Himalayan Mini Trail 4 - Delhi to Srinagar

  • 34 days
  • |
  • 1665 kms
  • |
  • Almost 60% camp nights
  • |
  • Difficulty level – Extremely Fit
  • |
  • Rs. 11,999/- Per Day/Person | USD 195/- Per Day/Person* [For non-Indians]

Trip Dates (Ex-Delhi):

  • Departure 1 - 10 June 2018 to 14 July 2018
  • Departure 2 - 30 July 2018 to 2 September 2018

What is included:

Excursions – Please see detailed itinerary for included excursions

Accommodation -

  • 23 camp nights
  • 11 hotel nights

Transportation –

  • The Voyages Overland truck

Meals –

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

What is not included:

  • Spending money – budget for additional meals, snacks, drinks, shopping, souvenirs, tips and any other extras
  • Flights, airline and airport taxes, visas, travel insurance
  • Personal items and single rooms
  • Airport transfers
*Will depend on the prevailing day’s rate of exchange 

This day is reserved for check-ins and time to unwind/rest before the tour begins. You can visit key hotspots in Delhi on our way back. However, if you wish to spend a few days in Delhi for shopping or sightseeing before the tour starts, you are free to do so by booking a separate pre-tour accommodation.

What is included -

  • Accommodation – 1 night in hotel
  • Meals – Dinner

Agra, famous for the Taj Mahal, sits on a large bend in the holy Yamuna River and is situated in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Agra's golden age was as the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1526- 1658, but the city was founded much earlier. The earliest reference to Agra is in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata. Ptolemy was the first to call it by its modern name. The recorded history of Agra begins around the 11th century, and over the next 500 years, the city changed hands between various kings, both Hindu and Muslim. This gives Agra a distinct flavour of community, architecture, and culture.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 2 nights in hotel
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Excursions – Taj Mahal, Taj Museum, Agra Fort, Jehangiri Palace, Khas Mahal, Jawab, Diwan-e-aam, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, Chini Ka Rauza, Moti Masjid, Mehtab Bagh, Sikandara, Fatehpur Sikri

Located 1927 m above sea level, Kasauli is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Snow-clad mountains, dense forests and a pleasant climate make Kasauli a major attraction among travellers. Established by the British as a cantonment town in 1842, you can still see the remnants of British architecture in Kasauli.

The area is home to several species of Himalayan flora and fauna including Babblers, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Striated Prinias and Jungle Owlet.

What is included –

Transport – The Voyages Overland truck

  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions –Sunset Point and Lovers’ Lane, Lower Mall, Upper Mall, Anglican Church

Kingal is a small hamlet in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Despite its rare natural beauty, it is off the beaten track of the thousands who travel to Himachal every year.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Chitkul is a beautiful village, located at a height of 3450 meter on the Tibet border by the side of the stunning Baspa River. It is known to be the last village of India before the Tibet border.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 2 nights in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Rakcham Chitkul Sanctuary, walk to ITBP post, trekking around Chitkul

Tabo is a small village at an altitude of 10,760 ft., situated on the left bank of river Spiti in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is 50 kms short of Kaza, a major town in the Spiti Valley, while travelling from Reckong Peo to Kaza. Flanked on both side by mountains, it houses one of the most important Buddhist monasteries, regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. Tabo also has some of the best camping grounds in the region.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 3 nights in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Tabo Monastery, Dhankar village, Dhankar Gompa, Dhankar Lake

Located in the Spiti Valley, Kibber is a beautiful village at 4205m above sea level. It holds the distinction of being the highest motorable village in the world. This scenic village is situated in a cold desert, surrounded by picturesque mountains and a hauntingly beautiful landscape. The landscape of Kibber is similar to that of Ladakh and Tibet. Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion here, due to which the Spiti Valley is also known as Little Tibet.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 3 nights in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – village treks, fossil walk, star gazing, Kye Monastery, Kaza

 

Chhatru is a small, beautiful Himalayan village on the way to Lahaul and Spiti, with a population of just over 500 people in its just over 100 homes.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in hotel
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Kunzum Pass, Walk around Chhatru

Located in the Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of 10,500 feet on the banks of river Bhaga, Jispa has a serene landscape dotted with mud houses and chortens. The river and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to just read, relax, and feast on local delicacies.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in hotel
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Walk around Jispa

Sarchu is an overnight stopover with tented accommodation on the Manali-Leh highway, on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh in India. It is nestled between the Baralacha La pass to the south and Lachulung La to the north, at a height of 4,290 meters. An important trading point in the ancient Silk Route, Sarchu is still a hot favourite with traders, nomadic tribes and adventure seekers. Between May and September, Sarchu becomes the starting point for treks to Zanskar in Ladakh.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Walk around Sarchu

The smallest of the three high altitude alpine lakes in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Tso Kar Lake is situated in the Rupshu Valley at an elevation of over 14,700 ft. It is also known as the White Lake because of the salt that gets deposited on its banks. It is spread across 10 sq km and lies 250 km southeast of Leh. The lake is popular among bird watchers as the marshlands surrounding the lake are home to several rare species of birds. The common birds that are seen are Brahmni ducks, bar headed geese, great crested grebe and black-necked crane. The most common mammals found here are the Kiangs that cannot be tamed and live in large groups. The Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan wolf and steppe marmot are some other animals you can spot in the area.

Nomads that inhabit the nearby regions make a living from collecting the salt from the banks of the lake and selling it to the surrounding regions.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Tso Kar Lake, bird watching

Situated in Changthang plateau in southeast Ladakh, Tso Moriri or Lake Moriri is known for its raw, natural beauty. The high altitude lake is set between Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west. Officially the lake is known as Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and is accessible only during the summers, as the region remains snowbound through rest of the year. The Changthang plateau is home to snowy peaks that feed the lake. The lake attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots and sometimes, even the Tibetan wolves.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 2 nights in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Chumathang plateau, Korzok Monastery

Leh, the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Ladakh, is one of the coldest deserts in the world. It is the largest province in Jammu and Kashmir and is surrounded by the highest mountain ranges in the world. The region is blessed with beautiful, mystical landscapes, tranquil lakes and forests, and raw natural beauty. Leh offers travellers several recreational and adventurous activities like hiking, trekking, river rafting, polo and archery.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 5 nights in hotel
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Shanti Stupa, Stok Palace, Thiksey Gompa, Tsemo Fort and Monastery, Hemis and Shey Monastery, Chang la Pass, Pangong Lake, Leh Market

Beautiful and remote, Hunder village is an oasis in this cold desert region. The village is approximately 160 km from Leh after crossing Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable pass.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Nubra Valley, Hunder Sand Dunes, Diskit Monastery, Maitreya Buddha

Panamik is a beautiful scenic village in the Nubra valley, famous for its hot springs. The Panamik hot water spring is situated at an elevation of 10442 ft. above sea level. The spring water contains high amount of sulphur and is believed to be a cure for rheumatism. Other than the hot spring, Panamik’s snowclad backdrop gives it a lovely vibe.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp, 1 night in hotel
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Hot Springs, Ensa Gompa

We stop over at Leh before proceeding with the rest of the journey.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in hotel
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Kargil is the second largest town of Ladakh. The town is located at the junction of the famous silk route where caravans from Yakand, China, Afghanistan, and Indian used to trade with silk, carpets and precious stones.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Suru valley, Mulbekh Monastery, Mulbekh Chamba, Pensi-la, Rangdum monastery

Padum, named after Padmasambhava (known as the second Buddha) is the only town in Zanskar and one of the two main capitals of the erstwhile Zanskar Kingdom. Although lacking in flora due to its climate and altitude, you will find abundant wildlife here. Modern day Padum is a trekking base for travellers in the region.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 2 nights in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Walk around Padum.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, Sonmarg is a gorgeous town located at an altitude of 2800 m above the sea level. It is tranquil and popular among travellers looking for peace and quiet away from the crowds. For adventure seekers too, Sonmarg offers several mountaineering and trekking options.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck
  • Accommodation – 1 night in camp
  • Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Excursions – Walk around Sonmarg.

Situated 1585 m above sea level, Srinagar is the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Literally translated from Sanskrit, its name means ‘the city of wealth and abundance’. This shows in the natural ecosystem in and around Srinagar, dotted as the town is with raw Himalayas and lush green fields.

What is included –

  • Transport – The Voyages Overland truck from Sonmarg to Srinagar

Mini Great Himalayan Trail

PAYMENTS

1) A non-refundable deposit of 25% (twenty five percent) of the Trip Price is required from each Client when submitting the Booking Form to confirm the booking. This deposit will only be refunded if the Client cannot be accommodated.

2) The balance of the Trip Price due by the Client to the Company shall be payable not less than 45 (forty five) days prior to the date of a trip's departure.

3) If the full amount is not received in the due time, the Company reserves the right to treat the booking as a cancellation and the Client will be subject to the cancellation fees detailed below.

CANCELLATIONS

1) Any cancellations made by the Client must be in writing to the Company. The date on which the correspondence is received by the Company will determine the Cancellation Fees.

2) Fees applicable in the event of a cancellation will be as follows:

Days Prior to Departure % of Trip Price
More than 45 25
45 to 30 35
30 to 15 50
15 to 7 75
Less than 7 100

3) Should the Client fail to join a trip, or join it after departure or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made whatsoever.

4) The Company reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason more than 45 (forty five) days prior to the departure date. In this case the Client will be refunded any money they have paid to the Company and that will be the extent of the Company's liability.

5) The Company reserves the right to cancel any trip for reasons of Force Majeure less than 45 (forty five) days prior to the departure date. In this case the Client will be refunded any money they have paid to the Company, less reasonable expenses the Company has incurred, and that will be the extent of the Company's liability.

6) Some of our trips require a minimum number of Clients in order for it to run. If this number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the trip. The Company will endeavour to cancel this trip more than 45 (forty five) days prior to the departure date unless it is necessitated by the late cancellation of other passengers on the trip, in which case it will be cancelled less than 45 (forty five) days prior to the departure date. In each case, the Client will be refunded any money they have paid to the Company and that will be the extent of the Company's liability.

7) Should the Client fail to pay the balance of the Trip Price in the due time, the Company will cancel the booking and no money already paid to the Company will be refunded.

8) The Cancellation Fees detailed above are only in relation to the Trip Price and do not include any extra services booked like Airport Transfers and Accommodation. These cancellation fees may be as high as 100% (one hundred percent) and the Client is still liable for their payment.

TRANSFERS & AMENDMENTS

1) If the Client wants to transfer from one trip to another, the Company must be informed in writing. The Client must complete and sign a new Booking Form and, if necessary, provide an additional deposit (if more than 45 (forty five) days prior to the trip's departure) or balance of Trip Price (if less than 45 (forty five) days prior to the trip's departure.) The date on which the correspondence is received by The Company will determine the transfer charge.

2) Charges applicable in the event of a transfer will be as follows:

Days Prior to Departure % of Trip Price
More than 45 25
45 to 30 35
30 to 15 50
15 to 7 75
Less than 7 100

3) Any non-recoverable expenses are not included in the Transfer Fee and the Client will still be liable for these.

4) The Client cannot transfer their trip to another person.

PRICES

1) The Company reserves the right to change their rates at any time prior to the contract being entered into. In the event that these rates are altered, the Client will be advised at the time of booking.

2) The Company endeavours not to increase the cost of the trip once the contract has been entered into. However, the cost to run a trip is calculated up to 18 (eighteen) months in advance and increases in running the trip like, but not exclusively, transportation costs, accommodation costs and fluctuations in the exchange rates, may make an increase unavoidable.

3) Should a surcharge be payable, the Company will immediately notify the Client of such.

4) The Company will not add a surcharge to a trip less than 30 (Thirty) days prior to a trip's departure.

5) The Company will not impose a surcharge of more than 20% (twenty percent) of the original Trip Price.

6) Should a surcharge be payable, the Client must pay said surcharge prior to joining the trip.

7) Different sales prices are calculated in various currencies in advance of printing the sales brochure. Due to fluctuations, prices in various currencies may vary as a result. The Company, and it's representatives will not be held liable to refund based on these variances, and the Client will be responsible for settling all outstanding amounts owed in the currency based on their booking origin, or that of their agent.

ITINERARIES

1) The documentation provided by the Company (e.g. Trip Dossiers, Brochures, Website, etc.) is set out in good faith as statements of intent only and changes to the itinerary, vehicle and equipment use, etc. may be made where deemed necessary by the Company.

2) Any additional expenses, incurred through deviations to the itineraries because of Force Majeure or reasons considered advisable by the Company will be for the Client's account.

3) The Client accepts that Force Majeure may preclude the Company from providing services or following the itinerary as detailed in the Trip Dossier.

4) The Company will not refund any money paid for unused services which are included in the Trip Price.

CHANGES

1) The Company reserves the right to make changes to the trip any time prior to the contract being entered into. In the event that any aspect of the trip is altered, the Client will be advised at the time of their booking.

2) The Company endeavours not to make changes to the trip once the contract has been entered into. However, because of the unpredictability of travel in many of the areas visited, changes prior to a trip's departure may be unavoidable. Where this alteration is significant (i.e. where a major deviation to the itinerary is made) the Company undertakes to inform the Client as soon as possible.

3) Due to the nature of the areas we travel through significant changes can and do occur after a trip's departure, over which the Company has no control. The Company will make alternative arrangements like changing the method of transport and/or the itinerary if Force Majeure, breakdowns, accidents, sickness, etc. necessitate such a change. The Company cannot be held responsible for compensation or additional expenses incurred due to any such change.

COMPLAINTS

1) If the Client has a complaint about the trip, such complaint must immediately be raised with the Trip Leader or the Company's Head Office so that, if possible, a solution can be found.

2) Failing resolution, the Client must make any complaint within 28 (twenty eight) days of the trip's finish date.

3) This complaint must be made in writing.

4) The Company will not be held liable for the loss of enjoyment due to unfulfilled expectations of the Trip due to the nature of adventure group travel; each trip is unique and reliant on client interaction and participation.

COMPANY RESPONSIBILITY

1) All information in documentation provided by the Company (e.g. Trip Dossiers, Brochure, Website, etc.) has been set out with reasonable care and is published in good faith. Where the Company is acting as an agent on the Client's behalf (e.g. when booking facilities/services used before, during the course of or after the trip), it does so on the explicit condition that it cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, injury, additional expenses or breaches of contract resulting directly or indirectly from the actions or omissions of the suppliers or independent parties with whom these arrangements have been made.

2) The Company cannot be held responsible:

a) If there has been no fault on the part of the Company or its suppliers and the cause was the Client's fault or the fault of someone not associated with the trip whose actions were not foreseeable.

b) If the cause was the fault of unforeseeable circumstances beyond the Company's or its suppliers control, the results of which were unavoidable even though every caution was taken.

c) If the cause was the fault of the Client having taken part in any activity or optional activity which does not form part of the original trip arrangements, even though they may be supervised, arranged or recommended by the Company or its representatives (e.g. bungee jumping, rafting, ballooning or other such activities of a risky nature.)

d) Where a disease or illness is contracted during or after the trip. Should the Client need to leave the trip because of such, no refund whatsoever will be forthcoming and the Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred for the treatment of their illness and as a result of having to leave the trip.

e) For any information or advice provided by a travel agent unless such information has been provided to the travel agent by the Company. In the case of such information and advice not having been provided by the Company, the responsibility must lie with the travel agent.

f) For a travel agent not providing or providing incorrect advice, information or documents, which the Company has given to the travel agent, or in the case of negligence by the travel agent.

g) Where the Company has provided advice and information on travel documents, visas, climate, spending money, clothing, equipment, etc. This advice and information has been set out with reasonable care and is published in good faith, but without responsibility on the part of the Company.

h) For any advice or information provided by the Company's crew. This advice and information has been given in good faith, but without responsibility on the part of the Company.

i) For any Client's luggage or personal effects.

3) The Company, its employees and agents cannot be held responsible for expenses, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment or anything else caused by the Client's non-compliance with any of responsibilities listed below.

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY

1) The nature of the Company's trips may involve an element of personal risk and potential hazard not normally associated with holiday tours. The Client must accept these risks and hazards.

2) The Client must accept that safety standards of suppliers of accommodation, local transport and other operators in most of the countries visited will not be of the same standard as in their home country.

3) The Client must make themselves aware through the various government agency warnings and advisories (e.g. British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, US Department of State) with regard to the safety of countries and areas through which they'll be travelling and to make their own decisions accordingly.

4) The Client must arrange suitable adventure travel insurance with benefits that cover personal accident, medical expenses including repatriation and loss and damage to personal effects. It is suggested insurance is also taken out to cover any expenses related to the cancellation or curtailment of any trip. Should the Client not have adequate travel insurance, they may not be allowed to join the trip.

5) The Client is to get professional medical advice before travelling and to take all necessary health precautions and preventative measures.

6) The Client is responsible for informing the Company, at the time of booking, of any known disabilities or medical conditions, or, if not known at the time of booking, as soon they become known. Any Client found to have failed to disclose this information, may be directed to leave the trip. No refund whatsoever will be forthcoming and the Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred as a result of having to leave the trip.

7) The Company's crew have authority to make difficult decisions. Should the Client present a medical condition, the crew may insist they seek medical advice. If the Client refuses to act upon this advice, thereby putting the other members of the trip in danger or at risk, the Client may be asked to leave the trip. This includes physical, mental and behavioural conditions. No refund whatsoever will be forthcoming and the Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred as a result of having to leave the trip.

8) The Client must check the documents issued for trips and services booked through the Company and should there be any mistakes, immediately notify the Company of such.

9) The Client must adhere to the trip joining instructions given to them.

10) The Client must comply with all current passport, visa and health requirements needed for each of the countries the trips travel through.

11) The Client must abide by the laws and customs of the countries visited. The Company has absolute discretion to direct the Client to leave the trip if they disobey such laws and customs. No refund whatsoever will be forthcoming and the Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred as a result of having to leave the trip.

12) The Client must not put the welfare of the group, individual member, members or themselves in jeopardy. The Company has absolute discretion to direct the Client to leave the trip if this is found to be the case. No refund whatsoever will be forthcoming and the Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred as a result of having to leave the trip.

13) The Client must reimburse the Company for any expenses incurred on behalf of the Client.

14) The Client must be aware that the Company's crew, agents and representatives may take photographs and film footage throughout the trip. The Company reserves the right to use such media for marketing purposes without obtaining consent from the Client. The Company also reserves the right to use any Client comments, either verbal or written, for marketing purposes without obtaining consent from the Client.