4.9 — 68 Reviews
October to April
Prince of Himalayas – Leh/Ladakh
Leh feels like another world. This 9-day private tour takes you through its dramatic mountains, ancient culture, and calm scenery. From the moment you arrive, the snow-covered peaks and rugged terrain make it clear why Leh and Ladakh are unforgettable. You’ll explore landmarks like Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Village, and the lively local market, where history and everyday life blend effortlessly.
As the journey continues, you’ll visit Sham Valley, the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, and the unusual Magnetic Hill. The monasteries of Spituk and Alchi add depth to the experience, and a stop at Shey Palace offers a glimpse into Ladakh’s royal past.
The adventure builds as you travel through Khardung La Pass into the Nubra Valley. The landscapes shift quickly, giving you some of the most striking views of the entire trip. The blue waters of Pangong Lake become a highlight before heading back over Chang La Pass toward Leh, wrapping up a journey that feels both challenging and rewarding.
Vibrant Experiences
- Tibetan-Style Palaces
- Eco Mud Brick Cottages Stay
- Budhist Monasteries
- Double-humped Camel Safari
- Tibetan Cuisine & Culture
- Himalayan Villages Visit
- Evening with Local Family
- The Highest motorable pass in the world
- Camp Stay at Banks of Pangong Lake - World's Highest Saltwater Lake
- You will be greeted & assisted by our representative at Delhi international airport and later transferred to your hotel to check in. Remaining time is at leisure till next day.
- Your day would begin after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you get yourself ready for a personalized guide tour, which begins from the Old and Historic Delhi.
- The first halt is Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Then the guide will arrange a cycle rickshaw tour, which will let you catch a closer insight of old era and the very illustrious Anarkali Bazaar of Chandni Chowk. At Chandni Chowk, we would further take you to Khari Baoli Spice Market – the largest spice market of Asia, which is a true delight for eyes.
- Later, you will visit the Humayun’s Tomb and the 12th century Qutab Minar.
- Afterwards, the imposing boulevards and buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s Residence), the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys and India Gate will be experienced from the vehicle.
- Early morning, you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your flight to Leh/Ladakh, land of incredible landscapes.
- You will be greeted & assisted by our representative at Leh airport and later transferred to your hotel to check in.
- Spend rest of the day free at leisure to acclimatize the weather.
- A land like no other with a superabundance of attractions to visit and fabulous landscapes, amazing people, and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth.
- Tip: Stay hydrated to acclimatize yourself to the drop of oxygen level in Ladakh.
- Morning Prayer at Thiksey Monastery
- Early in the morning, visit the 15th century Thiksey Monastery where you will take part in a special morning prayer ceremony. As the sun rises, the trumpets, gongs, prayers and chants of the monks ring out. You will be guided through the complex and see the prayer rooms with many handwritten books as well as the shrine of the goddess Tara.
- Afterwards, visit the 400-year-old Hemis Monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu school. The rich monastery is world-famous for its big monastery festival. Here, young lamas are taught yoga, tantra, philosophy, history and literature. The monastery halls are decorated with murals and statues
- End the day by visiting the Leh Palace, it’s a former royal palace and overlooking Leh Town.
- In evening, you may visit the vibrant Leh market.
- After breakfast, start your Sham Valley day trip.
- Visit the Alchi Monastery.
- Within the monastery complex, artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and the Hindu kings of Kashmir are reflected across intricate wall paintings. The complex also boasts huge Buddha statues, lavish wood carvings, and artwork that's almost Baroque in style.
- Afterwards, visit the basgo village and the old ruins of the Basgo Fort which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
- Later, visit Sangam, the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers, and a very picturesque site.
- Return to Leh for an overnight stay.
- This morning post breakfast travel to Nubra Valley, via Khardung La Pass (Highest motorable pass in the world at 18,380 ft). This pass will leave you mesmerised and will give you memories to cherish for a lifetime. Take a short break for coffee and snacks, sip your coffee or tea by witnessing breathtaking view of mountains.
- On arrival, check-in at your hotel and after brief refresh, drive on to Hunder, home to the highest desert in the world, experience the beautiful scenic beauty and bactrian camel rides in Nubra Valley, which is a gem beyond the reach of chaos, bestowed with stark tranquillity.
- Enjoy a double-humped Camel Safari in Sand Dunes as you watch the sunset between Deskit and Hundur Village.
- Overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
- After breakfast, drive to the base of Tirisa Tso Lake.
- Take a short hike to the lake, where we will witness surreal views of the lake reflecting the mountains that guard its shore.
- Afterwards, we will make our descent towards Murgi, the largest petroglyph site of Ladakh, etched by the hands of ancient civilisations.
- Pause for a picnic lunch surrounded by the awe-inspiring mountains.
- At sunset, ascend towards the Samstanling monastery for a mindfulness meditation session with a monk. Feel a sense of peace as you immerse yourself in the spiritual aura.
- After breakfast, drive back from the Nubra Valley to Leh.
- On arrival, check into your hotel upon arrival, and rest of the day is at your leisure.
- Star Gazing of Milky Way
- After an early breakfast, check out from Leh and drive to next exciting destination of Pangong Lake.
- Pangong is originally comes from Tibetan word Pangong Tso which means high grassland lake.
- Pangong lake is world's highest brackish lake, situated at 4350 metres above the sea level and it is 134kms long. It is 134km (83 mi) long and extends from India to China.
- On sunny day, you may see 7 colour formations in the crystal-clear saltwater lake.
- Check into the camp where you'll be spending the night, with unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Pangong Lake.
- The lake's water is salty, crystal-clear, and a lovely shade of blue; it looks best when the sun is shining bright.
- Overnight stay in the tented camp at bank of Pangong lake.
- After breakfast, drive from Pangong Lake back to Leh.
- Along the way you'll stop to visit the Hemis Monastery, revered as the largest monastic institution in Ladakh. It's the wealthiest Buddhist monastery in India and famous for its rich collection of ancient remnants, including the copper statue of Buddha and stupas made of gold and silver. It also houses sacred thangka paintings, murals, and various artifacts.
- Arrive back into Leh in the evening and check into your hotel, before spending the rest of the night at leisure.
- Today, at appropriate time you will be transferred to Leh airport for your flight to Delhi.
- On arrival, you will be assisted at the Delhi airport and transferred to your Hotel for overnight stay.
- Rest of the day is free at leisure.
- Note: Only transfers provided today.
- This Morning, after breakfast, check out from your hotel, and at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your flight for your onward journey.
- Board your flight and fly back with memories to cherish for life. Tour ends.
Overview
Stay for
Meals
Trip Guide
Vehicle
Trip Route
Flexible Private Tour — Pick Your Own Start Date
No Deposit required until 60 days prior to your tour start date
Inclusions
- Garlanding welcome at the Airport in Kochi.
- All arrival and departure transfers.
- Assistance at Airport on arrival.
- 01 Mineral water per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Entrance and Camera fees to the monuments and palaces.
- Sightseeing and experiences as per the itinerary.
- Sightseeing by an exclusive deluxe air-conditioned Vehicle with chauffeur as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation at the specified hotels.
- Daily buffet breakfast during your stay at all proposed destinations.
- Domestic flights as per the itinerary.
Exclusions
- Anything not mentioned or “optional” or “own expense” in the itinerary.
- Porterage at Hotels and Airports.
- All Items of Personal Nature, Shopping, Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Liquors, Wine, Etc.
- Meals not specified in Itinerary.
- Tips for staff, guide & driver.
- International airfares unless specified.
- Optional, suggested, or unspecified activities.
- Insurance of any kind, Insurance and Medi claim.
- Visa costs.
Important Information
Once you’ve selected your desired tour, no deposit is required to secure your tour.
You won’t need to pay your final balance until 60 days prior to your tour start date. If your booking is made within 60 days of the tour start date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
All Major Cards Accepted (Surcharge may apply)
You can cancel right up to 30 days before the tour starts, and we will refund your full land deposit and any progress payments made by you within 14 business days.
From 30 days before the tour start date:-
If your tour is cancelled due to government travel restrictions, your deposit and any progress payments will be carried forward as full credit towards future travel with us with zero fees.
If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
If you have to amend or cancel the tour from 30 days before the tour start date to the end date of the tour, any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours of amendment.
If the tour needs to be amended or cancelled due to sickness or COVID-related reasons, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use. Any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours.
A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
For full cancellation & refund policy, visit https://planetshinetours.com/terms-conditions/
You can cancel right up to 60 days before the tour starts, and we will refund your full land deposit and any progress payments made by you within 14 business days.
Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for the land part of the tour, not Safari Tickets, International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets.
Note: International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline and train operators' policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation.
Note: Safari tickets are non-refundable.
From 60 days before the tour start date:-
- If your tour is cancelled due to government travel restrictions, your deposit and any progress payments will be carried forward as full credit towards future travel with us, with zero fees.
- If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
- If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
- If you have to amend or cancel the tour from 60 days before the tour start date to the end date of the tour, any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours of amendment.
- If the tour needs to be amended or cancelled due to sickness or covid related reason, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use. Any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours.
- A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
- For full cancellation & refund policy, visit https://planetshinetours.com/terms-conditions/
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies.
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to domestic airline, default Check-in luggage is 15kg and Carry-on luggage is 7kg.
Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. Please note: a general level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
Please note: In the event that entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, will be adjusted or similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
- Changes - $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
If the incorrect name has been advised to Vibrant India Tours, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
Book Now Pay Later
Yes! You heard it right again. That’s all it takes to book a tour with us and pay 60 days before tour start date.
Vibrant Confidence – Full Refund
Yes! You heard it right.You can cancel right up to 30 days before tour starts and get 100% refund within 14 business days.
Answers to Common Questions About Traveling with Planet Shine Tours
Planning a trip to India often comes with plenty of questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked queries from our guests.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out — our travel experts are happy to help.
1. Do I need a visa to enter India?
Yes. All foreign nationals must obtain a valid Indian visa before arrival.
You can apply for an E-Visa online at the official government portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, and the e-visa is valid for 30 days from your arrival date. Remember to carry a printed copy of your approved visa for verification at immigration.
2. What is the climate like in India?
India’s climate varies from tropical in the south to alpine in the north.
The best time to visit most regions is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry.
North India:
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April–June: Hot and dry (35–42°C)
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July–August: Humid and rainy
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September–December: Pleasant days, cool nights
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January: Very cold and foggy mornings
South India:
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April–September: Hot and humid
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June–November: Heavy rainfall
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December–March: Warm and pleasant
3. Should I buy a SIM card in India or activate international roaming?
You can do either, but the easiest option is to activate international roaming with your home provider before arrival.
If you prefer local service, Airtel and Vodafone SIMs are widely available at airports and kiosks. Be prepared with passport copies and photos, as activation may take a few hours.
4. What should I pack for my India trip?
Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
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Valid passport, visa, and travel insurance
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Power plug adapter (Type C, D, or M)
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Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing
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A few warm layers for evenings
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Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
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Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
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Modest clothing for visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered)
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Camera or phone with charger
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Reusable water bottle and rain jacket
5. Is tipping expected in India?
Yes, tipping is a common practice in India and shows appreciation for good service.
Here’s a general guide:
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Tour Guide: ₹800–₹1,000 per day (per group)
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Driver: ₹1,000 per day (per vehicle)
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Hotel Staff: ₹20–₹50 per bag for porters or bellboys
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Restaurants: Around 10% of the total bill
6. How much money should I carry while travelling in India?
Foreign travellers cannot bring Indian currency into the country. You can bring up to USD $5,000 in foreign currency and exchange it at airports or major cities.
ATMs and card payments are available in most urban areas, but small towns still prefer cash.
We recommend budgeting around $100 per day for two people to cover meals, local shopping, and minor expenses.
7. Do I need vaccines before travelling to India?
No specific vaccines are required, but it’s best to consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
We recommend staying up to date with routine immunisations such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, and influenza.
If traveling to rural or wildlife areas, your doctor may suggest additional vaccines (e.g., Hepatitis A, Typhoid).
8. Who will assist me upon arrival in India?
A Planet Shine Tours representative will meet you at the airport arrival lounge, holding a placard with your name. They’ll assist with luggage and hotel check-in. The same assistance applies to internal transfers and your final departure.
9. What type of accommodations are included?
We offer a range of accommodation options:
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Luxury Hotels: Elegant stays with premium facilities and personalized service.
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Heritage Hotels: Historic palaces, forts, or havelis converted into charming stays that reflect India’s royal past.
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Beach Resorts: Handpicked coastal retreats perfect for relaxation.
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Desert Camps: Unique stays under the stars in Jaisalmer’s dunes.
All hotels are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and service quality.
10. What is included and not included in my tour cost?
Included:
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Airport transfers
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Accommodation and breakfast
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Sightseeing with a chauffeur-driven car
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English-speaking guide
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Monument entry fees
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Mineral water and all applicable taxes
Not Included:
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International or domestic flights (unless stated)
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Personal expenses (shopping, tips, drinks, etc.)
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Visa fees and travel insurance
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Meals not specified in the itinerary
11. Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and must include coverage for:
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Medical emergencies
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Trip cancellations or delays
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Lost baggage or documents
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Emergency evacuation
We recommend arranging your insurance at the time of booking and sharing your policy number and emergency contact before departure.
12. What is your cancellation policy?
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Standard & Deluxe Tours: Cancellable up to 30 days before tour — full refund (except flight, train, and safari tickets).
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Luxury Tours: Cancellable up to 60 days before tour — full refund (same exceptions).
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Within 30 or 60 days: 100% cancellation charge.
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Safari tickets: Non-refundable.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Refunds (if applicable) are processed within 14 business days.
13. Can I make changes to my booked tour?
We try to accommodate date or itinerary changes when possible, subject to availability and applicable administrative charges.
However, airline and train tickets follow their own operator policies and may not be changeable.
14. Is an advance deposit required?
Generally, no deposit is required to confirm a booking. Full payment is due 60 days before departure.
If booking within 60 days of the tour date, the total amount must be paid at the time of booking.
15. What safety measures are taken during tours?
Your safety is our top priority. All vehicles are sanitised, drivers are licensed, and accommodations are vetted for hygiene and security.
We follow all local travel advisories and ensure 24×7 assistance during your journey.
16. Who can I contact in case of emergency during my trip?
You’ll receive a dedicated local contact number after booking confirmation. Our support team is available 24×7 for assistance with transport, accommodation, or medical needs.
You can also emailinfo@planetshinetours.com or call +91-7665590697 at any time.