Kolkata to Ladakh via Train - 7-Day Itinerary

1. Friday December 29: Kolkata
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Howrah Bridge

   Enjoy the morning exploring the iconic Howrah Bridge and the nearby Hooghly River. In the afternoon, visit the Victoria Memorial for a glimpse into Kolkata's colonial past. In the evening, experience the vibrant cultural scene at Park Street.

   • Howrah Bridge: Free, 2 hours
   • Victoria Memorial: INR 20, 2 hours
   • Park Street: Free, as per your preference
2. Saturday December 30: Varanasi
   12 hours (486 miles) from Kolkata

   Start your morning with a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, witnessing the ancient rituals and ceremonies. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old town and visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.

   • Ganges Boat Ride: INR 200, 2 hours
   • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1 hour
   • Ganga Aarti: Free, 1 hour
3. Sunday December 31: Amritsar
   19 hours (745 miles) from Varanasi

   Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Explore the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial and witness the daily Wagah Border Ceremony between India and Pakistan. Celebrate the New Year's Eve with the lively street festivities in Amritsar.

   • Golden Temple: Free, 2 hours
   • Jallianwala Bagh Memorial: Free, 1 hour
   • Wagah Border Ceremony: Free, 2 hours
4. Monday January 1: Srinagar
   17 hours (586 miles) from Amritsar

   Take a leisurely Shikara boat ride on the serene Dal Lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Visit the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Explore the vibrant local markets and indulge in traditional Kashmiri cuisine.

   • Dal Lake Shikara Ride: INR 400, 2 hours
   • Mughal Gardens: INR 50, 2 hours
   • Local Market Exploration: Cost varies, as per your preference
5. Tuesday January 2: Leh
   10 hours (270 miles) from Srinagar

   Embark on a breathtaking road trip from Srinagar to Leh, passing through the scenic Zoji La Pass and Kargil. Take short breaks at Dras War Memorial and Lamayuru Monastery. Arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and immerse yourself in its unique culture and serene surroundings.

   • Dras War Memorial: Free, 1 hour
   • Lamayuru Monastery: Free, 1 hour
   • Leh Exploration: Cost varies, as per your preference
6. Wednesday January 3: Pangong Tso
   5 hours (134 miles) from Leh

   Embark on an adventurous day trip to the stunning Pangong Tso Lake. Marvel at the ever-changing colors of the lake and the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and soak in the tranquility of this natural wonder. Return to Leh in the evening.

   • Pangong Tso Day Trip: Cost varies, 8-10 hours
7. Thursday January 4: Leh
   Rest and Relaxation Day

   Take a well-deserved rest day in Leh. Explore the local markets, indulge in delicious Ladakhi cuisine, or simply relax and enjoy the serene ambiance. Use this day to catch up on any missed attractions or activities in Leh.

   • Leisure Time: Cost varies, as per your preference

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider visiting the monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey near Leh. These monasteries offer a deeper insight into the rich Buddhist heritage of Ladakh. For day trips, you can explore the Nubra Valley or take a thrilling ride on the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. To make the most of your budget, try sampling local street food and bargaining at the markets for souvenirs.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.