- ✓ Be wowed by Amritsar's magnificent Golden Temple
- ✓ Trek through the Himalayan foothills with serene mountain views
- ✓ Explore remote Ladakh and the scenic Nubra Valley
Our 'Journey to Little Tibet' roundtrip explores the less-visited, north-west region of India. From the magical city of Amritsar, climb to the calm, crisp slopes of the Himalayan foothills. Travel through a jaw-dropping mountain landscape, sprinkled with fluttering prayer flags and colourful Buddhist monasteries to remote, beautiful Ladakh and the enchanting Nubra Valley.
Rather than fly into Delhi, stay a night and then jump on the train to Amritsar, this trip starts in Amritsar as it's possible to fly there from the UK (typically connecting through Delhi or Doha). Don't worry about skipping Delhi as you'll stop for a night at the end of the trip, and this can always be extended if you have time.
Days 1 & 2 – Magical Amritsar
On arrival in Amritsar, you’ll be met and transferred to your characterful boutique hotel. Amritsar is the heart of Sikh culture and home to the famous Golden Temple, one of India’s most important religious sites. In the early evening, you’ll visit the temple complex with a local guide, when the heat of the day has eased and the temple is illuminated against the Pool of Nectar. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the site as you walk around the complex, watching pilgrims come to pray and taking in the evening atmosphere.
About 20 miles west of Amritsar lies the India-Pakistan border, where the famous Wagah border ceremony takes place each afternoon before sunset. On the second day of your stay, your driver will take you there in time for the ceremony. The atmosphere builds as large crowds gather on both sides of the border, with soldiers from India and Pakistan carrying out a highly choreographed display of marching, flag-lowering and ceremonial gestures. The gates are then closed for the night, marking the end of the ceremony. It’s a lively and unusual experience that gives you a glimpse of the history and relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Days 3 & 4 – Dharamsala: in the Himalayan foothills
After breakfast, you’ll drive into the foothills of the Himalayas to Dharamsala, also known as ‘Little Tibet’. Home to the Dalai Lama and a large Tibetan community, it’s an important centre of Tibetan culture, surrounded by forests, mountains and tea plantations.
The following day you’ll explore the area with a local guide. Visit the Dalai Lama’s temple and join Tibetan pilgrims walking the traditional kora around the temple complex, then see the Tibetan Parliament and its library and museum. You’ll also visit the Norbulingka Institute, where traditional Tibetan handicrafts are still made, and wander through its colourful temple and peaceful gardens. There’s time to see the nearby tea plantations and a traditional Gaddi village before visiting the 19th-century St John in the Wilderness church.
Days 5 & 6 – Unwind in Manali
Today, you’ll be transferred from Dharamsala to Manali, a journey of roughly 7 hours. In this peaceful valley, you’ll see traditional farmer’s houses, orchards, fields and refreshing waterfalls. You’ll stay for two nights in a comfortable property, set amongst the pine trees, with great views.
Because Manali lies at a relatively high altitude (2100m), we recommend taking it easy to allow your body to adjust to the thin air. Tea helps to adjust to the altitude, so make the most of it and enjoy a cup of chai at one of the tea houses. We also recommend a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at nearby Vashisht.
Day 7 – Across the Himalayas
Today is a full day of travel, but this is one of the most breathtaking roads in India and the jaw-dropping mountain scenery will keep you distracted. You can stop as often as you like to stretch your legs or take a few snaps. Leaving behind the cosy teahouses and natural hot springs of Manali, you’ll pass through an empty world flanked by zig-zagging mountain peaks. You’ll climb into the high peaks, some of which are over 6,000 metres, before descending a little into the small village of Jispa where you’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable hotel.
Days 8-10 – Leh: Little Tibet
Continue on your journey to Leh, climbing even higher into the Himalayas. You’ll cross high mountain passes and vast, sandy plains with no signs of life. When you make rest stops, you can enjoy steaming masala chai, spiced with cardamom and cloves. Finally, you’ll arrive into the green Leh Valley, where you’ll settle into your cosy guesthouse. This region of north-west India is very similar to Tibet, with lots of Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags flapping in the wind and red-robed Tibetan monks. Leh lies at 3500m elevation, so take your time to adjust to the altitude.
During your stay in Leh we’ll arrange a tour of the nearby monasteries with a private guide. You’ll visit Shey Monastery, the oldest in the area, which houses a 12-metre tall Buddha statue. In Thikse Monastery you’ll witness monks praying, chanting, ringing bells and blowing horns that echo around the valley. It’s a magical, spine-tingling experience. Final stop will be Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest of the three monasteries. In the courtyard, colourful prayer flags flutter back and forth and traditional Thangka paintings hang on the walls.
Days 11-13 – Unveil the secrets of the Nubra Valley
Hidden behind the spectacular Khardung La Pass, the Nubra Valley sits at over 3,000m above sea level and is relatively isolated and remote. Those who make the trip are rewarded with magnificent views of Himalayan mountains, verdant valleys, and a white sand desert. This fertile valley is also scattered with trees lining its rivers and oases.
As you drive from Leh to the Nubra Valley you cross one of the highest mountain passes in the world (5,602m). The view is truly spectacular, so keep your camera to hand. Then you descend into the lush green Nubra Valley. When the Silk Road was still in use, the villages here were important trading centres. A stop will be made at Chamba Gompa, the most important monastery in the region, before reaching Hundar, where you will spend the night in a simple hotel.
Start your morning by taking in the spectacular views of the Nubra Valley whilst having breakfast. Then continue your journey through this incredible landscape. You’ll stop at Samstanling Gompa, a complex with seven temples; the incredibly picturesque Yarab Tso (hidden lake); and Panamik, famous for its hot springs. You’ll stay overnight in a simple, family-run hotel in the village of Kyagar. You’ll be something of a novelty in the village as not many tourists venture here.
After breakfast it’s time to return to Leh – a journey of approximately 4.5 hours over winding mountain roads. You’ll drive across the Khardung La Pass again, so there’s another opportunity for photos. Soak up the last views of this region, with its mystical monasteries, vast landscape and peaks of the Himalayas. You’ll be warmly welcomed back into the cosy guesthouse in Leh where you stayed before.
Days 14 & 15 – Delhi and departure
Today you’ll be transferred to Leh airport where you’ll board a flight to Delhi. Flight time is approximately 2 hours. You’ll spend your final night in a comfortable hotel, that’s well located on a quiet street in New Delhi. The following day you’ll be transferred to Delhi airport in time for your homebound flight.
If you’d like to stay longer Delhi to explore, let your Travel Specialist know and they can add an additional night or two to your Travel Plan. We can also arrange a fun morning tour of Old Delhi, travelling in local style, by metro and rickshaw.
Accommodation
