A Himalayan Journey - Amritsar to Leh
Overview
Highlights
- Visit Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama
- Marvel at the Golden Temple at Amritsar
- Cross the second highest road pass in the world
- Visit ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners included
- All accommodation
- Transfer for group flights
Itinerary
Flights usually depart London in the evening. **
The group flight will arrive into Amritsar and we will transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel in Amritsar today. Amritsar is the Sikh's holiest city and in the late afternoon we visit the Golden Temple, th...
We leave the Punjab heading north into the foothills of the Himalaya. Today is quite a long but spectacular drive as the road winds its way into the hills. The barren plains make way for forests and as we gain height the heat of the plains gives way to the cooler ...
Travelling by road, we head through picturesque countryside towards the little-visited town of Mandi. We drive through the pretty Kangra Valley with its many tea plantations and there should be time to stop at a tea estate. Enroute we visit Baijnath Temple and Rewa...
From Mandi we head east for a while until we join the mighty Beas River and the beautiful Kullu Valley. At Kullu we head north and follow the river all the way to Manali. As we ascend the valley we are surrounded by lush fir and pine forests and the scenery become...
We have a full day to explore Manali. Manali is surrounded by beautiful fir and pine forests and there are lovely walks in and around the town. The ancient wooden Hadimba Devi Temple is the most important temple in Manali. Set in the forest it is an easy walk from ...
We now leave the lush green forests behind and embark on the spectacular road journey to Ladakh across the Great Himalayan Range. This journey rates as one of the world's classic road journeys. The days can be long and some of the road surfaces are not the best but...
Another long but spectacular day as we cross the mighty Himalaya. Climbing from Jispa the road zig zags up to the Baralacha Pass (4,845m). We are now surrounded by huge mountains and it’s hard to imagine how a road was built through this landscape. From the pass we...
This morning we drive back to the main road and head north climbing to our last pass, the Taglang La. The road seems to wind up forever to the top at 5,328m. The Taglang La reputed to be the second highest motorable road pass in the world (the highest is the Khardu...
Ladakh, or ‘Little Tibet’ as it is sometimes called, is now part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Before the 10th century Ladakh was part of Western Tibet and from the 10th to the 19th century Ladakh was an independent kingdom with its own kings. In 1834 L...
We leave Leh this morning following the Indus River westwards. We pass Basgo where an ancient ruined fortress is built atop the wind-eroded cliffs. We turn off the main road to visit the monastery at Likir, a beautiful building, reminiscent of the Potala Palace in ...
The main attraction in Alchi is the monastery, which is the most important cultural site in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, it is a treasure trove of early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite different from the Tibetan art found in Ladakh's oth...
After breakfast we drive back to Leh visiting Basgo Fort en route. The rest of the afternoon is free for individual exploration. The old town and the local bazaar are well worth a visit. *Standard Hotel*
There is the option this morning to take a jeep trip to the Khardung La Pass, reputedly the highest motorable road in the world at 5,602m. This can be arranged and paid for locally and your leader will have details. The rest of the day is free for individual sights...
We transfer to the airport for the spectacular early morning flight over the Himalaya to Delhi. If the flight is on time we should have the afternoon in Delhi for last minute sightseeing. Humayum’s Tomb (a forerunner to the Taj Mahal) is worth seeing if there is time. *Comfortable Hotel*
Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London. Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. The detailed itinerary above refers to the general itinerary, without a festival incl...
The group flight will arrive in Amritsar and we will transfer to the friendly Mrs Bhandari's Guesthouse, with its fascinating Art Deco interior. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the guesthouse today. Amritsar is the Sikh's holiest c...
We leave the Punjab heading north into the foothills of the Himalaya. Today is quite a long but spectacular drive as the road winds its way into the hills. The barren plains make way for forests and as we gain height the heat of the plains gives way to the cooler ...
Travelling by road, we head through picturesque countryside towards the little-visited town of Mandi. We drive through the pretty Kangra Valley with its many tea plantations and there should be time to stop at a tea estate. Enroute we visit Baijnath Temple and Rewa...
From Mandi we head east for a while until we join the mighty Beas River and the beautiful Kullu Valley. At Kullu we head north and follow the river all the way to Manali. As we ascend the valley we are surrounded by lush fir and pine forests and the scenery become...
We have a full day to explore Manali. Manali is surrounded by beautiful fir and pine forests and there are lovely walks in and around the town. The ancient wooden Hadimba Devi Temple is the most important temple in Manali. Set in the forest it is an easy walk from ...
We now leave the lush green forests behind and embark on the spectacular road journey to Ladakh across the Great Himalayan Range. This journey rates as one of the world's classic road journeys. The days can be long and some of the road surfaces are not the best but...
Another long but spectacular day as we cross the mighty Himalaya. Climbing from Jispa the road zig zags up to the Baralacha Pass (4,845m). We are now surrounded by huge mountains and it’s hard to imagine how a road was built through this landscape. From the pass we...
This morning we drive back to the main road and head north climbing to our last pass, the Taglang La. The road seems to wind up forever to the top at 5,328m. The Taglang La reputed to be the second highest motorable road pass in the world (the highest is the Khardu...
Ladakh, or ‘Little Tibet’ as it is sometimes called, is now part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Before the 10th century Ladakh was part of Western Tibet and from the 10th to the 19th century Ladakh was an independent kingdom with its own kings. In 1834 L...
We leave Leh this morning following the Indus River westwards. We pass Basgo where an ancient ruined fortress is built atop the wind-eroded cliffs. We turn off the main road to visit the monastery at Likir, a beautiful building, reminiscent of the Potala Palace in ...
The main attraction in Alchi is the monastery, which is the most important cultural site in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, it is a treasure trove of early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite different from the Tibetan art found in Ladakh's oth...
After breakfast we drive back to Leh visiting Basgo Fort en route. The rest of the afternoon is free for individual exploration. The old town and the local bazaar are well worth a visit. *Standard Hotel*
There is the option this morning to take a jeep trip to the Khardung La Pass, reputedly the highest motorable road in the world at 5,602m. This can be arranged and paid for locally and your leader will have details. The rest of the day is free for individual sights...
We transfer to the airport for the spectacular early morning flight over the Himalaya to Delhi. If the flight is on time we should have the afternoon in Delhi for last minute sightseeing. Humayum’s Tomb (a forerunner to the Taj Mahal) is worth seeing if there is time. *Comfortable Hotel*
Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London. Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings
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Tour Operator
It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.
At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.
Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.
All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.
Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
-
Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
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Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- 14 nights hotels and guesthouses, 1 night full-service camping, all en suite
- Travel by air-conditioned private bus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
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