The Himalayan Silk Road: Manali to Leh

Fly to Bhullar and drive to Kullu, which is located on the banks of the Beas River and was once the starting point of the ancient trade route, which snaked its way through the mountains to Ladakh. This afternoon explore Manali.

A morning’s drive through an alpine-like landscape will bring you to the Rohtang pass (3,320m), where weather permitting, you can take in lovely scenic views on the horizon of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. From Rohtang, proceed to Keylong (3,980m) in the beautiful Lahaul Valley. En route, visit the Gondhala Tower, built in the 1700s to house the village chieftain. Complete the day with a hike to Kardang Monastery.

Begin your day with a visit to the 17th-century Shashur Gompa, famous for its 3.6-metre-high statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Then, set off on a scenic drive from the Baralacha La Pass (4,980m) to Sarchu. Stop to take pictures of the breathtaking Suraj Tal Lake along the way. [Altitude: 4,955m]

Today’s scenic full-day drive takes you through the ‘21 Gatta Loops’ and the Lachulung La pass (5,100m), then winds through a canyon near Pang with colossal rocky spires, and continues via the surreal Morey Plains (a vast flat expanse amidst the mountains) before arriving at the stunningly beautiful Tso Moriri lake.

Hike along the shores of magnificent Tso Moriri Lake, its vivid blue waters surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. The lake and the surrounding area are part of Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, home to trans-Himalayan migratory species, including black-necked cranes during the season (June to September). Then, return by jeep to your camp for lunch. and visit Korzok Gompa.

Travel north via the small village Puga Sumdo, a Tibetan settlement with an old gompa, and the pristine lakes of Startspuk Tso and Tso Kar. Then, cross the Taglang La pass (5,360m) before a gradual descent will bring you to the Indus Valley and the peaceful village of Stok.

Rise early this morning to observe the mystical dawn prayer ceremony at Thiksey, one of the grandest monasteries in Ladakh. Listen to the younger monks reciting sacred Buddhist texts to the accompaniment of cymbals. After breakfast, proceed to Hemis, the largest and most richly endowed monastic institution in Ladakh, situated on a green hill surrounded by spectacular mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Stok Palace museum before meeting with an Oracle to learn about the spirit world. Conclude your day’s exploration with a walk through Leh’s bustling bazaar.

Make the breathtaking ascent up to the Khardung La Pass, which at 5,459m is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, and hoist colourful prayer flags for happiness and prosperity. Then, continue to Hunder, which sits like an oasis in the middle of the Nubra Valley’s cold desert and is referred to as ‘the Desert in the Sky’. On arrival at Hunder, check in at your charming village house.

Embark on an exhilarating full-day journey to Turtuk, the last Indian outpost before Pakistan and the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. This is almost as far north in India as it is possible to go! Technically part of Baltistan, Turtuk village has a Muslim population and is noticeably different culturally, linguistically and architecturally from the rest of Indian Ladakh. On a clear day, the snow-clad slopes of K2 – the second-highest mountain in the world – are visible in the distance. After a picnic lunch, return to Hunder.

Set off this morning on a trek in the footsteps of ancient Silk Route caravans. This is an easy trail through the beautiful Hunder Gorge and along the banks of the Shyok River, offering magnificent views of the Saser Kangri Peak (7,672 m). Later, return to your hotel for lunch and conclude the day with a camel safari across the sand dunes.

A scenic morning’s drive with spectacular views of the majestic craggy mountains and the many villages that dot the Indus Valley will bring you to Nimmu House – an atmospheric, character-rich hotel in the village of Nimmu, near Leh. Along the way, enjoy a yak ride across the Wari-La Pass (5,312m), which connects two of the most exotic valleys in the Trans-Himalayan region. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Begin your day with a rural cycle ride to the 16th-century mud-brick fortress of Basgo Gompa, which is perched atop a hillock and offers stunning views of the surrounding villages. Visit the three Maitreya temples, regarded as their oldest surviving religious structures, dedicated to the ‘Buddha of the future’. Observe monks offering prayers before proceeding to explore the almost-forgotten Saspol Cave Temples. After lunch, continue to the 10th-century Alchi monastery, which has one of Ladakh’s finest collections of Buddhist murals.

Bid goodbye to Ladakh and fly to Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Delhi International Airport and check in for your onward flight.