Ladkh Trekking

This is the most challenging trek to the hidden kingdom of Zanskar valley, over the mighty Shingo La pass (5000 meters) this route was once the trade route for the merchants bringing goods from Punjab and Kullu valley. Zanskar is tugged between the Great Himalayan Ranges. The area remains inaccessible for nearly eight months in a year due to heavy snowfall. Present day Zanskar, is reminiscent of the vanishing Tibetan culture. After flying into Leh, capital of Ladakh, we spend four days visiting some of the most prominent monasteries in order to acclimatize to the rarefied atmosphere. We begin with a brief introductory tour of Leh town followed by visits to some of the most prominent monasteries in the western part of Leh that runs along the Indus River. The most venerable is the 11th century Alchi monastery. Another important landmark on our way is the 11th century Lamayuru monastery. Perched on a spur high above the valley, Lamayuru is one of the most spectacularly picturesque monasteries in central Ladakh. We then begin our trek, the first four days of the trek we gradually ascend to the high passes passing through picturesque snow capped mountains, villages, small hamlets, ancient monasteries and meadows. Our camps are set along the streams in the close vicinity of villages. Despite Ladakh being known for its arid and sparsely vegetated landscapes, our trek takes us across some of the wettest and greenest areas dotted with popular-fringed tracks. When we arrive in Padum, our vehicles will meet us and we spend two days visiting some of the monasteries and surrounding villages of Zanskar. We will return to Leh, with one night halt at Kargil crossing the Pensi La (4400 meters) the old trade route passing through Suru valley.

Early this morning after a quick cup of tea/coffee you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Leh. This one-hour flight from the Indian capital to Ladakh’s capital will be something that you might remember for the rest of your life. Assistance on arrival and transferred to your hotel. There will be no activity on your first day of arrival as it is recommend for tourists to relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable them to get acclimatized to rarefied oxygen level in this high-altitude region ensconced in the high Himalayan plateau. Overnight at the hotel in Leh

Morning visit the witness prayers with chants at Thiksey Monastery – where early morning the monks gather in the assembly hall known as “Dukhang” in local language for prayers. The prayer ceremony begins between 0600 – 0700 hrs after the ceremony you will visit the Monastery then followed by a hot breakfast at Thiksey Monastery Restaurant, and then continue with your visit to Hemis, en-route a photo stop can be arranged to capture the rays of the morning sun. Hemis Monastery situated 45 kilometers west of Leh, Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back taking the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill-lock followed by a visit to Shey Palace the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Overnight at the hotel in Leh. (HEMIS festival can be visited in the month of May/June every Year)

Morning a guided tour to Sankar Monastery, Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda built on a hill-lock. Your visit to the pagoda will time in such a way that you will enjoy a spectacular and panoramic view of the sun-drenched Indus Valley before the sunset. Than driven to visit Stok village situated at the foot of Stok ranges, we will visit the Stok Palace, former residence of the Royal family of Ladakh. The Palace consists of formidable collection of the family’s heirlooms and relics are displayed, a poignant evocation of Ladakh?s vanished past as an independent kingdom. We will then visit Choglamsar Village, which is the largest settlement of Tibetan refugee in Ladakh. Afternoon drive to Saboo village, twenty minutes drive from Choglamsar situated on the old caravan route to Nubra Valley. Here we will have lunch with a local family and visit the traditional Kitchen after lunch you will be taken on a introductory tour of Saboo village on foot.Driven back to Leh. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Morning depart for Alchi, en route visit to Likir Monastery. In the afternoon we drive to visit Alchi Monastery founded in the 11th century followed by a walk to witness the village life along Alchi village. Overnight at Alchi Resort OR Optional to stay at Uleytokpo in Uleytokpo Camp.

Drive Alchi to Ridzong Nunnery monastery and then onto Lamayuru (3,364 meters). Overnight in tented camp at Lamayuru village.

Trek from Lamayuru to Wanlah village (3,090 meters) via Pringkiti La (3,726 meters). Average walking time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Wanlah village.

Trek Wanlah to Hanupatta (3,450 meters). Average walking time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Hanupatta village.

Trek Hanupatta to Photaksar (3,700 meters) via Sirsir La (4,800 meters). Average walking time time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Photaksar village.

Trek Photaksar to Shingo La base ( meters) via Bumiktse La (4,200 meters). Average walking time 4 to 5 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Base of Singge La.

Trek Singge La base to Yulchung (3,990 meters) via Shingo La (5000 meters). Average walking time 4 to 5 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Yulchung .

Trek Yulchung to Lingshed (3,800 meters) via Kiupa La (3,850 meters) and Murgum La (4,100 meters) Overnight in tented camp at Lingshed .

Trek Lingshed to Snertse (3,750 meters) via Hanuma La (4,700 meters). Average walking time 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at Snertse in tented camp.

Trek Snertse to Hanumil (3,352 meters) via Parfi La (3,900 meters). Average walking time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Hanumal village.

Trek Snertse to Hanumil (3,352 meters) via Parfi La (3,900 meters). Average walking time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Hanumal village.

Trek Hanumal to Pishu (3,200 meters). Average walking time 5 to 6 hours. Night in tented camp at Pishu village.

Trek Pishu to Karsha (3,200 meters). Average walking time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in tented camp at Karsha village.

Full day at Karsha to visit Pibiting and Sani monastery. Overnight in tented camp at Karsha village.

Trek Karsha to Padum. Average driving time 7hours. Overnight in tented camp at Padum.

Drive to Kargil Average driving time 7 to 8 hours with brief halts. Overnight at the hotel in Kargil.

Drive Kargil to Leh. Average driving time 9 to 10 hours with brief halts. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Depart for Leh airport to catch an early morning flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in New Delhi. Morning will be at leisure. In the afternoon tour of Old Delhi. Overnight at the hotel in New Delhi OR transfer to Airport/Railway station for Next destination.