TRAVEL PLAN · INDIA
Lotuses and Mountains
We agree the dates and duration for your group.
Kashmir’s lakes, a road across mountain passes and the monasteries of Ladakh.
India · Lotuses and Mountains
The journey’s concept
Kashmir and Ladakh on one extended journey: Srinagar's gardens and boats on Dal Lake give way to passes, monasteries and Nubra's dry landscapes. Water, greenery and high-altitude desert create striking contrasts. The itinerary allows gradual altitude changes and adequate rest.
THREE REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS ROUTE
What makes this journey special
01
Kashmir from the water
A houseboat stay, shikara ride and Mughal gardens reveal Srinagar's own rhythm among water, wooden houses and mountain reflections.
02
Ladakh's monasteries
Lamayuru, Alchi, Thiksey and Hemis introduce architecture, murals and living Buddhist tradition. We select visits that leave time to examine the details.
03
The sands of Nubra
Beyond the passes lie Hunder's dunes, Diskit Monastery and valley settlements: an entirely different Himalayan landscape.
THE ROUTE
Delhi — Srinagar — Sonamarg — Kargil — Lamayuru — Leh — Nubra — Diskit
PLACES AND EXPERIENCES
Proposed itinerary
The stages below outline a possible route rather than a confirmed departure schedule. Duration, transfers and visits are adapted to the chosen period and the group’s interests.
01 · Srinagar and the houseboat
We arrive in Kashmir and settle on the water. The first day is for rest and an introduction to the lakeside landscape.
02 · Dal Lake and gardens
A shikara ride, Mughal gardens and agreed visits to Shankaracharya or Hazratbal combine Srinagar's natural and cultural sides.
03 · Gulmarg
An excursion to the Gulmarg mountain area. Walks and available activities are chosen around weather and participants' wellbeing.
04 · Sonamarg
We travel to the Sonamarg Valley, settle into the prearranged accommodation and allow time for mountain views and rest.
05 · A valley walk
Conditions permitting, we can walk towards Thajiwas Glacier. Walking distance and mode of travel are agreed for the group.
06 · Zoji La Pass and Kargil
We cross the pass towards Ladakh. A travel day whose stops depend on road conditions and actual journey times.
07 · Monasteries on the way to Leh
Travelling through the mountain passes, we choose visits to Mulbekh, Lamayuru and Alchi. The number of stops is balanced against transfer time.
08 · Leh
We explore Leh and its palace. The day maintains a gentle pace, with additional visits possible depending on the group's condition.
09 · Hemis, Shey and Stok
A cultural day around Leh: monastery courtyards, palace complexes and mountain panoramas.
10 · Across Khardung La to Nubra
We cross the pass into the Nubra Valley. Hunder's dunes and overnight accommodation in the valley await in the evening.
11 · Diskit and valley villages
We visit Diskit Monastery, walk among the dunes and encounter valley life. Excursions are refined according to the chosen base.
12 · Return to Leh
A journey across the pass followed by rest on arrival. A time buffer prevents overloading the final mountain stage.
13 · Flight to Delhi
We return by domestic flight. International connections include a buffer for possible changes to mountain flights.
14 · Conclusion in Delhi
Free time and airport transfer. The duration of this basic itinerary can change after discussing the group's aims.
Practical notes and preparation
- The route crosses high-altitude terrain; pace, reserve days and physical demands are agreed before booking.
- Pass opening, permits and flights depend on the season and current conditions.
- Houseboat accommodation and overnight arrangements in mountain valleys are confirmed in the individual proposal.
- Monastery visits and photography follow community rules; attendance at services is not promised in advance.
How to clarify travel arrangements
Agree the programme content
Accommodation, meals, transport, excursions, guiding, group activities and additional visits are specified in an offer for your enquiry. The items in this description are not a list of services already paid for.
Prepare a tailored quote
The price depends on group size, timing, logistics and service level. Before booking, we confirm included services, additional costs and participation terms. You may enquire for your own group or about joining another one.
CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAMME AND YOUR TIMING
This route can be arranged for your group
The calendar page presents a possible journey. The programme overview lets you explore the route independently of dates. Tell us your group size, preferred period and interests so we can prepare a suitable option.
Before you enquire
Can I join as an individual?
Yes, you can enquire about joining. Our team will check for a suitable group and confirmed arrangements. An enquiry alone does not reserve a place.
Can the dates and route be changed?
Yes. For your own group, we can discuss another period, duration and selection of visits. Feasibility depends on the season, logistics and local providers’ rules.
Are facilitators and special meetings confirmed?
Guides, programme authors, private meetings and special visits are confirmed in the individual offer. A programme’s historic name or theme does not guarantee a particular person’s participation.