::: Saffron Travels - Golden Triangle & Ladakh Summer Explorer :::

A Suggested Itinerary

GOLDEN TRIANGLE & LADAKH SUMMER EXPLORER

13 Days & 12 Nights

Combine the highlights of the Golden Triangle with the immense beauty of the Himalayas.

LADAKH

Striking Landscape | Enchanting City of Leh

Often referred to as 'Little Tibet', Ladakh is one of the most remote states in India. It separates the western Himalayan peaks from the vast Tibetan plateau, and is an area of immense beauty with a striking contrast between the desert-like rocky landscape and the irrigated green fields near the rivers. In the Nubra valley, sand dunes are sculpted by the wind while elsewhere stunning glacial lakes are home to a myriad of migratory birds.

Leh, dominated by the eight-storey Leh Palace, is a convenient base to explore the many impressive gompas, ancient monasteries and spectacular countryside. The glittering Shanti stupa towers over Leh from a high, rocky ridge. Visible from almost anywhere is the 16th-century Tsemo fort housing a small Buddhist shrine. Leh offers a glimpse into an age-old way of life that has remained little changed for centuries. Make sure to pop into Lala's Art Café with its home-made cakes and art and photography exhibitions. Due to the high altitude, you will need time to acclimatise in Leh.

Saffron Recommends...

Shakti Village Houses, Ladakh

Village walks are a rewarding way to explore the striking scenery of Ladakh. Staying in simple yet elegant Shakti village houses adapted to meet the demands of western travellers, learn about the rural Ladakhi lifestyle and see how the locals continue to preserve much of the traditional Tibetan culture that has been lost within Tibet itself.

DAY - 1
Fly to Delhi (N)

DAY - 2
DELHI :
Transfer to the Hotel New Delhi for a 2-night stay. (N)

DAY - 3
DELHI :
Sightseeing in New Delhi. (B)

DAY - 4
FLY TO LEH :
Morning flight to Leh. On arrival, check into the Grand Dragon for 3 nights. Upgrade to the Chamba Camp Thiksey. Remainder of the day at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. (B, L, D)

DAYS - 5
LEH :
Visit Matho monastery and take anVorientation tour of Leh visiting the 17th-century palace and Shanti stupa. (B, L, D)

DAYS - 6
LEH :
Participate in an early morning prayer ceremony at Thiksey monastery and later visit the Hemis monastery. (B, L, D)

DAYS - 7
NUBRA VALLEY :
Drive to the Nubra Valley for 2 nights at the Nubra Organic Retreat. (B, L, D)

DAYS - 8
NUBRA VALLEY :
Full-day tour of the spectacular Nubra valley including the village of Turtuk. (B, L, D)

DAYS - 9
LEH :
Morning camel-back ride in the Nubra valley. Return to Leh via the Khardung La mountain pass. Overnight at the Grand Dragon. (B, L, D)

DAYS - 10
TO DELHI :
Morning flight to Delhi. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. Overnight at the Hotel New Delhi. (B)

DAYS - 11
AGRA :
Take the Gatimaan Express to Agra. Afternoon sightseeing of the Red fort and Baby Taj. Overnight stay at Trident Agra. (B)

DAYS - 12
JAIPUR :
View sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Drive to Jaipur for 2 nights at Shapura House. (B)

DAYS - 13
JAIPUR :
Full-day sightseeing of Amber fort, City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the local bazaars. (B)

DAYS - 14
FLY HOME VIA MUMBAI (B)

1. Indulge in advance planning for the trip, for early booking of transportation and accommodation.
2. Create a checklist for things to pack.
3. Carry comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for long walking distances.
4. Get assured about health conditions, considering the various high altitudes of the Char Dham.
5. Stay updated with the weather conditions.
6. Get knowledge about the local traditions and customs.
7. Be mindful of the environment and avoid dropping litters anywhere.
8. Carry enough cash, medicines (if any), and other essential items.
9. Take note of emergency contents in case of any unplanned situations.
10. Take note of emergency contents in case of any unplanned situations.Avoid putting stress on health with an over-stuffed itinerary. Make sure to have enough time to cover the pilgrim sites comfortably.

1. PLANE
2. TRAIN
3. PERSONAL VEHICLE
4. CAB
5. BUS
6. HELICOPTER

AMRITSAR

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	19	22	26	34	39	40	35	34	35	32	27	21
B	4	6	11	17	22	25	26	25	22	16	9	5
C	27	28	37	18	18	51	199	183	97	19	6	15

SHIMLA

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	11	12	17	22	25	26	23	22	22	21	17	13
B	2	3	7	12	15	17	16	16	14	17	7	4
C	78	70	74	50	66	170	410	334	190	38	16	41

Further Information :

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	19	22	26	34	39	40	35	34	35	32	27	21
B	4	6	11	17	22	25	26	25	22	16	9	5
C	27	28	37	18	18	51	199	183	97	19	6	15

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	11	12	17	22	25	26	23	22	22	21	17	13
B	2	3	7	12	15	17	16	16	14	17	7	4
C	78	70	74	50	66	170	410	334	190	38	16	41

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	19	22	26	34	39	40	35	34	35	32	27	21
B	4	6	11	17	22	25	26	25	22	16	9	5
C	27	28	37	18	18	51	199	183	97	19	6	15

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	11	12	17	22	25	26	23	22	22	21	17	13
B	2	3	7	12	15	17	16	16	14	17	7	4
C	78	70	74	50	66	170	410	334	190	38	16	41

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	19	22	26	34	39	40	35	34	35	32	27	21
B	4	6	11	17	22	25	26	25	22	16	9	5
C	27	28	37	18	18	51	199	183	97	19	6	15

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	11	12	17	22	25	26	23	22	22	21	17	13
B	2	3	7	12	15	17	16	16	14	17	7	4
C	78	70	74	50	66	170	410	334	190	38	16	41