Day 01: Arrive Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Rest of the day is for relaxation to get over your jet lag. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing.
Today, we will journey out into the vibrant streets of the Indian capital, a city whose cultural pedigree reflects the architectural influences of two distinct masters; the Moghul overlords of the 17th century and the British Raj of the 1930s.
Beginning with a visit to the new town, we’ll stroll past the sandstone walls of the Red Fort and then down along the bustling thoroughfare of Chandi Chowk, into the heart of Old Delhi. Negotiating the narrow alleyways of Shahjahanabad we then emerge before the remarkable Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest of its kind in India and one of the true masterpieces of Moghul architecture. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi to Leh (Ladakh) by Air. Acclimatisation day.
A flight out of Delhi this morning takes us deep into the mountain landscapes that lie to the north of the River Indus. Here, amongst the towering peaks of the Indian Himalayas, located some 3500m above the valley below, we find the ancient capital of Ladakh.
Leh’s meandering alleyways and bustling markets, overshadowed as they are by the imposing remains of the Namgyal Palace, still retain something of the magic of the old Silk Road. Wonderfully picturesque and overflowing with atmosphere, the town is a rich mix of religious and cultural diversity, providing us with the perfect setting from which to begin this remarkable journey.
On arrival it is advised that you relax in the morning and adapt to the crisp mountain air, before exploring at leisure in the afternoon. You may like to take this opportunity to visit the now abandoned Namgyal Palace, whose prominent position overlooking the town makes it hard to miss. The former home of the royal family of Ladakh, the 9-storey structure bears a striking similarity to the Potala Palace in Lhasa and before its destruction during the Dogra wars of the 19th century it was considered an architectural masterpiece. Those not able to sit still can continue on to the palace stupa, above and behind the palace on the ridge which offers a bird’s eye view of this wonderful town. Overnight in Leh.
Day 04: In Leh.
Tibetan Buddhism passed over the high mountain passes many centuries ago, following in the wake of the merchant caravans, to leave a unique and indelible mark on the surrounding landscapes. This morning we have an opportunity to explore something of this religious ancestry, with a visit to three of the region’s most important gompas (monasteries).
The first is Thiskey, without doubt one of the most beautiful in the area and certainly one of the finest examples of its kind in Ladakh. Belonging to the Gelupka Order, the 12 storey complex clings to a hillside some 18 km from Leh, its hallowed halls filled with statues, thangka and shrines.
We will also visit the 16th century Matho Gompa on the opposite banks of the River Indus, as well as the Shey Monastery to the south of the city – a former residence of the royal family that is traditionally the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kings and today home to a copper statue of the Buddha that is the largest in Ladakh.
The afternoon will be free so we can relax and organise any last minute purchases before departing tomorrow.
Day 05: Leh to Hundar via Nubra.
Leaving Leh behind this morning we’ll head north, following the established trade route towards Khangar and crossing over the Khardungla pass (5600m), one of the highest navigable roads in the world. As we begin our descent down through the pass the entire Indus Valley and the towering summits of the Zanskar range lie before us. Originally known as Ldurma (the Valley of Flowers), the Nubra Valley lay at the heart of the old Silk Route, its wide river valley separating the Ladakh Mountains from the Karakorams, its timeless vistas punctuated with small settlements and farmsteads. Stopping in the village of Diskit we have a chance to take in the dramatic setting of its 350 year old monastery before continuing on towards Hundar, crossing a landscape of rolling dunes, where bactrian camels graze amongst the sparse cold desert vegetation. Overnight in Camp.
Day 06: Trek from Hundar to Skarchen Camp (3800m).
Located at the base of the Shyok River Valley, Hundar was the former capital of the old kingdom of Nubra and, as we set out from the Hundar Bridge this morning, we gaze out across a desert landscape shimmering before the backdrop of glistening snow-capped mountain peaks. Following the course of the river upstream we then continue through the gorge, climbing along the steep ridge of the Hundar Topko before descending back towards the river. The scenery today is simply breathtaking and, as we reach the confluence of two small tributaries at a place called Skarchen, we come across our first desert camp. (Approx walking time 4-5 hours). Overnight in Camp.
Day 07: Trek from Skarchen to Hundar Dok (4010m).
Breaking camp this morning we continue through the gorge, following the river for a couple more hours before passing below the small settlement of Wacham. As the trail then begins to snake upwards we pass fields of barley, following a well trodden trail that eventually leads us to the village of Hundar Dok.
A permanent settlement of some 15-20 houses, this is a beautiful spot to take in the surrounding vistas, with plantations and flowers and fields of barley in abundance. A shorter walking day than yesterday (on account of the altitude) we camp close to the village tonight, so this afternoon you might like to acclimatize with a gentle stroll around Hundar Dok itself, using the opportunity to learn a little more about life amongst these high alpine pastures. (Approx walking time 3½-4 hours). Overnight in Camp.
Day 08: Trek through the Thanglasgo Valley (4400m).
Today’s trek takes us through the Thanglasgo Valley, following a small stream that runs down through a patchwork of pastureland encircled by the towering walls of 6000m peaks. The views are simply inspiring and as we reach the junction of the Thanglasgo and Sniu Sumdo Valleys we continue down into the summer grazing lands of Sniu Sumdo.
Camping amongst the fertile pastures we may come across shepherds tending their wandering flocks, an image of timeless rural serenity that has played out across these fertile landscapes for generations. (Approx walking time 5-6 hours). Overnight in Camp.
Day 09: Sniu Sumdo Camp (4400m).
To acclimatize properly for the days ahead, we spend another day on the grasslands of Sniu Sumdo, taking the opportunity to soak up the views and explore some of the trails that lead off into the side valleys. These high, rich pasturelands provide ideal grazing during the summer months, with sheep, yaks and dzomos (a cross between a yak and a cow) making the most of the abundant pickings before the onset of winter drives them back down the mountain to the lower slopes. Overnight in Camp.
Day 10: Trek to Camp at Jhingmoche (4500m).
Departing camp this morning we descend to the junction of the Thanglasgo and Sniu Sumdo Valleys, following a trail that climbs slowly across a landscape blanketed beneath carpets of flowers during the summer months. For the next 4 to 5 hours we’ll follow a stream, enjoying the mix of pastoral serenity and dramatic mountain scenery as we head for our overnight camp.
The plan today is to stop at either Thanglasgo, or else continue a little further on to camp near Jingmoche, where we may find local villagers tending the summer herds. It is tradition in these parts for small groups to take the herds up into the mountains, staying with them until the end of summer and processing cheese and butter to take back down to the villages at the end of the season’s grazing. (Approx walking time 5-6 hours). Overnight in Camp.
Day 11: Trek to the base of Lasermo La Pass (4800m).
Following a well defined path this morning we continue upstream, negotiating a trail that meanders through a valley of high alpine meadows, watered by gently flowing streams and dotted with grazing herds of yak and dzomos.
Tonight’s camp lies at the base of Lasermo La and is the highest of our journey. From here we can look up towards the snow shrouded slopes of the Lasermo La Pass and contemplate tomorrow’s climb up into the snowline. (Approx walking time 4-5 hours). Overnight in Camp.
Day 12: Lasermo La base – Lasermo La Pass (5400m) – Phyiang Sumdo (4500m).
Leaving camp early this morning we turn our back on the pasturelands and climb towards the snowline, carefully negotiating the moraine rocks that litter the slopes on the way up to Lasermola Pass (5400m). Our hardest day by far, the ascent this morning should take us between 2 and 3 hours, but the views as we summit the pass more than compensate for the arduous climb.
The sweeping vistas laid out before us take in the Karakoram Mountains, the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges and the valleys far below us. Standing here in the snow, gazing out across a landscape of quite breathless majesty, this is truly a moment to savour and certainly one of the high points of our journey – in more ways than one! From here we begin the descent into the Phyiang Valley, picking our way down towards our overnight camp at Phyiang Sumdo. (Approx walking time 7-8 hours). Overnight in Camp.
Day 13: Phyiang Sumdo to Leh.
Our final day’s walking sees us continuing our descent, heading down towards the pastures at Morubruk. From here we then continue towards the village of Phyiang, taking in the stunning views of the Stok ranges as we go, before finally meeting up with our vehicles back at the road head.
The foothills around Phyiang have served as a haven for Buddhist thinking for centuries and before we depart the village we will pay a visit to its impressive 16th century gompa, an imposing structure belonging to the Red Hat Sect. Housing a wealth of shrines and frescoes, the monastery is also home to a 900 year old museum that boasts an extensive collection of idols and bronzes. From here the road takes us east, back towards the bustling streets and lively markets of Leh, where we should arrive sometime early this afternoon.
This afternoon has been left free for you to enjoy Leh at your own pace. Whilst the caravans of old are long gone, the town still retains a deep seated sense of tradition, making it an absorbing city to explore. For those wishing to take in one last view of this astonishing setting, a short walk up to the nearby Shanti stupa will provide a last, lingering look across this most extraordinary of landscapes. (Approx 2-3 hours). Overnight in hotel at Leh.
Day 14: Leh to Delhi by Air.
Flying back to Delhi today we have another chance to soak up some of the magic and chaos of the Indian capital before we head home. After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is free to enjoy more of this most uncompromising and eclectic of cities.
You may wish to return to the Chandi Chowk Bazaar, or perhaps take in more of the grandiose majesty of the city’s Moghul and British past. A marked contrast to the tranquility of the past days, you can be sure that Delhi’s intoxicating blend of sights and sounds will leave an impression as long lasting and as vivid as the mountains of Ladakh and the Nubra Valley. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 15: Delhi. Depart Delhi.
This day is left free to do some last minute shopping. Later, in time transfer to the Airport to board your homebound flight.
Accommodation will be in hotels, guesthouses and tents with all meals included. Any accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is subject to availability and if not available substitutes will be of a similar quality.
This is a trekking itinerary and is at altitude. This should be taken into account when booking this trip and should you have any questions please contact us to discuss them.
NB: It should be made clear that this itinerary involves staying and walking at altitude (up to 5400m). Anybody with high blood pressure, respiratory disorder or a history of problems at altitude should consult their GP.
