Golden Triangle & Ladakh: History, Culture & High Passes

Main Destination India from $1,679.20 USD 15 Days Tour

Step into the contrasts of Northern India on this 15-day adventure that blends iconic monuments with Himalayan wonder. Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, wander Jaipur’s buzzing bazaars, and stay in a rural Rajasthani camp before heading north. Then swap palaces for prayer flags as you cross soaring passes, connect with Ladakhi families in their homes, and stargaze on the shores of Pangong Lake. This journey is the perfect mix of history, culture, and jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Travel Style

Classic

Service Level

Standard

Physical Grading

3 - Average

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi
Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Kyagar House Experience, Nubra Valley. Guided Old & New Delhi tours including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Agra Fort and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) visit. Jaipur sightseeing including Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. Block printing workshop in Jaipur. Domestic flight from Delhi to Leh. Leh Old City guided walk and Central Asian Museum visit. Sunset visit to Shanti Stupa. Morning prayer experience at Samstanling Monastery. Crossing Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Visit Diskit Monastery and explore the Nubra Valley. Immersive cultural storytelling at Kyagar House and Pangong Lake homestays. Early morning yoga by Pangong Lake. Visit Rezang La Memorial and meet Pashmina herders. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal and explore the forts and palaces of Agra and Jaipur, Stay at a rustic tented camp in Dhula and experience daily life in rural Rajasthan, Cross Khardung La Pass on the way to Nubra Valley for epic Himalayan views, Visit monasteries and connect with locals during a homestay in Ladakh, Stargaze by Pangong Lake and wake up to surreal high-altitude landscapes

How large will the group be?

Max 18

What meals are included in this trip?

7 breakfasts, 4 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

Private vehicle, Plane, Walking

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Where will we stay during the trip?

Simple hotel (twin-share): 10 nights. Homestay (3 nights), House boat (1 night)

Itinerary

Day 1

Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.

Day 2

Delhi/Āgra

Enjoy a youth-led walk through the backstreets of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Observe a different perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth in the community. Later, explore Old Delhi and travel onward to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Day 3

Āgra

Set eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort.

Day 4

Āgra/Dhula Village

Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the now-deserted former capital of the Mughals, and a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell and marvel at this uniquely Indian water harvesting system. In the afternoon, travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent then opt to relax by the fire and take in the starry night sky. At Dhula Village you will have the opportunity to learn about local life, play a fun game of cricket, relax in the peaceful atmosphere, or take a cycle to explore the surroundings.

Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

Day 5

Dhula Village/Jaipur

Continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project before arriving at your hotel. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, Jaipur utilizes a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India.

Day 6

Jaipur

Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After, visit the City Palace and have a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family.

Day 7

Jaipur/Delhi

If you aren't afraid of heights, opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. Return to Delhi in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore more of the bustling city. Admire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

Day 8

Delhi/Leh

Depart Delhi and fly to Leh today. Leh, in the Ladakh region, sits at 3,500m (11,500 ft) above sea level. So take today slow and allow your body to acclimate to the high elevation.

Day 9

Leh

Dive head first into historic Leh today on a tour of the Old City. Learn about its unique connection to Tibet as you wander the narrow, winding streets. Then continue to the Central Asian Museum to learn about Ladakh's connection to the Silk Road. Enjoy the beauty of the town with an evening visit to Thiksey Monastery and the Shanti Stupa. Tonight, opt to join an astronomy experience with local women of Leh.

Day 10

Leh/Nubra Valley

Drive across one of the highest motorways in the world as we head to Nubra Valley. On the way, visit the colourful Diskit Monastery, the incredible Sumur Sand Dunes and connect with local Ladakhi culture at the Kyagar House.

Day 11

Nubra Valley

Explore the breathtaking region of Nubra Valley today. Visit the Ensa Monastery, hike to Yarab Tso Lake, soak in a picturesque hot spring and learn of the Indo-China War at the Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum.

Day 12

Nubra Valley/Pangong Tso

Join the morning prayer ceremony at Samstanling Monastery. Then drive northwest along the Shayok River to Maan Village on the shores of Pangong Tso Lake (at 4350m in elevation). Check into the homestay then walk alongside your CEO to Pangong Lake for an easy yet rewarding hike! Tonight, join your homestay host for some stargazing in this remote village.

Day 13

Pangong Tso/Leh

Make the most of your lake time and rise early for a special morning yoga session by the beach for all levels. Afterwards, fill up on breakfast before starting the drive back to Leh. The first stop of the day is to Rezang La Memorial, an important monument from the 1962 War. The next stop brings us to a nomadic settlement where we will learn about the luxurious pashmina cashmere. Then arrive to Leh in the evening for free time.

Day 14

Leh

Today is yours to do as you wish in Leh. Want to rest? Chill out in the hotel. If you want to explore, get out on the town! The choice is yours.

Day 15

Leh

Depart at any time.

Is travel insurance required for my trip?

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

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