Start: Washington DC
Fly
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Manali
— 4 nights
Fly
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Gangtok
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Pelling
— 2 nights
Taxi to Bagdogra, Fly to Leh
4
Leh
— 4 nights
Fly
End: Washington DC
Tue, Jun 30 - Tue, Jul 14
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See full calendar
Manali
— 4 nights
©
People visit Manali for a number of reasons, but all of them revolve around the landscape.Explore hidden gems such as International Roerich Memorial Trust and Gauri Shankar Temple. When in Manali, make a side trip to see The Himalayan Trout Fish Farm in Haripur, approximately Haripur away.
For reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Manali day trip planning website.
Washington DC, USA to Manali is an approximately 25.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 10.5 hours traveling from Washington DC to Manali. On the 5th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly to Gangtok.
Things to do in Manali
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jul 1 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
Gangtok
— 2 nights
©
Situated in the eastern Himalayan range, state capital Gangtok combines a modern, resort town style with ancient spiritual beliefs and an impressive natural heritage.On the 6th (Mon), don't miss a visit to Hanuman Tok, then make a trip to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, and then explore the landscape on two wheels at Tsongmo Lake. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the spiritual surroundings of Rumtek Monastery Sikkim, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ranka Monastery, then deepen your understanding at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and finally visit MG Marg.
To see photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Gangtok sightseeing planning tool.
You can fly from Manali to Gangtok in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi, bus, and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Tue) early enough to drive to Pelling.
Things to do in Gangtok
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jul 5 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
Pelling
— 2 nights
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The small hill station of Pelling draws visitors with its impressive nature and abundance of hotels and resorts.Kick off your visit on the 8th (Wed): make a trip to Chenrezig Statue, explore the activities along Khecheopalri Lake, then admire the sheer force of Kanchenjunga Falls, and finally snap pictures at Singshore Bridge Bungee Jumping. Here are some ideas for day two: don't miss a visit to Pemayangtse Gompa, then explore the ancient world of Rabdentse Ruins, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Pemayangtse Monastery.
To find reviews, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Pelling sightseeing tool.
You can drive from Gangtok to Pelling in 4.5 hours. July in Pelling sees daily highs of 90°F and lows of 78°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Leh.
Things to do in Pelling
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jul 7 — 9:
Highlights from your trip
Leh
— 4 nights
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The former capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh, Leh possesses a historic old town area marked by stupas, monasteries, and traditional mud-brick houses.Visiting Khardung La and Saspol Caves will get you outdoors. Explore hidden gems such as Shanti Stupa and De Pashmina Emporium. Take a break from Leh with a short trip to Alchi Monastery in Alchi, about 1h 30 min away. There's much more to do: get in touch with nature with Hiking & Camping Tours, appreciate the views at Nubra Valley, tour the pleasant surroundings at Sand Dunes Leisure Park, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib.
To see other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read Leh route planner.
You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Pelling to Leh in 9 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.
Things to do in Leh
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jul 9 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
India travel guide
It may very well be fair to call India "incredible," given its mind-boggling diversity of landscapes, climates, cultures, and languages. The world's largest democracy, and second only to China in terms of population, India contains majestic peaks dusted with glistening snow, sun-drenched beaches, ancient hand-carved temples, and sprawling cities jam-packed with people, vehicles, and animals. Many tour India during the country's devotional festivals, which range from immense parades that convert cities into giant performance stages, to simple farming fairs dedicated to relatively obscure local deities. Whenever you choose to vacation in India, make sure you see some of the country's World Heritage Sites, which include the legendary Taj Mahal and Chilika Lake, the planet's second-largest lagoon.
