High-Altitude Jeep Safari

The trans Himalayan Tracts are something that will really attract the explorer in you to unwind the natural and man made wonders situated within the picturesque landscapes. Take up any of the customised jeep safari tours offered by the tourism board of India to the high altitude destinations of Leh, Ladakh and Kinnaur - Spiti, where the wilderness is still intact from commercialisation.

Ranging from short jeep side tours to long ranging holidays in the wild regions, the experience of driving through the mountainous valleys along winding passes and incredible heights is a journey every adventure seeker would love to have.

Day 1: Delhi
On arrival, transfer and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Red Fort - a superb specimen of Mughal Architecture, Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and Raj Ghat - a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast, visit Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory dating back to 1199 and India Gate, a memorial to honor Indian soldiers. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India and Rajpath. Also visit the Birla Mandir and the lotus-shaped Baha'I Temple. Enjoy rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi-Chandigarh (225 kms /5 hrs)
Early in the morning, transfer to the railway station for a train to Chandigarh. On arrival, transfer and check into the hotel in the afternoon, take a half-day city tour of Chandigarh. Visit the Chandigarh Museum, High Court and the Rock Garden, with art objects fashioned from industrial and urban waste - created by the much acclaimed artist, Nek Chand. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Chandigarh-Manali (312 kms/ 7-8 hrs by road)
After breakfast, drive to Manali. On arrival, transfer and check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 5: Manali-Jispa (145 kms /6-8 hrs by road)
Drive from Manali to Jispa. The road slowly winds up the Rohtang Pass down into the Lahaul valley. The landscape changes dramatically from lush greenery to barren hillsides. Following the Chandra River to the River Bhaga upstream, the road goes past Keylong. Arrive at the camp in Keylong for overnight stay.

Day 6: Jispa Sarchu (85 kms/ 6-7 hrs by road)
Drive from Jispa to Sarchu. A level stretch leads to the check post at Darcha from where the road begins a steady to steep ascent up the Rive Bhaga, crossing Zingzingbar and on to Baralacha La. With a small lake at the top, the source of the River Bhaga. It is source of the Chandra River. The descent is gradual and across barren landscapes. Arrive at the camp in Sarchu, for overnight stay.

Day 7: Sarchu-Pang (72 kms/ 5-6 hrs by road)
Drive from Sarchu to Pang. Cross the Tsarap Chu River and start climbing Lachulang La across the Zanskar range. The descent from the pass leads to the Kyangchu plains, a level stretch. Arrive at the camp in Pang. In the evening, walk to the top of the nearby ridge to lake Tsar Tso with endless mountain ranges stretching into the horizon. Stay overnight at the camp.

Day 8: Pang-Leh (185 kms/ 7-8 hrs by road)
Drive from Pang to Leh. The road goes via Debring, a big Indian army post and climbs up to Taglang La, the highest point of the journey. Descend to a narrow valley, past small villages with green patches that stand out like oasis up to Upshi, where the Indus River is approached. The road follows the Indus, past a village, lake and a Buddhist monastery up to Leh. On arrival, transfer and check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 9: Leh
After breakfast, enjoy rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Leh
After breakfast, enjoy rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Leh-Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer and check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 12: Delhi
After breakfast, enjoy rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, transfer to the airport for onward travel.