12-Day India Himalayan Explorer
Overview
From the spiritual banks of the Ganges to the high passes of Ladakh, this expedition traverses India's most spectacular Himalayan landscapes. Experience ashram yoga, British-era hill stations, ancient monasteries, and the otherworldly beauty of the Changthang plateau.
Route
Delhi → Rishikesh → Mussoorie → Ladakh → Delhi
Highlights
- Sunrise Ganga Aarti ceremony in Rishikesh
- Private yoga session at a riverside ashram
- Khardung La — one of the world's highest motorable passes
- Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh (Hemis, Thiksey)
- Pangong Lake — the iconic turquoise high-altitude lake
- Colonial heritage walk in Mussoorie
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
- Group Size
- 2-8 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,359m
- Best Months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Starting From
- $3,800 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Delhi
Private airport transfer to your heritage hotel. Evening orientation walk through Lutyens' Delhi and welcome dinner.
Delhi Heritage Tour
Private guided tour of Old Delhi — Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride. Afternoon visit to Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar.
Delhi to Rishikesh
Drive to Rishikesh along the Ganges. Continue up to Ananda, a palatial hilltop estate overlooking the Ganges valley. Evening excursion to Triveni Ghat for the Ganga Aarti — a mesmerizing fire ritual on the riverbank.
Rishikesh — Yoga & Spirituality
Sunrise yoga session at a riverside ashram. Visit the Beatles Ashram. Afternoon Ayurvedic spa treatment at Ananda.
Rishikesh to Mussoorie
Drive to the British hill station of Mussoorie. Afternoon heritage walk along the Mall Road and Gun Hill viewpoint.
Mussoorie & Dhanaulti
Morning excursion to Dhanaulti's cedar forests. Afternoon tea at a colonial estate. Optional nature walk through Eco Park.
Fly to Ladakh
Early transfer to Dehradun airport for connecting flight to Leh via Delhi. Arrive in Leh (3,500m) by afternoon. Rest and acclimatize. Gentle evening walk through Leh's old town.
Leh Monastery Circuit
Visit Thiksey Monastery (mini Potala), Hemis Monastery (Ladakh's largest), and Shey Palace. Afternoon at leisure for acclimatization.
Khardung La & Nubra Valley
Drive over Khardung La (5,359m). Descend into the stunning Nubra Valley. Ride double-humped Bactrian camels in the sand dunes of Hunder.
Nubra to Pangong Lake
Drive along the Shyok River road through dramatic gorges, past Durbuk and Tangtse, to reach Pangong Tso — a breathtaking turquoise lake stretching into Tibet. Watch the colors shift at sunset.
Return to Leh
Morning photography at Pangong. Drive back to Leh via Chang La. Farewell dinner at a Ladakhi restaurant.
Departure via Delhi
Morning flight Leh to Delhi. Private transfer and complimentary airport lounge access for international connection.
What's Included
- All domestic flights (Delhi–Leh and Leh–Delhi)
- 11 nights luxury accommodation
- All meals as indicated
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Private yoga session in Rishikesh
- Ayurvedic spa treatment at Ananda
- All monument entrance fees and permits
- Inner Line Permits for Ladakh restricted areas
- Private ground transportation including 4x4 in Ladakh
- Bactrian camel ride in Nubra Valley
- Airport transfers
- 24/7 on-trip support and oxygen cylinder in Ladakh
Not Included
- International flights to/from Delhi
- India e-Visa fee
- Travel insurance (required — must cover high altitude)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional white-water rafting in Rishikesh
Find Your Flights
Major international hub with global connections. Gateway for North India, Rajasthan, and connecting flights to Kathmandu and Paro.
Typical airlines: Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, United Airlines
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.