Kashmir and Ladakh Explorer (14 Days)

Welcome to Kashmir After landing in Delhi, you'll catch a connecting flight to Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. Don't worry about a thing – we'll pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. Once you've freshened up, get ready for a magical evening. We're going for a ride on a Shikara, a traditional wooden boat, on the beautiful Dal Lake. It's the perfect way to unwind after your journey and get your first taste of Kashmir's beauty.

Srinagar Sightseeing Rise and shine! Today we're exploring Srinagar. First up are the famous Mughal Gardens. These are not your average gardens – they're a piece of history with stunning views. We'll visit Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. After lunch, we'll wander through the Old City. Keep your camera ready for the beautiful wooden mosques and busy bazaars. It's like stepping back in time!

Day Trip to Yusmarg Pack a day bag – we're off to Yusmarg! This hidden gem is a meadow surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks. It's about a two-hour drive, but the views are worth it. We'll have a picnic lunch here and you can go for a leisurely walk or just relax and soak in the scenery. It's a great spot for birdwatching too, so keep your eyes peeled!

Sonamarg Bound Today we're heading to Sonamarg, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. It's about a 3-hour drive, and the scenery along the way is fantastic. Once we arrive, you'll have free time to explore. You might want to take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier or just relax by the Sindh River. We'll spend the night here, so rest up – tomorrow's a big day!

Trekking Adventure Hope you're ready for some adventure! We're going on a two-day trek from Sonamarg to Vishansar Lake. Don't worry if you're not an experienced trekker – the pace will be comfortable. We'll provide all the camping gear. As we trek, you'll see stunning mountain views, meadows full of wildflowers, and if we're lucky, some local wildlife. We'll camp overnight near the lake – nothing beats sleeping under the stars in the Himalayas!

On to Kargil After our trek, we'll drive to Kargil. On the way, we'll stop at the Drass War Memorial. This is a sobering but important visit, commemorating the soldiers who fell in the 1999 Kargil War. Kargil itself is a town with a mix of Buddhist and Muslim cultures. We'll arrive in time for dinner and a good night's rest.

Kargil to Leh Today's drive is a real treat for the eyes! We're heading to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. On the way, we'll stop at Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. The landscape around here is often called "moonland" because it looks so otherworldly. We'll reach Leh by evening – you might feel the altitude, so take it easy tonight.

Leh Sightseeing Today's a bit more relaxed to help you acclimatise to the altitude. We'll visit Leh Palace, which looks a bit like a mini Potala Palace (the Dalai Lama's former home). Then we'll check out Shanti Stupa for great views over Leh. In the afternoon, you can explore the local market – it's a great place to pick up some souvenirs.

Pangong Lake Excursion Get ready for one of the highlights of the trip – Pangong Lake! It's a bit of a drive (about 5 hours), but when you see the lake, you'll know it was worth it. The water changes colour throughout the day, from azure to blue to even reddish. We'll have a picnic by the lake and plenty of time for photos. We'll head back to Leh in the evening.

Monastery Day Today we're visiting two of Ladakh's most important monasteries. First up is Hemis, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Then we'll head to Thiksey, which is known as 'Mini Potala' because it looks like the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The views from here are spectacular. If we time it right, we might even see the monks performing their rituals.

Back to Srinagar Time flies when you're having fun! Today we'll fly back to Srinagar. Once we're there, you'll have free time for some last-minute shopping. Maybe pick up some Kashmiri handicrafts or the famous Pashmina shawls? In the evening, we'll have a farewell dinner to celebrate our adventure.

Homeward Bound All good things must come to an end. Today we'll fly back to Delhi, and from there, catch our flight back to Birmingham. As you fly home, you'll have plenty of amazing memories to look back on. Don't forget to share your stories and photos with friends and family!