High Indus Valley of Ladakh

India

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

12 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Overland journeys don't come much higher, or wilder, than on India's rooftop. Arriving into the cool, regional capital of Leh, start your high-elevation tour of India's mystical northern outpost by exploring the surrounding Indus Valley and its loose network of great gompas - Shey Palace, Thiksey and the 17th century Hemis. From there, fan out into the haunting and beguiling valley of Nubra, over the world's highest motorable road at the Khardung La Pass.

Being a high-altitude adventure, prepare to have your breath stolen away by the dramatic sight of solitary alpine lakes, like the serene Pangong Tso, as well as elevation dunes at Khalsar and Hunder, replete with their Bactrian camels for classic iconography. Camp at Pangong lake and let the night sky awaken your senses. See the epitome of spiritual solitude at Diskit and Ensa monasteries. Brace the cold, thin air for a dip in hot springs. Take short treks in this mecca for the world's purists of alpine trekking. Let Hanle soothe the soul, and your homestay there turn your travel truly authentic. See why Tibetan Buddhism is the closest thing humanity comes to sustainable living. Behold nature's majesty everywhere in this rain shadow of the Himalaya, where rock scrapes the sky and Buddhism leaves the material world behind.

Following the Indus Valley back on dusty roads to Leh, learn why this holy river is humanity's cradle of civilisation.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Buddhist monasteries
  • Explore the largest and wealthiest Gompa in Ladakh
  • Sand dunes and remote monasteries in Nubra Valley
  • Attain mindfulness in the Quiet village of Sumur
  • Visit shimmering Lake Pangong
  • A classic Himalayan tarn set in heavenly Ladakh
  • Stargazing in remote Hanle

Places Visited

Leh - Leh Mosque - Nubra Valley - The Diskit Monastery - Ensa Monastery - Pangong Lake - Hanle

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Day 1 : Arrive Delhi

Fly into Delhi early, and be met by your Travel The Unknown representative and escorted to your hotel. After a long, overnight flight, best to take it easy for the rest of the day and evening. A big day awaits you tomorrow.

Overnight in Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity, Delhi

Meal plan: n/a

India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the vast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone era in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders of the region’s ancient legacy. The first impression for any visitor travelling in from the airport is of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

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Day 2 : Delhi - Leh

Take breakfast and then be escorted to the airport for your connection to Leh. At Leh's domestic airport a representative will meet, assist and transfer you to the hotel.

It's important to spend today acclimatizing to your 3,500m elevation. Depending on how your body is feeling, in the evening why not take a walk to the local market.  That said, we cannot stress enough how essential it is to let your body fully acclimitise itself to Ladakh's high altitude. 

Overnight in Grand Himalaya, Leh

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 3 : Leh

Having hopefully undergone a full acclimitisation, today we can focus on activities in this captivating regional capital.

Historical chronicles attest to Leh standing at the crossroads of successive crusades that inadvertently blended different cultures to create the lingering influences we witness today in the town. On our first proper day of exploration, we'll walk in the footsteps of these seismic historical events. A route has been mapped out for you to chart an historical trail tracing revered palaces and forgotten forts. Our route takes in quiet courtyards of ancient museums and cafes rooted in romanticism - all the while hinting at a prodigious past with epic events.

After lunch our city tour takes a diversion to Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Stroll freely at your leisure around Leh's Market for the latter part of the day.

Around dusk, return to hotel to enjoy dinner and to wind down.

Overnight in Grand Himalaya, Leh

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Leh is at an elevation of 3500m above sea level, situated in the Ladakh province. The stunning Leh Palace is modelled on the Tibetan Palace in Lhasa. some of Ladakh’s most famous and spectacular religious sites, including Sindhu Ghat where you can take a stroll by the bank of the River Indus. From there we move on to Thiksey Monastery, one of Leh’s most architecturally impressive structures clinging to the cliff-face and containing numerous stupas and murals of Lord Buddha.  The former home of the Ladakhi royal family, Shey Palace and Museum is situated on a hillock and houses an impressive 7.5 metre gold statue of Lord Buddha.  Hemis National Park is India’s largest national park, and the only park found in the northern Himalayas. It is home to a number of endangered species and the 400-year old Hemis Monastery.

Built in 1957 by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Jokhang Gompa is one of the newest monasteries in Leh. Located in Leh's main bazaar, it is open throughout the day for visitors, making it the town's main Gompa. It contains a statue of Joyo Rinpoche (crowned Buddha).

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Day 4 : Leh - Thiksey - Hemis - Leh

After breakfast embark on the Indus Valley monastery tour. The holy circuit starts from Shey Palace. Once the residence of the royal family, the structure occupies a hillock about 15km out of Leh, and is finished off with a 7.5m high, gold-plated statue of the Buddha. Near beyond is Thiksey Monastery, recognised as one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas of Ladakh, and containing exquisite images, stupas and wall paintings of the venerable Buddha.

From there to Hemis: the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh. Hemis was built in 1630 and is divided into two parts, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. Afterwards, a scenic drive back to Leh, relaxing at the hotel, or simply strolling to its market to pick up handicrafts to take home. Evening back at your Leh hotel. 

Overnight in Grand Himalaya, Leh

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Constructed in 1430, Thiksey Monastery is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive monasteries in Ladakh, incorporating elements of Ladakh's traditional architectural style. It consists of 12 storeys and holds several stupas, prayer halls and small shrines with exquisite colourful wall paintings. The main prayer hall houses a 15-metre-high seated statue of Buddha, the largest in the region. 

Built in 1630, the Hemis Gompa is the largest and wealthiest monastic insitutation in Ladakh, with more than 200 branches and over 1,000 monks in the Himalayan region. The monastery uses Tibetan-style architecture and is decorated with colourful walls paintings, gold and silver stupas, and a copper statue of Lord Buddha. It also has the largest "Thanka" (a Tibetan-Buddhist painting) in Ladakh, which is unfurled once every 12 years, symbolising good health and spiritual strength. The monastery's population stems from the major annual Hemis Tsechu festival held within the complex every summer, in which holy masked dances glorify the victory of good over bad. 
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Day 5 : Leh - Khardungla - Nubra - Sumur

Start the new day on a record-breaking journey over the world's highest navigable road  - a stupefying 18,300ft - over the Khardung La to the Nubra Valley. On the way visit Desert Himalaya Adventure Park where you can have lunch and pass by the world’s longest high altitude zip line, as well as the ATV ride at Khalsar sand dunes.

Arrive at your destination and check in to the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax at the resort.

Overnight in Lchang Nang Retreat, Sumur

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Nubra Valley is full of spectacular landscape contrasts and silver sand dunes are set below snow peaks, with sublime views of Ladakh’s valleys. Here you can cross the highest motorable road in the world at 17,582 feet (5,359 m) and see how Khardung La Pass is literally on top of the world. It is also the home of the shaggy double-humped camel. Not to be confused with the ubiquitous one-humped dromedary, the Bactrian is a fine animal, and - existing only on the cold central Asian plateau - the rarest camel species on Earth.

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Day 6 : Sumur - Diskit - Hundar - Sumur

After breakfast head for the heights at the 108 ft high Maitriya Buddha Statue at Diskit monastery. This Buddhist monastery is legendary among its kind in the region. Illuminated white against the bare rock of these parched mountains, Diskit (or Deskit) is a sight to be reckoned with. Onto Hunder's surreal sand dunes. White, powdery, and formed into interlocking crescents by the winds, few sights are more photogenic. If you're lucky your pictures might even feature the Bactrian two-humped camel, a native to these elevated parts.

Return to your retreat for dinner and an evening stargazing. Who needs a telescope here when you're that bit closer to the heavens? 

Overnight in Lchang Nang Retreat, Sumur

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Diskit Monastery, situated close to Nubra Valley, is not often visited by tourists and enjoys fantastic views of the Ladakhi landscape. The Monastery itself houses a number of shrines and is steeped in Buddhist folklore.

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Day 7 : Sumur - Ensa - Yarab Tso - Panamik - Sumur

A short morning drive to Sumur Village to see the spectacle of Ensa, the ancient and remote monastery. Strap on them boots for a half-hour hike up to the monastery. After visiting the monastery, a short trek to the small hidden tarn of Yarab Tso. Kick off your boots and soothe those well-worked legs in Panamik hot springs.

Return to the resort and relax.

Overnight in Lchang Nang Retreat, Sumur

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 8 : Sumur - Pangong Lake

Warm your insides with breakfast before traversing the Shayok River Valley for the rarefied atmosphere of the 13,000ft Pangong Lake. A good distance will be covered, but journey length is more than offset by the breathtaking beauty of finding yourself in God's country.

Explore the lake shores on foot, and even try local food at any one of the small restaurants perched on these remote shores.

Latter part of the day at leisure, enjoying chromatic changes on lake surface, with the setting sun doing its magic.

Adjourn to your Pangong lake camp, where dinner is provided. 

Overnight in Nature’s Nest Camp, Lake Pangong

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Lake Pangong is one of Ladakh’s true gems. The lake forms part of the border area between India and China, and sits at an altitude of 13,930.

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Day 9 : Pangong Lake - Hanle

On the road early, destination Hanle. Situated in the Changthang district, Hanle is held by some to be one of the most calming and soul-soothing places in all India. Home to a thousand inhabitants, the village is cherry-topped with a 17th century, Tibetan monastery - home to 60 Kagyu monks - offering some great aerial views.

With its roving eye on the universe at 4,500m (14,763ft), Hanle also houses the world's 10th-highest astronomical observatory. Stay up long enough to see the constellations as never before. 

Enjoy dinner and bed in for a taste of authentic homestay hospitality.

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Hanle is a remote and picturesque village located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Nestled at an altitude of around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level, Hanle is renowned for its serene landscapes and clear skies, making it an ideal location for astronomical observations. The Indian Astronomical Observatory, situated in Hanle, is one of the world's highest observatories and offers astronomers a unique vantage point for stargazing and conducting research. Hanle is also home to the ancient Hanle Monastery, adding cultural and historical significance to this high-altitude destination. The village provides a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the untouched beauty of the Himalayan region. Accessible but remote, Hanle offers a peaceful escape surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

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Day 10 : Hanle - Leh

After a star-spangled night at the high homestay, it's time to bid the Changthang plateau farewell. Hello Rupshu Valley. Down dusty, earthen roads this is the stuff of pure adventure. Ride through the beautiful Indus River valley till Mahe. The road smooths out to reveal a whole new topography of jagged, dirt brown peaks on the approach to Chumathang. See the Indus grow in power and stature as it moves down the valley to the Arabian Sea. After an epic road trip, see lovely Leh come into view.

Check in to Leh hotel and enjoy dinner.

Overnight in Grand Himalaya, Leh

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 11 : Leh - Delhi

Early morning transfer to Leh airport to board flight back to Delhi.

Rest of the day at leisure in India's capital. 

Overnight in Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity, Delhi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 12 : Delhi - Departure

Departure to International airport for onward journey .

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

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Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity

Delhi (2 nights)

Located 4kms away from Indira Gandhi International Airport and 5kms away from the domestic airport, the Lemon Tree Premier hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms, as well as award winning restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool.

Visit hotel's site
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Grand Himalaya

Leh (4 nights)

The Grand Himalaya hotel offers guests tastefully decorated rooms equipped with modern day comforts. Traditional wood carving adorns the balconies and main entrance, and there are views of Leh palace and the Stok mountain range. The rooms have central heating and meals are served buffet-style.

Visit hotel's site
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Lchang Nang Retreat

Sumur (3 nights)

Lchang Nang is a destination created for travellers in search of peace and tranquility. Combining comfort and simplicity, it pays homage to its local heritage via its links to the local community and the local culture. Our library, still at a budding stage, offers a unique collection of archives on the local fauna, wildlife, Buddhist culture and Silk Route history.

Lchang Nang aims to play a role in reducing Ladakh’s carbon footprint. The retreat is fully solar powered and plastic containers are kept to a minimum. In the coming years we plan to grow and source most of our operational needs locally. Lchang Nang also maintains a vision for a sustainable future through eco-conscious initiatives. For example, the property is primarily powered through solar energy, which is plentiful in sunny Ladakh. We also offer our guests filtered glacial snowmelt for both drinking and bathing purposes, reducing our reliance on single use plastics.

Visit hotel's site
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Nature’s Nest Camp

Lake Pangong (1 night)

Nature's Nest Camp offers comfortable camping located on the bank of Pangong Lake affording spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range to the north.

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Highlights of the Subcontinent (22 days)

Discover iconic sights of India, Nepal & Bhutan

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

Himalayan Silk Road & Tak Tok Festival (16 days)

Travel India's forgotten Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Nagaland: Festival of the Headhunters (15 days)

Aoling Festival, wildlife in Assam & natural beauty of Manipur

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)

Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Glories of Gujarat (14 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (14 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Kerala Calling (14 days)

Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

Thanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.

Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, India

I`m very pleased with the way the trip was arranged for me, it was well organised and went very well. The itinerary was just the right pace to enjoy everything without rushing too much. It was never going to be cheap for 1 person travelling alone but I thought it was very reasonably priced.

Dewi Evans , Tailormade North East India

This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.

Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tour

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India

What an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.

Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India

The tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.

Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, India

I`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.

Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East India
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