Himalayan Loop

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi at any time.

Day 2 Amritsar

Amritsar, literally meaning "holy pool of nectar", is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Visit its numerous shrines and temples.

Day 3-4 Lahore

Islamabad is home to the opulent Shah Faisal, the largest mosque in Asia. We stop here on the way to Lahore.

Day 5-6 Peshawar/Khyber Pass

In the bustling markets of Peshawar, you can find exotic spices and local delicacies. The Old City bazaar is a fascinating place to wander around. Make a day trip up the famous Khyber Pass on Afghanistan's doorstep.

Day 7-8 Mingora / Besham

Drive past the confluence of the three greatest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalaya, Karakorum, and Hindu Kush. Evidence of the ancient Silk Road route still exists in places as you wind your way along the dry flats and dizzying canyons of the Indus River.

Day 9-10 Karimabad

Clinging to the hills above the confluence of the Hunza and Nagar Rivers sits the village of Karimabad, home to the impressive Baltit fort. Walk around this beautiful village, chat with the locals, sip tea and shop for unique handicrafts.

Day 11 Tashkurgan

Follow the spectacular Karakoram Highway as it cuts through the mountains. Cross into China at the Khunjarab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world. For centuries this route has been used by the caravans journeying along the Silk Road. Enjoy the views as you pass nomadic Kazakh camps and encounter Tajiks tending their camels and yaks.

Day 12-13 Kashgar

Join the locals for fresh dumplings and tea, watch the horse traders race their prospective animals and see the shepherds buying and selling their flocks at Kashgar's Sunday market.

Day 14-15 Urumqi and Turpan

Visit museums, mummies, and the atmospheric ruins of these two cities. Spend an afternoon in the Grape Valley sampling the local raisins and wine.

Day 16-17 Xining and Trans Tibetan Railway

Sitting on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, Xining has been a military garrison and trading centre since the 16th century.

Day 18-21 Lhasa

Explore the Jokhang, Barkhor, Ptala, the Sera Monastary and other important Tibetan Buddhist sites in this historic city.

Day 22 Gyantse

Built at the centre of the trade routes of Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, Gyantse is overlooked by an impressive fort. Its monastery is one of the finest in central Tibet.

Day 23 Shigatse

Shigatse is the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most richly spectacular and extensive monastic complexes in Tibet. At the centre of town, the local bazaar buzzes with life.

Day 24 Sakya

Once the political centre of Tibet, the walls of Sakya's great fortified monastery are painted a dark grey, typical to buildings in the area.

Day 25 Rhombuk and Everest Base Camp

The view of Qomolangma from the world's highest monastery is incredible and from Everest Base Camp at 5200m, even more stunning.

Day 26 Zhangmu

Leave the Tibetan Plateau behind and plunge straight into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters to the border town of Zhangmu.

Day 27 Kathmandu

The historic cities of the Kathmandu valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. The markets, bazaars, and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, and street sellers.