This is an expeditious trek with almost every day one or more high passes to cross at least till Padum from where there is only one major high pass before crossing in to Lahul valley of Himachal Pradesh. Rinchen Brangpo had wandered the Zanksar valley in 11th century for selecting sites for 108 monasteries which were to be established through out the western Himalaya. In 1826-7 the first European traveled through the area was famous Hungarian explorer Coso de Koros who has spent a year at the Pukhtal monastery translating Buddhist text from Ladakhi into English. An inscription of his name can still be seen in the monastery.
01 ARRIVE DELHI
Morning arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Afternoon combined guided tour of Old and New Delhi includes Jammia Masjid Mosque, Cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni chowk, Red Fort, drive through India Gate and Parliament house, Qutab Minar and Humayuns Tomb.
02 DELHI - LEH
Morning transfer to airport and fly to Leh, arrive and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for acclimatization.
Leh is a small picturesque town of about 10,000 people. Situated at 3505 Mt., the summer days are dry and sunny but nights can be cold. A double line of "Manies", stone shelters for departed spirits, protects the towns’ approaches. During these three days we will explore some of the interesting monasteries of the area
03 LEH
Full day sightseeing of Stok Palace – The palace has a small museum, which houses the queen’s head gear (peyrak) and a remarkable collection of Thankas. Tibetan children’s village. Shey Palace – Shey was once the capital of Ladakh in the pre – Tibetan era until the 15th century. Thiksey – Tsong Khapa had prophesied that a monastery would be built here and Thiksey was founded by one of his disciple Hemis - largest monastery founded in 1602 by Tagtsangrepa and Tatok – this monastery of the Nyimapa order has about 50 monks and these not far from Chimiri, Padmasambhava, the founder of the order is said to have meditated here.
04 LEH - LAMAYURU
Morning visit Phyang – founded in 16th century by King Tashi Nangyal. Spituk - The monastery first belonged to the Kadampa order but in the 15th century it was restored and Tsong Kapa sent two Lamas to transfer it to Gelupa order, and drive to Lamayuru, en-route visit Alchi - one of the few monasteries of the 11th and 12th centuries to have survive. Arrive and camp for overnight.
05 to 24: TREK
Wind up camp, load our pack ponies, visit Lamayuru monastery and commence the trek. First leg of trek from Lamayuru takes us to Padum in Zanskar valley over number of high passes and strenuous ascends and descends as well as some remote spectacular hamlets and villages. Some of the high passes which we need to cross between Lamayuru and Padum are Prinkit – la (3726 Mt.), Sirsir-la (4800 Mt.), Senge-La (4990 Mt.), Hunumla-la (4740 Mt.), Pirfi-la (3940 Mt).
The second leg between Padum and Darcha has only one high pass i.e. Shingola pass (5090 Mt.) and a few beautiful villages and monasteries. During this trek number of rivers / streams need to be crossed from one bank to another to find our trail. However, our tour escorts have trekked, are well experienced and fully informed of the route. The camping crew consists of cooks and assistants will look after and assist in pitching tents, preparing hot meals and serving.
During the trek portable two men tents are provided with foam mattresses, as well as a separate mess and kitchen tents are utilized. Arrive Darcha on 24th day the trek ends here and our last night of camping.
25: DARCHA – MANALI Drive 145 Km
After breakfast wind up our camp and drive via Keylong, the head quarters of Lahual and Spiti valleys and Rothang Pass (3978 Mt.) to Manali in the lush green Kulu valley. Arrive and check in at hotel.
26: IN MANALI
Full day at leisure to explore the town and relax. This important fruit growing valley district produces apples, apricots, cherries, pears, peaches and plums. Craftwork here includes shawls, Kulu caps, jewelry and home spun tweed garments. Manali itself is in a lovely position, surrounded by dense forests and mountains.
27: MANALI – CHANDIGARH Drive 370 Km
After breakfast day long drive to Chandigarh. We leave behind the mountainous high altitude area and descend into Chandigarh, a well laid city designed by a team of famous French architect Le Corbusier assisted by his cousin, Jeanneret and an English couple, Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew. Arrive and check in at hotel.
28: CHANDIGARH - DELHI Drive 245 Km
Morning depart and drive to Delhi, via plains of Punjab and Harayana. Arrive Delhi and check-in at hotel for overnight stay. Remainder of the day at leisure.
29: DEPARTURE
Morning transfer to airport for homeward flight
Cost Include
Accommodation on a room-with Breakfast. Full board on houseboat in Srinagar and Ladakh is included in the tour price.
All trekking expeditions as specified with guide, all camping equipment (modern tents, down sleeping bags) and porters. You carry only your daypack.
All transfers and Sight seen tours by car, Jeep and Coach including pick-ups and drop-offs at airport or station.
All sightseeing tours as specified.
International Airfare on request or Contact your travel agent
Group Size: [Min 4 pax-Max 15 pax]
Cost Does Not Include -
Monument Fee, Lunch & Dinner, Personal Nature Items, Camera Fee at Monuments, Hot & Soft Drinks, Traveling Insurance.
