnight stay in Kupwara.
*Day 6: Kupwara to Gulmarg*
– Drive to Gulmarg (approx. 3 hours).
– Enjoy the day in Gulmarg, famous for its lush meadows and the Gulmarg Gondola.
– Optional activities include trekking or a pony ride.
– Overnight stay in Gulmarg.
*Day 7: Gulmarg to Pahalgam*
– Drive to Pahalgam (approx. 4 hours).
– Visit Betaab Valley and Aru Valley.
– Evening at leisure, enjoy the natural beauty of Pahalgam.
– Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
*Day 8: Pahalgam to Srinagar*
– Drive back to Srinagar (approx. 2 hours).
– Visit the Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.
– Overnight stay in Srinagar.
*Day 9: Departure from Srinagar*
– Transfer to Srinagar airport for your onward journey.
This itinerary combines the serene beauty of Gurez and Bungus Valleys with the classic highlights of a Kashmir tour, offering travelers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Leh and Ladakh trip:
Here’s a detailed breakdown for each itinerary, including the specifics for each day of travel:
*5-Day Leh-Ladakh Itinerary*
*Day 1: Arrival in Leh*
– *Arrival*: Fly into Leh, which is situated at an altitude of 11,500 feet.
– *Acclimatization*: Due to the high altitude, it’s crucial to rest for a few hours to acclimatize. Avoid any strenuous activity on the first day.
– *Sightseeing (Evening)*:
– *Shanti Stupa*: A beautiful white-domed stupa offering panoramic views of Leh. It’s especially stunning during sunset.
– *Leh Palace*: A 17th-century palace with a museum that offers insights into Ladakhi culture.
– *Leh Market*: Take a leisurely stroll through the local market and explore shops selling traditional Ladakhi handicrafts and souvenirs.
*Day 2: Leh – Sham Valley – Leh*
– *Magnetic Hill*: Experience the optical illusion of a “gravity hill” where vehicles seem to move uphill against gravity.
– *Gurudwara Pathar Sahib*: A serene Gurudwara built in memory of Guru Nanak, who visited this region in the 16th century.
– *Sangam*: Witness the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, with their distinct colors blending together.
– *Alchi Monastery*: Visit one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, famous for its wall paintings and ancient architecture.
– *Likir Monastery*: Another ancient monastery, known for its massive statue of Buddha and beautiful views.
– *Return to Leh*: Arrive back in Leh by evening for dinner and rest.
*Day 3: Leh – Nubra Valley*
– *Khardung La Pass*: Depart early to cross Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, at 18,380 feet.
– *Diskit Monastery*: Visit the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley, which houses a 32-meter tall Maitreya Buddha statue.
– *Hunder Sand Dunes*: Enjoy a unique experience in the cold desert, where you can take a ride on Bactrian camels (double-humped camels).
– *Overnight Stay*: Spend the night at a guesthouse or camp in Nubra Valley.
*Day 4: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake*
– *Drive to Pangong Lake*: Start early to reach Pangong Lake, driving through the Shyok River route or Wari La pass.
– *Pangong Lake: Arrive at the breathtaking Pangong Lake, which is famous for its changing colors and was featured in the movie *3 Idiots. Explore the lake and its surroundings.
– *Overnight Stay*: Stay in camps by the lake, enjoying the serene atmosphere and stargazing at night.
*Day 5: Pangong Lake – Leh*
– *Morning at Pangong*: Take in the stunning sunrise over Pangong Lake, with the mountains reflecting in the clear waters.
– *Hemis Monastery*: On the way back to Leh, visit Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, known for its annual festival and beautiful thangka paintings.
– *Thiksey Monastery*: A picturesque monastery that resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa, with a 15-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha.
– *Shey Palace*: Explore the former summer palace of the Ladakhi kings, located on a hilltop with excellent views.
– *Return to Leh*: Arrive in Leh by late afternoon or evening for a final exploration of the town or a relaxing dinner.
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*7-Day Leh-Ladakh Itinerary*
*Day 1: Arrival in Leh*
– *Arrival*: Arrive in Leh, acclimatize to the altitude.
– *Sightseeing (Evening)*: Visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
– *Leh Market*: Explore the market in the evening.
*Day 2: Leh Local Sightseeing*
– *Hemis Monastery*: Begin your day with a visit to this revered monastery.
– *Thiksey Monastery*: Next, head to Thiksey, where you can witness the morning prayers and explore the vast complex.
– *Shey Palace*: Visit this ancient palace with a giant copper-gilt Buddha statue.
– *Stok Palace*: End the day with a visit to Stok Palace, where you can see the royal family’s residence and a museum showcasing Ladakhi artifacts.
*Day 3: Leh – Nubra Valley*
– *Khardung La Pass*: Early morning departure through Khardung La.
– *Diskit Monastery*: Visit and explore the Diskit Monastery.
– *Hunder Sand Dunes*: Enjoy a camel safari in the evening.
– *Overnight Stay*: Camp in Hunder or stay at a guesthouse in Nubra.
*Day 4: Nubra Valley – Turtuk – Nubra Valley*
– *Drive to Turtuk*: A scenic drive to Turtuk, one of the northernmost villages in India, with a rich Balti culture.
– *Explore Turtuk*: Visit the local mosque, palace ruins, and enjoy the unique landscape.
– *Return to Nubra*: Drive back to Nubra Valley for an overnight stay.
*Day 5: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake*
– *Drive to Pangong Lake*: Via the Shyok route or Wari La, this route is filled with stunning landscapes.
– *Pangong Lake*: Spend the afternoon exploring and enjoying the serene beauty of the lake.
– *Overnight Stay*: Camp by Pangong Lake.
*Day 6: Pangong Lake – Leh*
– *Morning at Pangong*: Enjoy the sunrise over the lake.
– *Drive Back to Leh*: Visit Hemis and Thiksey Monasteries en route.
– *Leh Market*: Evening free to explore Leh Market.
*Day 7: Departure from Leh*
– *Transfer to Airport*: Early morning transfer to Leh Airport for your onward journey.
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10-Day Leh-Ladakh Itinerary*
*Day 1: Arrival in Leh*
– *Arrival*: Arrive in Leh, acclimatize.
– *Sightseeing (Evening)*: Visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
– *Leh Market*: Explore the market in the evening.
*Day 2: Leh – Sham Valley – Leh*
– *Magnetic Hill*: Visit the famous Magnetic Hill.
– *Gurudwara Pathar Sahib*: Pay a visit to this sacred site.
– *Sangam*: Witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
– *Alchi Monastery*: Explore the ancient Alchi Monastery.
– *Likir Monastery*: Visit Likir Monastery on the way back to Leh.
– *Return to Leh*: Evening at leisure in Leh.
*Day 3: Leh – Nubra Valley*
– *Khardung La Pass*: Cross this high-altitude pass to reach Nubra Valley.
– *Diskit Monastery*: Visit the monastery and the giant Buddha statue.
– *Hunder Sand Dunes*: Enjoy a camel safari.
– *Overnight Stay*: Camp or guesthouse in Nubra.
*Day 4: Nubra Valley – Turtuk – Nubra Valley*
– *Drive to Turtuk*: Visit this scenic village near the Indo-Pak border.
– *Explore Turtuk*: Interact with locals, visit the royal house, and enjoy the landscape.
– *Return to Nubra*: Overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
*Day 5: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake*
– *Drive to Pangong Lake*: Via Shyok or Wari La pass.
– *Pangong Lake*: Spend the afternoon exploring the lake.
– *Overnight Stay*: Stay in camps by the lake.
*Day 6: Pangong Lake – Hanle*
– *Drive to Hanle*: Depart early for Hanle, a remote village with minimal tourist influx.
– *Hanle Observatory*: Visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the world’s highest observatories.
– *Overnight Stay*: Stay in a homestay or guesthouse in Hanle.
*Day 7: Hanle – Tso Moriri Lake*
Drive to Tso Moriri: Drive through the beautiful landscapes to reach the high-altitude lake.
Tso Moriri Lake: Explore the serene surroundings of the lake.
Overnight Stay: Stay near the lake, either in a guesthouse or camp.
Day 8: Tso Moriri Lake – Leh
Korzok Monastery: Visit this small monastery on the banks of Tso Moriri.
Drive Back to Leh: Enjoy scenic views on the way back.
Evening in Leh: Leisure time in Leh.
Day 9: Leh – Monastery Tour
Hemis Monastery: Visit the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
Thiksey Monastery*: Explore this picturesque monastery that offers stunning views of the Indus Valley.
Shey Palace: Visit the former summer capital of Ladakh.
Stok Palace: End the day with a visit to Stok Palace and museum.
Return to Leh: Evening at leisure.
Day 10: Departure from Leh*
Transfer to Airport
