Discover India's Little Tibet

17 days
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Small Group Tour
Traverse the mountainous landscapes of Northern India, where religions and cultures collide. Journey from golden Amritsar through to the Buddhist enclave of Ladakh, India's Little Tibet. Along the way, witness sacred sites and rituals, from ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to magnificent Hindu temples, and take part in religious and cultural festivals. ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Traverse the Himalayan landscapes of Northern India where religions and cultures collide
    • Soak up the atmosphere in Amritsar at the Sikh's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple
    • Learn about Tibetan Buddhism and visit the home of the Dalai Lama on this epic journey to Ladakh, India's Little Tibet

What's this trip about?

    Traverse the mountainous landscapes of Northern India, where religions and cultures collide. Journey from golden Amritsar through to the Buddhist enclave of Ladakh, India's Little Tibet. Along the way, witness sacred sites and rituals, from ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to magnificent Hindu temples, and take part in religious and cultural festivals. Explore Amritsar - Soak up the atmosphere at the Sikh's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple. Journey to Leh and Dharamsala - Learn about Tibetan Buddhism and visit the home of the Dalai Lama. Cross the Western Himalayas - Journey through some of the highest mountain passes in the world like Tanglang La.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityAmritsar
End CityDelhi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bar
  • Delhi
  • Fes
  • India Gate
  • Jama Masjid
  • Kashmir
  • Ladakh
  • Lhasa
  • Red Fort
  • Tibet

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Amritsar

Our tour starts in Amritsar. The city is at the spiritual heart of the Sikh religion with its magnificent Golden Temple. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet us in the hotel reception at 4.30pm for a welcome meeting followed by a visit to the Golden...

Day 2 Travel to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama

Today we'll drive out of Amritsar and cross the plains of the Punjab before making our way up to the old British hill station of Dharamsala. Until 1959 this was a quiet unassuming town, but that changed when the Dalai Lama settled here after fleeing Tibet at the time ...

Day 3 Free day to explore Dharamsala's temples

We'll spend this morning in McLeodganj. If the Dalai Lama is giving one of his occasional public audiences, we might be lucky enough to be granted permission to attend. This afternoon is free for you to explore the town more at your own leisure. Alternatively, you mig...

Day 4 Drive to Mandi and visit the Tirloknath Temple

Leaving Dharamsala today, we'll continue to Mandi. Once an important town on the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is now a small temple town held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. On arrival, we'll walk to see some of the 81 temples in the town, many of which are huddled on the banks of the Beas River.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Visit Nagar Castle en route to Manali

Today we'll follow the Beas River north through the lovely Kulu Valley. A slight detour will take us up to the medieval Naggar Castle which overlooks the valley. Our destination is the picturesque town of Manali, surrounded by forests and mountains.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Walk in villages to aid acclimatisation

The day is free to explore the town and the many picturesque villages nearby. Our tour leader will also organise an optional half-day walk to some of the traditional villages to the north of Manali. Alternatively, you can also visit the Hadimba Devi Temple or Vashisht...

Day 7 Travel through Atal tunnel to Jespa

Today we'll climb higher still as we travel from Manali to the small mountain village of Jespa. Our route takes us through the Atal tunnel, a newly constructed road that allows easier access to the region. The journey will take around three hours and we'll stop to vis...

Day 8 Free day in Jespa to acclimatise

Jespa is a small village, home to less than 1000 people, and we'll spend today strolling around and getting to meet the local community. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and set on the banks of a river it's a great spot to relax and acclimatise a little more.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 Drive to Sarchu via the Baralacha La Pass (4891m)

Today, we'll gradually travel higher as we head for Sarchu. We'll climb to the top of the Baralacha La Pass (4891m) and then descend to our campsite for the night. The large pre-erected tents are set up each summer when the Leh to Manali highway is open. They're fully...

Day 10 Experience the Gata Loops on the road to Leh

We'll set off for the long drive to Leh this morning, winding our way up through the Gata loops, an amazing series of 21 hair-pin bends, before crossing the Tanglang La Pass at 5328m - the highest point of our journey. Leh was once a staging post on the Silk Road fr...

Day 11 Spend a day watching the masked dances at the Daktok Festival

Today we'll spend the day at the annual Daktok Festival. Translated as 'Rock Roofed Cave' there's a small cave deep inside the monastery said to have been a meditation spot for Guru Rimpoche. The festival is attended by thousands of pilgrims, and we'll join them in li...

Day 12 Visit monasteries at Thiksey, Tak Tak and Hemis

The predominant faith of the residents here is the Lamaistic form of Buddhism in Tibet. This is seen clearly in the monastery (gompa) architecture and by the extraordinary number of gods and demons that give order to the daily life of the community. Today we'll have...

Day 13 Raft on the Indus River en route to Alchi

This morning there's the option to do some white water rafting on the Indus River (if water levels permit). Lifejackets are provided but we recommend that you're able to swim a minimum of 25 metres unaided. In the afternoon, we'll visit historic Alchi Gompa. Alchi i...

Day 14 Explore Saspol Caves and Rizong Monastery

Today there are a few optional walks planned. The first takes us back across the river to Saspol, then up to the nearby Saspol caves with views across the Indus Valley. This afternoon, we can take a slightly longer and very scenic route back down to the Indus Valley a...

Day 15 Walk to Likir Gompa before return to Leh

This morning we drive up to Likir Gompa, which houses some beautiful murals and is guarded by a 10-metre golden Buddha, there's also a small museum of religious artefacts to explore. We'll then drive back to Leh, with the afternoon left free. You might opt to walk t...

Day 16 Fly to Delhi and explore the city

Today we'll take an early morning flight to Delhi and transfer to our hotel. After checking in we'll begin a city tour of some of the main sights of New and Old Delhi. The Indian capital is something of a phoenix rising again and again out of its own ruins. New Delhi ...

Day 17 Trip ends in Delhi

Our tour ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 1 Join trip in Amritsar

Our tour starts in Amritsar. The city is at the spiritual heart of the Sikh religion with its magnificent Golden Temple. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet us in the hotel reception at 4.30pm for a welcome meeting followed by a visit to the Golden...

Day 2 Travel to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama

Today we'll drive out of Amritsar and cross the plains of the Punjab before making our way up to the old British hill station of Dharamsala. Until 1959 this was a quiet unassuming town, but that changed when the Dalai Lama settled here after fleeing Tibet at the time ...

Day 3 Free day to explore Dharamsala's temples

We'll spend this morning in McLeodganj. If the Dalai Lama is giving one of his occasional public audiences, we might be lucky enough to be granted permission to attend. This afternoon is free for you to explore the town more at your own leisure. Alternatively, you mig...

Day 4 Drive to Mandi and visit the Tirloknath Temple

Leaving Dharamsala today, we'll continue to Mandi. Once an important town on the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is now a small temple town held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. On arrival, we'll walk to see some of the 81 temples in the town, many of which are huddled on the banks of the Beas River.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Visit Nagar Castle en route to Manali

Today we'll follow the Beas River north through the lovely Kulu Valley. A slight detour will take us up to the medieval Naggar Castle which overlooks the valley. Our destination is the picturesque town of Manali, surrounded by forests and mountains.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Walk in villages to aid acclimatisation

The day is free to explore the town and the many picturesque villages nearby. Our tour leader will also organise an optional half-day walk to some of the traditional villages to the north of Manali. Alternatively, you can also visit the Hadimba Devi Temple or Vashisht...

Day 7 Travel through Atal tunnel to Jespa

Today we'll climb higher still as we travel from Manali to the small mountain village of Jespa. Our route takes us through the Atal tunnel, a newly constructed road that allows easier access to the region. The journey will take around three hours and we'll stop to vis...

Day 8 Free day in Jespa to acclimatise

Jespa is a small village, home to less than 1000 people, and we'll spend today strolling around and getting to meet the local community. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and set on the banks of a river it's a great spot to relax and acclimatise a little more.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 Drive to Sarchu via the Baralacha La Pass (4891m)

Today, we'll gradually travel higher as we head for Sarchu. We'll climb to the top of the Baralacha La Pass (4891m) and then descend to our campsite for the night. The large pre-erected tents are set up each summer when the Leh to Manali highway is open. They're fully...

Day 10 Experience the Gata Loops on the road to Leh

We'll set off for the long drive to Leh this morning, winding our way up through the Gata loops, an amazing series of 21 hair-pin bends, before crossing the Tanglang La Pass at 5328m - the highest point of our journey. Leh was once a staging post on the Silk Road fr...

Day 11 Spend a day watching the masked dances at the Hemis Festival

Today we'll spend the day at the Hemis Festival, an annual celebration dedicated to the Lord Padmasambhava. Hemis Gompa, situated 48km outside Leh, is the largest and most important monastery in Ladakh, a treasure house of golden statues, gem-studded stupas, rare book...

Day 12 Visit monasteries at Thiksey, Tak Tak and Hemis

The predominant faith of the residents here is the Lamaistic form of Buddhism in Tibet. This is seen clearly in the monastery (gompa) architecture and by the extraordinary number of gods and demons that give order to the daily life of the community. Today we'll have...

Day 13 Raft on the Indus River en route to Alchi

This morning there's the option to do some white water rafting on the Indus River (if water levels permit). Lifejackets are provided but we recommend that you're able to swim a minimum of 25 metres unaided. In the afternoon, we'll visit historic Alchi Gompa. Alchi i...

Day 14 Explore Saspol Caves and Rizong Monastery

Today there are a few optional walks planned. The first takes us back across the river to Saspol, then up to the nearby Saspol caves with views across the Indus Valley. This afternoon, we can take a slightly longer and very scenic route back down to the Indus Valley a...

Day 15 Walk to Likir Gompa before return to Leh

This morning we drive up to Likir Gompa, which houses some beautiful murals and is guarded by a 10-metre golden Buddha, there's also a small museum of religious artefacts to explore. We'll then drive back to Leh, with the afternoon left free. You might opt to walk t...

Day 16 Fly to Delhi and explore the city

Today we'll take an early morning flight to Delhi and transfer to our hotel. After checking in we'll begin a city tour of some of the main sights of New and Old Delhi. The Indian capital is something of a phoenix rising again and again out of its own ruins. New Delhi ...

Day 17 Trip ends in Delhi

Our tour ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 1 Join trip in Amritsar

Our tour starts in Amritsar. The city is at the spiritual heart of the Sikh religion with its magnificent Golden Temple. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet us in the hotel reception at 4.30pm for a welcome meeting followed by a visit to the Golden...

Day 2 Travel to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama

Today we'll drive out of Amritsar and cross the plains of the Punjab before making our way up to the old British hill station of Dharamsala. Until 1959 this was a quiet unassuming town, but that changed when the Dalai Lama settled here after fleeing Tibet at the time ...

Day 3 Free day to explore Dharamsala's temples

We'll spend this morning in McLeodganj. If the Dalai Lama is giving one of his occasional public audiences, we might be lucky enough to be granted permission to attend. This afternoon is free for you to explore the town more at your own leisure. Alternatively, you mig...

Day 4 Drive to Mandi and visit the Tirloknath Temple

Leaving Dharamsala today, we'll continue to Mandi. Once an important town on the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is now a small temple town held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. On arrival, we'll walk to see some of the 81 temples in the town, many of which are huddled on the banks of the Beas River.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Visit Nagar Castle en route to Manali

Today we'll follow the Beas River north through the lovely Kulu Valley. A slight detour will take us up to the medieval Naggar Castle which overlooks the valley. Our destination is the picturesque town of Manali, surrounded by forests and mountains.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Walk in villages to aid acclimatisation

The day is free to explore the town and the many picturesque villages nearby. Our tour leader will also organise an optional half-day walk to some of the traditional villages to the north of Manali. Alternatively, you can also visit the Hadimba Devi Temple or Vashisht...

Day 7 Travel through Atal tunnel to Jespa

Today we'll climb higher still as we travel from Manali to the small mountain village of Jespa. Our route takes us through the Atal tunnel, a newly constructed road that allows easier access to the region. The journey will take around three hours and we'll stop to vis...

Day 8 Free day in Jespa to acclimatise

Jespa is a small village, home to less than 1000 people, and we'll spend today strolling around and getting to meet the local community. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and set on the banks of a river it's a great spot to relax and acclimatise a little more.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 Drive to Sarchu via the Baralacha La Pass (4891m)

Today, we'll gradually travel higher as we head for Sarchu. We'll climb to the top of the Baralacha La Pass (4891m) and then descend to our campsite for the night. The large pre-erected tents are set up each summer when the Leh to Manali highway is open. They're fully...

Day 10 Experience the Gata Loops on the road to Leh

We'll set off for the long drive to Leh this morning, winding our way up through the Gata loops, an amazing series of 21 hair-pin bends, before crossing the Tanglang La Pass at 5328m - the highest point of our journey. Leh was once a staging post on the Silk Road f...

Day 11 Spend a day watching the masked dances at the Phyang Festival

Today we'll spend a full day experiencing the annual Phyang Festival. The Phyang monastery is located just west of Leh and belongs to the red hat school of Buddhism. The festival features the sacred Chham dance, a dance performed by the monks and said to ward off evil...

Day 12 Visit the monasteries at Thiksey, Tak Tak and Hemis

The predominant faith of the residents here is the Lamaistic form of Buddhism in Tibet. This is seen clearly in the monastery (gompa) architecture and by the extraordinary number of gods and demons that give order to the daily life of the community. Today we'll have...

Day 13 Raft on the Indus River en route to Alchi

This morning there's the option to do some white water rafting on the Indus River (if water levels permit). Lifejackets are provided but we recommend that you're able to swim a minimum of 25 metres unaided. In the afternoon, we'll visit historic Alchi Gompa. Alchi i...

Day 14 Explore Saspol Caves and Rizong Monastery

Today there are a few optional walks planned. The first takes us back across the river to Saspol, then up to the nearby Saspol caves with views across the Indus Valley. This afternoon, we can take a slightly longer and very scenic route back down to the Indus Valley a...

Day 15 Walk to Likir Gompa before return to Leh

This morning we drive up to Likir Gompa, which houses some beautiful murals and is guarded by a 10-metre golden Buddha, there's also a small museum of religious artefacts to explore. We'll then drive back to Leh, with the afternoon left free. You might opt to walk t...

Day 16 Fly to Delhi and explore the city

Today we'll take an early morning flight to Delhi and transfer to our hotel. After checking in we'll begin a city tour of some of the main sights of New and Old Delhi. The Indian capital is something of a phoenix rising again and again out of its own ruins. New Delhi ...

Day 17 Trip ends in Delhi

Our tour ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,110
Price per day$183
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
25 Jun 2025
11 Jul 2025
$3,110
$750
12 Jul 2025
28 Jul 2025
$3,110
$750

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
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79
T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2024

Written on

Discover India's Little Tibet

This holiday requires a level of fitness that copes with altitude and heat. The hotels are largely OK , three are good but the one in Mandi is filthy with an urgent...

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2024

Written on

Discover India's Little Tibet

POSITIVES This is an amazing multifaceted trip. Learning about the partition of the Punjab by the British, the Dalaï Lamas place of excile, the growth of Tibetan Bu...

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2024

Written on

Discover India's Little Tibet

The trip was full of variety where it constantly changed and evolved; with lots of wonderful surprises and never got predictable. This was my 3rd trip to India; but ...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD, Flight,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD, Flight
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
IIndia: Holders of passports endorsed British citizen, as well as Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders may be eligible for the e-Tourist Visa to enter India. Unfortunately the Indian government are not currently granting visas for anybody travelling with a Canadian passport. The visa can be applied for through the official Indian government visa website only - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . Please check all eligibility criteria that can be found on the website but important points are listed below - You must be arriving into one of 29 selected entry points which can be found via the official Indian Government website link above. However, you can exit from any of the authorised immigration check posts in India. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping. Visa applications will take approximately 4 days to process. There are different validity visas and the costs are as follows: 30-day validity (travelling between April and June) - $10 30-day validity (travelling between July and March) - $25 1-year validity - $40 5-year validity- $80 Those applying for a 30 day electronic visa can only apply within 30 days of arrival for your visa to be valid. Furthermore double entry is permitted and you can only obtain two 30-day visas in a calendar year. Please note these costs are subject to frequent change so you should check on the official Indian government visa website mentioned above. Biometric data will be collected on arrival in India. If you are not eligible for the e-Tourist Visa, please refer to VFS Global to apply for your Indian visa - https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/how_to_apply.html Whilst the online form offers a relatively quick way to apply for a visa, some applicants have reported difficulty in completing the form. If you do require assistance, then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. They can complete the online visa on your behalf for a service fee + the visa cost. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com http://www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
      • Breakfast : 16
      • Dinner : 6
      • Lunch : 1
    • Breakfast : 16
    • Dinner : 6
    • Lunch : 1
  • Breakfast : 16
  • Dinner : 6
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
explore-LT

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