7-Day Northern India Tour Packages
Ready for a deeper dive into northern India beyond the typical rush? Head to the Golden Triangle as standard, including Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, but you could add Pushkar, Ranthambore, and Udaipur. Or head north to Rishikesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, perhaps Shimla in the hills. It’s all mind-blowing.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Northern India tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern India travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day Ladakh Itinerary, incl. Leh and Pangong Lake
Northern India's treasures reveal themselves over 7 days: Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Nubra Valley's sand dunes. The journey includes crossing Khardung-La Pass at 18,300ft, viewing Diskit Monastery's giant Buddha, and camping near Pangong Lake at 14,270ft.
- Day 1
Leh Arrival & Acclimatization
Your first day at Leh (11,500 ft) is all about adjusting to the altitude. Rest for 6-8 hours after arrival since altitude sickness is common. In the evening take a short walk to the white-domed Shanti Stupa to watch the sunset. "The local market near Shanti Stupa is perfect for buying authentic Tibetan prayer wheels and Pashmina shawls - but remember to bargain."
- Day 2
Sham Valley & Magnetic Hill
Visit the Sham Valley war memorial after breakfast. Plan about 2-3 hours to explore. Next up is the 11th-century Spituk Gompa. Remember to wear modest clothing for the monastery visit. Head to Magnetic Hill for photos before the midday heat creates distortion. Finish your day at the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
- Day 3
Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Leave at 7 AM for the 5-hour drive across Khardung La (18,380 ft) the world's highest motorable pass. Bring altitude sickness medication and water. Watch for rough roads past Khardung village. "The drive through the glacier bridge was incredible but challenging - our driver knew exactly when to cross to avoid afternoon snow melt."
- Day 4
Nubra Valley & Diskit
Start early with a Bactrian camel safari at Hunder's silver sand dunes. Book before 10 AM to avoid the hot sand. Spend your afternoon at Diskit Monastery the oldest in Nubra. The giant Buddha statue offers great valley views. Start your return to Leh by 2 PM to cross Khardung La before dark.
- Day 5
Leh to Pangong Lake
The 5.5-hour drive goes through Changla Pass (17,688 ft). Stop at Thiksey Monastery for the 7 AM morning prayers. Take a break at Tangtse village to adjust to the altitude. Pangong Lake is at 14,270 ft. Pack warm clothes as nights can be freezing even in summer.
- Day 6
Pangong Lake to Leh
Get up at 5:30 AM for sunrise over the lake. "Pangong was the absolute highlight - the water colors shift from turquoise to deep blue throughout the day." Visit Hemis Monastery on your way back to Leh. The 45km journey takes about 6 hours with photo stops.
- Day 7
Leh Departure
Try to book afternoon flights since morning fog often causes delays. Airport security takes time so arrive 2.5 hours early.
7 Days in Kashmir, incl. Srinagar and Gulmarg
Dal Lake's floating gardens, Sonamarg's glaciers, and Gulmarg's peaks create a stunning week-long panorama. The tour includes 3 nights in houseboats, stops at Awantipora ruins, and visits to three distinct valleys.
- Day 1
Srinagar
Book a morning flight to Srinagar International Airport to avoid afternoon fog delays. It takes about 30-45 minutes to reach your houseboat on Dal Lake. Take a shikara ride around 4 PM when the lighting is best for photos. You'll glide through floating vegetable gardens and markets. Bring small bills if you want to buy saffron or handicrafts from boat vendors.
- Day 2
Sonamarg Day Trip
Drive 2.5 hours to Sonamarg (83km). The roads aren't great so consider taking motion sickness pills. At Thajiwas glacier you can hire a pony for the trek. Make sure to agree on the price first - it usually costs $15-20. One traveler shared: "The glacier trek requires decent fitness - bring sturdy shoes as the paths get slippery with melting snow." Head back to your Srinagar houseboat before sunset.
- Day 3
Srinagar to Gulmarg
Drive 2 hours to Gulmarg (55km) after breakfast. The Gulmarg Gondola runs from 10 AM to 5 PM if weather allows. Get tickets for both phases to reach the highest point at Kongdori. Pack warm clothes even in summer since it gets cold at 14,000 feet. Visit the world's highest golf course later in the day when there are fewer people.
- Day 4
Gulmarg to Pahalgam
Take the scenic 4.5-hour drive (140km) to Pahalgam. Visit the Awantipora ruins before noon to get better photos of these 8th-century temples. You'll stop at saffron fields for photos on the way. Get to your Pahalgam hotel by late afternoon. Most hotels are walking distance from the main market.
- Day 5
Pahalgam Valleys
Start early to explore three valleys: Betaab, Chandanwadi and Aru. You'll need to use local taxis since self-driving isn't allowed. Begin with Betaab Valley before the crowds arrive. Visit Aru Valley (11km from town) after lunch. A visitor noted: "The meadows at Aru were peaceful before 10 AM - we saw local shepherds with their flocks before other tourists arrived."
- Day 6
Pahalgam to Srinagar
Drive 3 hours back to Srinagar (94km). Spend the afternoon at the Mughal Gardens. Nishat Bagh offers great views of Dal Lake. Go shopping at Lal Chowk market for Kashmiri shawls and carpets. Remember sellers usually start prices three times higher than what they'll accept.
- Day 7
Departure
Schedule afternoon flights since morning fog often causes delays. Get to the airport 3 hours early due to strict security checks. Keep your ID documents ready. Check your flight status regularly since weather can lead to cancellations.
Golden Triangle & Varanasi Tour – 7 Days of Culture, Spirituality & Iconic India
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, elephant rides at Amber Fort, and spiritual rituals in Varanasi highlight this 7-day tour. Wandering through Delhi's Chandni Chowk, Jaipur's City Palace, and Agra's architectural marvels, plus overnight train travel and Ganges ceremonies create unforgettable memories.
Northern India 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Leh Ladakh Tour
Blissful Kashmir
Golden Triangle & Varanasi Tour – 7 Days of Culture, Spirituality & Iconic India
Leh & Ladakh Tour
Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla (Toy Train Ride)
GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND WILDLIFE TOUR
Leh and Ladakh Holidays
Enchanting Shimla Manali Trip From Delhi 6N 7Day's
Temples and Hills Discovery: A Spiritual Expedition
Unique Ladakh
What people love about 7-day Northern India tours
- Leh Ladakh Tour
The trip was amazing, visited many sacred monasteries, enjoyed camel safari in Nubra Valley and the best part was the camping near Pangong lake, it is a beautiful destination where anyone can go, relax and enjoy the true beauty of the mother nature. The trip was well managed by Alkof Holidays and I recommend the company.
- Golden Triangle & Varanasi Tour – 7 Days of Culture, Spirituality & Iconic India
We are a couple from Canada and we travel by ourselves in more than 20 countries is far. And we travel in comfort. For india we were not sure to undertake the trip as usual by renting a car. It was good idea to go through with these guys. Please foreigners to India, opt to organize your trip with Creative India Journey!! The owner is so dedicated and flexible and able to suit your tastes preferences and needs. Our driver is efficient and devoted and even helped us as we required medical assistance. The hotels and meals are fabulous and this at a fraction of the price it would have cost to purchase a package from a Canadian based company. For us it is the best way to explore this country, as a couple but it is also possible for group tour. Harsh was kind enough to invite us at his for a dinner once we arrived in Agra. I am so thankful to his brother who greeted us as special guests!
Some places you just have to visit!….I cannot find the right words to describe the beauty of the places I visited on this tour. This incredible landscape, the kindhearted people and a perfect mix of fascinating culture and pure nature were an absolutely amazing composition. The best thing: it was a privat tour. I could enjoy this calm and peaceful place of earth at my own pace and I felt safe to travel alone as a woman. This trip was well organised and I had always have a contact person available. The local guide, the driver, the hotel staff and of course the dedicated travel agent did a really great job so it was a pleasure to spend my time there.
Leh & Ladakh Tour
