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Day 1 Join Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. Should you arrive earlier in the day we are happy to assist with any optional sightseeing. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members and the early morning departure to Leh the following morning the initial briefing will be on ‘a need to know basis’ such as what to pack, ordering a packed breakfast, what time for departure from the hotel, arrangements for leaving gear in Delhi etc. Your World Expeditions kit bag will also be distributed after the briefing. Overnight group hotel. Note: the main briefing will be on arrival in Leh and sleeping bags, liners, insulated mattress and down jackets will be distributed. Note: If you are arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you may like to arrive the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant or travel agent for pretour accommodation options. Overnight: The Lalit Hotel or similar

meals : Array

Day 2 Fly to Leh

We take the early flight from Delhi to Leh in the Indus Valley. If the conditions are clear you will be rewarded with grand views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges before landing at the capital of Ladakh. On our first day in Ladakh we spend time wandering the bazaar and imposing Leh Palace. We have the opportunity to climb to the Victory Fort (above the Palace) built in the 17th century to commemorate Ladakh's independence from the invading armies from Baltistan and Kashmir. From the Palace we can also appreciate the alleyways that comprise the old town of Leh, located to the east of the main bazaar. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 In Leh

Among other options is a visit to the Shanti Stupa at Chanspa, just up the road from our hotel that affords fine views up the Indus Valley. It is also recommended to visit the Ladakh Ecological Centre to appreciate how the Ladakhi people have been able to incorporate new technology into their traditional lifestyles.On the second day we include a trip to Shey Palace and Tikse monastery. Shey Palace originally housed the Ladakh royal family before they moved to Leh in the 17th century. A few km up the Indus valley is the spectacular setting of Tikse monastery perched on the summit of a sugarloaf mountain. Our guides will show you around this ancient monastery and provide you with insights as to how the monks conduct their life and their day to day monastic routine.On the third day in Leh we head to Stok Palace due south of Leh where we undertake short hike up the gorges leading into the Stok Range. An invaluable day to assist with our acclimatization before we commence our trek. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Leh to Zinchen and trek to Rumbak (1hr drive & 3hrs trek)

We drive via Stakna village and alongside the Indus River to reach the tiny settlement of Zinchen (3380m). It will not take long for our packhorses to be loaded before commence our trek that gradually ascends a spectacular gorge to the village of Rumbak (3960m). Our camp (3850m) is located just below the village. Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 In Rumbak (acclimatisation walks)

A further opportunity to acclimatise. We undertake day walks to Rumbak village and up side valleys leading to the base of the Stok La that afford spectacular views of the Trans Himalaya. Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Rumbak to camp below Ganda La (Walk approx. 3hrs)

From Rumbak we ascend to the settlement of Yurutse. The peak of Stok Kangri looms above the stark mountainscape. Our campsite (4350m) is well located in a tiny meadow within striking distance of the Ganda La. That afternoon we undertake a short walk to further assist with acclimatisation and to also gain striking views across the upper Rumbak Valley. Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Base Camp to Shogdo via Ganda La (Walk approx. 6hrs)

Above our camp we gain views of the snow-capped Stok Range. After gradually ascending a series of switchbacks we make the final gradual ascent to the Ganda La (4950m). From the pass there a views south across the endless folds of the Zanskar Range and the snow capped summits of the main Himalaya Range before completing the gradual descent to the village of Shingo (4150m). Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Shogdo to Narding (4-5 hrs)

Below Shogdo the trail enters a narrow gorge where willow, poplar and rose bushes provide a natural canopy alongside the river course. The Skui monastery (3435m) marks the confluence of the stream coming from Shogdo and the Markha Valley. We then head up the Markha Valley to Narding (3530m) and a comfortable, grassy campsite. Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Narding to Hankar via Markha(6-7 hrs)

The trail gradually ascends the Markha Valley passing a few small settlements en route to Markha (3770m) the largest village in the valley where we will visit the derelict fort above the village and the gompa that has recently been renovated by funds from trekkers and Hemis monastery. From Markha we continue up valley (with one river crossing) just before the village of Umlung. A few km beyond the village the valley widens and the imposing peak of Kangyaze (6400m) can be appreciated before reaching Hankar (3980m), the highest village in the Markha Valley. Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Hanker to the base of the Zalung La (6 hrs)

From Hanker we divert from the main trail and commence our ascent across yak herders pastures to our camp at the base of the Zalung La (4650 metres). Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 Cross the Zalung La to Tsorka (6-7 hrs)

From camp it is a gradual haul to the summit of the Zalung La (5190 metres). It is a windswept pass that affords impressive views of the peaks and jagged ridges of the Zanskar Range. From the pass it takes about three hours to reach a delightful grassy camp near to the abandoned encampment known as Tsorka (4200 metres). Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Trek to Dat settlement (walk approx. 7-8 hrs)

From Sorro we trek to the head of a nearby gorge. Anticipate a cold start to the day as this section necessitates two or three river crossings. We then enter a side gorge that we follow for three hours to the settlement of Dat (4340 metres). During the summer the settlement is practically deserted as most of the villagers are grazing their yaks and goats on remote grazing pastures. The shepherds are known as Chang pa and follow lifestyles similar to their counterparts in nearby western Tibet. Overnight: Tented camp

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 Drive to Leh via Hemis Monastery(drive 7-8 hrs)

From Dat we drive along a dirt road across a vast grazing area populated by the Changpa shepherds for two hours until we reach the Manali to Leh ‘highway’. We ascend to the Taglang La (5328m) - the second highest motorable road crossing in the world - before descending to the Indus Valley with time to visit the ancient Hemis monastery before completing our drive back to Leh. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Fly Leh to Delhi

We board the early morning flight to Delhi, on arrival trip concludes. If you are departing India today please don't book a flight out until mid afternoon in case there are delays on the Leh-Delhi flight.

meals : B

Day 1: US - Night on board

Are you ready to experience the land of a thousand colors? Pack your bags and set off to your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight * to Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Delhi

Touch down in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Get ready to explore the city and all it has to offer you, intrepid traveler! From the cacophony of sounds to the dizzying aromas and rainbow palette of colors, Delhi is the gateway to your India adventure! Be sure to explore its historic center, filled with the relics of its past under Islamic conquerors. Spend the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll explore the treasures of Old Delhi such as the majestic Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and lively Chandi Chow Street, for your first taste of Indian culture. Make like a local and embark on a rickshaw ride around the Red Fort, former residence of the Imperial Family. Next, admire Raj Ghat, where the legendary Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, see a different side of the city in sparkling New Delhi, passing by the India Gate, the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, and the Presidential Palace. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 4: Delhi - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your Rajasthan adventure and set off to Jaipur, the so-called Pink City. It's the capital of Rajasthan known for its fusion of Hindu, Jain and Mughal culture. Enjoy your first glimpse of the Rajasthani landscape as you travel through local villages and countryside. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. You will enjoy some free time in the afternoon to get to know the city or to simply relax. Be sure to capture the evening light, where the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, complemented by the colorfully dressed Rajasthanis. You're likely to spot camel-drawn carts, characteristic of Jaipur's street scene. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. The first order of the day is a visit to the much-photographed Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, one of India's most beloved historic buildings with a fascinating past. Next up, feel like a true adventurer as you embark on an exciting Jeep transfer to the atmospheric Amber Fort; have you ever felt more like Indiana Jones? Here you can see the palace of Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautiful, bright pieces of mirror, all the while imagining the glamorous lives of the Maharajas. In the afternoon, it's back to Jaipur for a city tour, including the illustrious Palace of the Maharaja, home to an informative museum that brings this era to life. Afterwards, get to know a little about India's scientific achievements at the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world. Imagine star-gazing from here! Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

Breakfast at the hotel. You're getting closer to iconic Agra as you set off, once again, into the dusty landscapes of Rajasthan. Stop in the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, where time stands still, and pass through the Bulund Darwaza gateway, the highest gateway in the world and a monument of Mughal might! Arrive in Agra, Rajasthan's most romantic city, and you'll notice the contrasts between red sandstone and white marble in the city's buildings and feel its tantalising charms. Transfer to the hotel and in the afternoon visit the Agra Fort, a formidable structure which houses the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Just walking through the main gate, you'll feel like Mughal royalty! Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.

Day 7: Agra - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. It's finally here, the day you tick the legendary Taj Mahal off of your bucket list! The ivory-white marble mausoleum, the brilliant domes, the fountain and that famous bench where everyone has their photo taken; today you'll experience it all for yourself! Home to the tomb of a Mughal Emperors beloved wife, both the story and the beauty of the structure itself may well leave you feeling teary-eyed and filled with a warm fuzzy feeling. Take some time to soak it all up and take the perfect photo, one you'll treasure for a lifetime. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic afternoon drive back to Delhi, where you can spend the remainder of the day reminiscing about your journey and all the wonderful, soul-stirring sights you've seen as well as the warm people who've shared their culture with you along the way. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 8: Delhi - US

Breakfast * at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to head back home, but you'll keep the colors and atmosphere of India close to your heart as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive back home and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.