10-Day All-Inclusive Luxury Expedition: Delhi – Kashmir – Ladakh

Arrive at New Delhi International Airport. After your VIP custom name placard meet-and-greet, check into your 5-star hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a private guided tour of New Delhi, including the towering Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and a drive past the majestic India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan. End the evening with an authentic fine-dining North Indian dinner.

Board an early morning premium class flight from Delhi to Srinagar. Upon landing in the emerald valley of Kashmir, your private Chauffeur SUV will transfer you directly to an ultra-luxury wooden carved houseboat moored on Dal Lake. In the afternoon, experience the romantic Mughal Gardens of Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. As sunset approaches, experience a curated 2-hour private Shikara ride across the lotus gardens of Dal Lake.

Take a scenic day excursion to Gulmarg, the 'Meadow of Flowers'. Board the world’s second-highest operating cable car, the Gulmarg Gondola. Ascend past Phase 1 (Kongdoori) straight to Phase 2 on Apharwat Peak at 13,780 feet for spectacular panoramic views of Nanga Parbat. Walk through the snow-laden meadows before returning to your Srinagar houseboat for an authentic Kashmiri Wazwan dinner feast.

Depart overland to Pahalgam, driving past historic saffron fields at Pampore and the ancient ruins of Avantipur. Check into your luxury mountain resort overlooking the roaring Lidder River. Spend your afternoon traversing the pristine meadows of Betaab Valley (named after the Bollywood classic) and Aru Valley via dedicated local eco-friendly open-top vehicles.

Begin a dramatic trans-Himalayan journey. Stop first at Sonmarg, the 'Meadow of Gold', to view the majestic Thajiwas Glacier. Ascend through the legendary, narrow Zoji La Pass (11,575 ft)—the dramatic transition zone from lush Kashmir into the stark desert mountains of Ladakh. Pay your respects at the historic Drass War Memorial before arriving for an overnight stay in Kargil.

Drive along the spectacular Indus River highway toward Leh. En route, marvel at the ancient giant rock carving of Maitreya Buddha at Mulbekh and cross the high-altitude Namika La and Fotu La passes. Stop at the mysterious Magnetic Hill, see the holy Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and witness the stunning confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Nimmu. Check into your boutique luxury hotel in Leh for mandatory evening acclimatization.

Dedicate your day to discovering the cultural soul of Ladakh. Visit the iconic twelve-story Thiksey Monastery, heavily resembling Tibet’s Potala Palace. Proceed to Hemis Monastery, the wealthiest and largest monastery hidden in a gorge. In the late afternoon, climb to the Shanti Stupa for an unparalleled bird’s-eye sunset view over Leh city and the surrounding Stok mountain range.

Embark on an early morning epic overland drive to the world-famous Pangong Tso Lake (14,270 ft), straddling the international border between India and Tibet. Cross Chang La Pass, the third-highest motorable mountain road in the world. Arrive at the breathtaking 134 km-long saltwater lake, famous for its deep shifting shades of blue, turquoise, and green. Stay overnight in an insulated premium luxury glamping dome directly facing the shoreline under the pristine starlit sky.

Wake up early to photograph a spectacular high-altitude sunrise over Pangong Lake. Drive back to Leh through the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, keeping watch for native Himalayan marmots, wild yaks, and rare migratory birds. Arrive back in Leh by afternoon, leaving your evening free to stroll the vibrant Leh Main Bazaar to pick up authentic Pashmina shawls, turquoise jewelry, and dried apricots.

Your chauffeur will transfer you early this morning to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh for your domestic flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, you will be escorted comfortably to the international departures terminal or your onward connection, bringing a luxurious end to your Indian Express Tourism customized Himalayan journey.