India’s capital, New Delhi, lies on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful buildings, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the grand, sandstone Red Fort, striking Qutab Minar, and fascinating Humayun's Tomb. Architecture enthusiasts will delight in the iconic Lotus Temple. Hear ‘qawwalis’ (devotional music) at the dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya; or wander through the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, famous for its traditional jewellery and saris. The gorgeous Sunder Nursery and Lodi Garden provide calm, flower-filled oases for picnicking.
Resting between the foot of a dramatic, rocky mountain and a beautiful river, along the Leh - Srinagar highway, Jammu and Kashmir is a stunning, wild, and pristine natural area. With its striking lunar-like terrain and spectacular alpine scenery, this expansive region is a treat for adventure and photographic enthusiasts, as well as travellers looking to explore relatively undiscovered attractions and landscapes. History, culture, religion and architecture lovers will enjoy seeing the magnificent Lamayuru Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in the Ladakh region. Those looking for a day trip can head out to explore the man-made cave complex and important shrines and magical temples at Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple and explore the many scenic picnic spots along the vast Ranjit Sagar Dam.
Located in the heart of the beautiful Lidder Valley, in the Anantnag District of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the hill station of Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination. It stands at an altitude of 2740 metres and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the stunning surrounds. This charming village is set amidst lush unspoilt valleys, majestic mountains, and alpine woodlands. Visitors can look forward to a number of wonder activities including: playing a round of high-altitude golf at the Pahalgam Golf Course, a highlight with golf enthusiasts; white water rafting down the crystal-clear waters of Lidder River, and hiking through Pahalgam’s impressive Himalayan snow-capped peaks.
As previously described
With over 8000 inhabitants, Kargil is the second largest township in Ladakh and a popular holiday getaway for travellers seeking the tranquillity of nature and the adventure of the outdoors. Visitors can indulge in several exhilarating activities such as river rafting or hiking up the magnificent Nun Kun Massif. If that sounds too energetic for your taste, visit the Central Asian Museum, which showcases the town’s fascinating history as a trading post. No trip to Kargil would be complete without a stroll through the local market to browse the profusion of locally produced goods, including colourful shawls, well-crafted carpets and the delicious juicy apricots for which the area is known. Kargil and its breathtaking natural surrounds offer tourists an unlimited choice of adventure sports, scenic landscapes and historical sites, as well as more cultural delights than you could pack into one trip.
Nestled among isolated mountain peaks, the bustling town of Leh has long been an important stopover for trade between Kashmir, Tibet, India and China. From a high viewpoint, grey flat-topped houses dominate the old city and sprawl through the valley easing off into a verdant patchwork of irrigated barley fields and tall trees, which light up the landscape. Major attractions offering superb views include the Buddhist Shanti Stupa and the former royal palace, Leh Palace, which is currently being restored. A worthwhile trek once you’ve settled into town is a hike to Victory Fort.
Ladakh, meaning ‘land of the high mountain passes’, is renowned for its remote mountain beauty, with the Kunlun mountain range to the north and the Great Himalayas – the highest section of the Himalayan range – to the south. Often described as ‘Little Tibet’, Ladakh is a magical destination with a fascinating cultural mix of Tibetan Buddhists and Shia Muslims. This high-altitude desert region, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, offers a myriad of tourist attractions including the atmospheric town of Leh, the region’s capital; and the Indus Valley, which has the largest concentration of medieval monasteries, perched up on rocky hilltops. Drive along the Khardung La, the highest driveable pass in the world to the valley of Nubra; or visit the vast wilderness of Rupshu.
As previously described
As previously described
