Itinerary

Day 1: Australia to Delhi
Fly with Singapore Airlines to Delhi for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Agra
Transfer to the station and take an express train to Agra. On arrival visit the 17th-century Itmad-Ud- Daulah, nicknamed the ‘Baby Taj’, and the colossal Agra Fort. (B,L)

Day 3: Taj Mahal
Rise early for an enchanting sunrise over the magnificent Taj Mahal. Drive back to Delhi and tour New Delhi, visiting India Gate, passing the grandiose Parliament buildings. Finish in the heart of the city, at the vibrant Connaught Place. (B,L)

Day 4: Travel to Shimla
Transfer to the station and take a train to Chandigarh, before continuing by road to Shimla. The rest of the day is free. (B,D)

Day 5: Explore Shimla
The summer capital of British India, and nicknamed the ‘Queen of Hillstations’, Shimla has a spectacular location. Start the day with a hike to Jakhoo Temple, which sits at the highest point of the city, offering amazing views. Continue to the Himachal State Museum and admire the renaissance grandeur of the former Vice Regal Lodge. Spend some time in the heart of town, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the views. (B,L)

Day 6: Travel to Manali
Drive to the picturesque town of Manali, passing through some breathtaking scenery. (B,L)

Day 7: Around Manali
Take an excursion to Naggar, where you’ll find an old castle and temples, and the Roerich Art Gallery. Set upon a hill, the views are as impressive as the paintings. This afternoon, discover more about the town of Manali with a city tour. You’ll visit Hadimba Temple, Vashisht hot water springs and old Manali village. (B,L)

Day 8: Jispa
Drive to the small village of Jispa, going over the Rohtang Pass (3,980 metres) en route. Visit Keylong village to browse the local market and explore the 12th-century Khardong Monastery. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Baralacha Pass
Travel on to Sarchu, making photo stops regularly along this spectacular route as it heads up into the mountains and over the Baralacha Pass (4,800 metres). This afternoon is at leisure, where you can spend some time exploring your home for the night – a beautifully located tented camp. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Travel to Leh
Drive on to the captivating mountain-enveloped town of Leh, crossing more spectacular mountain passes, La Chung La (5,065 metres) and Tanglang La (5,360 metres). This evening is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Around Leh
Surrounded by stark mountain peaks, wherever you go in Leh brings more and more spectacular views. Today your explorations will include 11th-century Spituk Gompa, the Tibetan-Buddhist Sankar Gonpa and the hilltop Phyang Monastery. (B,D)

Day 12: Hemis Monastery Festival
Spend a day at one of the largest and best-known monasteries of the Ladakh region, Hemis. The Hemis Festival is a colourful affair, with masked lamas performing dances and making sacrificial offerings to the divinities of the Buddhist Drugpa order. (B,D)

Day 13: Ladakh’s monasteries
Visit Thiksey Monastery, an excellent example of Ladakhi architecture, before exploring Shey Palace, built by the first king of Ladakh. (B,D)

Day 14: Uletokpo camp
Drive to Uletokpo, stopping at Likir Monastery en route. Arrive at the Sham Valley, where you will be spending the night in a tranquil eco resort. Take a pleasant walk through the woods to Ridzong Monastery. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Lamayru
Explore the centre of the Ladakh region, an area that has a high concentration of Buddhist monasteries. (B,L,D)

Day 16: Return to Leh
Hit the road back to Leh, stopping en route at Alchi Monastery, which boasts particularly beautiful sculptures and wood carvings. (B,L)

Day 17: Nubra Valley
Travel to the Nubra Valley via the route that is said to be the highest drivable road in the world. Crossing the Khardung Pass (5,260 metres) you’ll have incredible views down over the Indus Valley. Tonight’s tented camp is close to the beautiful village of Hunder, an oasis in the desert of the Nubra Valley. (B,L,D)

Day 18: Camel Safari
This morning, visit the famous sand dunes of this high altitude desert and take a camel safari. This afternoon explore Diskit Monastery, which is full of tangkas and statues to admire. (B,L,D)

Day 19: Return to Leh
Travel back to Leh, where the rest of the day will be at leisure to explore or relax. (B,L,D)

Day 20: Day in Leh
Spend the morning at leisure before an afternoon walking tour that takes you through the historic bazaar and the narrow backstreets. (B,D)

Day 21: Fly to Delhi
Fly to Delhi. Take the afternoon to explore the sights of Old Delhi; drive around the outside of the colossal Red Fort; browse the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk; and visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest and most impressive mosque. Visit an Indian family home before dinner this evening. (B,D)

Day 22: Depart Delhi
After breakfast visit the Delhi Haat and enjoy some free time to shop and pick up souvenirs. Return to your hotel where you will have a late check-out before transferring to the airport for your flight to Australia. (B)

Day 23: Arrive Australia
Arrive home today.