Northern India - Ladakh, Dharamsala and the Golden Temple

Northern India is a wonderful destination for adventurers interested in exploring the spirituality of this fascinating region.

We begin in Delhi, the capital of India, before flying up to Leh, the most important town in the Ladakh region. Nestled in a valley of the Indus River and surrounded by snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh has a distinct character that transports us back in time. A major trading point where caravans came in from the distant lands of Yarkand, Kashgar, Tibet, Kashmir and northern India, the market once bustled with activity. Today, Leh is a center of Tibeto- Buddhist culture and has only been open to travelers since 1974.

While exploring the region, we’ll have many opportunities to visit local villages and learn about their way of life and dedication to their religion. We visit the gompas of the area, which are home to many ancient manuscripts, images of Buddha, icons, thangkas and stupas.

We travel to Alchi to see the beautifully- preserved 900-year-old paintings and drive over the spectacular Khardung La Pass at 18,274 ft (5,570 m).

We return to Delhi and travel up to Dharamsala by train. Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains, Dharamsala is perched on the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley.

Dharamsala is synonymous with the Tibetan government in exile and the home of Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama. We have plenty of time to explore the colorful temples and gompas of the area, which reflect the culture of Tibet.

We have also arranged for a Buddhist meditation class in order to learn firsthand about this ancient religion.

We travel to Amritsar to visit this 450 year old city and the Golden Temple. Amritsar is the most important seat of Sikh history and culture. The Golden Temple glitters with gold and marble and is one of the holiest Sikh shrines.

We fly back to Delhi for further sightseeing in the old and new cities before concluding this truly great adventure.