BASECAMP INDIA COMBI TRIP 14d/13n

Discover The Land of Kings - sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces, and rugged forts, men and women in colourful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze are all there in abundance. The mood and the rhythm of the countryside changes from one region to another and from season to seasons.
Situated in northwest India, Rajasthan is divided into two parts by the ancient Aravali range. The varied topography includes both arid deserts and lush water-filled valleys. The wildlife too is diverse and rich in variety.

1959. My family are forced to cross the Himalayan mountain range. I was only 7 years old but the memories are still clear. The crisp air, the stars in the night, the strenuous walk, I never thought I would make it: We were cold, sad and afraid - leaving everything we loved behind us in our homeland, Tibet. After 9 years of Chinese occupation His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama felt escape was the only possibility left in order to preserve the 1000 year old Tibetan culture and their own lives. Now the Tibetan people in exile are settled in Dharamsala, in northern India. A new struggle has started to rebuild a home, keep our Buddhist belief and profound culture alive.

Day 1: Delhi

Upon your arrival in India, our representative will assist you at the international airport and bring you to your hotel in Delhi for an overnight stay.
Overnight at The Connaught or similar hotel (4 Star) in Delhi. (no meals)

Day 2: Chandelao

After a leisurely breakfast, we get transferred to the Delhi airport for a flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, we visit the famous Mehrangarh fort.

Aptly praised by Rudyard Kipling as “The work of Angels, Giants and Fairies ..." the fort houses marvellously carved panels, latticed windows, magnificent palaces and huge ramparts.

Later we take a leisurely walk in the spice market at the Clock tower area of Jodhpur where the sights and smells have not changed for centuries. After this tour of Jodhpur, we drive to Basecamp Rajasthan situated at the village of Chandelao (driving time approx 1 hr).
After arrival at Basecamp Rajasthan, we have dinner at the terrace of the fort enjoying a view of people’s lives by the night. The sumptuous meals at Chandelao are prepared by the Chef of the fort’s kitchen.

Overnight at Basecamp. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 3: Chandelao

Today, after breakfast, we start the day with a guided walk through the village of Chandelao, to get used to the rural area and observe the various things people are doing as a part of their everyday life.

Later on, we have the option of doing some cultural visits and activities in and around Chandelao or we can just spend the day leisurely. Amongst the activities is a ride to a nearby village, visiting families of potters and some women making beautiful embroidery on textiles. We also have the option of visiting the local market in the town of Pipar that still retains its traditional flavours.

Later in the afternoon, we board a camel cart to go for our special ‘sundowner’ trip. We ride through the village of Chandelao to reach a set of high rocks from where we enjoy the enchanting sunset over the desert landscape along with a drink and some grilled food. After sunset, we return to the Fort on the camel carts enjoying a view of the starlit sky.

Overnight at Basecamp Rajasthan - Chandelao Garh (Heritage). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 


Day 4: Camel Safari

After a morning spent leisurely, we drive to the starting point of our camel safari in the Thar desert. After lunch we start our camel safari that will bring memorable experience of the Thar Desert’s landscape and culture, in all its beauty. Our camel safari will take us through the desert villages and sand dunes.

Perched on top of a camel, the traditional mode of transport in the desert, we witness everyday life of rural Rajasthan, very harsh yet very lively and colourful. We will go through the village streets, observing homes and activities of everyday life. There will also be camel carts available for those of us, who wish to discontinue the camel safari at any point of time.

Tonight we will camp amidst the sand dunes to experience the desert in all its intimidating vastness. The authentic style tents of our camp bear the mark of the royal game hunting times. We have our dinner around a camp fire under the brightly starlit sky and rest during the night in the serene tranquillity of the desert.

Overnight at the tented camp. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)


Day 5: Chandelao

Our day starts with breakfast in one of the local homes, after which we head back to Chandelao. We return approximately by 1300 hrs, after which we have some time at leisure during the afternoon.

In the evening, after our dinner, we enjoy a show of some of the best folk music and dance of Rajasthan along with the people of Chandelao. During the show, we listen to centuries old music forms and enjoy dance forms that range from dance of the Royalty to the dance of the gypsy snake charmers.

Overnight at Chandelao Garh (Heritage). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)


Day 6: Jaipur

We leave somewhat early in the morning for Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and the capital of Rajasthan (approx 5 hrs). After arriving in Jaipur, we check in to the hotel following which we visit the City Palace. A part of the City Palace houses the Royal family of Jaipur and has three museums with Royal artefacts. Near the City Palace, we also visit a medieval stone observatory comprising of Sun dials and other instruments for astronomical observations built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (II) in the early 1700s. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a slow paced bicycle rickshaw ride through the colourful markets of Jaipur, known to be an interesting traffic experience.

Dinner and overnight at hotel Park Plaza or similar (4 star). (Breakfast)


Day 7: Jaipur - Pathankot/ Chakki Bank
(Overnight train at 1635 hrs).

In the morning we visit the impressive Amber fort, where we have the option of taking an elephant ride. After visiting the Amber fort, we will have lunch, followed by an afternoon free to explore the colorful and vibrant markets of Jaipur.

Later in the afternoon, we will proceed to the Jaipur Railway station for an overnight journey to Pathankot/ Chakki Bank.

Overnight journey on the train. (Breakfast & Packed Dinner)


Day 8: Norbulingka

Dharamsala is neatly situated at the outskirt of the Himalayas

Arrival by train to Pathankot/Chakki Bank around 06:30 where you will be received by our local guide. We will then proceed by vehicle to Norbulingka (approx 3 hours drive) making a stop on the way for breakfast. We check in to the Norling Guest House at the Norbulingka institute. Norling guesthouse is situated in a very peaceful place out of Dharamsala town, surrounded by mountains. Basecamp Explorer has upgraded facilities at the guesthouse. You can walk in the surrounding area or just relax for rest of the day.

Dinner and overnight at Norling Guest House. (Breakfast)


Day 9: Norbulingka - Dharamsala.

After breakfast, sightseeing at Norbulinga Institute (Handicraft Centre) and a visit to Dormaling Nunnery (Tibetan Nunnery monastery). After lunch we go by car to Dharamsala “Little Lhasa" (approx 30-40 minutes drive from Norling Guest house). Briefing on program and short introduction on Dharamsala by our local guide, followed by an evening walk in Lingkor and a visit to Main Temple. His Holiness Dalai Lama’s house is in the neighbourhood of this Main Temple.

Overnight stay at Pema Thang guest house (or similar). (Breakfast)

Day 10: Trekking.

Early in the morning we start trekking the mountain with our Tibetan guides. Start from McLeod Ganj (1768m) to Laka (3350m) which is about 13 km walk. It is a beautiful walk through mixed forests of deodar, oak and rhododendron. The first 2 km is quite a steep ascent and again 1 km before our final destination will be pretty much of a struggle. Gradient for most of the trek, however, is gradual.

Our camping spot will give us a panoramic view of the snow capped mountain peaks. We will have dinner around a campfire listening to the stories and experiences of our guides. Overnight in tents.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)


Day 11: Dharamsala.

In the morning we return from Laka to McLeodganj. Time for lunch and relaxing after arrival at our hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure to walk around Dharamsala and explore the markets.

Overnight at Pema Thang Guest House ( or similar). (Breakfast)

Day 12: Dharamsala.

After breakfast we will make a visit to Tibetan Children’s village (TCV) and handicraft Center of TCV (Basecamp project “House of peace and Dialogue"). The Tibetan Children’s Village is a non-profit, charitable institution for the care and education of orphans and destitute Tibetan Children in exile. There will be time for a visit to The Tibetan Museum as well. We will take a short rest before visiting the Tibetan Medical Institute where we can learn about the Tibetan medicine and also have the possibility of seeking consultations with a Tibetan Doctor.
Overnight at Pema Thang Guest House ( or Similar). (Breakfast)


Day 13: Pathankot - Delhi (Overnight train at 1840 hrs).

The last day in Dharamsala you will have at disposal and to spend on your own. Take the morning for leisure and go for a nice shopping tour where you can find inexpensive and beautiful clothing, souvenirs and other presents. Departure from Dharamsala to Pathankot railway station (approximately at 14.30 hrs.

We will board our train at 1840 hrs for an overnight journey back to Delhi.(Breakfast and packed dinner)

Day 14: Delhi- Departure.

Early morning arrival in Delhi around 0610 hrs & transfer to hotel for wash/change & breakfast. After breakfast we rest for a while and then start a sightseeing trip of Delhi, during which we will visit some of the important cultural symbols of India’s capital. We will drive by the impressive India Gate, Parliament house and President’s Palace. At greater ease we will visit Raj Ghat, the memorial built in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation for India. During the visit we will learn a bit more about his life and philosophy that helped India get freedom from the British Empire.

Later in the day, as one of the cultural symbols, we visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple. Here we will learn about Sikhism, the youngest religion of the world, and absorb some of the special atmosphere around this beautiful and serene holy shrine. In the evening we visit a masterpiece of modern architecture, the Lotus temple, house of worship for the Bahai sect.

In the evening we enjoy our last dinner of the tour at a local Indian restaurant, following which we timely arrive at the international airport for flight back home.
(Breakfast & Dinner)

Please contact reservations@basecampexplorer.com for prices and more information.

This program is inclusive of:
- All transfers
- English speaking guide/driver
- All accommodation
- Train ticket Jaipur - Pathankot
- Train ticket Pathankot - Delhi
- All meals as mentioned in program
- All activities as mentioned in program


This program is NOT inclusive of:
- Personal expenses; tips, alcoholic drinks, etc.
- Additional excursions and activities not mentioned in program.
- International flight
- Travel insurance. We recommend Gouda Travel insurance. Ask for more info!
- Indian Visa

Acknowledgement of Risk & Important Information
Please read and accept - for your own and all group member - the content of “Acknowledgement of Risk" before visiting any of our camps. The complete article is published on our website www.basecampexplorer.com

Written confirmation from Basecamp Travel or down payment from the customer is considered as acceptance and understanding of “Acknowledgement of Risk".

Air ticket cancellation and re-booking rules is established by the airline and applicable for all tickets booked by Basecamp Travel. Confirmed air tickets are non-refundable.

The client holds personally the responsibility to arrange with travel insurance, cancellation insurance and visa valid for the trip.

Basecamp Travel reserves the right to program or price changes due to unforeseen factors out of control for Basecamp Travel such as; taxes, fees, service costs included in the arrangement, authority decisions, exchange rates etc. Air taxes is always excluded from offered prices and will be confirmed when flight reservation is made.

For further information or reservation, please contact Basecamp Travel Stockholm: Tel: +468-545 237 50, e-mail: stockholm@basecampexplorer.com


WELCOME TO BASECAMP INDIA!