Ladakh – Cultural Tour and Trek

Description

Upcoming Trips: 25th May to 1st June

The word ‘Ladakh’ is derived from Tibetan and it means the land of high passes. What an apt name for a region that can only be reached by crossing passes over 5000m. This high-altitude arid region is one of the few regions in the world where the predominant religion is Tantric Buddhism. Jagged rocky mountains, clear blue skies, high-altitude lakes, monasteries perched on mountain tops, fluttering prayer flags are what define the landscape of this little paradise.

In this carefully curated trip, explore the monasteries and other important sights in Leh before moving to Nubra, a neighbouring valley that enjoys a salubrious climate, being at a lower altitude. Top it off with a 3 day trek in Sham valley – a stunningly beautiful trek that is one of the shortest multi-day trek in a valley that is not too far from Leh.

Itinerary

• Day 1Your city - Leh

  Take a convenient connection to reach Leh by noon. As Leh is at an altitude of 3500m, it is important to acclimatize well in order to avoid acute mountain sickness. 24 hours of complete rest is advised to all travelers flying to Leh.

• Day 2Leh

  Post lunch, set off on a sight-seeing trip in Leh. Visit the iconic Leh palace and explore the winding alleys of Old Leh Town. Then visit Hemis or Thiksey gompas, two of the most famous, recognizable monasteries near Leh. Stroll around in Leh market in the evening.

• Day 3Leh - Diskit

  After breakfast, set off on the 4-hour drive to Diskit in Nubra valley. The drive takes you over Khardung La, the highest all-weather, motorable pass in the world. After lunch go on an easy 2-hour hike to Hunder. The trail that follows Shyok river takes you through sand dunes. Enjoy splendid views of the grand-canyon-esque valley. Hunder is one of the few places in India where one can find two-humped Bactrian camels.Enjoy a camel ride if you wish, before driving back to Diskit. Overnight in a comfortable resort.

• Day 4Diskit - Likir

  After breakfast, visit Diskit Gompa where you will see a towering, colourful Maitreya Buddha statue. Visit the nearby monastery and then set off on a 6-hour drive (going over Khardung La once again) to Yangthang, the starting point of our Sham valley trek.

• Day 5Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan

  This is a tough day since you have to cross Tsermangchang pass, the highest point on this trek at 3900 m. However the ascent to the pass and the descent from there are not too steep. The day’s 8 km hike should take around 5 to 6 hours.

• Day 6Hemis Shukpachan - Tingmosgang - Leh

  It is an easy 7 km hike to Ang and it should take around 4 hours. From there, Tingmosgang is a further 3 km away (1.5 hours trek). There are two minor passes on the way – Mebtak La and Lago La. In the evening, visit Tingmosgang monastery that stands majestically on a hillock and offers panoramic views of the valley below. A visit to a cave near the fort walls is also quite interesting.

• Day 7 Hemis Shukpachan - Ang - Leh

  This is an easy 7 km hike that should take around 4 hours. There are two minor passes on the way – Mebtak La and Lago La. A vehicle will be waiting for you at Ang. You will be driven from there back to Leh. The drive should take around 2.5 hours. Spend the evening strolling in Leh market, shopping for sourvenirs.

• Day 8 Your City

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