Venture into the Himalayas on this 8-day journey through Kashmir and Ladakh — a region of shimmering lakes, soaring passes, and ancient traditions. Float on Dal Lake in a traditional houseboat, hike through the lush valleys of Pahalgam and Sonmarg, and cross dramatic mountain roads to the surreal “Moonland” of Lamayuru. With monasteries, villages, and warm encounters along the way, this trip blends epic landscapes with the spirit of the people who call them home.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery, Lāmayūrū. Panoramic walk to Shankaracharya Hill. Guided visit to Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashm-e-Shahi). Houseboat stay. Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Guided Lidder Valley trek. Short guided hike in Sonmarg. Jeep ride to Zero Point. Scenic drive through Zozila Pass & Kargil. Visit to Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, and Kargil Gompa. Evening walk through Lamayuru’s moonlike landscapes. Leh town orientation tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Stay on a traditional houseboat and glide across Dal Lake by shikara, Trek through Pahalgam’s Lidder Valley and take in sweeping views at Sonmarg, Explore Lamayuru’s surreal “Moonland” and visit centuries-old monasteries, Cross Zozila Pass, visit Kargil and Drass war memorials, and soak in iconic Himalayan drives
How large will the group be?
Max 16
What meals are included in this trip?
1 breakfast, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, Boat, Jeep, 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): 6 nights, Traditional Boat house: 1 night
Itinerary
Srinagar
Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting. Then walk through the famous Lal Bazar market area on an orientation walk.
Srinagar
Today we'll learn why Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. With the stunning Dal Lake, beautiful gardens and historic temples, you'll quickly see why Srinagar is so magnificent.
Srinagar
Join your group for an unforgettable sunrise from the deck of a Shikara, a traditional Jammu and Kashmir style boat. Pay a visit to what's considered the oldest temple in all of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shankaracharya Temple. The rest of the day is yours to explore Srinagar. We recommend a safari at Dachigam National Park to spot the Royal Kashmir stag. Tonight we will stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake.
Srinagar/Pahalgām
Drive to Pahalgam and stop at the Avantipura Temple Ruins and Martand Sun Temple on the way. Arrive to Pahalgam in the afternoon and join an orientation walk of the bazaar and down town area.
Pahalgām/Sonāmarg
We continue east through Jammu and Kashmir to the town of Sonamarg. We'll stop at the famous Zero Point for incredible glacial views and then explore the Sonamarg Bazaar.
Sonāmarg/Lāmayūrū
Cross the border into the next Indian union territory of Ladakh, known for its high-altitude cold Himalayan desert and often referred to as "Little Tibet." On the way stop and visit the Kargil War Memorial. In Lamayuru, we will be staying in the guesthouse of the Lamayuru Monastery, an incredible opportunity to witness the activities of the monks.
Lāmayūrū/Leh
Travel deeper into the Ladakh region as we head to Leh today. On the way, stop at Sangam point, a beautiful lookout point where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet. Next stop is at the optical illusion known as "Magnetic Hill," a gravity hill where a downhill road appears to be uphill, making vehicles in neutral seem to roll upwards. This phenomenon is caused by the layout of the surrounding landscape and slopes, creating the illusion. Third stop is to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site. Arrive to Leh and join an orientation walk of the Leh Market.
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.
