India: Journey to Ladakh
14 Days Starting and ending in DELHI
Visiting: Delhi, Kalka, Shimla, McLeod Ganj, Manali, Jispa, Sarchu, Leh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LEH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low / Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$4725 (USD)Tour Overview
Ladakh lies on the Tibetan Plateau and is the highest, least populated and most inaccessible region in all India. It is a striking destination, home to many Tibetan Buddhists and its capital, Leh, is often referred to as a “Little Lhasa”. Fascinating in its own right, it is the overland route to Leh from the lowland town of Manali that draws travellers from all over the world, being renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular road journeys.Crossing four Himalayan Mountain passes (including the 5,400m Taglang La), this epic journey will literally take your breath away. Ascend from the verdant foothills of Himachal Pradesh to the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh, passing stunning vistas all the way. In addition we’ll journey on the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train to Shimla, the summer capital during the British Raj and spend time in McLeod Ganj, the Dalai Lama’s home.This is a big trip in every sense of the word and one that will be sure to stay with you for many years to come.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Claridges or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour starts this morning in Delhi at our hotel. After a welcome meeting and lunch we’ll head off to explore New Delhi and Old Delhi, visiting India Gate before continuing along Rajpath and past Parliament House to Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the Viceroy’s Palace). From here we’ll drive past the imposing Red Fort and visit Jama Masjid mosque, the largest in India commissioned by Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal. We’ll then take an exciting rickshaw ride through the maze of alleyways in Chandni Chowk bazaar, a great chance to see the city at its most lively! This evening we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Delhi - Kalka – Shimla
Location: Delhi, Kalka, Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Oberoi Cecil or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll transfer to Delhi railway station for our journey north to Kalka. On arrival we’ll board the UNESCO World Heritage Himalayan Queen ‘Toy Train’ to Shimla. This picturesque journey travels through the forested foothills of the Himalayas to Shimla, once the summer capital of the British Raj. Built between 1898 and 1903, the narrow gauge track passes through 107 tunnels and crosses a total of 864 bridges. The longest tunnel on the journey is at Barog, and when Engineer Colonel Barog dug the tunnel from both ends and couldn’t align them he was symbolically fined one rupee! Barog couldn't live with the shame and as a result committed suicide inside the incomplete tunnel.
Day 3 : In Shimla
Location: Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Oberoi Cecil or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Often described as Epsom in the hills, the quaint hill station is today a surreal place, with a mall lined by mock Tudor cottages, the Viceroy’s neo-Gothic palace at one end and Christ Church at the other. Halfway along is the Gaiety Theatre, a charming miniature Drury Lane! We’ll take an orientation walk and discover why today Shimla is a town of contrasts, on the one hand buzzing with modern Indian life while on the other echoing that of its colonial past.
Day 4 : Shimla – Mcleod Ganj
Location: Shimla, McLeod Ganj
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Chonor House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a full day drive to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj. Established in the mid-1850’s as a British garrison, McLeod Ganj sits 4km from Dharamsala (with which it is intrinsically linked) and is situated at a height of 1,770m. It is now the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and as residence to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Considered as “Little Lhasa”, it’s also one of the best places to view Tibetan culture outside of Tibet.
Day 5 : In & Around Mcleod Ganj
Location: McLeod Ganj
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Chonor House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Named after Donald McLeod, Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, we have the whole day to enjoy this legendary hill station with the opportunity to take a day walk in the surrounding area. After ascending through forest to Dharamkot we’ll reach Naddi village (2,000m), visiting a Buddhist stupa en route and some meditation caves where Tibetan Buddhist monks live and meditate for many months during the year. From Naddi village we’ll enjoy beautiful views of the peaks of Dhauladhar before descending via the Tibetan children’s village back to McLeod Ganj where there’ll be time to wander through the town’s fascinating bazaar. Those preferring not to walk can easily pass their time soaking up the fascinating interplay between Tibetan and Indian cultures.
Day 6 : Mcleod Ganj – Manali
Location: McLeod Ganj, Manali
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Banon Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the home of the Dalai Lama we travel on to Manali. En route we’ll visit Palampur, known as the tea capital of northwest India, and the 13th century temple dedicated to Shiva as ‘Vaidyanath’ the Lord of physicians at Baijnath. We aim to arrive in Manali by the late afternoon.
Day 7 : In & Around Manali
Location: Manali
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Banon Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Manali is set in a stunning location amongst the Himalayan foothills and old Manali in particular contains some beautiful old wooden houses. After a wander through the town, and for those that wish, there will be the chance to take a fascinating day walk around the area. Using village paths we’ll walk through apple orchards and forests, cross rivers and meet some of the villagers who eke a living out of this mountainous land. Later we’ll return to Manali in time for dinner this evening.
Day 8 : Manali – Jispa
Location: Manali, Jispa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibex Jispa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we start our journey along what many consider the most spectacular drive in the entire Himalayas - from Manali to Leh. Travelling over 460km across mountain passes reaching over 5,300m, we’ll pass through lush Alpine foothills peppered with juniper, cedar and deodar pines, and see waterfalls crashing beside the road. We’ll depart early and journey towards the Rotang Pass (3,980m) where mighty peaks are visible in all directions, and onto Jispa, a picturesque village lying beside the river in a beautiful valley near the entrance to the Spiti Valley. Depending on what time we arrive there might be the opportunity to take a walk around the village and surrounding area.
Day 9 : Jispa – Sarchu (4,100M)
Location: Jispa, Sarchu
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Goldrup
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we cross the 4,900m Baralacha La and it’s from here that the landscape begins to change. Caught in the rain shadow the land now begins to dry up, to form the high altitude desert for which Ladakh is famous. The mountains, forced upwards as the Indian sub-continental plate smashes into Asia, form the most extraordinarily varied concoction of twisted peaks and sunken troughs of serrated granite ridges and fluted sandstone gorges, of alluvial plains and sandy steppes, all carrying a multitude of colours that simply defy belief. After reaching Sarchu and checking into our campsite there’ll be the chance to head off on a good walk – though at this altitude it is usually best to take it easy. All of the tents at the camp are large, walk-in constructions, complete with beds, lights and en-suite loos and basins.
Day 10 : Sarchu – Leh (3,500M)
Location: Sarchu, Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Spic and Span or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the longest day’s drive of the trip but arguably the most amazing, as we travel over the 5,400m Tanglang La where the rare Ibex are often spotted. We’ll drive through a series of 21 hairpin bends, extraordinary red sandstone gorges, across a high altitude desert steppe and along spectacular canyons before finally reaching Leh. Upon arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel and spend time relaxing and beginning to acclimatise. Known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, Ladakh and its capital Leh have been important junctions on the famous Silk Route for centuries.
Day 11 : In & Around Leh
Location: Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Spic and Span or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll discover spectacular monasteries and explore ancient capitals during our first full day in Leh. We’ll stroll around Leh on an orientation walk and see how this fascinating town is still dominated by the ruins of the Leh Palace. This former residence of the royal family of Ladakh is built along the lines of the Potala Palace in Tibet. From here we’ll visit some of the most spectacular monasteries in the area surrounding Leh. Situated on a hilltop to the south, Shey Monastery was once the summer palace of the royal family and it’s believed that many of the Kings of Leh were born here. The monastery is home to an impressive 24m high seated image of Buddha cast from copper and covered with gold leaf. Thiksey Monastery, filled with colourful murals and statues, affords picturesque views of the green Indus valley from its rooftop. Located around 26kms from Leh, Matho Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built around 500 years ago which belongs to the Sakya order. From here we’ll return to Leh in time for dinner this evening.
Day 12 : In & Around Leh
Location: Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Spic and Span or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we leave for full day sightseeing. We'll first head west to visit Alchi. Adorned with murals depicting different forms of Buddha, Alchi Monastery is distinct from other monasteries in Ladakh in that it sits on flat ground rather than a hill top. We'll also head south and south east of Leh to visit various gompas and palaces in this region. Stok is famous for being the home of the Ladakh royal family and today boasts a Palace & Museum with costumes, crowns and thangkas on display. We may also visit Gurphuk Gompa, a branch of Spituk Monastery, which is famous for its festival 'Guru Tsechu'. Alternatively you may choose to rest and relax in Leh and enjoy the local scenery and maybe indulge in some shopping.
Day 13 : Leh - Delhi
Location: Leh, Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Claridges or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for one of the most spectacular flights in the world, from Leh over the Himalayas back to India’s capital, Delhi. Depending on our arrival time there might be a couple of hours free for a last look around before heading out for our farewell dinner.
Day 14 : Tour Ends In Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast at our hotel. Those on the suggested group flight will transfer to Delhi airport in time for the early afternoon departure.
What's Included
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MEALS
13 x Breakfasts, 10 x Lunches, 13 x Dinners
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses and autos, train travel including a world heritage toy train and a domestic flight.
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for India.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited. Guests with other dietary requirements should discuss their requirements with the office.
While there is a lot of driving on this trip the views are truly spectacular and ample time for walks has been factored into the itinerary. The trip will reach some high altitudes but we acclimatise as slowly as it’s possible to do so and anyone in a good state of health and a sense of adventure should be able to cope with the demands of this trip.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for India.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.