Kashmir with Ladakh Photography Tour

Day 01: Srinagar
Arrival Delhi International Airport. Meet and greet at international Airport. Break for Lunch or snacks as per the flight timings and transfer to domestic Airport for onward flights to Srinagar. Arrival Srinagar transfer to houseboat. Evening free for own activities / rest and relax. O/n Houseboat.

Day 02: Srinagar
We will have a very early morning Shikara ride on Dal Lake for rising sun over Dal Lake. The lake is dotted with hundreds of houseboats lined-up one after the other. Char Chinar, Nehru Park are picnic spots within the lake. We will photograph the floating food markets, flower markets and small boats coming to do commerce. In the afternoon we will tour and shoot the old city of Srinagar. Of special interest is the Khanqah of Shah Hamadan situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and fourth bridge. It is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars. We will walk the streets of this ancient. Islamic inspired city and concentrate on the bazaar area photographing primitive Kashmiri craftsmen as they create handicrafts. Evening proceed for Hotel TAJ for hi-tea. The sunset view from the lawn of Hotel Taj offers wonderful Dreamy view with Dal lake and char minar in frame.

Day 03: Srinagar- Sru
After breakfast check out from houseboat and proceed to Aru via pahalgam. Enroute stop over to click the villages and apple farming. Location: 107 km from Srinagar via Pahalgam (11 km), Kashmir Region. Conifer spread mountains, snow covered peaks with golden sun rays against the blue sky, and the shaded valley of the Lidder river form the identity of Aru. A popular hill station in the trans-Himalayan region, Aru is basically vast grassland that is surrounded by a narrow valley or ravine on one side. The blooming nature amidst cool climate makes the still and serene Aru one of the most beautiful hill resort of Kashmir. Like all other hilly areas of J&K, Aru also offers you a wonderful view of water reservoirs and mountains. In Aru, the most beautiful part lies with the small village houses made of wood and stone. Aru is the perfect destination to take a break from the pollution, dust and stress of city life at an altitude of 2708 meters.

Day 04: Aru
Full day photography tour in Aru. And evening proceeds to Srinagar overnight stay in Srinagar. The 24 km long trekking route to the Kolahoi glacier (the head of the Lidder Valley) at an altitude of 3,200 metres is a major attraction at Aru. Lidderwat meadow is another popular track for trekking. While trekking one can have the view of this stunning place and even the romantic sunset from a high hill. Over Aru Biosphere Reserve is a nice place to hang out to spot some rare and endangered animals. This Biosphere Reserve is surrounded by thick green forest, consisting Conifers, Abies pindrow, Cedrusdeodara, Pinus graffiti, Aesculus indica, etc. along with several shrubs and herbs. The reserve inhabits endangered species of animals such as Musk Deer, Leopard, Hangul, Snow Cock, Monal, Brown bear, Koklas, Hare, Serow, Rhesus Macaque, Grey Langur, Himalayan Mouse, etc. Also take the time out for afternoon photography at Bethab valley in Pahalgam. This valley offers wonderful landscape option.

Day 05: Srinagar to argil via Sonmarg
Early in the morning post breakfast move to Kargil. Kargil for landscape and lifestyle photography. O/n Kargil.

Day 06: Kargil to Leh
We will have half day photo shoot in the villages of Dha and Hanna. Down the Indus, between Khaltse and the Shyok – Indus confluence, live a people known as Dropk-Pa, Buddhists in name, but racially and culturally distinct from the rest of the Ladakhis. This is a community of no more than one thousand, their features are pure Indo-Aryan, and they appear to have preserved their racial purity down through the centuries. These people are tall, handsome, friendly and extremely photogenic. And Drive to Leh. O/n Leh

Day 07: Leh
Early morning after breakfasts proceed to Pangong lake Do you remember the last scene of 3 idiots? Want to know about the location where Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor were snogging in the last scene? For those who are besotted by the background that acted as a catalyst for Kareena Kapoor’s love confession, the place is located in Ladakh. Situated at a height of 4,250 meters, far away in barren land in Ladakh, Pangong Tso is one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. The crystal clear blue lake sprawls over an area of 100 kilometers across the borders of two countries in India and China. It is one of the charismatic lakes situated on the Changtang plateau in eastern Ladakh region. Pangong Lake is also known by the name of Hollow Lake and appears as a clear symbol of nature craftsmanship. The brackish water plays with sunlight to produce different effects of light. One-third part of the lake lies in India while the remaining two-third lies in Tibet, a region controlled by China. A large chunk of streams that fill the lake are located on the Tibetan part. The lake is located just 5 hours drive from Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. The first glimpse of the tranquil, azure blue waters and shaky lakeshore remains etched in the memory of tourists. This area falls under army control and requires pass from deputy commissioner of Leh. During the winter season, the lake and its surroundings are engulfed by freezing temperature. The surface of the lake becomes so solid that one can’t walk over it. On the surface of frozen lake a gala festival of ice skating is organized. It calls on large number of skiers and ice skaters from several parts of the world. During this festival, tourists also get to see the local culture of the native people. The route passes through beautiful Ladakh countryside, over Chang La, the third highest motor able mountain pass in the world. Traces of snow along the road welcome us. One can cross the valley on sinking road. The mountains in the backdrop appeared to be painted in the colors of green, brown and violet. There is a mountaineering school, which imparts training in various degrees of rock climbing. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 08: Leh
After breakfasts proceed back to Leh upon arrival time will be given for rest after a long drive. Overnight stay in hotel in Leh.

Day 09: Leh Ladakh
Hunder – Deskit -summor (120 Km / 4-5 Hrs)- After Breakfast visit Deskit Monastery, explore the place where one of the unique features of the landscapes in Nubra is the sand dunes between Deskit and Hunder villages and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Overnight stay at Camp.

Day 10: Leh
After an early breakfast, proceed to Leh and upon arrival visit to Photography places like Shey, Thiksey, Hemis and overnight stay in hotel in Leh.

Day 11: Leh monasteries
Early morning full day tour of Leh monasteries Return back to Leh enrooting street photography / landscapes / villages photography on the way back. Evening free at Leh

Day 12: Depart Leh to Delhi flight.