How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Abhi was a very nice person who was on  top of things logistically.  Being in 4 cars made communication a little difficult and I would have liked more information of what i was seeing so i could appreciate it more.  An example being Amritsar: it is the holiest place for people of the sihk religion and I did not know nor appreciate the magnitude of the golden temple.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

My tip would be to learn about tibetan buddhism, hinduism and the sikh religion before going on this adventure.

Do you have anything else to add?

I felt that the trip started out very strong and somewhat fizzled with the itinerary.  Sitting in a car for 3 days with nothing to do in some towns we stayed in was disappointing and then to hit monsoon season with wet and musty hotels just made things end on a sour note.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Ranjeet is a passionate and proud Indian and Hindu, eager to teach, and assure that we all got as much information about India, its customs and religions, as possible.It is clear that he likes his job.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"At the start you'll have some sleepless nights: the first after arrival from the night flight, then an early wake-up call at 0230 for the flight to Leh. Take it very easy the first two days, with a good book, and acclimatise slowly.
Take some clothes for cooler nights, thermals and a fleece, a shawl for Sarchu and the passes. A silk sleeping bag liner is good for the tent and other cold nights."

Do you have anything else to add?

Wrote some notes by mail before.

The Hemis Festival was a memorable highlight and I would have liked to have had a second day there at the festival.  The temperature while camping was quite low and perhaps you could stress the need to take extra clothing for this time in the hills.  Another memorable day was the unexpected traffic jam on the high pass but our guide was resourceful on the unexpected extra hike.  I will remember this day! (LT -8th july 2011)

Arriving for the first time in India, nothing can prepare you for the sights, smells and senses of India, and that certainly was apparent on our half day tour of Delhi. Even though I have been in Delhi several times, I am always surprised at how vibrant and chaotic the city is. Flying straight up to the altitude of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, delayed slightly by snow melt on the runway, we were straight into what I can only describe as a compelling and fascinating itinerary. Led by our very competent leader, knowledgeable local guide, and our skilled drivers who led us across the Himalayas, including rock slides, road blockages and flooded roads with proficient expertise. Our first stop was the captivating festival at Phyang Gompa, where we watched the monks dressed in vibrant costumes and remarkable masks dancing and playing trumpets and drums. The atmosphere was electric, and I found it spellbinding.  A perfect introduction to this very attractive region. Ladakh if very different to the rest of India, because of the Tibetan culture, it is far calmer and less frantic, and everything seems a lot more relaxed.  The altitude can be hard to deal with in the beginning, but slow down, take it easy and drink loads of water, and the adjustment will be swift. Ladakhi people are captivating and welcoming of newcomers, so take time to get to know them, and you will be welcomed with open arms.  I loved meeting the beautiful children of Alchi who shared my pastries with me, and visiting a local school. The rest of the journey was just as captivating – the scenery was beautiful and varied, especially travelling over the passes that were still covered in snow, and driving down into the valleys so dramatically.  I found visiting McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama, a moving experience despite not being able to meet him, but fact that I could view his home (from a distance) was touching. Amritsar is a fascinating city, and the Golden Temple not be missed.  A splendid example of Indian Sikhism, which I also found to be very poignant. This holiday is a not to be missed trip. Congratulations to everyone who put such a compelling itinerary together, and for making this a trip of a lifetime for me. (LT - 7th July 2010)

The tour was in between rain storms and slides - the Leh-Manali Rd was impassable as I left and two weeks after I returned, impassable again with Leh badly affected by the averse weather. Given that we were lucky as hell, it was a great trip. The gompas and temples were awesome, the scenery glorious,  the people welcoming, the group congenial and the leader knowledgeable. Ladakh plus Dharmasala and Armritsar was a dream trip. But be sure and take warm clothing for that one night tenting out in the mountains as well as altitude meds. (LT- 8th July 2010)