Pakistan and India. Iconic sights and mountains

All the similarities and differences of the two neighboring countries, which used to be one. We will visit major Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikhian holy sites, excavations of the oldest cities on the planet, stunning mountains, noisy capitals and quiet provincial villages. And yes, we will also see the stunning Taj Mahal!

Day 1

Arrival in Karachi, checking into a hotel. City sightseeing: Mausoleum of the Father of the Nation Muhammad Jinnah, the National Museum of Pakistan, St. Patrick's Cathedral, palaces, mosques and markets.
Day 2

Morning departure to Thatta (about 3 hours on the way), where we explore the architecture of the Mughal empire and the mosque of Shah Jahan - the one who has constructed the famous Taj Mahal in India. We will see the largest cemetery in the world - Makli Necropolis. On the way to Thatta we will stop near the Chakundi tombs and archaeological excavations of Banbhore - a city founded by Alexander the Great. Evening departure to Hyderabad (about 2.5 hours on the way). Evening city walk. Night in the hotel.
Day 3

Morning transfer to Lake Manchar (about 3 hours). We will visit floating lake villages with boat houses, get to know the traditions of their inhabitants and observe the unique birds on the shores. After lunch - departure to Mohenjo-Daro (about 2.5 hours), where we will explore the ruins of the ancient city of Harappa civilization. Late evening transfer to Haipur (about 2 hours), from where we will departure to Punjab province in the sleeping train.
Day 4

Arrival in Multan around 10 am, checking into a hotel. We will have the whole day to enjoy the city: the mosques and the mausoleum of Rukne Adam, the city gate and to feel the vibes of the markets in Old City. Night in Multan.
Day 5

Early morning departure to Lahore (about 7 hours on the road). On the way we will stop at Harappa, the most important center of the ancient civilization in the Indus valley. We will visit excavations and local museum. Arrival in Lahore, check-in at the hotel.
Day 6

Today we will experience the cultural capital of Pakistan - the city of Lahore. We are going to visit the Badakhshi mosque, the Lahore Fort and the Minar-e-Pakistan Square. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Shalimar Gardens and drive to the town of Wagah to see the flag lowering ceremony on the Indo-Pakistani border (about 2 hours on the way). Return to Lahore for the night.
Day 7

We continue to explore Lahore - visit Lahore Museum, where you can see the world-famous finds from the excavations of Mohenjo-Daro, enjoy the colorful Lahore bazaar Anarkala, try street food, walk to the Vazir Khan Mosque and the Sufi Date Durbar Shrine and see other interesting places. We then go to the border with India, cross the border and take a short trip (1 hour) to Amritsar where we check into a hotel.
Day 8

We will visit the famous Golden temple, the most revered spiritual site of Sikhism. We will also have lunch with thousands of pilgrims and then take off to the city of Dharamsala (7 hours).
Day 9-10

Arrival in Dharamsala, checking into a hotel in McLeod Ganj suburb. We explore the city, visit Dalai Lama's temple and monasteries. We will also trek to The Dhauladhar range (3-4 hours of walking) to enjoy stunning views of snow covered peaks. Next morning we take a bus to Manali (5 hours) where we check into a hotel in Vashisht guesthouse near hot springs.
Day 11-12

We will enjoy hot springs, local park and visit 16th century Hidimbi Devi Temple. We will also walk to the sacred Bijli Mahadev temple with panoramic views of Kullu and Paravati valleys, visit a waterfall and a museum of Nicholas Roerich, the famous painter who lived in Manali. Night bus to Delhi.
Day 13-14

Departure by minibus or jeep to Leh. The journey takes 2 days, with a stop in the picturesque Keylong. We will cross the passes over 5000 meters above sea level, enjoy the mountain scenery, visit the monasteries. Arrival in Leh, checking into a hotel.
Day 15

Leh is the capital of the Ladakh mountain region. We will see the Royal Palace, the temple of Maitreya and the Spituk monastery, built in the 11th century. We will also walk around the city and enjoy sunset on the Buddhist Shanti stupa.
Day 16-17

Dawn in the grandiose Tiksi monastery, 19 km away from Lech. We will be present during the morning ceremony with the participation of monks-students and enjoy a stunning view of the valley. Next - jeep departure to lake Pangong, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the world, located between India and Tibet, among the picturesque mountains at an altitude of 4350 m. We will spend the night in a camping near the lake, enjoy a stunning dawn and sunset. Return to Leh, on the way, a visit to the monastery of Hemis is possible.
Day 18-19

Flight to Delhi. Checking into a hotel in the historic district. We will see the Lotus Temple, the Red Fort, the old district of Daryaganj, the main mosque of the Great Moguls Jama Masjid, the temple of Kalkaji, Qutb Minar. Next day we will take a train to Agra (3 hours) to see the Taj Mahal and be back to Delhi in the evening.
Day 20

Flight home.

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Trip code: PIND

Tour leader

Katia Shanti, Oksana Loik

At a Glance

Flag lowering ceremony at Wagah border, Taj Mahal, Mountain towns Manali, Leh and Dharmsala, Spituk and Tiksi Monasteries, India's Main Mosque, Golden Temple, Red Fortress, Floating villages, Mohenjo-Daro excavations, Makley Hills

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Group size 12 persons.

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Is this trip for you?

This trip is of average physical grade, it includes walks in cities and small towns, short bus and jeep rides, several long (7-9 hours) trips and one overnight train journey. We will also be moving in high altitudes for up to 5000 meters above sea level. We will also take one short domestic flight from Leh to Delhi. Accommodation in double/twin rooms (sometimes triple rooms) of tourist class hotels and guesthouses, most of them will have hot water and wi fi internet. One night will be spent in tents on the shore of the lake.

Price of the trip includes:

Accommodation during the entire trip;
Leh-Delhi flight;
All transportation including buses, specially rented vehicles and public transportation of all kinds;
Professional guiding services.

To be paid separately: