Trails of Ladakh

Trails of Ladakh trek
 

Trip at a Glance
Trip duration        : 11 days tour
Grade                    : Moderate
Activities              : Trekking
Accommodations: In Hotel 5 Nights/ Camp 5 Nights
 
Journey Highlights
  • Ancient Buddhist monasteries
  • Alchi 11th century monastery
  • Optional, River rafting 
 
Tour Inclusions
  • Comfortable sharing accommodation  
  • Gear Package, sleeping bag and mattress
  • All internal transport by private car
  • All meals while during trekking
  • Mention monuments entrances
 
Tour Exclusions
  • Travel Insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Tipping 

Meals: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner
 

Detailed itinerary
 
Day 1     Fly Delhi to Leh 3500 meters
In the morning a highly spectacular flight over the Himalaya. Once you arrive in Leh you will be transfer to the hotel and rest for acclimatise for altitude 3,500 meter. Afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh town.
Standard Hotel (B)
 
Day 2     In Leh 3500 meters
We begin our sightseeing tour with Shey, a former Royal Palace of the Ladakh king, inside the royal chapel 350 year old copper and gold statue of Buddha. The Thiksey monastery perched on top of a hill its red and white building. We can explore the monastery and courtyards. In one of the temples there is a 15 meter high statue of the Buddha.
Standard Hotel (B)
 
Day 3     In Leh; acclimatisation walks
Today we have a short drive to village Stok for an acclimatisation walk up in the valley. Later in Stok palace, we visit royal family museum.
Standard Hotel (B)
 
Day 4     Drives to Yangthang 3683 meters
Well acclimatised, we leave Leh this morning. On the way there is a chance to do an optional river rafting in Zanskar River. If we have an enough time, there is chance to visit Liker monastery en route. We camp tonight in village Yangthang 3,683 meter and afternoon explore around village. From the campsite there are wonderful southerly views over Zanskar range.
Full-service Camping (B, L, D)
 
Day 5     Trek to Uley 4100 meters
We leave Yangtang away from the main trail and head north with spectacular rock formations surrounding us. Ladakh is a mountainous desert and the multi-coloured hills are magnificent in any light. During the first couple of hours of walk we will come across some interesting erosion features, including pinnacles with rock boulders precariously balanced upon them. We will get to camp by lunchtime and in the afternoon there is the chance to walk higher up the valley. This area is well known for Ibex and Snow Leopards have been seen in the area.
Approximate walk profile: Yangtang to Ullay 3-4 hours walking/ 7km.
Full-service Camping (B, L, D)
 
Day 6     Trek to Hemis Shukpachan 3700 meters
Today we head off along an easy trail which climbs to our first pass, the Spangpo-la 4082 meter a wonderful view of the hills ahead and down to the village of Hemis Shukpachan. This tranquil village with a small gompa, green pastures and a clear stream is a lovely place to stay for the night. In the afternoon we can visit the monastery and have a look around the village.
Approximate walk profile: Ullay to Hemis Shukpachan, 4-5hrs/ 9km.
Full-service Camping (B, L, D)
 
Day 7     Trek to Temisgam 3300 meters
From the camp we cross the pastures in a north westerly direction skirting the sides of the fields. After a stop at a Chorten (Stupa) we follow the trail past the mature juniper trees that give the village its name (Shukpa). The path climbs easily to our first pass today, the Mebtek-la pass 3,796 meter. We descend into the next valley and the trail ahead can just be made out as it zigzags up the mountainside in the distance. The path winds up to the Lago-la 3,832 meters and from the top there are magnificent views across to the south side of the Indus Valley. The trail descends steeply from the pass to the village of Ang. From Ang it is an easy walk to Temisgam, a little remains of its glorious past and the castle are in ruins, but there are still temples you can visit.
Approximate walk profile: Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam, 4-5hrs/ 13km.
Full-service Camping (B, L, D)
 
Day 8     In Temisgam 3300 meters
We spend today in Temisgam with optional walks. For the energetic there is a full day walk to visit up to hidden Tserkarmo monastery. Those who want an easier walk there is small temples in and around Temisgam which can visit. Or you may just wish to relax in the camp and explore the friendly village. 
Full-service Camping (B, L, D)
 
Day 9     Drive to Lamayuru 3450 meters
Before we leave, say goodbye to our trekking crew this morning and join our transport for the spectacular drive to Lamayuru, set amidst an amazing futuristic lunar landscape. Arriving at Lamayuru we have time to explore the monastery and the village surrounding it.
Standard Hotel (B, L, D)
 
Day 10     Drive to Leh
Drive back to Leh and en route stop at village Alchi is set in a side valley hidden from the main road and is an oasis of calm. Alchi monastery is one of the most important cultural sites in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, it is a treasure trove of early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite different from the Tibetan art found in Ladakh other monasteries. We then follow the main road back into Leh.
Standard Hotel (B)
 
Day 11     Fly Leh to Delhi
In the morning a short drive to Leh airport to catch the flight to Delhi. (trip concludes)