ROAM INDIA WITH JESS: An Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventure Exploring India's Mountains & Cultures

Delhi is a microcosm of India. What makes India’s capital city a popular destination amongst tourists, despite the chaos, it’s ideal blend of modernization, combined with it’s old city charm.

Day 1- Welcome to Delhi, the chaotic, colorful, and utterly captivating capital of India. Arrival transfers will be arranged based on your flight, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. Once checked in at the hostel, we’ll keep lunch light because the real feast is coming up. In the late afternoon, we’ll head out for an epic street food tour, diving headfirst into the heart of Delhi’s culinary scene. Expect spicy chaat, buttery parathas, and delectable jalebis—the perfect introduction to this buzzing metropolis.

Day 2- After a hearty breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight to Leh, the gateway to Ladakh. At 3,500 meters above sea level, today is all about acclimatization—drinking plenty of water, taking it easy, and letting our bodies adjust to the thin mountain air. We’ll settle into our accommodation and take it slow, soaking in the fresh air and the incredible Himalayan landscape that surrounds us.

Day 3- Our Leh explorations begin with breakfast before we set off to explore the city’s historical and cultural gems. We’ll visit the Leh Palace, a 17th-century royal residence with sweeping views of the city, and stroll through Leh Market, where you can shop for Tibetan handicrafts, woolen shawls, and turquoise jewelry. The Central Asian Museum offers fascinating insights into the Silk Route trade history, while the Shanti Stupa, perched on a hilltop, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Leh. From here, we’ll visit Spituk Monastery, Shey Palace, and Thiksey Monastery, each showcasing Ladakh’s rich Buddhist heritage. Meals will be at local eateries, where you can try traditional momos, butter tea, and thukpa.

Day 4- Fuel up with an early breakfast because today’s adventure takes us on one of the most scenic drives in the world. We’ll cross Khardung La (5,359m), the highest motorable pass on the planet, and continue toward Hunder, a surreal desert village in Nubra Valley. Along the way, we stop for optional adventure activities, explore the magnificent Diskit Monastery, and marvel at the giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley. The highlight? Riding Bactrian camels at the Hunder Sand Dunes, an otherworldly experience in the middle of the Himalayas. Tonight, we’ll unwind in Hunder, surrounded by mountain vistas and clear, starry skies.

Day 5- After breakfast, we embark on a day trip to Turtuk and Thang, two remote villages that offer a unique insight into Baltistani culture. Walking through Turtuk’s apricot orchards and stone houses, we’ll experience a world vastly different from the rest of India. Then, we’ll journey to Thang, the last village before the Pakistan border, where we can literally see Pakistan across the mountains. The cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality make today’s adventure an unforgettable one.

Day 6- We leave Hunder behind and set off toward Pangong Lake, one of Ladakh’s most mesmerizing sights. The drive takes us through Shyok Valley, with stops at the Shyok River and Shooting Point (yes, Bollywood has made its mark here). When we finally arrive at Pangong, you’ll be greeted by a massive stretch of blue that changes shades with the light—seriously, no filter needed. We’ll stay overnight near the lake, watching the clearest night sky you’ve ever seen.

Day 7- Our adventure continues with a road trip from Pangong to Terido Village, taking us through some of Ladakh’s best-kept secrets. We’ll pass by Mirpal Tso (4,913m), Kaksang La (5,435m), Hor La, Yaye Tso (4,820m), and Chumathang Hot Springs, each offering stunning, untouched landscapes. In Terido, we’ll check into our homestay, where we’ll enjoy a cozy, homemade dinner prepared by our hosts.

Day 8- After a week of exploring, today is all about slowing down and soaking in local life. We’ll walk to Teriphu Monastery, where we can chat with monks and experience meditative tranquility. Later, we’ll learn to cook Ladakhi food at the homestay, helping our hosts prepare traditional dishes.

Day 9- After breakfast, we bid farewell to Ladakh and drive to Leh Airport for our flight back to Delhi. From here, we’ll drive straight to Agra, where we can spend the evening relaxing or shopping for the perfect outfit for our Taj Mahal visit.

Day 10- The highlight of Agra is, of course, the Taj Mahal, and we’ll experience it at sunrise, when the first rays of light make the marble glow in golden hues. After breakfast at the homestay, we’ll visit Agra Fort, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, and wrap up the day with a sunset view of the Taj from Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River. Our final dinner will be at Sheroes Café, an inspiring restaurant run by acid attack survivors, making this last meal together even more meaningful.

Day 11- After breakfast, those heading home will be dropped off at Agra Railway Station. But for those continuing to Jaipur, the adventure isn’t over yet!

This is an additional supplement for Jaipur for whoever wishes to complete the Golden Triangle and extend their trip!

Day 11- We’ll take an early morning train to Jaipur, checking into our hostel before exploring hidden gems of the Pink City at leisure. In the evening, there’s an option for a guided walking tour through the Old City, diving into Jaipur’s history and street culture.

Day 12- After breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided sightseeing tour covering Jaipur’s most famous landmarks, including Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal.

Day 13- We’ll spend the day exploring Jaipur’s bustling markets, shopping for textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. The block printing workshop at 2 PM is included, where we’ll learn the traditional art of hand-printing on fabric and even make our own scarf to take home!

Day 14- After breakfast, we check out and bid farewell.