A spectacular journey through North India that will take you through the Himalayas and passes with unforgettable views. We’ll traverse isolated villages and admire crystal-clear lakes that resemble mirrors. We’ll reach monasteries where the tranquility will deeply touch your soul. We move from the green areas of Kashmir to Ladakh, also known as Little Tibet, with its landscapes that seem to come from another world.
The spectacular road often unfolds at high altitudes (we will reach over 5300 meters). Every kilometer brings us closer to incredible landscapes and unique experiences.
An unforgettable journey, where the road itself becomes part of the adventure! Continue discovering all the details about this organized tour in India, with a group leader, departing in August 2025.
ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES
- Himalayan Mountains: A testament to natural grandeur. Snow-capped peaks rise majestically to the sky, offering an unparalleled view of beauty.
- Zoji La Pass: A journey through this pass is an unmissable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll feel the adrenaline as you encounter other vehicles before reaching the “zero point” located at 3550 meters altitude.
- Ladakh: Known also as Little Tibet, Ladakh is often considered a cold desert with rocky mountains and landscapes that seem to be from another planet. In ancient monasteries, Buddhist monks share words of wisdom with travelers passing through this place.
- Kashmir: A dreamland for Indians. The area is also known as the "Switzerland of India" due to its impressive mountain landscapes and extraordinary natural beauty.
- Pangong Lake: It is believed that this lake was once an ocean in ancient times. Pangong Lake is located at the border between India and China and is surrounded by rocky and arid mountains. We will sleep in a tent camp in yurts at an altitude of over 4300 meters and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
- Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh: We will visit some of the most important monasteries and spiritual places, such as Thiksey Monastery and Lamayuru Monastery. You will have the opportunity to connect with the spirituality of the place.
- Picnic by the River: As part of the experiences that bring us closer to nature, we’ve included a picnic by the water’s edge.
- Nubra Valley: Nubra Valley will charm us with sand dunes harmoniously blending with the mountain landscapes of the Himalayas. We will be impressed by the contrast between the aridity of the region and the snow-capped peaks. We’ll take a ride on the famous Bactrian camels with two humps. We’ll also visit an isolated village near the border (the Line of Control).
- Sonamarg: Known as the "Golden Meadow," this is the starting point for those wishing to conquer the Himalayas from this side of the mountains. In the background, we’ll admire the snow-covered mountains rising majestically.
- Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Dal Lake is famous for its floating houses and traditional boats, known as “shikaras.” The residents of Dal Lake have adapted exceptionally well to life on the water. They have built a system where most of the services and products they need for daily life are available right on the lake: shops, doctors, barbers, etc.
- Delhi: We’ll explore the city and take a rickshaw ride. Among the places we’ll visit are Qutub Minar, a symbol of power, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, and one of the oldest markets in Delhi.
TRIP DETAILS
- Meeting place: 21.08.2025, at the hotel in Delhi (If you require transfer to/from the airport, please mention it at the time of booking)
- Tour starts: 21.08.2025
- Tour ends: 01.09.2025
ACCOMODATION
- Delhi: Radisson Dwarka 5*, or similar
- Srinagar: Radisson Srinagar 4*, or similar
- Sonmarg: Village Walk 3*, or similar
- Kargil: The Kargil Hotel 3*, or similar
- Leh: Ladakh Sarai 4*, or similar
- Nubra Valley: The Diskit / Unalome / Mystic Earth Home 3*, or similar
- Pangong Lake: Pangong Sarai - Yurt camp, or similar
- Leh: Ladakh Sarai 4*, or similar
- Delhi: Radisson Dwarka 5*, or similar
ITINERARY
Here is a day-by-day description of the tour:
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrival at the destination and meet the tour leader at the hotel. We prepare for a day full of exploration. We will discover both Old and New Delhi, this vibrant city. Our tour includes sights such as the Tomb of Humayun, a superb example of Mughal architecture. We also visit Qutub Minar, with its Iron Pillar, which has heroically withstood the elements for over 1500 years. We stop at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, a place that truly impresses with its size and tranquility.
Day 2 - Departure to Srinagar and boat ride on Dal Lake
Early in the morning, we depart for the airport for the flight to Srinagar. Upon arrival, we have a more relaxed day, ideal for acclimatization before starting the ascent. Even though we will travel by private transport, we are already at higher altitudes, and this time will help us adjust. Once there, we take a boat ride on Dal Lake, where we discover a unique community that lives almost entirely on water.
Day 3 - Srinagar - Sonamarg
Today, our journey takes us to Sonamarg, also known as the “Meadow of Gold,” offering a splendid view of the landscapes in the Sindh Valley. We admire the dense forests, which we will leave behind once we cross the mountains and enter Ladakh. We continue through picturesque villages and finally arrive in Sonamarg (2730 m).
Day 4 - Sonamarg - Kargil via Zoji Pass (Zoji La)
Today, we begin our journey through Zoji Pass, located at over 3500 m altitude, one of the most impressive mountain passes in the world, known as the “Gateway to Ladakh.” We will reach the zero point of the pass, where snow remains year-round. We continue our journey to Drass, the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, before reaching Kargil, descending to an average altitude of 2700 m.
It will be a long day, but the spectacular views of the mountains and valleys surrounding us will make every moment worthwhile.
Day 5 - Kargil - Leh
Early in the morning, we have breakfast and depart for Leh. On the way, we stop at the Mulbekh and Lamayuru monasteries, where we will be impressed by the lunar landscape surrounding them. We continue our journey through the Namikila and Fotu Passes (Fotu La) – the highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh road, located at over 4100 m altitude. We also reach the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers and will enjoy more surprises that will add extra magic to this day.
Day 6 - Leh
We head to Thiksey Monastery, situated atop a hill with an impressive view of the Indus Valley. This monastery is famous for its gigantic statue of Maitreya Buddha and its assembly hall (Dukhang), where hundreds of prayer books are stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After visiting Thiksey, we return to Leh to visit Shey Palace, the former summer residence of the Ladakhi kings. We also visit Leh Palace, a former royal residence overlooking the city, built around 1600 by Sengge Namgyal.
A day where we harmoniously combine spiritual and cultural experiences.
Day 7 - Leh - Nubra via Khardung Pass (Khardung La)
In the morning, we head to Nubra Valley, along winding roads up to Khardung Pass (Khardung La), at an impressive altitude of 5359 meters (one of the highest motorable passes in the world). We stop here to admire the view and take some photos of the stunning landscape. We visit the Deskit Monastery located in the village of the same name, which offers a panoramic view of the entire valley. From Deskit, we continue our journey to Hunder, passing through an area with sand dunes. Here, we can take a ride on the famous Bactrian camels with two humps.
Day 8 - Nubra - Turtuk Village
Today, we discover one of the most fascinating destinations in Ladakh: Turtuk Village, which was opened to tourists only in 2009. On the way, we enjoy spectacular landscapes, with mountain chains and picturesque villages. The area is largely controlled by the Ladakh Scouts, a unit of the Indian Army, located near the border with Pakistan. Once in Turtuk, we will learn its fascinating story and how, on the night of December 13, 1971, the village, which was part of Baltistan until then, was recaptured by the Indian Army.
A day whose memories will stay with you forever.
Day 9 - Nubra - Pangong Lake
We depart for the next destination, Pangong Lake (located at about 4350 m altitude), passing through the villages of Shayok and Tang Tse. The road follows the Shayok River, climbs the mountain, and descends into the village of Shayok. Once in the village, we are impressed by the view of the village, surrounded by barren mountains. In the afternoon, we reach Pangong Lake, where we relax in a camp near the lake shore, admiring the incredible landscape around us.
Day 10 - Pangong Lake - Leh via Chang Pass (Chang La)
After breakfast, we head back to Leh via the route that passes through Chang Pass (Chang La), located at 5360 m altitude (also listed among the highest motorable passes in the world). Another day where the road presents us with breathtaking landscapes. In the evening, we will have time for shopping or relaxation.
Day 11 - Leh - Delhi
Today, we fly back to Delhi, where we visit the impressive Akshardham Temple. The temple complex combines ancient architecture with timeless Hindu spiritual messages, reflected in every detail. We then explore the local Chandni Chowk market, where we have time for last-minute shopping.
Day 12: Departure
Your journey comes to an end today. If you wish, you can spend some time exploring the city at your own pace before departing from Delhi at your convenience.
Terra Incognita - From Dream to Reality
The cost of the trip is 3080 euros per person and it includes:
- Domestic round-trip flight tickets
- For domestic flights, one small carry-on luggage of maximum 7 kg, with a maximum total dimension of 115 cm (length + width + height) + 1 checked luggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg
- Airport taxes
- Accommodation in 5*, 4*, and 3* hotels, including at least one night in a tent camp (yurt), 2 people per room
- 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
- Airport-hotel transfers
- Private transport adapted to the number of travelers, with air conditioning in Delhi, and mountain air for the rest of the route
- Picnic by the river
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- Entrance fees to the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Local drivers
*Not included: Tips for guides/drivers, other optional excursions, personal expenses, or any other costs not mentioned in the trip cost.
** Optional expenses:
- Single supplement (for private accommodation): 740 Euro/person
Payment Terms:
- 25% of the trip cost due at the time of booking
- 25% of the trip cost up until the 15.05.2025
- 50% of the trip cost up until the 15.07.2025
Payments can be made by transfer or bank deposit:
Terranienii Calatoresc SRL
Tax Code: 44036634
Registration number: J23/2103/2021
RO60BTRLEURCRT0596876701
Banca Transilvania
with the mention "Himalaya".
Travel License: 2404/04.05.2021
- Please check entry conditions into India before traveling (this includes, but not limited to: travel insurance, visas; COVID vaccine/tests etc)
- This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. If in doubt, contact our service center regarding your individual needs before booking. Please be aware that for daily visits we are going to use public transportation (buses/subway/tram etc) or walking
- Meals that are not included: free meal times, we provide recommendations for lunch and dining options during the tour.
- Hotels are classified according to national classification system.
- In case of unpredictable events which may occur before or during the trip (such as, but not limited to closure of sites and/or opening of new sites, the agency reserves its right to alter the original itinerary, in order to offer you memorable experiences throughout the trip).
- Please provide a copy of your passport at the time of booking. If the document is not available at that time, please make sure the agency will receive the document 3 months before departure.
- Minimum number of participants: 2. Maximum number of participants: 10
Notes:
- During the trip, photos and video recordings will be made, and some of them will be published on Terra Incognita and Terra Trips' websites and social media pages. By registering and participating in the event, you agree to the recording of photo-video materials and the processing of personal data, in accordance with the law.
- Terra Incognita trips are organized for energetic, cheerful, and well-mannered groups. Please keep in mind that the program is designed for a group, not for individual activities.
- Depending on certain real-time situations, we reserve the right to adjust the program, while keeping the main idea intact.
Event images are for presentation purposes only.
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Payments
Payments in India are made in cash in the local currency (Indian Rupee ₹ - INR), and card payments are mostly accepted in hotels and restaurants in large cities. It is recommended to have cash for payments. Once we travel to Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, we reach isolated areas, so we advise you to have cash for other expenses. -
Mobile and Internet Access
You need to have an eSIM before traveling to India due to the limitations in the areas we’ll be traveling to (Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh). In Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, prepaid SIM cards from other Indian states do not work.
Wi-Fi connection in hotels and guesthouses is usually available but can be quite slow and unstable, especially in more remote areas. -
Electricity System
In India, mainly type C (two round pins), D (three round pins), and less commonly type M sockets are used. The voltage is 230V/50Hz. An adapter for these socket types is necessary. -
Communication with Locals
English is widely spoken in large cities and tourist areas. However, in rural and mountainous areas, locals are more likely to speak the dialects specific to those regions. -
Other Specifics
As we will reach more conservative areas, it is important to wear modest clothing.
Even though we won’t be doing any hiking and will travel by car, it is essential that all participants are aware of the importance of acclimatizing to high altitudes. Before departure, ensure that you do not have any major health issues, and if you have medical history, consult with your doctor before the trip.
Maximum temperatures in August generally range between 12 and 23 degrees Celsius in Delhi, while in the Himalayan mountain areas, temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day from 18°C to 30°C. In the evening, temperatures drop significantly to 5-10°C. Therefore, it’s important to have layered clothing, a warm jacket, a raincoat, and proper footwear. Don’t forget that we will be in the mountains, at high altitudes, and the weather can vary greatly.
Indian Himalayas: Among Gods and Mountains
3.080 €
10 Seats available