Reference Code: 08DLPIN
Trip Start: Delhi
Trek Start: Leh
Trek Days: 8 Days
Age: 20-60
Season: Spring, summer and Autumn
Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge and camp
Service: Full Board
Destination: India
Trip End: Delhi
Trek End: Leh
Trip Durations: 8 days
Theme: Tour
Meals: Standard
Time less land’ and ‘the last Sangri- la’ are names which have been applied to Ladakh,both with a degree of truth. Ladakh is a high- altitude plateau North of the Himalayas situated geographically in Tibet. It’s a miniature version of Tibet, the people are Tibetan in their culture and religion, and there are many Tibetan refugees living there
The Himalayas are a very effective barrier to rain – few clouds creep across their awesome height and as a result Ladakh is barren beyond belief. Only where rivers, running from faraway glaciers or melting snow, carry water to habitation do you find plant life – hence the moonland label, Ladakh is as dry as the Sahara.
Ladakh could well be a last Shangri-la, in the mid-70s Ladakh was opened to outside visitors. Its strategic isolation is matched by its physical isolation – only from June to September are the roads into Ladakh from Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh not covered by snow although nowadays there are airline flights into Ladakh. The flight is one of the most spectacular in the world.
Ladakh is well worth the effort involved in getting there. It’s an otherworldly place – strange Gompas perched on soaring hilltops, ancient buildings clinging to sheer rock walls, and shattered – looking Landscapes splashed with small but brilliant patches of green. But most of all there are the delightful Ladakhis, friendly as only Tibetan people can be and immensely colorful.
At Kargil, on the Srinagar to Leh road, the Islamic influence diminishes and the region becomes predominantly Buddhist. The people follow Tibetan Tantric Buddhism which places much emphasis on magic and demons. All around Ladakh are Gompas, the Buddhist monasteries which are always fascinating to visit.
Permits: Three regions of Ladakh were opened to foreigners in 1994. They are: the Dahanu area, North of the Kargil to Leh road at Kahlsi; the Nubra Valley; and Pangong Tso ( Lake Pangong). For all of these places you have to be officially part of the group of four people with permits are issued at the police station in Leh.
Day 01 Arrive at Leh.
Arrive at Leh airport by morning flight. ( There are three flights to Leh operated by Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Air India ). You will be met and assisted on arrival. Transfer to hotel. Whole day is free to acclimatize the body to the high altitudes. Overnight at hotel. ( Welcome drink on arrival ).
Day 02 Full day sightseeing of Shay palace, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries and the Stok Palace.
After breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing of Shay palace, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries and the Stok Palace. O/N in hotel at Leh.
Shey - Until the 16th century it was the royal residence, Kings of Leh were supposed to be born in the monasteries. This Palace Monastery has the largest statue of Maître Buddha (Buddha to come) in Ladakh. Erected in the mid 17th century, worked out of gold and gilded copper sheets with blue hair, it stands 17.5 meters high.
Thiksey - is an imposing monastery and one of the finest example of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and forms part of Gelukpa order. The 12-storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings, there are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Ringpoche acts as in-charge of the monastery. The main prayer hall has a 15 mt high-seated Buddha figure.
Hemis Monastery - Is one of the richest, biggest and most famous gompa in Ladakh. Built in 1630, it belongs to the red sect. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held during summer in honour of their Guru Padma Sambhava's birth anniversary, every 12 years the thanka with his photograph is displayed - the largest in the world. The monastery houses silver chortens studded with precious and semi precious stones, an impressive library of Tibetan style books, large number of thankas, various images of Buddha and frescoes including the famous "Wheel of Life".
Stok Palace - The palace of the banished royal family dates back to the mid 19th century. The Palace museum has on display fabulous period costumes and jewelry of the royalty along with exquisite thankas representing the life of the Sakya Muni Buddha. Interesting historical objects like coins, seals, Armour, weapons, precious jade and porcelain can also be seen here. The Royal family still continues to live here.
Day 03 Exploration drive to Khardungla 18380ft
After breakfast proceed for an unforgettable drive to the top of the world's highest motorable mountain pass Khardungla, at a height of about 18,380 Ft Enjoy unbelievable but true spectacular views of the snow covered Himalayas. Return by the afternoon. Afternoon free to explore the local markets on your own. O/N hotel at Leh.
Day 04 Drive to Alchi, enroute visit Basgo Palace and Likir Monastery.
After breakfast drive to Alchi, enroute visit Basgo Palace and Likir Monastery. Arrive Alchi by the afternoon. Visit the monastery at Alchi; spend the afternoon exploring the village. Overnight Camp.
Basgo - It was the seat of power of a branch of the Namgyal family. It is here in 1680 A.D. that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three year long siege. Original 16th century murals and other arts of Basgo are well worth a visit.
Alchi Monastery - On the banks of river Indus is Alchi gompa dating back to the 11th century. It is one of the largest and a famous monastery with a widely renowned collection of paintings. One of its walls features thousands of miniature-sized pictures of the Buddha. This monastery is maintained by the monks of Likir monastery and is no longer a place for active worship.
Likir - The present gompa in Likir dates back to the 18th century. It contains huge clay images of Buddha and various old manuscripts. It also houses an interesting collection of Thankas, old religious and domestic costumes and implements etc.
Day 05 Return to Leh; visit the monastery at Lamayuru enroute. Lamayuru
After Breakfast. Return to Leh; visit the monastery at Lamayuru enroute. Lamayuru - has fascinating caves carved out of the mountainside. Also known as Yung Drung (Swastika) it is sited on a high promonotory overlooking the village and valley. For sheer spectacle value no other gompa can match Lamayuru. O/N at hotel in Leh
Day 06 Drive for a visit of Pangong Lake via Chang La pass(17,350Ft
After early breakfast drive for a visit of Pangong Lake via Chang La pass(17,350Ft). The drive takes you through specatular, amazing scenery, with breathtaking views of the snow covered mountains- recalling your journey to the Alps of Europe. The Lake is the highest(4267M-14,500 Ft) salt-water lake in the world, situated along the India / China border. It is about 130 Km long and 5-6 Km wide. The Chang - Chenmo range surrounding it from the north provide a spectacular backdrop to the blue and green expanse of its brackish water. O/N Camp.
Day 07 Return to Leh
After a leisure breakfast return to Leh. O/N in hotel at Leh.
Day 08 Final departure via Delhi
Transferred to airport to catch your return flight to Delhi and fly back with sweet memories of Ladakh.Tour Ends.
Inclusion
Accommodation on twin sharing Basis as per selected Package category.
All Meals (Breakfast + Dinner).
To & Fro Leh Airport Transfers.
Transportation by Non A/C Innova, Xylo, Mahindra XUV or Tata Arya as per mention tour plan
With Tempo Traveler for 6 / 8 / 10 person complete journey.
Wild Life Fees & Ladakh Inner line permit.
Exclusion
Any Air fare, Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Lunch or Extra Meals.
Monument Entrances, Rafting & Camel Safari Charges.
Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.
Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
5.09% GST will be applicable on total amount.
Clothing and Equipments List
» Pack to pack out - bring enough waterproof bags to carry all non-biodegradable rubbish back down the mountain.
» Remove all unnecessary packaging before leaving home.
» Bring enough warm dry clothes so that you can wrap up rather than burn firewood in the evenings.
» If you are going to trek higher than 5000m or you know it will be cold, buy an aluminum water bottle which can also be used as a hot water bottle at night.
» The easiest way to keep hydrated while trekking is to buy a 1 x liter platypus-drinking bladder to carry in your day pack.
» Make sure to buy proper trekking socks. Don’t buy synthetic socks as these promote sweating and can give you blisters. Always carry a few blister pads in your first aid kit and keep them handy in your day pack.
» Walking poles are very useful while trekking and helpful when descending.
» Please remember that waste disposal and recycling facilitates are limited in Nepal. When buying batteries make sure they are rechargeable and/or high quality so they last longer, and take them home to recycle.
More Lists
There is no definitive list. What you bring will vary according to the area, time of year and the length of your trek. Below is a suggested check list which you should adapt to your own needs. Ask yourself: Will there be snow/how long /high is the trek/are we camping?
» Good quality trekking boots with ankle support
» Lightweight shell/raincoat with hood
» Detachable fleece liner or separate fleece
» Fleece trousers
» Shorts and / or convertibles trousers- quick drying
» Sunglasses
» Sun hat and warm hat(good quality)
» Gloves
» Spare T-shirt x 3
» Sweat towel x 2
» Spare socks x 3 ( walking sock and thin inner sock)
» Small day sack
» Sun cream
» Small water bottle aluminum doubles as a hot water bottle.
» Iodine or water purifying kit,
» Soluble vitamin tablets to taste water or powder fruit drink
» Talcum powder
» Walking sticks or Trekking poles(good quality)
» Camp shoes/trainers/flip flops to wear in evening.
» Spare underwear 3
» Toilet kit
» Tissues
» Pen knife
» Bum bag
» Head torch(good quality)
» Biodegradable washing liquid / soap
» FILM
» CAMERA
» Ear plugs
» Sleeping bag liner(good quality)
» Sleeping bag(good quality-30)
» Bin bag/ gasbag to keep kit dry
» Small towel
» Lip balm
» Available in KTM
Personal First Aid (Aids Kit)
» Antiseptic
» Bandages
» Blister plasters
» Decongestant
» AMS medication like Diamox
» Eye drops – it can get very dusty on trails
» Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
» Rehydration sachets, Imodium and antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea
» Scissors
» Sterile dressing
» Sticking plasters and tape
» Throat lozenges / sweets
» Tweezers
» A sewing needle etc.
This trekking equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd
