Day 1 arrive Delhi Arrive Delhi by international flight. After clearing immigration and customs formalities you are met by a representative from First Tours and transferred to the Taj Mahal Hotel, located in an exclusive area of Lutyens’ Delhi. (The Taj Mahal Hotel)   Day 2 Delhi The day begins with a visit to Old Delhi, the 17th century capital city of Mughal Empire. Sightseeing includes visit to the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and India's largest mosque Jami Masjid. Return to the hotel en route visiting Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. In the afternoon visit some of the most grandiose of British constructions built between 1921 & 1929, Humayun's Tomb and the 1199 Qutb Minar. (The Taj Mahal Hotel)

Day 3 Delhi / Leh (Ladakh)

Transfer to the airport in time for Jet Airways flight 9W 609 Delhi / Leh (0540/0655). Leh in the province of Ladakh is in the eastern corner of the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir. Situated at an elevation of 12,800 feet Leh is India’s most sparsely populated region; a high altitude desert cradled by the Karakoram and the Great Himalayan ranges. The day is at leisure for acclimatization. (Dragon Hotel)

Day 4 Leh

This morning drive 7 miles north of Leh to Spituk to visit the 16th century Mahakal temple and 11th century Spituk gompa situated on a conical hill that provides excellent views of the countryside around. After sightseeing proceed to Phyang gompa. In the afternoon visit Leh Palace and museum, the Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tesmo gompa and Sankar gompa. In the evening explore the colorful markets of Leh. (Dragon Hotel)

Day 5 Leh / Alchi / Likir / Basgo / Leh

Early morning drive 45 miles west of Leh to Alchi that has an extraordinary wealth of ancient wall paintings and wood sculpture preserved for over nine centuries inside five tiny mud-walled temples. Sightseeing of Alchi includes visit to Alchi Chos-Khor or "religious enclave" that consists of five separate temples. Return to Leh en route visiting the ruins of Buddhist citadel and 16th century Maitreya Temple at Basgo and Likir monastery at Likir (Dragon Hotel)

Day 6 Leh / Hemis / Thikse / Shey / Leh

After breakfast drive 30 miles southeast of Leh to Hemis gompa. Situated on the west bank of the River Indus this monastery is built on a green hillside and is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. After sightseeing proceed to Thikse gompa – Ladakh’s most photographed and architecturally impressive monastery. Return to Leh in the afternoon en route visiting Shey. Shey was the royal residence until 16th century and is situated on the east bank of river Indus. Tour of Shey includes visit to the Shey Palace and monastery, picturesque gardens, gold victory Stupa and a spectacular double storied statue of Buddha. (Dragon Hotel)

Day 7 Leh / Delhi

Transfer to the airport in time for Jet Airway flight 9W 610 Leh / Delhi (0740/0855). Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, providing the best general overview of Indian culture and history, packed with exhibits ranging over five thousand years. Later visit the Crafts Museum exhibition of rural arts and crafts of India. Exhibits include folk art, pottery, paintings, woodcarving and an assortment of traditions that provide a unique insight into rural life of India (The Taj Mahal Hotel)

Day 1 to Day 7 | Day 8 to Day 14 | Day 15 to Day 21