Ladakh

This enthralling adventure travels high into the Himalaya to the seemingly inaccessible kingdom of Ladakh, often known as 'Little Tibet' where, in the rugged landscape, its people preserve a unique way of life, culture, and religion.

After a brief stay in Delhi, you fly north to Leh, the colourful capital of Ladakh and transfer to the charming village of Stok (3650m), home to Ladakh's royal family, where you explore the village with its Tibetan style palace and unspoiled vernacular architecture, and the impressive Tikse and Hemis gompas (monasteries) nearby. You continue to the village of Nimoo at the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, before beginning the raft journey to Hundar, famous for its sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels! This magical journey ends with the 4WD drive across the 18,500ft Khardung La, the highest driveable pass in the world, and back to Leh.

Sample itinerary:

Day 1: Depart London.  Day 2: Arrive Delhi. City sightseeing. Overnight Imperial Hotel.  Days 3/6: Fly to Leh. Transfer to Stok Village. Sightseeing of Leh and local monasteries. Overnights Stok Village House.  Day 7: Drive to Indus River for raft journey to Phey. Overnight Taru Village House.  Days 8/9: Transfer to Nimoo Village. Excursions to monasteries, villages and Zanksar Canyon. Overnights Nimoo Village House.  Days 10/11: Raft journey in Shayok River Valley. Overnights in tented river camps.  Day 12: End raft journey in Hundar. Drive back to Leh. Overnight Grand Dragon Hotel.  Days 13/14: Fly to London via Delhi.