Itinerary (1)

A photographic journey
through North India

John Isaac Amritsar, Leh & Varanasi Group
August / September 2010

Wednesday, 25th August ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival in Delhi today (Note: You must have a valid Indian visa in your passport before entering the
country) you will be met by a representative from Eastbound Tours holding a signboard with your name at the
arrival lounge. From here you will be driven to hotel and assisted in checking in.

Le Meridien
Le Meridien New Delhi is situated two kilometers from Rashtrapati Bhawan – the home of the President of
India, the Presidential Palace, Parliament House, and Connaught Place. Our city center hotel is set amidst the
most alluring shopping and entertainment districts in New Delhi.

The rest evening is free at leisure

Delhi is India’s capital and political hub is an ancient city that has something for everyone. Settled seven times over the
centuries, this city has grown in a way that reflects its past, while retaining its cosmopolitan flavor. Delhi is India’s showcase,
be it architecture, religion, shopping, culture – everything is available here – waiting to be discovered
Overnight at le Meridien

Thursday, 26th August DELHI/ AMRITSAR
An early morning visit to flower market can be arranged.

The day is free at leisure and late afternoon you will be transferred to New Delhi railway station to board your
train to Amritsar

Depart Delhi by Shatabdi Express at 1630 hrs
Arrive Amritsar at 2235 hrs

Upon arrival at Amritsar Railway station you will be transferred to your hotel for check in.

Ista Amritsar

is set in the heart of Amritsar just 5 km from the renowned Golden Temple and the historic Jallianwala Bagh, 5
Kms from the Railway Station and a 30 minute drive from the Amritsar International Airport. Ista Amritsar is a
flawless convergence of comfort, taste and chic with stylish rooms. Vast spaces, beautifully landscaped areas and
strategically located water bodies define the property, giving it its own personal character. The hotel offers a
selection of world-class dining facilities: Collage - all day dining offering world cuisine, with an interactive
Teppanyaki and Tempura station and an open wood fired oven. The Lounge Bar offers an all day ‘lounge’
experience and the specialty restaurant Thai Chi offers the best of authentic Chinese and Thai cuisine.
Overnight at Ista Amritsar

Friday, 27th August AMRITSAR
Today morning you will be escorted to Golden Temple to witness this beautiful Temple at the sunrise; this
temple is one of the most beautiful buildings in India.

Golden Temple is located in the heart of the city and is the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar.
Characterized by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines,
in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one
follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble
walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful.

After the visit, return to hotel for a brief relax and breakfast; the rest of the day is free to explore the city.

Visit the famous Jallianwala Bagh. This place is noted for the massacre during the British rule in India.
Jallianwala Bagh is located 400 meters north of the Golden Temple. On 13 April 1919, pilgrims gathered there to
celebrate the Baisakhi festival, and protest against the British rule. General Dyer was the Lieutenant Governor of
the Punjab in 1919, who ordered the British forces to open fire on the people. 379 people died and more than
1200 people were injured in this massacre.

Today after lunch you will be driven to Wagha Border (28 km) to witness the flag-off ceremony. This is quite a
sight with all army splendor and the famous rivalry and competition between Indian and Pakistani forces.

Return to hotel to relax.
Overnight at Ista Amritsar

Saturday, 28th August 220 KMS 06 HRS AMRITSAR - DHARAMSALA
After breakfast, at the hotel start your drive to Dharamshala; upon your arrival you will be assisted in checking
in at the hotel.

Chonor House
Chonor House
is conveniently
located near
the Thekchen
Chöling
Temple
adjacent to HH
the Dalai
Lama’s residence. Each of our eleven well-appointed rooms is beautifully decorated according to a unique
Tibetan theme. Set amidst tall cedars, Chonor House is peacefully removed from the hustle and bustle of the
town.
Chonor House was designed and built by British architect David Porter in a style intended to blend with the
natural environment of the hills overlooking the Kangra valley.
OR

Surya Resort
Originally built as a summer
palace, Surya Resort has
recently been transformed to its
former glory whose sole
purpose is the pursuit of
leisure. Set amid awe-inspiring

fairytale gardens, this palace may be the most romantic hotel in the world. As a testimony to courtly love, the
palace brims with princely details including marble pillars, ornate glasswork, intricate paintings, and much,
much more. Guests can experience opulent luxury in any of our 56 rooms. Each Room Overlooks A Lily Pond Or
The Terrace And Is Elegantly Appointed

After lunch, start your sightseeing of Mcleodganj - the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Originally
home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, this mid 19th century place was developed as a British Garrison. The
place was developed as an important administrative point for the whole Kangra valley. Today the place has
developed as headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government. The impressive monastery has larger than life size
images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.

Also visit Norbulinka Institute that is just four kms from Dharamsala. Norbulinka was established to preserve
and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls make this
place look like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and
embroidery being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place where women are taught the advanced
levels of Buddhist philosophy.

Return to hotel for the night.
Overnight at Chonor House or The Surya resort

Sunday, 29th August 235 KMS 08-09 HRS DHARAMSALA - MANALI
Today morning after breakfast, start your drive to Manali, enroute enjoying the most beautiful & picturesque
part of the Himachal Pradesh which takes you through some exhilarating scenery.

Snow crests Manor
Snow crests Manor is highest located
hotel with a spectacular snow view
of the majestic Himalayas and the
old quiet Manali township. The
centrally heated 32 room hotel in
Manali is situated beyond the log
huts overlooking the Manalsu river.
The sheer beauty of the landscape is
enough to take the breath away.

In the evening on arrival in Manali, the evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at Snow Crest

Monday, 30th August MANALI
After breakfast get ready for a city tour of Manali
.
Start with Hadimba Devi Temple that was built around a natural cave. The temple has a finely wrought four-
tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553. It enshrines the footprints of Goddess Hadimba. Hadimba was the wife
of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, and later became the patron goddess of the
Kullu royal family.
Also visit the Tibetan Monastery called the Gadhan Thekchokling Gompa. It is a colorful, pleasant monastery
built by Tibetan refugees in the late 1960's.
Continue your visit old Manali that is the hamlet out of which, grew the large tourist town that Manali is today.
It is also the site of Manu temple dedicated to Sage Manu.
Overnight at Manali Heights

Tuesday, 31st August 129 KMS 03 ½ HRS MANALI - KEYLONG
Morning start your drive to Keylong crossing the 13,050 ft high Rohtang Pass, you enter the valley of Lahaul. The
drive is along the River Chandra with views of towering mountains and glaciers.

In the afternoon we will arrive at Keylong a small town and will check in at hotel Deykid.

Located at Keylong with an excellent view of the mountain which houses the Khardong monastery, Rooms are
simple with attached bathrooms with geysers. All rooms offer an excellent view of the surrounding hills

The rest of the evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at Deykid Hotel or Similar

Wednesday, 01st September 129 KMS 03 ½ HRS KEYLONG - SARCHU
Today morning start your drive to Sarchu.

You get to see some of the most breath taking landscapes that the Western Himalayas can offer. The scenery gets
more stark and barren as we climb up to the 16,500-foot high Baralacha La the second mountain pass on our
journey. From the pass beautiful views of meadows and snow-capped mountains can be seen.

On arrival check-in at the Adventure camp

Ladakh is a silent, blissful place of thin air and magical geological shapes, its landscape marked by soft, burned
colors and purple shadows. Curiously, it boasts an intimacy that belies the rugged 4,000 to 6,500 mt peaks that
surround the former kingdom. Even the mighty Indus River, which cuts across the high valleys and through the
mountain gorges, can look almost like a stream when viewed from the hilltop monasteries. The brochures call
Ladakh "Little Tibet".
Overnight at Deluxe Camps

Thursday, 02nd September 251 KMS 09 HRS SARCHU - LEH
Today early morning start your drive through Lachungla Pass 5065 meters, rugged in the middle of mountains.
At lunch time we stop at Pang. From here there are chances to see tiny colonies of Marmots on the Morea plains
a stretch of 45 Kms.

Finally we reach the second highest road Tanglangla Pass 5350 meters, and reach Leh in the evening. On arrival
check into your hotel

Lharimo hotel
Lharimo hotel is centrally located; around 5 minutes walk from
the Market surrounded by green lush fields and trees.
Restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine, other
service are laundry, parking and travel desk
Overnight at Lharimo or Similar


Friday, 03rd September LEH
Today we will visit some monasteries. Start with Shey Palace and Gompa that is situated on a hillock 15 Kms
upstream from Leh. It was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power
of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is
installed here.

Continue with Thiksey Gompa that is 19 Kms from Leh. Spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and
architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas
and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.

Also visit the Hemis Gompa that lies 40 kms from Leh. Best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh, Its popularity
stems from the major annual festival held here in summer. The festival is in honor of Guru Padma Sambhava’s
birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years (nest in 2004).

Return to hotel for overnight.

Saturday, 04th September LEH
This full day is reserved for visiting Alchi and Likir monasteries, carrying picnic lunch along. Visit the Klu-
kkhyil Gompa in Likir which was founded in the 14th century. It has an interesting small museum and beautiful
paintings. It has an interesting small museum and beautiful paintings. There are about 150 monks of the
Gelukpa order living here. The head lama is the younger brother of the Dalai Lama.

Sunday, 05th September LEH – PANGONG LAKE- LEH
Leave early morning at 5AM to Pangong Lake through Changla pass 5486 Mtrs. While ascending Changla pass
5486 Mtrs. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the pass. After crossing the pass halt for
picnic lunch at Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks. Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes
you to the western shore of the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the back drop of the Lake.

This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 Kms wide and over 144 Kms long with half of its running the
other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". One rarely feels so close to nature and environment and the scenery
is unforgettable. In the late afternoon drive back to Leh.

Monday, 06th September LEH
Today is a day to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Leh town. You may want to walk down to the local
bazaar to buy souvenirs which will remind you of your small rendezvous with Ladakh. In the evening take a
short sunset trip to Shanti Stupa

SHANTI STUPA (Japanese Peace Pagoda): Shanti Stupa/Japanese peace pagoda is build by a Japanese religious
organization headed by Head monk Nakamura with the help from the organization and local people. It is
situated at a hill top in Cahngspa village providing a bird eye view of the Leh town and the surrounding
Mountain peaks. Architecturally it has the Japanese touch with small clean rooms on the side for meditators and
the main Japanese shrine at the entrance



Tuesday, 07th September LEH / DELHI / VARANASI
Leave on time for Leh airport to board your flight to Delhi.

Depart Leh by Jet airways flight 9W 1610 at 0825 hrs
Arrive Delhi at 0940 hrs

You will be met upon arrival and transfer to the departure terminal for your flight to Varanasi

Depart Delhi by Spice Jet flight SG 114 at 1420 hrs
Arrive Varanasi at 1545 hrs

Upon arrival in Varanasi, an eastbound representative, holding a sign with your name, will meet you and will
escort you to your hotel.

The Radisson Hotel Varanasi
is a five-star hotel
conveniently located in the
heart of the city's main
business district. The hotel's
modern architecture, warm
hospitality and top-notch
services are sure to please
business and leisure travelers.
The Radisson features
spacious, comfortable rooms and suites, an on-site spa, multiple dining outlets and well-equipped meeting
facilities.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benares is situated on the north bank of Ganga in the state of Uttar Pradesh
in North India. It is one of the oldest living cities of the world with its history dating back to about 3500 hundred
years. For the pious Hindus, the city has always had a special place since long.

In the evening proceed to the river Ganges to witness Evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony. You are taken on a boat
on the river from where you can watch masses come to the Ghats to offer prayers and float tiny oil lamps on the
river.
Overnight at Radisson

Wednesday, 08th September VARANASI
In the morning at Dawn, proceed to Ghats to enjoy the boat ride at River Ganges. At the time of Sunrise the river
is centre of many activities. Enjoy the unique experience from your boat. It is said that Sunrise on the river in
Varanasi is one of the most magical experiences.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon excursion to Sarnath (closed on Monday) the Buddha proclaimed the law of faith. It was here that
he taught the keys aspects of Buddhism: the four noble truths, the eightfold path and the middle way
philosophy. The Buddha encouraged followers to avoid extremes of austerity or pleasure. The remains of
monasteries dating from the third century B.C.E. to the first century C.E. indicate a thriving monastic
community.

In the evening proceed to the river Ganges to witness Evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony. You are taken on a boat
on the river from where you can watch masses come to the Ghats to offer prayers and float tiny oil lamps on the
river.
Overnight at Radisson

Thursday, 09th September VARANASI / DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel check out and start a city tour of Varanasi which includes a visit to some important
temples like the Bharat Mata Mandir and the Durga Temple. Take a walk down Vishwanath ji Ki Galli – the
ancient alley which is home to some beautiful temples. Here you will find shops that sell every conceivable thing
required in a temple. Also visit the Chudi Wali Galli (The Street of Bangles) where bangles of every hue, shape
and size are sold.

Early afternoon you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi.

Depart Varanasi by Kingfisher airlines flight IT 310 at 1140 hrs
Arrive Delhi at 1310 hrs

Upon your arrival in Delhi, an eastbound representative, holding a sign with your name, will meet you and will
escort you to your hotel.

In the afternoon enjoy a city tour visiting Humayun’s Tomb drive past the India Gate (World War I Memorial),
The President's Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings – that make up ‘Lutyens Delhi’.

Friday, 10th September DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a sightseeing of Delhi taking you to Jama Masjid, - the largest mosque in India.
Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, - a marvel in red sandstone, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Then,
visit Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial).

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Saturday, 11th September DEPARTURE INDIA
In the morning you are transferred to the International airport for your flight to your next destination.

End of the Tour
Check in at 1400 hrs
Check out at 1200 hrs

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