Ladakh: The Himalayan Kingdom

Today you'll enjoy VIP lounge access before boarding your overnight flight to Delhi, arriving the following day.

On arrival, a private transfer will whisk you away to your hotel, where gracious Indian hospitality will welcome you to Delhi. You're located in the heart of the city, so if you have the energy, head out to explore the new town's bustling streets and sample some regional dishes this evening. Alternatively, relax at your hotel, perhaps with a spa treatment – the facilities at The Imperial are award-winning.

Stay: The Claridges, New Delhi (Superior), The Imperial, New Delhi (Deluxe)

After breakfast you'll take a guided tour of Old Delhi. After a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India – it has a 25,000 person capacity – you'll jump on a rickshaw to explore the colourful alleyways of the old town. Discover the main street of Chandni Chowk, Kinari Bazaar and Asia's largest spice market, stopping along the way to sample delicious street food. This afternoon, you'll continue on a tour of New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. You'll also pass the imposing India Gate, which commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War. 

Stay: The Claridges, New Delhi (Superior), The Imperial, New Delhi (Deluxe)

This morning, head to the airport to board your flight to Leh, before a private transfer takes you to your hotel, surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery and lush barley fields. Due to the high altitude location, relaxing at the hotel tonight is recommended to allow time for proper acclimatisation. 

Stay: Hotel Golden Dragon (Superior), Chamba Camp Thiksey (Deluxe)

Immerse yourself in culture today with visits to the ancient monasteries of Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis. Shey, the former capital of Ladakh, remains an important part of the region's history, while Thiksey is one of the largest and most impressive Gompas in the region, made up of several temples and home to a two‐storied statue of Buddha. And, in Hemis, dedicated to Padmasambhava, you'll observe a series of scenes in which lamas, robed in richly-coloured gowns and wearing masks, parade the courtyard. Dine at your hotel tonight on a menu of delicious regional cuisine.

Stay: Hotel Golden Dragon (Superior), Chamba Camp Thiksey (Deluxe)

Founded in the 18th century, Samker Gompa is the seat of the Head Lama of Ladakh, Tson-Kha-Pa, and features fascinating wall paintings, ornamented shrines and quiet areas for worship. After your visit here, you'll move on to Shanti Stupa's white-domed structure, perched majestically atop a hill in Chanspa. Built in 1991, it is now a popular landmark, due to its religious significance and stunning panoramic views. The formerly royal Leh Palace also overlooks Leh in spectacular style – and the onsite museum contains relics over 450 years old. After touring all three sites, you'll finish the day with a visit to the Leh Temple and a walk back to your accommodation, or a drive to the bustling Leh Bazaar.

Stay: Hotel Golden Dragon (Superior), Chamba Camp Thiksey (Deluxe)

Today you'll enjoy a final breakfast in Leh before setting out on a scenic drive to the Nubra Valley. After passing through Horzey and Gangles Village, the road rises to reach Khardungla at 5602 metres above sea level. In fact, this is the world's highest motorable road, and part of a region that once prospered with trans-Himalayan trade via the famous Silk Road. Among cragged mountains and a patchwork of endless fields, you'll enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Leh. The drive continues on to Khalsar at Shyok Valley, crossing the Khalsar Bridge at the Shyok River. 

Stay: Mystique Meadows Earth Home (Superior), Nubra, Chamba Camp Diskit (Deluxe)

This morning, tour the Samastaling Monastery, a historic site at over 250 years old. Then, the magnificent high-altitude Hunder desert awaits. Diskit's 500 year old Buddhist Monastery, overlooking the entire valley, is your first stop. From there, you'll drive onwards to Hunder, looking out for Double Humped, Hairy and Bactrian Camels as you go. If you wish, add on an exhilarating camel ride across the sand dunes before returning to your accommodation in the Nubra Valley.

Stay: Mystique Meadows Earth Home (Superior), Nubra, Chamba Camp Diskit (Deluxe)

Today you'll explore Turtuk, the last Indian outpost before Pakistan, and the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. Technically part of Baltistan, Turtuk village is culturally, linguistically and architecturally different from the rest of Indian Ladakh. As the chortens and prayer flags of Ladakh disappear, you'll notice the valley begin to narrow and the Shyok river gaining momentum as it rushes towards Kashmir. The village itself is divided into two parts, Turtuk-Youl and Turtuk-Pharol, separated by a glacial stream and connected by bridge.

Stay: Mystique Meadows Earth Home (Superior), Nubra, Chamba Camp Diskit (Deluxe)

Today you'll return south to Leh, with the rest of the day free to spend at leisure. Perhaps visit the town for some final souvenir shopping in the bazaar, or dine at one of the local restaurants. Round it off with a nightcap at the hotel, overlooking the Himalayas and the twinkling lights of Leh below.

Stay: Hotel Golden Dragon (Superior), Chamba Camp Thiksey (Deluxe)

After a final breakfast in Leh, check-out and take your private transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day in Delhi, strolling through backstreets and getting your fill of street food or visiting another temple or two. Alternatively, Dilli Haat Handicraft Village is a great place for some last-minute shopping. Or, simply relax at your hotel, which is in close proximity to the airport, with a spa treatment and some well-earned rest.

Stay: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity (Superior), JW Marriott Aerocity (Deluxe)

A private transfer will take you to the airport this morning to board your flight home to the UK, arriving the same day.