Festival Tours

11N/12D Hornbill Festival Tour Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year from 1 to 10 December, in Nagaland, Northeast India. It is also called the ‘Festival of Festivals’.

Hornbill festival began in 2000 CE with an intention to promote the 16 indigenous tribes of Nagaland, their culture and products to the rest of the World.

Named after a bird, who is a symbol of ‘Respect’ and ‘Folklore’ among the Nagas, it is a week-long fair which commences from December, 1st and is usually extended till the 10th day. The dates for the festival, therefore, are December, 1st – 10th every year.

The Hornbill Festival gives you a unique insight into Naga culture, tradition and way of living. Besides that you could participate in the Chili eating competition, try delicious local cuisine, drink some freshly brewed Rice Beer and watch tribal performances.

Hornbill Festival is a sensory extravaganza which promises rich experiences and a truly memorable vacation. Bookings are open for Hornbill Festival Tour 2020.

Tour Details

Day 1, 23 Nov 2020

Arrival Delhi – by International flight

Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Check-in time is 1400 hours. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2, 24 Nov 2020

Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi Or we can keep same day trip to Agra (especially for 1^st time travelers).

Day 3, 25 Nov 2020

Delhi – Guwahati by Flight

Arrive Guwahati and transfer to hotel. Later visit Kamakhya Devi Temple, on Nilachal hill, 08 kms west of Guwahati city, is one of the most venerated shaktipeeths in India.

The temple is dedicated to goddess Kamakhya an incarnation of Sati. It is on Nilachal hill, says the Shiva Purana, that the yoni or creative organ of Sati fell when Vishnu, in a bid to save the world from the Shiva’s tandava nrittya or dance of destruction, cut her dead body into 51 pieces with his suddarshan chakra. The garbhagriha deep inside the temple, marks the sacred spot and is kept covered with red silken cloth.

Overnight in Hotel.

Day 4, 26 Nov 2020

Guwahati – Kaziranga National Park drive (approx. 240 kms/4-5 hrs.)

Morning after breakfast drive to Kaziranga National Park and on arrival transfer to your hotel for lunch. After lunch, your first Jeep safari in Central Zone of the park.

Overnight in Hotel.

IMP NOTE: Kaziranga National Park is closed from 01^st May TILL 31^st Oct every year.

Day 5, 27 Nov 2020

Kaziranga National Park

Early morning elephant safari in Central zone and return hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast go for Morning Jeep safari in Western Zone. After lunch we take our last Jeep Safari to Eastern Zone. Overnight in Hotel.

Jeep Safari Timings:
Morning Safari starts from 07.00 am till 09.30 am for 02 hours. And Afternoon Safari starts from 01.30 pm till 03.30 pm for 02 hours.

Elephant Safari Timings:
Central Zone of the park at 05.30 am and at 06.30 am for 40 minutes respectively. Elephant Safari – Approx. 45 mins duration

Note: Elephant safari for foreign nationals are held only on Kaziranga Range, Kohora, Central Range (Elephant ride is subject to availability from the Forest Dept.)

Allocation of elephant riding seats and timings are regulated by the forest department, Kaziranga National Park, Government of Assam. The tickets for the same are issued only on the previous evening of the ride after 7:30 PM. We will try our utmost to avail the seats but cannot guarantee the same

Day 6, 28 Nov 2020

Kaziranga – Majuli Island drive + cruise (approx. 110 kms/3 hrs. + 1 hrs cruise)

After breakfast drive to Nimatighat to catch your ferry at 10.30 am for Majuli Island. On arrival and after lunch we visit Samuguri Satra famous for making Mask.

Later we visit Uttar Kamalabari Satra, oldest satra of Majuli Island.

Evening free and overnight in hotel.

Majuli is the largest fresh Water mid-river deltoid island in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of the river Brahmaputra in Assam. This Island, with a population of 1.6 Lakhs, majority being tribal, is endowed with rich heritage and has been the abode of the neo-vaishnavite culture. The island is a bio-diversity hotspot and has rich ecology with rare species of flora and fauna.

Day 7, 29 Nov 2020

Majuli Island – Jorhat cruise + drive (1 ½ hrs cruise + 30 kms/45 mins drive)

Morning visit Mishing tribal village by walk and drive back to Kamalabari ghat for your return ferry. On arrival at Nimatighat straight drive to your Tea Retreat. Overnight at resort.

Day 8, 30 Nov 2020

Jorhat – Kohima drive via Dimapur (approx. 195 kms/6-7 hrs.)

Morning after breakfast drive to Kohima via Dimapur visiting Kachari Dynasty Palace Ruins.

After lunch in Dimapur continue drive to Kohima and on arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 9, 01 Dec 2020

Kohima

After breakfast visit Khonoma Village, (approx. 25 kms/45 mins), Khonoma village is the last village where Nagas fought their last battle against the Britishers in 1879.

Afternoon attend Hornbill Festival at Kisama village along with inaugural event/function. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10, 02 Dec 2020

Kohima – Full day attend Hornbill Festival at Kisama. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 11, 03 Dec 2020

Kohima – Dimapur airport drop (approx. 70 kms/3 hrs.)

Morning after breakfast drive back to Dimapur airport for your flight to Delhi via Kolkata

By late evening, arrival at Delhi airport and remain in transit to catch your flight back home.

Day 12, 04 Dec 2020

Departure Delhi Airport

End of Tour

4N/5D Ladakh Hemis Festival Tour from Delhi

Dressed in colorful, vibrant brocades with brightly decorated and richly adorned paper-mache masks the monastery lamas perform to a cacophony of drums, cymbals and long horns at the birthday celebrations of Guru Padamasambhava. Join us in Leh, the capital of the former Kingdom of Lakakh to discover, Buddhist gompas and monasteries perched on soaring hilltops, ruinous ancient palaces, snow peaked Himalayan landscapes and the local culture and ancient traditions of the annual Hemis festival.

Dates : 30June – 1st July 2020

4N/5D Ladakh Hemis Festival Tour from Delhi

Delhi – Leh – Delhi

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight from Dehli to Leh

Monday. Delhi – Leh. Early morning flight from Delhi to Leh. Flights can be booked with us or independently. Upon arrival to Leh onward transfer to your guesthouse where the remains of the day can be spent at leisure.

Ladakh is a vast highland desert sitting at 3524 metres above sea level, lying between the Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges characterized by a desolate moonlike landscape and snowy peaks.

The town is still dominated by the now ruined Leh Palace, former mansion of the royal family of Ladakh, built in the same style and about the same time as the Potala Palace. The 28 000 residents of the the city are predominantly Buddhists and accordingly, Leh is the very much the heart and soul of Buddhist culture in the region. Overnight – Leh

Day 2: The Hemis Festival & city sightseeing tour

Hemis Gompa, is the biggest monastery in Ladakh and the site of the annual festival commemorating the birth of Guru Padamasambhava, who is said to have brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet. Revered throughout the Himalayan ranges and considered the second Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, the Lotus-born (popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Master) was invited from India in the 8th century to conquer the dark and hostile forces transforming them into guardians and protectors of the pure dharma. In the process the guru brought Vajrayana Buddhism – a revelation of the complete and perfect path to awakening.

Followers believe that their path is the purest form of Buddhism with the goal of liberation from suffering and attainment of enlightenment. It is believed to be the path actually practiced by Buddha with the teaching indelible, even still today within the entire Himalayan region. This morning we make our way to the Hemis monastery (1.5 hrs drive), the largest and richest monastery in all of Ladakh. In the courtyard filled to capacity with local Ladakhis and pilgrims (at 9am) Guru Padamasambhava birthday celebrations will commence.

A raised dais with a richly cushioned seat with a finely painted small Tibetan table is placed with the ceremonial items – cups full of holy water, uncooked rice, tormas made of dough and butter and incense sticks. A number of musicians play the traditional music with four pairs of cymbals, large-pan drums, small trumpets and large size wind instruments. Next to them a small space is assigned for the lamas to sit.

The festival highlight is the gathering of the lamas around the central flagpole performing the mystic mask dances (Chams) and sacred plays. Chams are essentially a part of Tantric tradition, performed only in the gompas that follow the Tantric Vajrayana teachings and where the monks perform tantric worship.

Dressed in colourful bright brocades with vibrantly decorated and richly adorned paper-mache masks (some extending over 1 metre in height) the masked dancers simulate combat between good spirits and evil demons to the cacophony of drums, cymbals and long horns. The crowd unites in uproarious song and dance when the dough idol of evil is destroyed by the leader of black hat dancers signifying that good has prevailed.

This afternoon offers a guided sightseeing tour of the town, dominated by Sengge Namgyal’s, nine storey palace. The colossal stone structure is one of the most captivating architectural ruins of the region. Built in traditional Tibetan style it sits on the foothills of the barren landscape. Constructed in the 17th century as the residential palace for the King to mark the reunifying Upper and Lower Ladakh.

Above Leh Palace, on Namgyal Tsemo (Victory Peak) overlooking the town, are the ruins of the earliest royal residence at Leh a fortress type structure built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century.

Visits will also be made to Sankar Gompa to view the image of Avalokitesvara, inset with turquoise and shown with 1000 heads, arms and feet and 100,000 eyes, Shanti Stupa – built to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and inaugurated by his holiness the Dalai Lama in 1985.

Overnight – Leh

Day 3: Time to Explore

Today offers free time for you to independently explore the area. You may wish to return to the Hemis Grompa today as the festival continues (on a smaller scale) with a program of music, song, dance and drama. Transportation to the monastery can be arranged locally should you require. If staying in town for the day considering visiting the Leh bazaar.

The main sites to visit are the Jokhang, the new main Buddhist temple built in the 1980s by the Ladakh Buddhist association and an imposing mosque reflecting a mixture of Islamic and Tibetan architecture that accommodating more than 500 worshipers dating from the late 17th century situated opposite each other.

Overnight – Leh & Ladakh

Day 4: Shey and Thiksey Monestories, Stok Palace

Today offers guided tours of Shey and Thiksey monasteries and Stok Palace.

Shey monastery situated on a hilltop, 15km from Leh, was the summer palace of the royal family of the region. The monastery houses a two storey high-seated image of Buddha cast from copper and covered with gold leaf. It is also beleived that Kings of Leh were born here, in the monastery.

Thiksey monastery is situated on a hilltop and the views of the green Indus valley from its rooftop are splendid. This monastery has a number of chambers full of statues and stupas. Courtyard murals are bright and this imposing structure is in many respects a replica of Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Stok Palace now operates as a museum where in the Sengge Namgyal family heirlooms and relics are displayed. Overnight – Leh & Ladakh

Day 5: Leh to Delhi by flight

Friday. Leh – Delhi. Early this morning (dictated by flight times) we transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi arriving at approximately 8:30am. Later today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward international flight.

End of Tour

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4N/5D Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival Tour

Head north to the Punjab and attend the amazing Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival in Anandpur Sahib! Experience magnificent displays of horsemanship and exciting mock fighting (Gatka), witness the tremendous colors of the Sikh faith, including the stunning blue and orange blend of the Nehang Sikh Army.

Dates – 10 March to 12 March 2020

11N/12D Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival Tour

Delhi – Anandpur Sahib – Kikar – Delhi

Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to India! Arrive into New Delhi and be transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure exploring India’s capital. Overnight – Delhi

Days 2 – 3: Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib

Delhi – Kangar Village. After breakfast on day 2 we climb aboard the Shatabdi Express train north to Chandigarh, passing through the picturesque state of Haryana which is blessed with lush green scenery and beautiful lakes and rivers. Upon arrival in Chandigarh we are driven to the tranquil Kikar Lodge in Kangar Village.

This is our base for the next 3 nights, while we attend the prestigious Hola Mohalla festival in the nearby holy city of Anandpur Sahib. Hola Mohalla is an annual 3 day festival which occurs during the first lunar month of Chet.

We spend the remains of day 2 and day 3 at the Holla Mohalla Festival, where we’ll witness all the colorful festivities which include dramatic mock martial arts battles (known as Gatka), impressive displays of weaponry, archery and wrestling.

There’s also music, poetry and prayers, singing and chanting, while food is served to pilgrims from all castes and creeds by women from the neighboring villages, who set up langars (community kitchens). This is impressive and humbling to watch as regardless of caste, all Sikh’s sit together.

There are also exciting horse riding displays from the Nahib Sikh Army where the riders gallop bareback, performing tricks like riding astride two horses. One of the main attractions at the festival are the Nehangs – a prestigious armed Sikh order who wear a striking blend of blue and orange, with twisted moustaches and staggeringly giant embellished turbans. Any keen photographers will have a whale of a time here with all the amazing sights and vibrant colors on show. Overnight – Kangar Village

Day 4: Kikar

Today is yours to spend at leisure. Anyone who wants to return to the Hola Mohalla Festival can do so, or there are plenty of other forms of entertainment. The lodge is surrounded by nature trails for any keen walkers and wildlife is here in abundance. Sporting activities include volleyball and badminton and there’s the opportunity to take a leisurely buffalo cart or tractor ride. Overnight – Kangar Village

Day 5: Delhi

Kangar – Chandigarh – Delhi. Today we travel back to Chandigarh and explore its wonderful Rock Garden. This unique attraction displays numerous sculptures made entirely from industrial and urban waste.

Look out for sculptures made out of mudguards and marbles, broken bangles and brake pads or even handle bars and hubcaps! Next we head over to Sukhna Lake. This picturesque manmade lake is 3 km in length and is very popular with water sports fans and is a great place to relax and unwind. Early this evening we travel by train back down to Delhi.

Once back in Delhi we are transferred back to the airport for onward journeys. Tour end.

OPTION – Add on 6 days Golden Triangle tour of Delhi Agra Jaipur!

If you are coming to India for the first time, have a few more days available then you may consider adding a Golden Triangle Tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur to the above tour plan for a rich experience. This is the best option because the 3 cities have unique past, forts, palaces and museums which offer a unique insight into the past.

Day 6: Old Delhi

This morning We’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid – India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat – the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more.

Tonight, we enjoy Dinner at a restaurant specializing in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight – Delhi

Day 7: Taj Mahal

Delhi – Agra. Departing Delhi, we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital. Here, we will visit the legendary Taj Mahal.

Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers. Continuing, we visit Agra fort, which boasts some of India’s finest Mughal buildings behind it’s fortified walls. Overnight – Agra

Day 8: Agra

Agra – Jaipur. En route to Jaipur, we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandoned due to lack of water.

We enjoy lunch at Udai Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, before taking a walk through the nearby rural village Peharsar. Overnight – Jaipur

Day 9: Jaipur

After breakfast we travel to the 16th century Amber Fort.

An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza.

Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. Overnight – Jaipur

Day 10: Village life, rural India

Jaipur – Surajgarh/ Shekhawati region. Today, we drive to the semi-desert Shekhawati region.

The small towns in this region became important trading posts, a lasting legacy of which are the beautiful painted havelis (mansions) constructed by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Afternoon village walk and time to relax. Overnight – Surajgarh

Day 11: Surajgarh to Delhi

Shekhawati region – Delhi. Returning to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. Overnight – Delhi

Day 12: Delhi

Saturday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport.

End of Tour

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14N/15D Jaisalmer Desert Festival Tour from Delhi

Join us on a Grand Rajasthan Tour – the ultimate trip through the Land of the Rajput Kings with the unique opportunity to experience the exciting spectacle of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. As the drums of Rajasthan beat out aloud brightly adorned elephants with their mahouts and tassel laden camels and riders, colourful floats, singers, dancers and marching bands will waltz on by in the city’s annual street parade.

Dates: 03-05 February 2023

14N/15D Jaisalmer Desert Festival Tour from Delhi

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Surajgarh – Bikaner – Jaislmer – Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur – Delhi

Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Delhi, included transfer to hotel. Overnight – Delhi

Day 2: Sightseeing in Old & New Delhi

This morning, our Welcome Meeting takes place. We’ll then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid – India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat – the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more.

Tonight, we enjoy Dinner at a restaurant specializing in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight – Delhi

Day 3: The Taj Mahal

Departing Delhi, we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital.

Here we explore the legendary Taj Mahal. Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers.

Continuing, we visit Agra fort, which boasts some of India’s finest Mughal buildings behind it’s fortified walls. We also visit a marble craftshop. Overnight – Agra

Day 4: Jaipur

Agra – Jaipur. En route to Jaipur we visit the stunning former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri – Emperor Akbar’s vision in red sandstone.

We enjoy lunch at Udai Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, before continuing our journey to Jaipur. Overnight – Jaipur

Day 5: Jaipur

This morning, we travel beyond Jaipur to the 16th century Amber Fort.

An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza.

Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory.

Overnight – Jaipur

Day 6: Surajgarh – rural India

Jaipur – Surajgarh/ Shekhawati region. Today, we drive to the semi-desert Shekhawati region.

The small towns in this region became important trading posts, a lasting legacy of which are the beautiful painted havelis (mansions) constructed by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy an afternoon village walk. Overnight – Surajgarh

Day 7: Bikaner

Surajgarh – Bikaner. Travelling west, our next stop is the 14th century desert town of Bikaner.

Once an important staging post on the great caravan routes, much of the atmospheric old town which we will explore is still encircled by massive fortified walls. Within these walls are havelis, artisan shops and people going about their daily lives.

We also visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort & museum, built between 1587 and 1593 during the rule of Rai Singh. Overnight – Bikaner (B)

Day 8: Jaisalmer

Bikaner – Jaisalmer. Driving through the Rajasthani Thar desert we arrive at the medieval caravan outpost of Jaisalmer, one of the jewels in India’s crown. Exquisite wood and yellow sandstone buildings dot the town and within Jaisalmer Fort are homes, hotels and shops hidden in ancient lane ways.

Late afternoon and evening at lesiure. Overnight – Jaisalmer

Day 9: Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Bright and early this morning we take a guided tour of the Jaisalmer Fort. Today we have a wonderful opportunity to experience the exciting spectacle of the golden city’s grand parade. As the drums of Rajasthan beat out aloud brightly adorned elephants with their mahouts and tassel laden camels and riders, colourful floats, singers, dancers and marching bands will waltz on by in the city’s annual street parade.

Afterward we’ll wait in readiness at the First Gate of mammoth stone fort. Here, with the honey colored fortress as a backdrop there will be plenty of photo opportunities as the procession marches by. Then, together we can walk alongside the festival and street parade as it weaves its way through the city streets of the Rajputs to gates of the town stadium.

We too will enter the stadium (scheduled to arrive at 12 noon) and watch the festival events for an hour or so before continue with our city sightseeing tour (time permitting).

Later in the afternoon after time to freshen up and have some lunch we enjoy a camel ride across the vast, rolling sand dunes of the desert. Overnight – Jaisalmer

Day 10: Jodhpur & the Mighty Thar Desert

Jaisalmer – Jodhpur. An interesting drive through increasingly varied scenery takes us to Jodhpur, a town at the edge of the mighty Thar Desert.

Dominated by Meherangarh Fort which sits majestically atop a hill, Jodhpur is known as the Blue City.

This is because of the coloured houses in the old town, painted indigo. We’ll enjoy some touring in this colourful Rajasthani city, taking in the mighty fort and bazaars of the old city which are gathered around the city’s tall clock tower. Overnight – Jodhpur

Day 11: Ranakpur

Jodhpur – Ranakpur. Leaving Jodhpur, we drive to Ranakpur, a small town tucked away in a remote valley and famed for its beautiful 14th century Jain temples.

We’ll enjoy some exploration here and time to relax at our hotel. Overnight – Ranakpur (B)

Days 12 – 13: Ranakpur – Udaipur – picturesque Lake Pichola

Continuing south, we arrive at Udaipur. An oasis of cool, with its massive lake and Venetian-like appearance, Udaipur is one of the most romantic towns in Rajasthan.

A favorite amongst travelers, Udaipur is crammed full of palaces and temples. During our stay we’ll enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola, plus touring of the imposing City Palace, not to mention free time to explore and perhaps shop for colorful Rajasthani souvenirs and Indian spices.

Overnight – Udaipur

Day 14: Fly back to Delhi

Udaipur – Delhi. Departure transfer to the airport to board a morning flight to Delhi / Mumbai, see note below. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the hotel or to head out and further explore Delhi. Overnight – Delhi

Day 15: Delhi

Saying goodbye to our new found friends, our tour ends, hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport.

End of Tour

Get a Quote: Call/Whatsapp: +91 9810954649 or Fill Contact Form

4N/5D Pushkar Camel Fair Tour from Delhi

Discover the fascinating spectacle of cattle trading, religious pilgrimage, celebration and festivity at Pushkar Camel Fair. Aside from the serious business of livestock trading, there’s the longest mustache competition, a camel beauty pageant, a cricket match, musicians, dancers, magicians and snake charmers hundreds of authentic stalls to explore.

Dates: 22 – 30 Nov 2020

4N/5D Pushkar Camel Fair Tour from Delhi

Delhi – Pushkar – Ajmer – Delhi

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Delhi

Welcome to India and the start of your holiday!We will pick you from the Airport and take you to a pre booked hotel. After checkin, relax for a few hours.

In the afternoon we will take you on sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Explore the colourful sights of Delhi. Opt to visit the imposing Red Fort, Jama Masjid – India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat – the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. Overnight – Delhi

Day 2: Delhi – Ajmer – Pushkar Camel Fair

This morning is an early start as we board the Ajmer Shatabadi express bound for Ajmer. Seated in the air conditioned chair class carriage and leaving the city behind we look out upon a landscape of golden desert studded with green fields of agriculture and peaceful villages. Upon arrival to Ajmer a short drive leads us to our accommodation, a kilometer from the uproarious gathering of the Pushkar Camel Fair.

For the next few nights we bed down in our comfortable Swiss style permanent tented camp. Each high roofed tent with solid flooring, proper beds and linen offers the facilities of air conditioning, en suite with a bath and hot and cold running water.

After lunch and time to freshen up we head over to the frenzy of activity and riot of colour that is associated Pushkar – possibly the world’s largest camel fair. Attracting some 300 000 visitors, 40 000 camel, cattle and horses the fair draws sightseers, pilgrims, nomads, breeders, herdsmen, farmers and traders with their accompanying family, livestock and wares from all over the state of Rajasthan. Pushkar is an authentic cultural spectacle that’s totally unique and promises to be good fun. Overnight – Pushkar

Day 3: Camel judging, cricket, music & magicians

Today offers a glimpse at the serious business of livestock trading and the judging of the best bovine and came lids in each category. There are also more light hearted activities on offer such as the camel running races, tug of war, awards for the best dressed camel and a beauty pageant. Take a look in at the longest moustache competition or keep score at the cricket match between the local Pushkar club and a random assortment of tourists.

There are also vibrant folk music and dances, magic shows and various other traditional entertainment and competitions as well as hundreds of authentic stalls to explore, packed with jewelry and textiles from the surrounding areas.

This evening can be spent watching the various entertainments offered at our camp, outdoors and under a blanket of stars. Overnight – Pushkar

Day 4: Pushkar – bathing at the ghats

Today marks the start of the Kartik Poornima, a Hindu holy day celebrated on the full moon or the fifteenth lunar day in the month of Kartik. According to the Hindu scriptures the lake relates to Brahma, the god of all creation and is one of the five most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.

Pushkar Lake Video

Pushkar Market Video

Savitri Mata Temple Pushkar

The Brahma temple here is the most important temple in Pushkar, and is in fact the only Brahma temple in the whole of the country.

On this day of celebration countless pilgrims swathed in colourful fabric converge for a holy dip in the sacred lake before the morning sun has cast its first rays on the earth. Surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), throngs of devotees line the water’s edge praying to the deities before washing away the sins of a lifetime.

After all sin has been absolved, the atmosphere is electric and the carnival, music, dancers, magicians, acrobats, snake charming, horse and camel racing continues. If all the excitement becomes to much and you’re in need a breath of fresh air remember you can always take stroll and explore any one of the 500 Hindu temples surrounding the lake and the local area.

This fascinating spectacle of cattle trading, religious worship, celebration and festivity at Pushkar during this time of year is globally famous. Your baggage allowance may not allow you to take home a camel, but you’re sure to find something truly unique and authentic here at the annual fair. Overnight – Pushkar

Day 5: Ajmer Sherif and onward to Delhi

Pushkar – Delhi. This morning offers free time before visiting the town of Ajmer Sherif. The most notable site is the resting place of the Sufi seer, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti who died here in 1236 after six days of fasting and praying. Possibly the most important Muslim shrine in India fervent pilgrims patronize the shrine as did many of the Mughal rulers including that of Emperor Akbar.

Leading off the Dargah Bazaar we enter the shrine via a gateway of immensely beautifully intricately carved silver doors. In the courtyard stands two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 litres! That’s a lot of chicken soup!

Onward to the station we board our train to Delhi arriving at 22:45 in the evening and transfer to the airport for your onward international flight.

End of Tour

Get a Quote: Call/Whatsapp: +91 9810954649 or Fill Contact Form

3N/4D Ladakh Festival Tour

3N/4D Ladakh Festival Tour

Leh, the former Kingdom of Lakakh sits on the rugged Himalayan plain with Buddhist monasteries perched on soaring hilltops, shattered looking landscapes splashed with small but brilliant patches of green and ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls. Join us to experience the color and festivity of the annual Lahakh festival whilst discovering the sights of this magical city.

Date:

Stok Guru Tsechu Festival	February/March	3 – 4 March 2020
Matho Nagrang Festival	February/March	8 – 9 March 2020
Saka Dawa Festival	May/ June	17 June 2019 5 June 2020
Sindhu Darshan Festival	June	12 – 14 June 2019 12 – 14 June 2020

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight from Dehli to Leh

Delhi – Leh. Early morning flight from Delhi to Leh. Flight prices do vary and when booked in advance cost less. Flights can be booked with us or independently. Upon arrival to Leh onward transfer to your guesthouse where the remains of the day can be spent at leisure.

Leh is the capital of the former Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh that now sits in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is a vast highland desert sitting at 3524 metres above sea level, lying between the Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges characterized by a desolate moonlike landscape and snowy peaks.

Day 2: The Ladakh Festival & city sightseeing tour

This morning the monastic festival of Leh comes to life with the rhythm of drumbeats and dance. The streets and alleys are blazing hues of every color and pulsate with life. Gathering at approximately 8am we take our spots to watch the inauguration procession of village people making their way down the mountain passes to the city wearing their finest gold and silver ornaments and exotic turquoise headdress.

In tow with the procession we’ll arrive to the main market area of the city where the celebration continues on a grand scale with various cultural troupes and village contingents participating in full ceremonial costumes or traditional Ladakhi dresses singing songs and performing various dances to the tune of village folk music. As the parade arrives at the Polo ground participants break into a variety of folk and popular dances, presenting the best samples of the region’s performing arts and sporting events including archery and polo. Traditional Mask Dances of the monasteries can also be seen with monastery lamas wearing their ritual regalia in accompaniment to their elaborately decorated masks dance in slow, languorous movements to the rhythm of cymbals, flutes and trumpets. This is a truly amazing sight.

It also may be possible to watch a polo match of the ‘Ladakh Festival Cup’ comprising of various polo teams in the region (subject to festival scheduling). Here in the western Himalayas the game is played in its original form with fewer rules and frenzied crowd involvement.

This afternoon offers a guided sightseeing tour of the town, dominated by Sengge Namgyal’s, nine storey palace. Sengge Namgyal a Buddhist and known as the Lion King was the King of Ladakh from 1616 to his death in 1642. His legacy lives in the many monasteries, palaces and shrines of Ladakh that were built under his reign. This grand nine story stone structure is one of the most captivating architectural ruins of the region. Built in traditional Tibetan style it sits on the foothills of the barren landscape. Constructed in the 17th century as the residential palace for the King to mark the reunifying Upper and Lower Ladakh, it showcases excellent example of the medieval Tibetan architecture with its colossal inclined buttressed walls and protruding wooden balconies.

Above Leh Palace, on Namgyal Tsemo (Victory Peak) overlooking the town, are the ruins of the earliest royal residence at Leh a fortress type structure built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century. In the bazaar the main sites to visit are the Jokhang, the new main Buddhist temple built in the 1980s by the Ladakh Buddhist association and an imposing mosque reflecting a mixture of Islamic and Tibetan architecture that accommodating more than 500 worshippers dating from the late 17th century situated opposite each other.

Visits will also be made to Sankar Gompa to view the image of Avalokitesvara, inset with turquoise and shown with 1000 heads, arms and feet and 100000 eyes, Shanti Stupa – built to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and inaugurated by his holiness the Dalai Lama in 1985 and Stok Palace – a museum where in the Sengge Namgyal family heirlooms and relics are displayed. Overnight – Leh & Ladakh

Day 3: Shey and Thiksey Monestories, Hemis Gompa

Today offers guided tours of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries.

Shey monastery situated on a hilltop, 15km from Leh, was the summer palace of the royal family of the region. The monastery houses a two storey high-seated image of Buddha cast from copper and covered with gold leaf. It is also believed that Kings of Leh were born here in the monastery.

Hemis Gompa is the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh which contains a large number of gold statues, stupas and thangkas, one of which is reputed to be the largest in existence and is exhibited once every 12 years.

Overnight – Leh & Ladakh

Day 4: Leh to Delhi by flight

Leh – Delhi. Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi.

End of Tour

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13 Days Festivals of Ladakh with Nubra Valley Tour

Ladakh, means “land of high passes” is a region of Northern India on the borderland of India & Tibet. It is also known as ‘Little Tibet’ because of the cultural & geographical similarities with Tibet. Ladakh is famous for its picturesque beauty, unique culture, Buddhist monasteries and exciting adventure spots. Hemis Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Ladakh that attracts people from all parts of the world. The two day Hemis Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp all over the Ladakh region. The festival is organized in Hemis Gompa, which is one of the largest and richest Buddhist monasteries in the world.

Enjoy the festivities and get a rare insight into the ancient culture of the people. Our Festivals of Ladakh with Nubra Valley Tour is a travel extravaganza across most popular destinations in Leh Ladakh which promises rich memorable holiday experience. Best for Couples, families and small groups / photographers/ travel writers.

Hemis Festival Dates:

2019: July 11 – 12
2020: June 30 – July 1

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Places: Delhi > Leh > Alchi > Lamayuru > Alchi > Likir > Leh > Nubra > Tiger > Leh > Delhi

Itinerary:

Day-1. Arrive Delhi

Meet assistance at airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel

Day-2. Delhi – Leh – 3500 mts

Early morning transfer to domestic airport to check in highly spectacular flight over the Himalaya’s to Leh. Meet at airport and transfer to hotel. Day free for rest & acclimatization. Overnight hotel.

Day-3. In Leh

After breakfast full day sightseeing of famous monasteries Shey, & Thiksey.

Afternoon visit Shankar monastery.

Overnight hotel.

Day-4. In Leh- Hemis Festival/Thak-Thak Festival

Full day at the monastery and witness the fest.

Overnight hotel.

Day-5. Leh – Alchi

In the morning depart for Alchi monastery.

Afternoon visit Alchi and Rizong monasteries.

Overnight Guest house

Day-6. Alchi – Lamayuru – Alchi

Full day excursion to Lamayuru monastery.

After having good look around we drive back to Alchi. Overnight guest house.

Day-7. Alchi – Likir – Leh

After breakfast we drive to Leh en route visiting Likir monastery.

Late afternoon stroll through the main bazar to watch local’s activities.

Overnight hotel

Day-8. Leh – Tiger ( Nubra Valley )

In the morning drive into Nubra valley to Tiger over Khardung la – 18380 ft.

Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in camp.

Nubra: The Buddhist region of Nubra lies north of Leh across the 5600 Mts. Khardung pass, the first of the five passes on the former trade route from Leh to Turkestan. Nubra consists of two long valleys, the Nubra & upper Shyok lying beneath the towering eastern Karakoram range. At the head of the Nubra valley is the 45 miles long Siachen glacier, the longest glacier in the Karakoram. Overnight in camp.

Day-9. In Tiger

Day excursion to Samstanling monastery and Panamik Hot Springs is organized along with picnic / hot lunch.

Return to Tiger enroute visit Ansa gompa. Overnight in camp.

Day-10. Tiger – Leh

After leisure breakfast we drive back to Leh enroute visiting Dishkit monastery.

Overnight hotel.

Day-11. In Leh

Morning visit Stok Palace & in the afternoon visit Phyang & Spituk monasteries.

Overnight hotel

Day-12. Leh – Delhi

Early morning transfer to airport to board early morning flight for Delhi.

In the afternoon we will go for a combined city tour of Old & New Delhi. Overnight hotel

Day-13. Back Home

Transfer to airport in time to connect your flight back home.

End of Tour

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