Leh is the capital of Ladakh, and the biggest city in the region. Every other place in Ladakh worth visiting is at a higher altitude than Leh, so it is advisable that you stay here for a atleast two days and acclimatise yourself. Altitude sickness would mean the death of your trip since the only way to cure AMS is to go down to lower heights. 

During your two day stay in Leh, be careful not to exert yourself too much before your body acclimatises to the high altitude atmosphere. Take a stroll around town and savour being in Leh:

Leh Palace: If you are looking for magnificience, this is not the right place at all. The Leh Palace, known to locals as Lhachen Palkhar, is a simple structure built for the terrain. The views over the town are beautiful though, and nobody can deny that in it's own simple way, the palace has come to define Leh.

Here's some information:

The palace is distinguished monument and a historical building. The nine-storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. It is an imposing structure, though in ruins now, situated on a hill and commands a grand view of the Leh town. The building in grand Tibetan architecture is said to have inspired the famous potala of Lahasa, built half a century later. Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town, are the ruins of the fortbuilt, by the king Tashi namgyal in the 16th century, as a royal residence.

 (Source: TOURISM)

20110425_Leh_Palace_010 (Source: Friar's Balsam)

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa: Situated above the palace, the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (monastery) sits like a patriarch lording over his children. Visit the monastery in the morning hours (between 7am-9am) and be a pat of the ritual prayers that are held here. Spiritual and uplifting, and oh so soul cleansing!

20110427_Leh_scenes_110 (Source: Friar's Balsam)

Lal Bazaar: The only street bazaar in all of Ladakh, where you can shop for everything from small souvenirs to Royal Enfield bikes. Before you step out into the emote areas of the valley, shop for your essentials here. And remember to stock up on medicines!

Shanti Stupa: The snow white structure of the stupa blends well with the background of Leh. And the site is an important religious center for Buddhists in the area. Built in 1991, by a Japanese Buddhist bhikhshu, the chorten holds the relics of the Buddha inside.

Alchi Monastery: The monastic complex in Alchi, 60 kms north of Ladakh is a must visit. The complex or chos-khor comprises four different settlements in the Alchi village, of which the Alchi monastery is the best known monument. Here's wiki's take on the famous monastery:

The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and the Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery. These are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. The complex also has huge statues of the Buddha and elaborate wood carvings and art-work comparable to the baroque style.Shakti Maira has vividly explained the beauty of this small monastery.

 (Source: Alchi Monastery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

IMG_7359-e (Source: AshuGarg)

Nubra Valley is 150 kms away from Leh, and the road to Nibra takes you through the Khardung La pass - the highest motorable road in the world (though there have been recent claims about there being others). The valley derives its name from the old word "Ldumra" meaning valley of flowers. 

The valley is known for the Diskit monastery, and the Hundar village where one can find Bactrian camels in a land full of sand dunes! The Diskit monastery dates back to the 14th century and was built by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a prominent monk of the Gelgupa (Yellow Hat) sect of the Buddhist religion. The monastery is supposedly the oldest in the Nubra Valley.

Timings : 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Last entry at 3:00 P.M

Hundar, around 128 kms away from the monastery is a pretty village set amidst gurgling streams and picturesque mountains. The high altitude desert stretches for miles and give syou the opportunity to ride on a bactrian camel. The Leh-Diskit-Hundar-Leh circuit can be done in two days and the total distance is 259 kms. Accommodation is available in Diskit and in Hundar as well. You would have to break for a night at either of these places, and then head on to Leh the next day.

Here's a review of the valley by a traveller:

The road to reach the gompa is tough but its worth it. It passes through the Khardoung la pass - the highest motorable pass, and is tough on some patches. The moment you enter the Nubra valley you see an entirely different side of Laddakh. White sand, bactrian camels , the icy cold Shayok river . With siachin just across few peaks...its a stunningly beautiful place . The huge statue of maitreya adds charm to the place. Valley is bit warmer and the romance of silk route , the tales of robbers and caravans carrying goods seem very very real. The Gompa is worth a visit . The village below it provide many options of decent lodging .

 (Source: TripAdvisor)

DSC_9385-e (Source: AshuGarg)

Do not forget to take pictures, and have a bowl of noodles and a cuppa at the small tea shops on the highest road in the world - Khardung La!

 (Source: dustin larimer)

The Ladakh valley has many lakes, big and small and Pangong Tso is definitely the most well known. The lake is 134 kms long, almost like a mini river - but most of it is under Chinese control and the occupation highly disputed by India. From Leh, it is 185 kms away and takes 5-6 hours to reach.

Leaving Leh, you will pass by the towns of Shey and Gya on your way to Pangong. Spend some time in Shey, the palace and the nearby Thiskey monastery deserve to be seen. Here's why:

The 3 storey palace is perched on a hillock overlooking the beautiful Shey village. 'Shey' loosely translated into Ladakhi means mirror (or maybe reflection) and it is the reflection of the palace on the still waters of the lake below which gave origins to its name. Shey used to be the capital and the home for Ladakh's royal family up until the Dogra conquests forced the royal family to be stripped of their power and move to Stok. The Shey palace is situated at a strategic location overlooking the entire heartland of Ladakh. This importance of the location is attested by the numerous chortens that are scattered around the village, particularly near the barren plains north of the palace complex.

 (Source: Shey Palace - Reviews and User Experiences from Leh)

IMG_9924.jpg (Source: Saad Faruque)

Here's some important information you should keep in mind as you travel onward to Pangong:

Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh, most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road crosses the villages of Shey and Gya and traverses the Changla pass, where army sentries and a small teahouse greet visitors. Road down from Changla Pass leads through Tangste and other smaller villages, crossing river called Pagal Naala or 'The Crazy Stream'. The spectacular lakeside is open during the tourist season, from May to September. An Inner Line Permit is required to visit the lake as it lies on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control. While Indian nationals can obtain individual permits, others must have group permits (with a minimum of three persons) accompanied by an accredited guide; the tourist office in Leh issues the permits for a small fee. For security reasons, India does not permit boating.

 (Source: Pangong Tso - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The edges of the lake form marshes where migratory birds such as the Bar Headed Goose can be seen during summers. The brackish waters of the lake do not support much wildlife, but for once you can forget that and just bask in the pleasure of being able to feast your eyes on the beautiful vistas around. Camping sites are available near the lake, and at Spangmik village nearby. At Spangmik, if you are lucky, the locals might even allow you to ride their yaks for a small fee!

For more information on the roads to Pangong, and the transport options available, click here .

Pangong Tso (Source: wildxplorer)

Tso Moriri is a high altitude lake with an altitude of 4,595 m (15,075 ft) in Ladakh, India and is the largest of the high altitude lakes in the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region, entirely within India. 

The salt water lake, has been recently declared a  Ramsar site, and conservation efforts are being spearheaded by the WWF India foundation. The increasing number of tourists every year means the local avian fauna is being threatened and all tourists to the lake are advised to follow the basic rules of not littering, and sticking to designated trails only.

Tso Moriri Lake (Source: Prabhu B Doss)

On your way back to Leh, you can try stopping at the Tso Kar lake, another salt water lake in the valley. Tso Kar, also called the 'White Lake' because of the salt deposits around the lake has been used as a source of salt by the Changpa nomads for ages. 

Accommodation on the road is available at Thukje, a small village near Tso Kar, or at the camping site in Korzok near the Tso Moriri lake. You can even pitch your own tent and have a camping expedition on your own!

For more information on this route, click here.

The itinerary till now has been made for 8 days, but in remote places like Ladakh one cannot expect to always have things as one wishes. If all goes well, you should have 4 days in hand to experience the Zanskar Valley area in Ladakh. 

Zanskar is famous for the trekking trails, and there are many tour operators providing trekking experiences in the region. I would strongly recommend you to try the Snow Leopard Trust  as they specialise in eco tours and are also involved in protecting the rare snow leopards found in the area. The other tour operator I like is the 10 year itch - they provide customised trekking tours for all levels of trekking enthusiasts - beginners included.

The other option would be to drive down to Zanskar, and blaze your own trails! For more on the trails in Zanskar go here!

Zanskar Valley (Source: CortoMaltese_1999)

Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular attractions in Manali and it is located on the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road that offers the most panoramic views of the valley and the surroundings. From Rohtang Pass you can also go and see few more other attractions such as Dassaur Lake which is a small lake and Beas Kund, which is the origin of Beas River.

If you decide to take the road from Leh to Manali, then Rohtang would be your point of entry into the hill station.

Rohtang Pass (Source: Zigg-E)

You can check the map below to get the exact route from Manali to Rohtang Pass, if you are going their on your own car or bike.

51 KM from Manali, is a high mountain pass that connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh , It has become a summer tourist spot, all thanks to the rising popularity of Manali, and excellent roads maintained by Border Road Organization . Almost every visitor to Manali yearns to visit Rohtang Pass as one can feel and touch snow even in the peak of summer on this pass.

(Source: geckogo.com)

Rohtang Pass (Source: Zigg-E)

Solang Valley also known as Snow Point, is one of the most popular places in Manali for indulging in paragliding. Solang Valley is known for its picturesque surroundings, snow capped mountains, glaciers, lush green forests etc. 

Taking its name from words of the native tongue, Solang (village) and Nullah (brooks from the mountains), Solang Valley is a mesmerizing vista. Perched atop the Kullu Valley, it lies at 14 km northwest of Manali along the winding path to Rohtang Pass.

Solang Valley is a pictorial spot, which presents the awesome scenery of snow clad mountains and glaciers. Popularly called as the Snow point, Solang Valley is a perfect place for skiing and the 300 meter sky lift is the main fascination of this stunning picnic location.

Manali: Solang Valley (Source: mustseeindia.com)

Solang Valley (Source: Ryan Weller)

Paragliding and other activities are available for the tourists, but for many, the ideal way to spend time in Solang is by doing NOTHING! And the valley offers you ample opportunities to do so too! Just laze around and watch the clouds shift over the snow clad hills with a cup of warm tea to keep you company. That's the magic of Solang - indulge in it.

The old stone buildings in Old Manali are worth a visit.You can just enjoy the gorgeous scenery with your parents while indulging in a Picnic. Take your parents to the most amazing hot water springs in Vashist where you can wash away all your stress with some soothing and natural hydro therapy. Old Manali, known for its orchards and old guesthouses, is at a distance of some 3km from New Manali. There is ruined fort here called Manaligarh and a Manu Maharishi Temple dedicated to sage Manu - both are worth visiting.

The small town was the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and, from there, over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. Manali and its surrounding areas are of great significance to the Indian culture and heritage, as it was the home and abode of the Saptarshi (seven sages). The ancient cave temple, Hidimba Devi Temple, is not far from town.

(Source: Old Manali) 

(Source: Koshy Koshy)

Naggar Castle is around 25km from Manali and would make a great day trip,it offers a beautiful and panoramic view of the valley as it is built at a height of 1770m.This castle is a curious mix of Indian and European medieval architecture and a must also because of the Reorich Art Gallery .It has been converted into a heritage hotel and was also the place where a song from the popular movie 'Jab We Met' was shot. Not only the Castle but a drive through the scenic country side is well worth it, also a moonlit dinner or a early morning breakfast should not be missed at the open air restaurant.

Here is some information:

A unique medieval structure, Naggar Castle is a very popular tourist spot located close to Manali in Naggar. Built around 1460 AD, by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle has a unique architectural blend of western and Himalayan style. The castle is scenically located near the Beas River and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.The castle houses the Reorich gallery that displays the paintings of the famous Russian painter, Nicholas Reorich. A beautiful blend of stone and wood, the mansion was once the home of the Raja but was converted to a Heritage Hotel.(run by HPTDC) in the year 1978.

 (Source: mustseeindia)

 (Source: Een Ar) 

Zana Fall: While visiting The Castle also visit the beautiful Zana Fall. It is almost not at all visited by tourists and are amazing. The fall is some 15km from Naggar in Zana Village. After visiting Zana, you can try out some mouth watering local cuisine at the numerous road side huts

Address: The Castle, Naggar, Distt. Kullu

Tel.: (01902) 248316

At a distance of 16 km from Manali is this magnificent waterfall where you'll see snow and water both. Plummeting down from a staggering height of 2,501 meters, the falls is the culmination of melting glaciers.

The Rahala Waterfalls in Manali is an integral part of the Himalayan ecstasy. Gushing down from an altitude of 2,501 meters, the Rahala Waterfalls is a product of melting glaciers. The scenic uniqueness of this natural waterfall has made it one of the primary tourist spots in the whole of Manali.

Rahala Waterfalls (Source: Rahala Waterfalls)

(Source: B Balaji)

It is an enchanting cave temple dedicated to Hidimba devi, a character in Mahabharata. Surrounded by tall trees, and by the looks of it, it gives a feel of being in a fairy tale.

It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D

Himachal Tourism (Source: Himachal Tourism | Hadimba temple)

hadimba temple, manali (Source: Een Ar)

A 9 hour drive from Manali will get you to Delhi,but the traffic inside the city itself can be a deadlock; so try starting early. A few kms outside the city is Mehrauli, where stands one of the most iconic landmarks of the capital - the Qutub Minar. 

Qutub Minar is located inside the complex called Qutub Complex which encloses several other structures like Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar, Ala-i-Minar, Ala-i-Darwaza, Tomb of Imam Zamin. It can be very easily reached via metro yellow line. Light and sound show is organised in every evenings inside the compound. 

Qutub Minar & Iron Pillar (Source: Jack Zalium)

Here is a review:

An excellent heritage property clean and maintained heritage property.. Amazing architectural monument.. When you enter the property you can feel the positive energy. It was a peaceful green place.. It made your mind and body feel calm and rejuvenate you. Visited November 2011

 (Source: Qutab Minar Reviews - TripAdvisor)

This is a fascinating spot to explore the Mughal architecture. Being a World Heritage Center, Humayun's Tomb is a popular place among tourists and locals. You can roam around learning about the interesting history of the Mughal empire while you get mesmerized by the imposing architecture of this place. A must visit!

 (Source: souravdas)

Address : East Nijamudin, 5 km southeast of Connaught Pl., New Delhi, India

Timings : Timings: Sunrise to sunset

Entry : Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (foreigners)

Situated in the heart of New Delhi is the mighty India Gate which is about 42 m high. As a kid I have always enjoyed visiting this place after sunset when the structure is fully illuminated. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens it is inspired from 'Arc de Triomphe' in Paris. Originally an All India War Memorial, it commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives under the British Raj while fighting the World War 1.

India Gate (Source: Bijoy Mohan)

Here's what fodors has to say about this National Monument:

Anchoring a traffic circle near the far end of Rajpath, this massive sandstone arch was designed by Lutyens in 1931, in memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who fell in World War I and the third Afghan War of the late 19th century. In the 1970s, the government of India added a memorial to India's unknown soldier, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, beneath the arch. While traffic speeds neatly around the outer circle, vendors occupy the inner circle, and people amble and socialize on the lawns. Come in early evening and you'll find all sorts of activity, from men offering to make monkeys "dance" for a fee to impromptu cricket matches to youngsters splashing in the decorative stream nearby.

(Source: Fodor's Travel Guides)

Admission Fee: Free

Address: Near Rajpath, New Delhi

Being the most visited edifices in India, Lotus Temple stands out in every aspect of it. Be it the architecture, the ambiance, the green garden, this structure has always been the greatest crowd-puller of all. Its a gift from Bahai Religion and has been cherished by all.

Though it takes 3 hours to get inside it, but its definitely worth the wait. 

Lotus temple (Source: dinudey)

Here is a review:

Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths. The lotus flower signifies purity and peace. The religion is meant for people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith, - an independent world religion.

 (Source: VirtualTourist)

In the evening, you can opt for a stroll in the famous Lodi gardens, or a traditional Delhi experience at the Dilli Haat.

Replicating a rural market, the Dilli Haat was set up to give the local craftsmen from different states of India, a place to showcase their wares. Here you can shop for the handicrafts from the different states of India as well as taste their cuisine from the various food stalls set up there.

The haat is set in a clean and comfortable surroundings and if you are lucky you may also witness some cultural programs. Often artists from villages are called in to perform at the haat.

 (Source: manumenal)

Timings: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm; open all days

Location: There two Dilli Haats in Delhi. One at INA (Indian National Market) and the other at Pitampura. The former was the first one start and has been on for many years now. You could visit either.

Lodi gardens on the other hand is a famous park in the heart of the city, with beautiful tombs dating back to the 15th century. Rulers from the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties, that ruled Delhi between 1414 to 1526, have been buried here. The present landscaped park was built by American architects JA Stein and Garret Eckbo in 1968.

To know more about the gardens go here!

 (Source: Nagarjun)

One cannot say much about the Taj. It is a place that stands as one of the foremost pillars of human civilization. If ever love could be captured, it has been done here. Frommer's describes it well:

You expect to be disappointed when coming face to face with an icon that is almost an archetype, but nothing can really prepare you for the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan as an eternal symbol of his love for his favorite wife, whom he called Mumtaz Mahal ("Jewel of the Palace"), it has immortalized him forever as one of the great architectural patrons of the world.

Taj Mahal (Source: Frommer's) 

Taj Mahal, Agra (Source: Peter Verkhovensky)

57 minutes away from the Taj, is the city of Fathepur Sikri. Built in 1571 by Akbar to honor the Sufi saint Salim Chisti (he had predicted the birth of a son and heir), this is a grand ghost city entirely carved out of red sandstone. It was however, inhabited only for 14 years, after which came a drought and the city was totally abandoned.

It's a slightly somber but an undeniably stunning experience just to wander along these magnificent and mesmerizing sandstone arches, buildings and courtyards.

Fatehpur Sikri (Source: Chris Brown)

The Archaeological Survey of India conducts night tours of the Taj, and needless to say the view of the marble structure on a moonlit night is spectacular.Find an accommodation in Agra for the night, and go a-viewing the Taj in all its moonlit splendour, all by yourself!  

Jaipur, or the Pink City, is rather chaotic and congested. It does manage to tickle the traveler pink, though. Stunning forts atop hills and glorious palaces are leftovers from a very rich, royal past. You won't have to look far to catch the candyfloss-bright turbans creating a riot of hue,  the bargain bazaars, and the fluttering and astonishingly bright saris appear like butterflies.

Jaipur (Source: xiquinhosilva)

Jaipur does not end here; there are world-class hotels with clammy sophistication, as well as camel carts and cows that waddle through the diesel-soaked streets while the rampaging rickshaws hustle and jostle past the myriad of businessmen and tourists.

Jaipur (Source: xiquinhosilva)

Aptly named, the City Palace or Hawa Mahal has 953 windows lined along the facing wall. Still looked after by turban clad guards with huge mustaches, the Diwan-e-Khas of this palace houses two urns that hold the Guinness Book records for the largest silver objects ever created. A must see.

Hawa Mahal (Source: Marc Tarlock)

Along the Delhi-Jaipur highway, 11 Kms from Jaipur is the Amber Fort, a historical relic built by Raja Man Singh the first. Amber was the capital of the Kachhwaha Clan till 1727 when Jaipur was made the capital.

Within and around there are many attractions. Some pointers:

Above is Jas Mandir, a hall of private audience, with floral glass inlays and alabaster relief work. Opposite, across the garden, is Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace) -- note the perforations in the marble walls and channels where water was piped to cool the rooms. South lies the oldest part, the Palace of Man Singh I. If you want to explore the old town and its many temples, exit through Chand Pol, opposite Suraj Pol.

Amber Fort (Source: Frommer's)

Amber Fort (Source: Russ Bowling)

Although Delhi boasts of one too, the original Jantar Mantar was built by Maharaja Jai Singh for almost a decade (between 1727 to 1733). It houses astronomical instruments the size of buildings made up of stones and marbles which gives readings with accuracy comparable to today's modern equipment.

Jantar Mantar - Astronomical Observatory (Jaipur) (Source: Jorge Láscar)

30 Kms from Jaipur is Bagru, a quiet little village. Unlike most of Rajasthan, its popularity does not come from palaces and forts but from the world famous wooden block prints. Chippa Mohalla is the locale where the beautiful art has been carried forward for centuries by generations of amazingly skilled artisans.

Block Prints (Source: Scott Dexter)

Jodhpur or the Blue City also known as Gateway to Thar is one of the largest cities in Rajasthan and it is seeped in rich Rajasthani tradition, heritage and hospitality.

Umaid Bhawan Palace and Hotel Jodhpur (Source: amanderson2)

There are many things to see while you are in Jodhpur how some of the best places to visit are;

• Mehrangarh Fort : The largest fort in Rajasthan, this grand structure dominates the Jodhpur skyline. Built in 1458, this fort has never been captured by force in it's 500 years of glorious history. The fort stands as a reminder of Rao Jodh's unmatched military strategy - the citadel gives a 360 degree panoramic view as it is mounted upon the city's highest mountain.

Palace (Source: Hector Garcia)

• Mandore Garden : An ancient town whose name is mentioned even in the Ramayana. The garden is a popular destination with its high rock terrace and a lot of history.
   
• Khejarla Fort : This 400 year old masterpiece of architecture will give you a glimpse of the opulence and grandeur of the days gone bye. With an imposing sandstone exterior, the fort belies a spell bounding interior - a reminiscent of a magical fusion of art, riches and design.
   
• Guda Lake: In the vicinity of Bishnoi villages, attracts several species of migratory birds. Could also see Antelopes and black buck near the lake.

Mehrangarh Fort (Source: varunshiv)

There are numerous temples viz; Baba Ramdev Temple, Ganesh Temple, Mahamandir Temple, Pal Balaji Temple, Santoshi Mata Temple etc. Apart from sightseeing you can also participate in various events and festivals that keep on taking place time to time.

You can also go for desert safaris, Rajasthani themed restaurants, stay in heritage resorts and have some great time exploring the city on your bike along with your friends.

Bikaner is another great heritage cities of Rajasthan that is seeped deep in the typical Rajasthani  tradition, heritage and culture. This is one of the most enchanting cities in the whole of Rajasthan and a traveller's delight. 

The impossibly grand Anup Mahal (Source: Nagarjun)

There are many popular places where you can go sightseeing like Junagarh Fort which was built around the 16th century by the then ruler of Rajasthan Raja Rai Singh, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Lalgarh, Karni Mata temple - temple dedicated to the local goddess Karni Mata, this temple is also famous for the countless rats found in the temple and here rats are not considered as pests but as the goddess' consort.

Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok (Source: ♣ â„“ u m i è r e ♣)

Shivbari Temple with its huge 'bawri's' or tanks dedicated to Lord Shiva is another popular place that you cannot miss while you are in Bikaner. Gajner Palace is another heritage structure which is also considered as the 'Jewel of the Thar Desert' that is spread across 6000 acres.

Tracks (Source: Nomad Tales)

There are many heritage hotels where you can stay and feel like a Royal. Try a  desert safari, or dine on typical Rajasthani cuisine in the numerous restaurants and eateries found in the city - rejoice in the 'Royal' spirit, even if for a day!