Mandala Magic India Tour

LEDAKH - TOP OF THE WORLD TOUR - 16 Days
A once in a lifetime Himalayan adventure
Ledakh-Manali-Agra-Delhi

Ledakh- Population 175,000 Altitude 3,500m – 4,500. Passes 4,000 to 6,000 meters.

Visit the mysterious and remote area of Ledakh (means ‘many passes’) that was closed to tourists until 1974. For 7 months the capitol Leh is only accessible by air and it sits in a fertile valley 10 kms. to the side of the Indus River. The local people are gentle, delightful and friendly, living in a self sustainable and unique culture. Explore this remote area visiting quaint, picturesque villages in oasis like settings. See ancient architecture and Buddhist temples with intricate paintings and colourful decorations in an unusual mountain desert landscape. Visit Hemis Monastery said by some accounts to have been a safe place for Jesus of Nazareth to stay.

Leaving Ledakh travel over the second highest motor able road in the world seeing some truly spectacular scenery – waterfalls, gorges, and glaciers (Ledakh has the biggest glaciers in the world outside the arctic circles) we drop down into the Kulu valley to stay in the mountain resort town of Manali, known for its weaving and apples. Explore Kulu, home to Roerich, the famous Russian painter and mystic. Visit the Hadimba Devi (goddess) temple a 4 storey carved timber structure built in 1553. Llocal people practise a curious blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Visit the world’s famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal, a truly exquisite and perfect architectural wonder and be moved. Arrive in India’s capitol, Delhi an intriguing city that is home to 13 million people with ancient forts, the biggest Mosque in India, fascinating bazaars, markets and quaint shops along side modern city life.

	DAY 1	LEDAKH TRIP: 16 DAYS A$ 2,880 DATES: August - September 2009 INCLUDES: Internal flight to Delhi to Ley Accommodation on twin share basis Transport such as jeeps, taxis and busses as per itinerary. Transport to and from hotel to airport Tours & tour guides Entrance fees into Gompas, monuments and sites on itinerary Indian Visa Breakfasts (set menu) $50 donation to support local people Plus compulsory Travel Insurance For those joining the tour in India the cost of flights from Melbourne will be deducted. LATE BOOKINGS INCURR EXTRA COST AS PER AIR TICKET. Our tours are designed for you to have as much interaction with the people and environment as possible. Accommodation is comfortable twin share in average hotels and not 5 star. If you choose to have your own room add extra $600 Travel is by local transport, bus, train, taxi etc. and by private jeep, rickshaw, foot, or camel. This trip is designed for the adventurous and requires a certain amount of moderate fitness. Travel in India is a unique experience in itself and not all goes to plan. Transport frequently breaks down and itinerary needs to be adjusted. It is a fascinating place - one that challenges and delights at the same time. This is an amazing experience! DO YOU WANT TO GO? Contact Karen or Gary by: Phone 9754 4811 E-mail: Through contact page There will be an information night where you can ask questions, see photos, get a further information kit and meet the others in your group. Copyright Mandala Magic 2005 *Your Guides -* Gary and Karen design unique small group tours through northern India, Nepal and Tibet. Whether you wish to travel as a family, with a group of friends or with a special interest group they will accommodate your needs to create a memorable holiday experience for you. Both are experienced travellers and tour leaders who not only design these tours but travel with you. They have lived, studied and worked in India for years and have a hands on knowledge and a love for this incredible country. Karen and Gary offer a ‘real experience’, something that touches the heart of this special part of the world. VISAS and PASSPORTS - We organise all your visas and travel permits for you. You are required to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the expiry date with at least 2 blank pages. FOOD- Food in India is truly a sensational. The tantalising aroma of roasting spices and a huge variety of breads, vegetable and meat curries to wickedly tempting sweets delight the palette. We eat local Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese food but go to restaurants where western type food is available. ACCOMODATION - Accommodation generally is comfortable twin share, to add to and enhance your experience, therefore not 5 star (unless stated). Some are refurbished palaces or historical buildings.We endeavour to ensure rooms have their own bathroom and toilet. Hotels are chosen for their location – in the cultural heart of the town, close to everything that you need such as shops, restaurants, money changers, internet etc.Each has something special to offer and most have lovely courtyards and garden settings, and include restaurants. Staff are friendly and helpful.(If you choose to have your own room add extra $600) TOUR GRADINGS- Our tours suit travellers of all ages with average fitness and mobility. Some are more suited to those with a keen interest for exploration and adventure and involve long road or rail journeys, some walking and at times more basic accommodation. We are with you all the way to support and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. GENERAL INFORMATION- We supply a detailed list of what to pack, information on money, health precautions and climatic conditions, things to be aware of and other general information specific to each tour. We offer free information meetings and have a ’get together dinner’ to meet other members of our groups before departing. After each tour we have a group dinner party to share photos, laughs and our experiences.
	Depart Melbourne for Delhi India.
	DAY 2
	Catch an internal flight to Leh, capital city of Ledakh, which leaves early morning. Aprox. 2hr flight and known for the spectacular scenery literally flying through the heart of the Himalayas. Arrive in Leh settle into Hotel and rest. Dinner together Get the feel of the place and gently acclimatise to the altitude - 3,500ms over the next two days. (see notes on altitude sickness)
	DAY 3
	Leh – A gentle day to further acclimatise to the altitude. Watch the locals and get the feel of Tibetan life here in Ledakh. Take a leisurely walk through the town, shops and markets to the polo field. Eat in local restaurants and take tea in the local bakery.Optional walk up to the ruined castle and admire the astonishing views. Take a further hike up to the monastery above.
	DAY 4
	Day to self to explore around Leh further. Attend any cultural events and local attractions - activity to be announced. (Optional two day trek from Stok Monastery. This will involve an overnight stay in a tent. Great experience to travel with a guide and cook-everything supplied. Separate to this itinerary cost about $175. Organize early if you wish to go. Climb to aprox. 4,000m +)
	DAY 5
	Leave Ley and travel up the Indus valley to Thikse Gompa – an outstanding Monastery with fantastic views. Experience this interesting site with many chapels, the huge Maitreya Buddha statue and old outdoor frescoes Travel further to the hidden valley and Hemis Monastery and see the Tibetan thankas and statue of Padmasambava. Visit Shey castle and Gompa. Fabulous views and steep climbs.
	DAY 6
	Visit Alchi a small village outside Leh travelling by jeep passing by the union of the two great rivers the Indus and the Zanskar. See three ancient gompas here with unusual wall paintings and huge statues. Take in the peaceful atmosphere. Optional hike to hot mineral springs.
	DAY 7
	Visit the village of Likir and see beautiful landscaping with stone walls and the huge Maitreya Buddha at this Gompa as we traverse the road back to Leh.
	DAY 8
	Day to self for walking tour of Leh village to watch daily life and the local people. Go shopping and explore the stores. Lots to see and experience here. Walk to Polo ground and relax in this unique place. Pack and organize self for two-day bus trip over the passes to Manali. Last minute shopping for food/chocolate etc. for trip. Get an early night.
	DAY 9
	Early morning bus to Darcha or Sachu This is a two day bus journey up over one of the highest roads in the world. Absolutely magnificent scenery! Amazing experience climbing above 5,300mts over one of the passes. Overnight stay in Darcha or Sachu. (tents)
	DAY 10
	Pack and be ready for early start of day two of the bus trip. Arrive early evening, if all goes to plan, in Manali. There is frequent road damage that needs repair and sometimes the trip can be delayed or even take an extra day. Be prepared.
	DAY 11
	Explore the town of Manali. This is a major apple growing area in India and also a ski resort. There are two parts of town, he old Manali and the newer part. Walk to the ancient wooden goddess temple on the hill in the pine forest.
	DAY 12
	Take a jeep to Nagger and visit the palace on the hill. Go further and visit the Rhodri gallery and home. Pack and prepare for departure by overnight bus to Delhi.
	DAY 13
	Arrive in Delhi early morning. Day to self to explore main bazaar Paragon of Delhi and see this ancient city home to 14 million people. Plenty to see just walking from Hotel. Enjoy meal together and pack/prepare for early morning departure.
	DAY 14
	Early morning train trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahan and the Old Fort. Full day tour of Agra. Return to Hotel in Delhi. BIG day!
	DAY 15
	Full day in Delhi to pack and do last minute shopping, mail out extras, rest and enjoy last meal as a group in India in Paragon Restaurant. Depart for airport.
	DAY 16
	Return flight to Australia.

Mandala Magic Home	Tours Information		Experienced Guides		Contact
SHEDULED TOURS 2010
Tibet– Nepal May 19th-11th June 2010 Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse Shigatse, Everest base camp, Circumambulate Mt Kailash, Neylam, Kathmandu		Tibet– Nepal May 19th-1st June 2010 Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse Shigatse, Everest base camp, Circumambulate Mt Kailash, Neylam, Kathmandu		India Experience Nov 7th - 23rd 2010 Delhi, Dharamasala, Agra, Varanassi Bodhgaya, Delhi
FUTURE TOURS
Tibet– China Chengdu, Chongquing, Lhasa Gyantze, Chengdu		India Delhi, Ledakh Manali, Agra Delhi	Golden Triangle Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Delhi	Kolkota - Delhi Kolkota, Bodh, Gaya, Varanassi Agra, Jaipur, Delhi