The Hindustan – Tibet Jeep safari (Best time May till Mid October)
For centuries a mystic aura surrounds the Trans-Himalayan tracts of Tibet, Spiti, Lahaul and Ladakh which remained in practical isolation for centuries. The journey in the Western Himalayas is the melting pot as four major Himalayan Rivers, the Satluj, Spiti, Chandra - Bhaga and Indus with a great civilization, glorious history, guides one through the breathtakingly beautiful valleys and mountain passes, where tradition, culture and faith, is the very essence of living.
The 15 day tour takes you through stunning landscapes, mystic monasteries and through the remotest part of Himalayas – and memories for a lifetime.
Day 1 - Arrive Shimla – the erstwhile summer capital of the British Raj. Stay overnight
Day 2 - In Shimla
Day 3 - Board your jeeps and commence drive through fruit orchards in the Satluj valley to Sarahan. It’s famous wooden temple dedicated to Bhima Kali with the backdrop of the high mountains is truly spectacular.
Day 4 - This day drive to the heavenly Sangla valley. Said to be one of the most beautiful village in Western Himalayas, Sangla is the gateway to the Baspa Valley.
Day 5 - Day is spent in visiting the Baspa valley. Chitkul & Raksham villages are stunningly beautiful at an altitude of 11,000 ft. Chitkul is the last village on the Tibet border. With tall granite cliffs surrounded with forests, it is a heritage area. Drive to Kalpa via Recongpeo. The views of Kinner Kailash & Shivlingam peaks are the best from here.
Day 6 - Drive to Rarang village. First visit the picturesque Roghi village with it’s ancient temple. Later visit Kanum village which also is the home to a ancient monastery built in the 10th century by scholar Rinchen Zangpo. Finally arrive at the beautiful village of Rarang.
Day 7 - This day you drive along the Sutlej river to Nako village
Day 8 - Visit Tabo monastery – A very special monastery which followed a system of Tibetan learning now only found in very small pockets in Tibet.
Day 9 - Drive to the famed Pin Valley and camp. Later visit Dhankar – a 6th century monastery with some stunning old Thankas.
Day 10 - Leave Pin Valley & drive to Shego. Enroute visit the Ki monastery. One of the famous gunpa’s of the Spiti Valley, it is the largest monastery of the area. Some say that it was built in an extinct volcano, it houses some of the fabulous Thankas ever seen.
Day 11 - Cross the famous mountain pass of Kunzum to the azure blue and magnificient lake of Chandra Tal. Camp on the alpine meadows around the stunning lake.
Day 12 - Finally leave the wilderness and drive via Gramphu to Manali – a long drive but through the famous Rohtang pass into the Kulu valley. The scenery turns from barren mountains to pine forests.
Day 13 - Day at Manali to rest and revive. Manali has some excellent hotels and restaurants.
Day 14 - Visit the Nagar Castle & Roerich’s galley at Kulu.
Day 15 - Leave Manali for Kulu airport to board your flight to Delhi
The Eastern Sisters
A relatively unexplored part of India – the East comprises of the seven states of Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram which form the family but still are so peculiar in their own way. The North Eastern region has a lot to offer. From flora to fauna, from arts and crafts to festivals. There are 305 communities and out of these 106 are tribes. Not only are their habitats nestled among verdant land, but each community has also got its own distinct customs, rich cultural heritage and fascinating folklore. Nearly 64% of the land is under forests and gives eco tourism a true meaning.
Little is known about these states and therefore most of these areas get very little number of tourists. It is a fact that Arunachal has an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site; and the Brahmaputra is one of India’s sacred rivers; that thukpas, momos and the hugely popular Assamese & Darjeeling tea, are known to all, The heavenly choirs of Shillong are world famous. It is time to explore these states. We offer some well-researched programmes and can assure you that you will have a fulfilling holiday.
Day 1 - Guwahati-Shillong: Meet at Guwahati airport. Journey begins with a visit at the majestic Umiam Lake. This is a beautiful locale surrounded by hills. Night halt at Shillong also called the ' Scotland of the East'.
Day 2 - Shillong-Cherrapunji-Shillong: After breakfast drive to Cherrapunji , considered to be one of the wettest places on earth. Amazing site is of the beautiful waterfall - Nohkalikai. Time & inclination permitting there is a possibility of some cave exploration in & around the area. After viewing Elephanta falls & Shillong peak, return to Shillong.
Day 3 - Shillong-Kaziranga: Half day sightseeing of Shillong - Land of Khasi Highland Tribals. Afternoon drive drive to Kaziranga - home of the Unicorn Rhino.
Day 4 - Kaziranga: Elephant back safari in the early morning hours for sighting of wild life. Jeep Safari in the evening. Overnight at Kaziranga.
Day 5 - Kaziranga- Dirang: Drive from Kaziranga to Dirang. This is one of the most beautiful places in East India.
Day 6 - Dirang – Day at this well known hill station. Take a bath at the Sulpher springs.
Day 7 - Dirang-Tawang: After viewing the beautiful valley of Dirang overlooking the river and inhabited by colourful tribals, proceed towards the Sela Pass (13703 ft ) spend some lovely time by the paradise lake and later drive onwards to Tawang. Night rest at Tawang.
Day 8 - Tawang: After breakfast, visit the world's second biggest monastery surrounded by snow covered himalayan peaks and explore the Monpa tribal village. Overnight at Tawang.
Day 9 - Tawang-Bomdila: Early morning, drive to Jang to get a breath taking view of waterfalls. Pay homage at the Jashwant Garh Indo Chinese War Memorial and down hill drive to Bomdila.
Day 10 - Bomdila – airport for a helicopter flight to Guwahati airport where you take a regular flight out to your next destination.