India
India is known as the origin place of Hindu civilization. Due to its ancient religious history, it is considered as the Cultural hub of South Asia. Many religious and cultural sites in India show the cultural worthiness of India. There are many cultural and religious sites, temples, monuments etc. related with different religion and cultural all over India. T With this Tour India Package, you land at the major heritage sites of North-India which are popular all over the world.The major attractions of this tour are Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jamai Mosque, Palace of wind, The Taj Mahal and ancient cities like Udaipur, Jaipur Varanasi.

Ladakh (Leh) – Introduction

The Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh is one of the most remote regions of India, and lies embedded in the mountain world of the Karakoram in he north-west, the Himalayas in the south-west, and the Trans-Himalayas at its core. The Indus, rising in he interior of the Tibet, flows through the center of Ladakh, going further on to the western part of Pakistan. Ladakh is a high-altitude desert and temperatures, which can reach as low as -45 C in winter, are the most extreme here.

The remote and inhospitable land of Ladakh has always fascinated city-dwellers with its images of a stark and barren landscape juxtaposed alongside lush green fields, monasteries precariously juxtaposed alongside lush green fields, monasteries precariously perches on mountain tops, and an intriguing blend of cultures. Leh, the present capital of Ladakh, was once the central meeting-point for trade caravans for Central Asia and the plains of India. Religious ceremonies, monastic festivals and oracles who have the power to heal as well as divine are regular features of the Ladkhi landscape. Crafts such as metal-work, painting, weaving and wood-carving are widely found in the region; archery and polo are the traditional sports there. One of the most visible features of Ladakhs’s rich cultural heritage are its ancient monasteries. Most of these are built on sheer cliffs and are still actively functioning. This is truly one of the last few places where one can experience Tibetan Buddhism being practiced in its original form.

Day 1 Arrival in Delhi, flight to Leh.
Day 2 Tour of Leh city, including the seventeenth century Palace and Gompa.
Day 3 Tour of Spitok and Phyang gompas.
Day 4 Tour of Shey and Matho gompas and Stok palace, the home of Ladakhi royalty.
Day 5 Tour of Tikse and Hemis gompas, two the wealthiest and most influential institutions in Ladakh. Camp at Hemis.
Day 6 Trek from Hemis to the village of Chogdo.
Day 7 Trek to Kongmaru La base camp.
Day 8 Rest day for acclimatization.
Day 9 Trek over Kongmaru La (5150 metres) to the plain of Nimaling, a vast high altitude pasture.
Day 10 Trek through the tiny settlements of Hankar and Umlung to the valley’s largest village,
Markha.
Day 11 Trek to the lovely oasis at Tunespa.
Day 12 Trek to the village of Skiu, with its medireview gompa.
Day 13 Trek to Zanskar river. Take the pulley bridge across before boarding the rafts on the Zanskar river. Ride the river to its confluence with the Indus at Nimu, then board jeeps for the trip to Alchi. Overnight at Alchi village.
Day 14 In Alchi, we tour the remarkably well preserved 11th -century gompa and the famed
frescoes within. In the afternoon, we return by jeep to Leh.
Day 15 Rest day in Leh.
Day 16 Morning flight to Delhi. Check into hotel there. Stay overnight.
Day 17 Transfer to Airport for flight to onwards journey.

SHAM AND INDUS VALLEY TREK

Through the Indus valley and the ancient kingdom of Sham, we will discover the main Ladakhi monasteries and the wonderful sites surrounding them: Shey, Thikse, Hemis, Spituk, Phyang, Lamayuru and Alchi are all accessible by road, and Temisgang, Ridzong and Likir line the trekking route. This itinerary is of moderate difficulty and the path does not rise above 4500m. The trail crosses numerous villages where the people have kept their Tibetan ways and customs.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi, where you will be met and transfered to your hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi - Leh (3500m) by plane - Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk to the colorful bazaar.

Day 03 : Visit of the high Indus valley monasteries Shey houses the old summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. Its gompa shelters an amazing Buddha, 12m high. The picturesque Thikse monastery is perched on top of the hill overhanging the Indus. The Hemis gompa is one of the largest in Ladakh.
Day 04 : Visit Stok royal palace, Spituk monastery and the Tibetan Camp of Choglamsar.

Day 05 : Leh - Phyang (3600m) by bus (1h) and walk towards Taru (3700m)
We visit the Phyang monastery and continue onwards with a pleasant walk. A short
day necessary for our acclimatization.

Day 06 : Taru - Taru La (4200m) - Nyemo (3700m)
The trail climbs steeply towards the first pass of the trek, and descends to the Nyemo village.

Day 07 : Nyemo - Nie (3800m)
The route traverses Basgo, dominated by impressive ruined fortresses. A quite
stricking succession of shortens, sanctuaries and a palace line the path.

Day 08 : Nie - Likir (3600m) We enter an arid and bare landscape. Visit of the Likir monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh.

Day 09 : Likir - Yangthang (3600m)
The route goes through two low passes, the Phobe La (3700m) and the Charatse La
(3800m), opening to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 10 : Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan (3600m) En route, visit of the Ridzong monastery, which is set in stunning surroundings and
hidden amongst the hills. After a tiny pass, we descend towards Hemis Shukpachan.

Day 11 : Hemis Shukpachan - Temisgang (3700m)
This part of the trail has been carved out from the ochre rocks into a balcony. We climb towards two passes at 4000m and arrive at Ang. Then on to Temisgang, ancient capital of the Syham Kingdom, and its monastery.

Day 12 : Temisgang - Lamayuru - Leh by bus
En route, visit of the Lamayuru and Alchi monasteries

Day 13 : Leh - Delhi by plane
Day 14 : Transfer to airport and fly back home.

STOK KANGRI & THE MARKHA VALLEY TREK
(A superb trek and climb in the Buddhist stronghold of Ladakh)

Flying into the Ladakhi capital of Leh, the shapely peak of Stok Kangri (20075ft.) is prominent on the southern skyline. Spending several days acclimatizing, we visit the colorful monasteries at Shey, Thikse and Hemis before setting off on the lovely trek through the Markha Valley. Our route leads by way of several remote and picturesque villages to the high Nimaling Plain below the imposing peak of Kang Yatze. Crossing the Kongmaru La, we then follow an unusual high route to Stok Kangri Base Camp, a 3-day approach to the mountain, which includes superbly located campsites and far-reaching views towards Tibet and the eastern Karakoram. Although objectively very safe and technically straightforward (involving low-angle scree and easy snow slopes), the climb on Stok Kangri is both challenging and interesting. This is a wonderfully varied trip, perfectly suited to someone seeking his or her first Himalayan summit.

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi late evening. Transfer to group hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi - Leh (3500 m)
An early morning transfer to the domestic terminal of the airport for the flight up to Leh. This surely is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the top of the Greater Himalaya before dropping down in a series of steep turns, to land at the small airport at Leh. Flight time approx. 1½ hours. You will be met on arrival and driven through Leh to check into the Hotel. Leh is at an altitude of 11,500ft/3,500m and therefore we recommend that the rest of the day be spent resting to help adjust to the altitude.

Day 3 : AT LEISURE IN LEH
Again take it easy today and enjoy a tour around town. Leh is very Tibetan; the national dress, 'stove-pipe' hats and felt boots with turned-up toes are much in evidence. The Royal Palace, which dominates the town, is very reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, large chortens, prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs are a dramatic culture change from the hot, teeming frenetic rush of Delhi. Don't try to do too much on this first day! Visit the palace,

Day 4 : Sightseeing tour, Shey, Thikse and Hemis monasteries. Return to Leh. Hotel.

Day 5 : Drive up to the Khardung La (5300m) as an acclimatisation exercise. Return to Leh.
Hotel.
Day 6 : Drive to the village of Chilling on the west bank of the Zanskar River (3100m).
Day 7 : Cross the river on a pulley bridge and trek to Skiu in the Markha Valley.
Day 8 : A long day of trekking beside the Markha River to Markha Village (3800m).
Day 9 : Still following the river, trek to the highest village in the valley, at Hangkar (4100m).
Day 10 : Trek up onto the Nimaling Plain, to a camp (4600m) beneath the peak of Kang Yatze.
Day 11 : Rest day. Explore towards Kang Yatze.
Day 12 : Trek up to the Kongmaru La (5100m) and descend through a rocky gorge to Chogdo
(4000m).
Day 13 : Heading west through uncharted territory and crossing several passes, trek to Shang
Po (4350m).
Day 14 : More rugged terrain and superb treking, en route to Gangpoche. (4320m).
Day 15 : Approaching Stok Kangri, descend into the Stok Valley and trek up to the basecamp at 4900 metres.
Day 16 : A rest and acclimatisation day. Time to sort out equipment for the climb.
Day 17 : Climb Stok Kangri (6120m). Or, possibly move to a high camp (5300m).
Day 18 : Spare day for climbing Stok Kangri. Return to basecamp.
Day 19 : An easy morning’s descent to Stok Village and then drive to Leh. Afternoon free. Hotel.
Day 20 : Fly to Delhi, transfer to group hotel.
Day 21 : Free day in Delhi. Optional half-day sightseeing tour. Evening group transfer to the airport.
Day 22 : Depart Delhi

DARCHA TO PADUM TREK

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Hotel B&B)
Day 02 : Delhi - Manali by bus
Day 03 : Manali - Darcha by bus
Early morning drive from Manali to Darcha. Arrive Darcha and overnight in Camp.

Day 04 : Darcha - Palemo (3600m) in 5h
Leave Darcha, We start our journey with an easy walk into the valley. En route, we will visit the Chika and Rarik monasteries.

Day 05 : Palemo - Zanskar Sumdo (3860m) in 5h
We cross the river by a hanging pulley. Overnight at Zanskar Sumdo

Day 06 : Zanskar Sumdo - Chumi Napo (4640m) in 5h
Early morning trek from Zanskar Sumdo to Chumi Napo. The route leaves the valley and starts climbing up quite steeply towards the Shingo La pass.

Day 07 : Chumi Napo - Shingo La (5090m) - Lakham (4470m) in 6h
Prayer flags flapping in the wind mark the Shingo La pass, surrounded with fascinating views of the glaciers. An easy traverse of a glacier takes us to the valley and to the Lakham yak pastures.

Day 08 : Lakham - Kurgiak (4050m) in 6h
A gradual descent along the Kurgiak river, lined with mani walls. On the way, we will come across a few Doksas, where yaks are kept in summer time.
Day 09 : Kurgiak - Tetha (3950m), in 7h
The trail is now boarded by meadows of flowers and barley fields. Shortens are spread all the way and highlight the religious fervour of the Zanskaris.

Day 10 : Tetha - Purni (3700m), in 2h We visit Phuktal monastery (3850m), perched on the side of an impressive cliff. (4h return journey from Phuktal monastery to Purni).

Day 11 : Purni - Ichar (3650m) in 4h
Day 12 : Ichar - Mune (3900m), in 5h
The trail goes up and down along the Tsarap river. On arriving at Mune, we will visit its monastery.

Day 13 : Mune - Padum (3600m) in 6h
En route we visit Bardan monastery, one of the most important in the area. Overnight in Padum
Day 14 : Padum - Kargil (3700m) by bus
Drive from Padum to Kargil, Overnight at Kargil.
Day 15 : Kargil - Leh (3500m) by bus
Drive from Kargil to Leh, Overnight at Leh hotel.
Day 16 : Leh – Delhi by plane. (Hotel B&B)
Day 17 : At leisure in Delhi
Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B&B)
Day 18 : Transfer to airport and fly back home.

FOUR PASSES OF RUPSHU TREK

The harsh and beautiful world of Ladakh's nomadic Chang- pa herdsmen
Lying between Zanskar and the Tibetan border to the east is the region known as Rupshu, the highest and least well- known part of Ladakh. This area is physically a part of the Chang Tang plains, which extend eastwards from Rupshu for almost 1000 kilometers across Tibet. Consisting of a network of high valleys, separated by impressive ridges, with snow - capped peaks soaring to over 6000 meters, Rupshu is a rugged land inhabited by a hardy and cheerful
nomadic people known as Chang-pa.

Flying in to Leh, we will spend 3 days acclimatizing, with visits to several of the region's Buddhist monasteries, and we will also drive upto the world's highest road pass - the Khardung La (17,384 ft.). Our trek starts from Hemis, heading southwards into the heart of unspoiled Rupshu, crossing 4 high passes, 3 of them over 16,400 ft., which each afford splendid view across majestic plateau-land to distant snow peaks. Lovely high meadow campsites stunning scenery, isolated villages and fascinating encounters with the hardy Chang-pa at their black tented encampments, makes this undoubtedly one of the best trips currently on offer in Ladakh

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Where you will be met and transfered to your hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi - Leh (3500m) by plane
Arrive Leh and drive by jeep to the Ladkahi style hotel. The rest of the day is free to
either rest in the shade of the hotel courtyard, or we can take a lazy walk into Leh's
colourful bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Visit Leh
A whole day at leisure in Leh. You can visit some of the most famous and oldest
monasteries of Ladakh (15th and 17th century), Thikse, Shey and Hemis and take a
walk to the colorful bazaar. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04 : Leh - Hemis (3505m) by bus

Day 05 : Hemis - Shang Sumdo (3850m) in 4h
Today we leave the Indus valley. We descend towards Martselang, then follow the
valley, which is fairly narrow in some places, continuing along the riverbed to Shang
Sumdo. A short and pleasant stage, in anticipation of the next two long days.

Day 06 : Shang Sumdo - Latza Kongmaru (4800m) in 7h
We progress along the river whose banks are studded with ochre rocks.From Chukirmo
village, the track leads into narrow gorges, where ponies need to be unloaded twice,
and climb up to the base of Kongmaru La.

Day 07 : Latza Gongmaru-Kongmaru La(5030m)-Langtang Chu (4250m) in 7h
From the pass, there are great views north towards eastern Korakoram and China,
whilst the southern view is dominated by the shapely Kang Yatze (6400m) and the
Ladakhi range. We take a ridge trail and descend zigzagging across scree. Afterwards,
the path descends easily towards the Nimaling summer pastures and the Markha
valley, the most beautiful valley in Ladakh.

Day 08 : Langtang Chu - Yakrupal (4700m) in 4h
We climb up the large valley, and, after crossing a stream, carry on along a wall of
moraine

Day 09 : Yakrupal - Zalung Karpo La (5200m) - Sorra (4200m)
We carry on upwards until the valley divides, where we fork right. From the pass, we follow a ridge trail that leads to another pass, then plunge into the valley.

Day 10 : Sorra - Dat (4200m) in 5h
We follow beautiful woody gorges until they widen into a valley. Manis and shortens are scattered along the trail that leads along the Sara and Dat rivers. Dat is a verdant
village, where arable farming uses every inch of land.

Day 11 : Dat - Yar La (5000m) - Lungmo Che (4010m) in 6h
An easy climb takes us up to the pass, where we enjoy a dramatic view over the
Rupshu. Sometimes we are overtaken by caravans of "Khyangs", wild donkeys that
frighten our ponies.

Day 12 : Lungmo Che - Lun (4100m)
The landscape completely changes, turning into into a vast arid plain where the Zara Chu flows (dry from August on). Tibetan nomads populate the area.

Day 13 : Lun - Marang La (5300m) - Takh in 7h
The path leaves the river and leads up to a beautiful plateau at 4500m. We climb up
gently to the last pass. Then it is a long descent towards Takh.

Day 14 : Takh - Manali by bus
A long drive to Manali. Crossing the Rohtang Pass(3990m) above Manali, We glimpse the green forested slopes of the Kullu- Manali Valley. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15 : Manali – Delhi
Check in to our Hotel.

Day 16 : Visit - Delhi
The morning is free to relax and then after lunch we leave for a 05 Hours sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi, Which are completely different in character to one another.
We visit the Qutub Minar, Red fort and India Gate.

Day 17 : Transfer to airport

The Rupshu Trek: Nomadic Ladakh Trek

Day 01. Arrival in Delhi, flight to Leh.
Day 02. Tour of Leh city.
Day 03. Tour of Spitok and Phyang gompas.
Day 04. Tour of Shey and Matho gompas and Stok palace, the home of Ladakhi royalty.
Day 05. Tour of Tikse and Hemis gompas, two the wealthiest and most influential institutions in Ladakh. Camp at Hemis.
Day 06. Trek from Hemis to the village of Chogdo.
Day 07. Trek to Kongmaru La base camp.
Day 08. Over Kongmaru La (16,730 ft.) to the plain of Nimaling, then over a small ridge to the secluded base camp at the foot of majestic Kang Yatze peak (21,000 ft.).
Day 09. Day at Leisure or perhaps climb an adjacent ridge for a closer view of Kang Yatze’s summit. Over Konka Wangpo (16,500 ft.) to the valley of Langtang Chu.

Day 10. Climb to the top of Zalung Karpo La (16,570 ft.) for a birds’-eye view of the Kharnak region before descending to the lovely meadow of Sokra.
Day 11. Pass through Kharnak, with its imposing fort looming over us, and enter a spectacular gorge leading further down into willow groves. When the valley widens again, you will reach one of the most auspicious spots in the region, the site of a massive and remarkably ornamented monument. overnight camp.

Day 13. A short day. After one hour’s walk, we reach the semi-permanent settlement of Dat and camp near the village. The village and its small Gelugpa gompa merit an afternoon’s
exploration.

Day 14. On the vast open plain beyond Dat, we keep a close lookout for herds of Kyiang, the Tibetan wild ass which frequent this valley. The stream has dried up here, but bubbling springs provide refreshment before the climb to Yar La (15,910 ft.). This is an easy pass, but the views are incredible. From the pass, there is a simple descent to Lungmoche.

Day 15. The scenery changes yet again as you pass two small ridges and descend through grotesquely wind-carved rocks to one of the most beautiful campsites in Ladakh, called Zhabuk. You slake your thirst in the crystal clear spring and watch for the flocks of graceful Bharal, or Blue Sheep, on the cliffs above.

Day 16. Be prepared for some exciting river crossings before we climb high above the Zara Chu (river) and leave it behind for good.
Day 17. You make an early start to tackle the highest pass on our journey, 17,390 ft. Marang La. The views from the summit stretch to the Great Himalaya. The descent is quite long, and we end up in a lovely willow grove on the bank of the mighty Tsarap Chu, leaving the icy heights far behind.

Day 18. It’s a short walk to the Manali-Leh military road, where we meet the jeep that will take us on to Manali. This spectacular drive takes us over the main Himalaya range at the 15,255 ft Baralacha La before stopping for the night in Darcha.

19. You continue by jeep over Rohtang Pass (3978 metres) to Manali.

20. Day free in Manali.

21. Drive to to Pinjore, check in at Hotel. Stay overnight.

22. A short jeep ride to Chandigarh, then the Express train to Delhi, on arrival check in at Hotel.

23. Depart-Delhi, Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey

NUBRA VALLEY

The upper Shayok and Nubra river drain the east and west sides of the Saser Spur, the eastern most outcrop of the Karakoram. The name Nubra is applied to the district comprising the valley of the Nubra river, and that of the Shayod both above and below their confluence, where they meander in many shifting channels over a broad sandy plain before flowing off to the northwest to join the Indus in Baltistan.

The rout from Leh takes the traveller over the Khardung-la, the highest motorable road, in the world. The line of the road is different from that of the old pony-rail-longer and actually higher (18,300 feet / 5,578 m). The view from the top of the pass is amazing. One can see all the way south over the Indus valley to the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. For several km. on each side of the pass, the road covered by deep snow in winter, is rough; for the rest of the way the surface is good.

The main village is Deskit, which has a regular bazaar consisting of sa single line of shops and a gompa. This is situated on a rocky spur above the village with commanding views up and down the valley. From Deskit, the tour circuit proceeds down the Shayok to Hundar, past an area of rolling sanddunes, their contours apparently solid, yet liable the shift with every gale. Here there is a small population of Bactrain camels, shaggy double humped animals, which in the old days, were used as pack animals on the Cenral Asian trade routes. During the past 50 years, they have been bred for transport purposes in Nubra; today visitors can take a camel safari out into the dunes from Hundar.

The other circuit proceeds up the Nubra river, taking in the pretty villages of Tirit, Lukung, Tegar and sumur. Nubra’s other kanor monastery, Samstaling is situated on the mountainside just above Sumur. This was the route taken by the trade caravans and Panamik, the last village on the circuit, was at that time a busy centre, the last major settlement before the caravans plunged into the mountains of the Karakoram and the Kun-Lu. Here they invariab le halted for a few days to make final preparations for getting over the mountains, or to recuperate afterwards. There would be no supplies, not even grazing for the animals, for about 12 days after Panamik, so they had to carry all their provisions for that time. The Government maintained a granary to sell food grains for the men and even for the horses.

The Nubra Valley: Caravans of the Old Silk Road Trek

Day 01. Arrival in Delhi. Early morning flight to Leh.
Day 02. Tour of Leh city, including the 17th century palace and gompa.
Day 03. Touring the monasteries and palaces of the Indus valley.
Day 04. We take a morning stroll to Sankar Gompa, then to the nearby village of Sabu. Overnight in Sabu.
Day 05. In Sabu, we meet our horses and begin the trek. Our first day takes us through lovely grazing areas to the campsite at Polu Digar. From this vantage point, the Stok mountains appear to float majestically above the Indus valley.
Day 06. Continue upward to the Digar La base camp. A short day to aid acclimatization.
Day 07. We make an early start to cross the 17,230 ft. Digar La. From the top, views stretch south to the Zanskar range and north to the Saser range, Ladakh’s highest peaks. The descent is steady and we camp by a lovely meandering stream at Chumik Yogma.
Day 08. Continue down through the village of Digar to the tiny settlement of Aghyam.
Day 09. Trek to Tangyar, a prosperous village in a remarkable location.
Day 10. Continue upward to Dhungle, our base camp for the pass.
Day 11. Our second pass! Ascend the 17,061 foot Wuri La for views all the way to the Karakoram in Pakistan! Descend to camp at Zule Tokpo.
Day 12. Finish the trek with a short walk out to the village of Sabu, and the TakTok gompa, an ancient shrine built within an impressive cave. Travel by jeep over 18,000 foot plus Chang La to the village of Tangtse, where we camp amongst idyllic meadows.
Day 13. We explore the shoreline of the brilliant turquoise and azure Pangong Lake, Ladakh’s largest and one of the great salt lakes of Central Asia. Proximity to the Chinese border prevents us from penetrating much beyond the western shore or camping at the lakeside, but the views are stupendous. Our return to Leh takes us back over Chang La, the second highest motorable road on earth. Back in the Indus valley, we visit the little-known gompa of Chemrey before returning to Leh that evening.
Day 14. Morning flight to Delhi, on arrival check in Hotel. Stay overnigh.
Day 15. Depart- Delhi Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey

ZANSKAR

About 20 kms. South of Rangdum stands the Panzila watershed across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the trans Himalayan Valleys. The Panzila Top (4401 m) is the picturesque tableland adorned with two small alpine lakes and surrounded by snow covered peaks. As the Zanskar road winds down the steep slopes of the watershed to the head of the Stod Valley, one of Zanskar’s main tributary valleys, the majestic “Drang-Drung” glacier looms into full view. A long and winding river of ice and snow, the Drang-Drung” is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh, outside the Siachen formation. It is from the cliff-like snout of this extensive glacier that the Stod or Doda River, the main tributary of river Zanskar, rises.

Zanskar comprises a tri-armed valley system lying between the Great Himalayan Range and the Zanskar mountain; The three arms radiate star-like towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse where the region’s two principal drainage’s meet to form the main Zanskar River. It is mainly along the course of this valley system that the region’s 10,000 strong, mainly Buddhists population lives. Spread over an estimated geographical area of 5000 sq. kms. High rise, mountains and deep gorges surround Zanskar. The area remains inaccessible for nearly 8 months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access passes, including the Penzi-la. To-day, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and one of the last few surviving cultural.

The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy.

Days Programme

Day 01. Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to Hotel there.
Day 02. Morning flight to Leh.
Day 03. Tour of Leh city, including the sixteenth-century palace and Gompa.
Day 04. Tour of Shey and Tikse gompas, and Stok Palace.
Day 05. Visit to Basgo fort and Alchi gompa, a remarkably well preserved 11th -century gompa and one of the artistic treasures of the Himalaya.
Day 06. Drive to village of Chiling, from where we begin the trek. A short ways from Chiling we step onto the frozen Zanskar river for the first time. Trek to Tilat Do. Overnight in cave. Day 07. Walk upstream on the ice to Bakhula. Overnight in cave.
Day 08. Walk through tremendous canyons, inaccessible in any other season, to Nyarak. Overnight in cave.

Day 09. Continue on the frozen river to Sarakdo. Overnight in cave.
Day 10. Walk to Hanuma, the first village and most likely the first people we have seen since leaving Chiling. Overnight in village house.

Day 11. Hanuma to Pishu, another small village. Overnight in village house.
Day 12. Pishu to Karsha, site of the largest monastery in Zanskar. Overnight in village house.
Day 13. Karsha to Padum, the regional capitol of Zanskar and the goal of our journey. Losar (Tibetan New Year’s) celebration.
Day 14. Rest day to explore Padum and the surrounding valley.
Day 15. Visit to local villages and gompas, including the kingdom of Zangla.
Day 16. Helicopter over the main Himalaya range to Manali. A spectacular one-hour ride flying over the main Himalaya range.
Day 17. Tour of Manali. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 18. Flight from Kullu to Delhi.
Day 19. Depart-Delhi, Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey.

Chadar Ice Trek - 18 nights / 19 days Trek Program

Day 01: Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to Hotel there.
Day 02: Morning flight to Leh.
Day 03: Tour of Leh city, including the sixteenth-century palace and Gompa.
Day 04: Tour of Shey and Tikse gompas, and Stok Palace.
Day 05: Visit to Basgo fort and Alchi gompa, a remarkably well preserved 11th -century gompa and one of the artistic treasures of the Himalaya.
Day 06: Drive to village of Chiling, from where we begin the trek. A short ways from Chiling we step onto the frozen Zanskar river for the first time. Trek to Tilat Do. Overnight in cave.

Day 07: Walk upstream on the ice to Bakhula. Overnight in cave.
Day 08: Walk through tremendous canyons, inaccessible in any other season, to Nyarak. Overnight in cave.
Day 09: Continue on the frozen river to Sarakdo. Overnight in cave.
Day 10: Walk to Hanuma, the first village and most likely the first people we have seen since Leaving Chiling. Overnight in village house.
Day 11: Hanuma to Pishu, another small village. Overnight in village house.
Day 12: Pishu to Karsha, site of the largest monastery in Zanskar. Overnight in village house.
Day 13: Karsha to Padum, the regional capitol of Zanskar and the goal of our journey. Lhosar
(Tibetan New Year's) celebration.
Day 14: Rest day to explore Padum and the surrounding valley.
Day 15: Visit to local villages and gompas, including the kingdom of Zangla.
Day 16: Helicopter over the main Himalaya range to Manali. A spectacular one-hour ride flying over the main Himalaya range.
Day 17: Tour of Manali. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 18: Flight from Kullu to Delhi.
Day 19: Depart-Delhi, Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey.

HIMACHAL LADHAK (Jeep Safari)

Best Season : June to September end
The drive through this high altitude road beyond the Great Himalayan range on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, connects the densely fertile Kulu valley to the barren, cold desert region of Ladakh, once accessible only from Kashmir. The journey goes through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery ever witnessed by road travelers. As one traverses the main ranges of the Himalayas, the stark contrast in the topography becomes apparent. Lahaul and later Ladakh reveal barren landscapes that assume fantastic and bizarre shapes. Surrealistic colors splash off rocks ranging from various shades of brown to rust, gold, pink and yellow. Here one traverses the roof of the world, where the Buddhist influence on the inhabitants tries to soften the rough existence they lead for mere survival.

Day 01: Arrive Manali
Arrive Manali. Check in at Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Manali ( Sightseeing ) Half day local sightseeing of Manali. Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, Club House, Log Huts, Vashisht Bath & Tibetan Monastery. After noon free to stroll on the Mall & do some local shopping. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 03: Manali / Jispa : After breakfast start jeep safari to Jispa(3320 m). Enroute stop at Rohtang Pass(3978
m) a scenically situated place with Dashohar Lake and Beas Kund to visit. Lunch at
Khoskar(3140 m) a bleak and windswept place. While driving pass by Keylong(3348 m) an oasis of greenland. Reach Jispa and overnight stay at tents.
Day 04: Jispa / Sarchu :
Morning proceed for Sarchu(the border of Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir States). Serchu(4253 m) is inhabited by a Himalayan clan, Gaddi, and a few lonely soldiers at an army outpost. Enroute stop for a while at Baralacha Pass(4891 m). The word
Baralacha means “ a pass with cross roads”. Here the road from Zanskar, Ladakh,
Spiti and Kahaul meet. Overnight stay at tents

Day 05: Sarchu / Pang :
Morning proceed for Pang. Enroute stop at Lachluang La(5079 m) for lunch. Arrive at Pang(4630 m) by evening. Overnight stay at tents
Day 06: Pang / Leh (Ladakh ) :

Morning proceed for Leh through expansive Kyungshu plains stretched for 45 kms.
“Kyung” the sheep like animal can be seen here. Enroute stop at Tangnangla
Pass(5500 m), the highest pass with mettalled road. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07: Leh ( sightseeing ) :
Morning proceed for sightseeing of Shey, old summer palace with 12 feet statue of
Buddha; Thikse, the superbly situated monastery on a hilltop overlooking the village and the Indus river and Hemis Monastery the richest and largest Monastery of the area. Afternoon at Leisure. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 08: Leh / Delhi ( By Flight ):
Morning check in of the Hotel and transfer to the airport in time to board flight for Delhi.