India Secrets of Kashmir Cultural Discovery Tour
Historical Wonders & Local Life in Three Unique Regions
- Available: March, April, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Luxury Hotels, Comfortable Hotels, Rustic Lodging
-
Group Size:
3-15 Guests
Min Age: 13

As part of our philanthropic endeavors, we donate $250 per guest on our India Secrets of Kashmir Cultural Discovery Tour to benefit the Tibetan Nuns Project at the Dolma Ling Nunnery & Institute.
Highlights
- Penetrate three unique regions - the ancient capital of Amritsar, Dharamsala's Tibetan community-in-exile, and long-isolated Kashmir
- Dive into three unique regions - the ancient capital of Amritsar, Dharamsala's Tibetan community-in-exile, and long-isolated Kashmir
- See the stunning Sikh Golden Temple and get VIP seats to the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony
Itinerary
Arrive in New Delhi
Day 1
Welcome to India! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in vibrant New Delhi and transfer to the luxury Taj Mahal (Taj Man Singh) Hotel.
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel – Delhi, India
See the Sights of Historic Delhi
Day 2
After our welcome breakfast, tour New Delhi today, beginning with a drive through Lutyens' Delhi, named for the British architect who was responsible for much of the building during the British Raj. Pass the Presidential Palace, the imposing 138-foot-tall India Gate, and Birla House, former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Take an afternoon walk through stunning UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Gardens. Dinner is on your own.
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel – Delhi, India
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Dharamsala & Explore the Dalai Lama Temple
Day 3
Fly to Dharamsala, the seat of his holiness the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, take a serene kora (circumambulation) of the Dalai Lama Temple and Namgyal Monastery, strolling with the monks as they chant, and learning about the various deities and forms of the Buddha. Within the complex is Kalchakra Temple, whose empowerment ceremonies are believed to contribute to world harmony.
Accommodation: Serkong House-Dharamsala, India
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Tibetan Rituals & Traditions
Day 4
Visit the Tibetan Parliament and, time permitting, the Tibetan Traditional Medicine and Wellness Centre to meet a traditional healer. Travel to Gyuto Monastery, famous for its tantric rituals. Explore the workshops of craftsmen practicing traditional Tibetan painting and woodcarving. Conclude with an exclusive tour of the Zen-inspired Dolma Ling Nunnery, where the nuns spend up to three years in solitude!
Accommodation: Serkong House-Dharamsala, India
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Scenic Hike in the Himalayan Foothills
Day 5
Drive to the Gallu Devi Temple above Dharamkot, surrounded by pristine forests. Head out for a scenic 4.5-hour forest trek to Triund (9,275') in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, offering spectacular views of the Dhauladar Mountains and the Kangra Valley. Return to Dharamsala and enjoy some free time before dinner.
Accommodation: Serkong House-Dharamsala, India
Activity: 4.5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain/loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Amritsar & Sundown Flag Ceremony
Day 6
Today drive to Amritsar, capital of the state of Punjab, and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, travel to the Wagah border for VIP access to the extraordinary sundown flag ceremony. The sight of soldiers from Pakistan and India, dressed in fantastically ornate uniforms and good-naturedly trying to outdo each other in pomp and pageantry, is an experience you'll never forget. Return to Amritsar and make a quick photo stop at the Golden Temple, spectacularly lit at night.
Accommodation: Hyatt Amritsar-Amritsar, India
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Magnificent Golden Temple
Day 7
This morning, you'll tour the magnificent Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest temple of the Sikh faith. You'll visit the inner sanctum, climb to the roof for an amazing view of the city, and see the world's largest kitchen, which offers free meals to some 50,000 people each day, regardless of caste or religion. Next, take a short rickshaw ride through the lanes of the old town, filled with tea and spice traders. This afternoon, fly to Srinagar, where you'll visit the Mughal pleasure gardens and the Palace of the Fairies, overlooking jewel-like Dal Lake.
Accommodation: Lake Dal Houseboat
Transportation: 1-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet Locals in Pahalgam, Valley of the Shepherds
Day 8
Depart Srinagar and head to remote Pahalgam, Valley of the Shepherds. Here, visit the Shepherd Project, which helps native Gujjar women sustain themselves through traditional weaving and embroidery. Meet the women and hear their stories as you join them for tea. Return to your hotel in Pahalgam for a traditional Tarami dinner.
Accommodation: Pahalgam Hotel-Pahalgam, India
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Scenic Trek in the Aru Valley
Day 9
Head out after breakfast for a drive to the scenic Aru Valley and begin your trek through pristine meadows and thick pine forests, visiting the local shepherd communities along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness, ending with traditional Kashmiri saffron tea and the local kalari cheese, a dense ripened cheese indigenous to the region. Return to Srinagar for dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj-Srinagar, India
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking Tour of Old Srinagar
Day 10
Step back in time on a walking tour of old Srinagar. Wander through ancient spice and fabric markets, and metal workshops. Pay a visit to Budshah Tomb, resting place of King Zain al Abidin, and two incredible mosques - the lavishly decorated, 13th-century Khanqah of Shah Hamadan, and the immense Jama Masjid, built in 1400. Both feature an unusual blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic designs. Explore mysterious Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient temple to Shiva. After lunch, visit Hazratbal, one of the holiest places in the state, housing a relic of the Prophet Mohammed.
Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj-Srinagar, India
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Boat on Lake Dal & Hike in Dachigam National Park
Day 11
After breakfast, depart for a hike in unspoiled Dachigam National Park. A top naturalist offers insights on the local plant and animal life. Take a shikara (classic wooden boat) ride on Lake Dal to see how the 150,000 people live on the lake — with schools, shops, homes and floating farms. Enjoy onboard tea service as you cruise through the communities. This evening, wrap up your fascinating Kashmir journey with a special farewell dinner accompanied by Sufi music.
Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj-Srinagar, India
Activity: Scenic boat ride & 2 hours/2 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Delhi
Day 12
Fly back to Delhi and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the day rooms of the JW Marriott. Transfer to the airport for your flight to home or onwards.
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$880 internal airfare+$1,850 single supplementCheck for Availability
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$880 internal airfare+$1,850 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$880 internal airfare+$1,850 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$880 internal airfare+$2,000 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$880 internal airfare+$2,000 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$880 internal airfare+$2,000 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$880 internal airfare+$2,000 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 guests from $9,295 per person double occupancy
3 to 4 guests from $8,895 per person double occupancy
7 to 10 guests from $7,895 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
2 guests from $9,295 per person double occupancy
3 to 4 guests from $8,895 per person double occupancy
5 to 6 guests from $8,195 per person double occupancy
7 to 10 guests from $7,895 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $880
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Mar 24 - Apr 04, 2023
- Mar 08 - 19, 2024
- Mar 29 - Apr 09, 2024
- Sep 20 - Oct 01, 2024
- Oct 04 - 15, 2024
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
March, April, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Inder Dugal
Born in Delhi to a Sikh father and American mother, Inder grew up in the capital city at a time of strong British influence in India. After studying in the US, the lure of India and its wonders finally pulled him back and into the travel world. Today, as a guide and tour director, Inder works closely with guests to ensure the best experience possible. He blends an understanding of Western perspectives with a local's approach to customs and languages (Hindi and Punjabi). A self-taught chef, history buff and travel enthusiast, with a great sense of humor, he will bring your MT Sobek adventure to life.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. This trip is ranked moderate. You will be walking 2-5 hours a day on several days through forests and villages where some tracks are quite uneven. Elevations are between 780' in Delhi and 9,400' at Triund. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy such an experience.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 5
4.5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain/loss
Day 11
Scenic boat ride & 2 hours/2 miles hiking
Accommodations
Relax at comfortable and well-appointed hotels, including the elegant and luxurious Vivanta by Taj at Lake Dal - an exquisite five-star resort.
Weather
In April and September, low temperatures will range from 40°F - low 60°F and highs will range from 50°F - 100°F.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you at the Delhi Airport.
Do I need a visa for India?
Yes, you do, but you can go online to apply for an Indian e-visa, which is fast and convenient.
Is Kashmir safe?
We only run our trips if we believe the situation is safe. We monitor the situation in Kashmir regularly through our local partners in the area, and using a global risk management company who we retain.
Since Kashmir is a Muslim-majority state, do women have to cover themselves?
No, women do not have to cover themselves except when going into the mosques. We do suggest trousers when walking here. Local women wear scarves or chadors, but no one expects visitors to do so.
Can I do an extension to the Taj Mahal or Varanasi?
Absolutely! Please call your Adventure Coordinator as we can organize extensions throughout India.
Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?
Yes! MT Sobek makes a donation of $250 per traveler to the Tibetan Nuns Project for all participants that join the trip. Travelers will also get to volunteer at the free kitchen at the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, which feeds ups to 50,000 people a day - all with volunteer labor!
Similar Trips to India Secrets of Kashmir Multi-Adventure Tour
Inspiration to Explore
Guest Reviews
"A spectacular adventure in a marvelous and diverse country. The trip is designed for each traveller to experience first-hand the beauty and spirituality of this complex society. The guides and itinerary are outstanding. You will come home and want to learn more of this beautiful culture."
Diane S.
MT Sobek Guest, India Secrets of Kashmir Cultural Discovery
"I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
Margaret I.
MT Sobek Guest