Day 01: Arrival at Amritsar – Golden Temple and Wagah Border

Upon arrival at Amritsar Airport, you will be greeted by your escort and driver. After check-in at your hotel, begin your exploration of Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural hub of Sikhism. Visit the iconic Golden Temple, the holiest shrine for Sikhs, where you will witness the serene rituals, the sacred pond, and the selfless service of the Langar (community kitchen). Later, drive to the India-Pakistan border town of Wagah to experience the dramatic flag-lowering ceremony, a patriotic display of military pageantry that takes place every evening.

Amritsar to Dharamshala – Entering the Himalayan Foothills

Today, you leave the plains behind and ascend into the hills of Himachal Pradesh, gaining elevation gradually as you drive towards Dharamshala. The route takes you through picturesque farmlands and villages. A stop at the Masroor Rock-cut Temples, an 8th-century monolithic temple complex, offers a glimpse into ancient Indian architecture. On arrival in Dharamshala, check into your hotel, and in the evening, visit the Dalai Lama Monastery (Tsuglagkhang Complex), the spiritual heart of the Tibetan community in exile.

Day 03: Exploring Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj

Spend a day exploring the rich cultural heritage of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Begin with a visit to Bhagsunag Temple, an ancient Shiva temple known for its serene surroundings and nearby waterfall. Proceed to the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV), a school and refuge for Tibetan orphans, and learn about their journey and resilience. Next, visit St. John’s Church in the Wilderness, a neo-Gothic structure built in 1852, set amidst deodar forests. Conclude your day at the Norbulingka Institute, where traditional Tibetan art forms, including thangka painting and wood carving, are preserved.

B'fast, Lunch & Dinner

Walk: 7Km

Exp: Tibetan Town Exploration

Day 04: Dharamshala to Shimla – The Colonial Charm Awaits

Today’s drive takes you along winding mountain roads to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. This scenic journey of approximately 200 kilometers, which takes around seven hours, offers spectacular views of the Himalayan foothills. On arrival, check into your hotel and rest, preparing for the heritage walk planned for the next day. Shimla is the last major hill station before you enter the rugged, high-altitude valleys of the Western Himalayas.

Overnight Stay: Fixed Camp

B'fast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive: 200km (7hrs)

Exp: Towards Colonial Heights

Day 05: Shimla Heritage Walk – Tracing Colonial Footprints

Shimla is best explored on foot, and today, you will walk through its heritage lanes accompanied by your guide, Sumit, a local historian and author. Begin your walk at the majestic Viceregal Lodge (Institute of Advanced Study), an architectural marvel that once served as the summer residence of British viceroys. Continue to Christ Church, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Explore the bustling Mall Road, a pedestrian-only street lined with cafes and shops, and visit the Gaiety Theatre, a hub for colonial-era entertainment. End your tour at the Army Heritage Museum and Annandale Ground, rich with military history.

Day 06: Shimla to Sarahan – Through Apple Orchards and Mountain Trails

After an early breakfast, drive towards Sarahan, a charming village known for its apple orchards and traditional architecture. The route takes you through Narkanda, a bustling town at an elevation of 9000 feet, surrounded by lush deodar forests. On arrival in Sarahan, visit the famed Bhimakali Temple, a stunning blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhimakali, is a revered site for both communities.

Day 07: Sarahan to Chitkul – The Last Village on the Indo-Tibetan Border

Today's drive leads you to Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border. Nestled along the Baspa River, Chitkul is known for its breathtaking landscape, traditional wooden houses, and ancient temples. The forests of pine and pine nuts add to the village's charm. Explore the local village life and witness the residents in their traditional attire, carrying on the customs of their ancestors.

Day 08: Chitkul to Kalpa – Views of the Kinnaur Kailash

After breakfast, drive to Kalpa, a serene village known for its apple orchards and spectacular views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range. On the way, visit the charming Batseri and Kamru Villages, where you will see the Kamru Fort, an ancient structure dedicated to Kamrunag, a local deity. At Recongpeo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur, you will stop to obtain Inner Line Permits for further travel.

Day 09: Exploring Kalpa and Surrounding Villages

Today, explore the surrounding villages of Kalpa. Begin with a walk to Village Roghi, known for its cliff-edge views and beautiful wooden temples. From there, drive to the traditional villages of Chini, Kothi, Pangi, and Telangi, each showcasing the unique architecture of the region with its intricately carved wooden houses and temples. Capture stunning photographs as the landscape and traditional lifestyles offer endless inspiration.

Day 10: Kalpa to Nako – Entering the Buddhist Heartland

Leave Kalpa and ascend to Nako Village, located at 3625 meters above sea level. Nako is a sacred village known for its high-altitude lake and ancient monastic complex. Explore the Nako Monastery, which dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, and walk around the serene Nako Lake, where the mountains reflect in the clear water, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

Day 11: Nako to Tabo – The Ajanta of the Himalayas

Today, you enter the heart of Spiti Valley, a cold desert region known for its rugged beauty and ancient monasteries. Arrive at Tabo (3050 meters) and visit the renowned Tabo Monastery, built in 996 AD and known for its ancient murals and stucco sculptures. The monastery is often called the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" due to its exquisite wall paintings that rival those of the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra.

Day 12: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar and Pin Valley

After an optional early morning prayer session at Tabo Monastery, drive towards Kaza, the administrative center of Spiti Valley. En route, visit the majestic Dhankar Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff, offering panoramic views of the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. Take a short detour to the mystical Pin Valley, known for its unique rock formations and status as a haven for photographers and geologists alike.

Day 13: Exploring Kaza and High-Altitude Villages

Spend the day exploring the high-altitude villages around Kaza. Begin with a visit to Key Monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti, known for its murals and ancient manuscripts. Continue to Kibber Village, which once held the title of the highest village connected by road. Next, visit Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office, and finally, drive to Komic Village, the highest motorable village in the world at 4587 meters.

Day 14: Kaza to Keylong via Kunzum Pass

Today’s drive is an adventurous journey over the Kunzum La Pass (4590 meters), offering stunning views of the Chandra River Valley. Entering Lahaul Valley, you will drive along the Chandra River, crossing rugged terrains and glacial streams. On arrival at Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul Valley, visit the Khardong Monastery, known for its Thangka paintings.

Day 15: Exploring Lahaul Valley – Keylong to Trilokinath and Udaipur

Explore the picturesque Pattan Valley, known for its hop cultivation. Visit the ancient Trilokinath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Proceed to Udaipur Village, home to the Mrikula Devi Temple, renowned for its intricate wooden carvings said to have been built by the Pandavas.

Day 16: Keylong to Sarchu – Crossing Baralacha La Pass

Drive over the rugged Baralacha La Pass (4890 meters) and reach the high-altitude plateau of Sarchu, where you will sleep above the tree line for the first time. The drive passes through the remote village of Darcha, which was buried under a massive landslide in 1976. At Sarchu, stay in comfortable tents with attached facilities, with oxygen cylinders available if needed.

Day 17: Sarchu to Leh – A Journey Through the Highest Passes

Prepare for a long but visually rewarding drive to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Drive across the vast expanse of the Morey Plains, a 45 km-long high-altitude desert plateau. Ascend the Tanglang La Pass (5328 meters), the second-highest motorable pass in the world. The changing landscapes, from barren desert to lush green valleys, will leave you spellbound.

Day 18: Exploring Leh and Its Monasteries

Spend the day exploring the spiritual landmarks of Leh. Visit Shey Palace, once the summer retreat of the Ladakhi kings, and Thiksey Monastery, an impressive complex resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Continue to Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh, known for its annual festival. End the day with a visit to Stok Palace Museum, showcasing royal artifacts and ancient Thangka paintings.

Day 19: Day Trip to Alchi and Likir Monasteries

Take a day trip to the ancient monasteries of Alchi and Likir. The Alchi Monastery, dating back to the 11th century, is known for its exquisite murals and wood carvings, making it a UNESCO heritage site. Likir Monastery is notable for its giant statue of Maitreya Buddha and rich collection of ancient manuscripts.

Day 20: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass

Drive to Nubra Valley, crossing the legendary Khardung La Pass (5600 meters), the world’s highest motorable road. Nubra Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers, is a desert landscape with sand dunes and the Shyok River. At Hunder, enjoy a camel safari on the unique double-humped Bactrian camels, a rare species found only in this region.

Day 21: Nubra Valley to Leh – Return via Khardung La

Drive back to Leh via the same route, once again crossing Khardung La Pass. Spend your evening strolling through Leh Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional Ladakhi artifacts, prayer wheels, and Pashmina shawls.

Day 22: Departure from Leh – End of Journey

This morning, transfer to Leh Airport for your flight to Delhi, bringing your extraordinary 22-day Himalayan adventure to an end. As you leave, you carry with you unforgettable memories of towering peaks, ancient cultures, and spiritual experiences from the heart of the Indian Himalayas.