Detailed Itineraries for Available trips
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Rupshu Trek with Hemis Festival Option |
| This challenging trek passes through the Rupshu valley and Ladakh’s higher regions. Located Southeast of Ladakh’s capital, Leh, the Rupshu valley was once an important trade route. Our trek passes through the barren regions of the Changthang plains. Our camps are set on green meadows amongst isolated villages. Spectacular views abound and we also encounter the nomadic chang pas, “Wanderers of the Himalayas”, who live in small makeshift villages of tents woven of yak’s hair.
| Difficulty: Strenuous
Dates: July 10- July 28, 2007 |
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The Changthang region
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Day 1 : Air transit day:
Travel from home, to Delhi India.
Day 2: Arrive in New Delhi:
Transfer to guesthouse.
Day 3 : Early morning flight to Leh, Ladakh:
Rest and begin acclimatization. We overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 4 : Jeep Tour and sightseeing:
Our day begins with an introductory tour of Leh in the morning. In the afternoon, we visit Sankar monastery and Shanti Stupa (peace pagoda). Again, we overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 5 : Khardong la (5570 m 18,270 ft.) – Leh Jeep tour for acclimatization:
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to the world’s highest motor-able road up the Khardong la. During our drive, we will make several stops allowing you to refresh, take short walks, and take photographs. Upon reaching the pass, we will have a photo session, and drive back to Leh. We will overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 6 : Tour of monasteries:
Driving by jeep, we visit Shey Palace, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Continuing on we drive to Rumtse, where we explore this remote village on foot. Tonight we camp in Rumtse village.
Day 7 : Begin trek, Rumtse – Kyamar:
Today we walk for 3 to 4 hours and camp at Kyamar village.
Day 8 : Kyamar – Mandalchan:
We cross the Kumur la (4770 m 15,646 ft.) today walking 5 to 6 hours, and camp at the base of the Mandalchan la.
Day 9 : Mandalchan la base - Shibuk la base (4430 m 14,530 ft.):
Trekking over the Mandalchan la (4850 m 15,908 ft.) and the Shibuk la (4875 m 15,990 ft.) we walk 5 to 6 hours and camp at the base of the Shibuk la.
Day 10 : Shibuk la base - Pangunagu (4420m 14,498 ft.):
This is a 4 to 5 hour walk.
Day 11 : Pangunagu - Nuruchan (4430 m 14,530 ft.):
This is a 4 to 5 hour walk.
Day 12 : Nuruchen - Rajung Karu (4750 m 15,580):
This is a 4 to 5 hour walk.
Day 13 : Rajung Karu - Gyama (5100 m 16,728):
This is a 5 to 6 hour walk crossing the Kyamayuri la (5410 m 17,745).
Day 14 : Gyama - Korzok and Tsomoriri Lake (4530 m 14,858 ft.):
This is a 5 to 6 hour walk crossing the Kartse la (5200 m 17,056 ft.)
Day 15 : Tsomoriri lake:
We spend the entire day exploring Tsomoriri Lake.
Day 16 : Tsomoriri – Leh:
Departing Tsomoriri by jeep, we pass Thatsang Karu Lake (4620 m 15,154 ft.), Mahe Bridge, Chumathang, Karu, Thiksey and Shey villages and overnight at the hotel in Leh
Day 17 : Rest day in Leh:
We can use this day further exploring and photographing the people and sights of Leh.
Day 18 : Leh – Lamayuru:
After breakfast, we depart for Alchi. En route, we visit Spituk Monastery, Basgo Monastery, perched on hilltop along the Srinagar highway, and Likir Monastery. We then drive to Lamayuru and overnight in the hotel. |
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Elena snacking at 16,892ft. |
Elena getting breakfast tea at 16,892 ft. |
Lamayuru in a breaking storm
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Spituk Monastery:
Spituk Monastery prominently stands on the top of a hillock commanding a panoramic view of the Indus River Valley. Many icons of Buddha and fine thankas (religious paintings on cloth) are located in this 15th century Gompa. The Gompa houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image of Mahakali. The face of the Kali image remains covered except during a ceremony at an annual festival.
Basgo Monastery:
The World Monument Fund lists Basgo Monastery among the most endangered sites in the world. Built of mud brick and rammed earth during the 16th and 17th century a.d., the fortress has three temples erected in celebration of great Maitreya (the fifth Buddha). The largest of all statues is the 14-meter high gilded earthen statue of
Alchi Monastery :
Alchi Monastery, world famous and built in the 11th century, is very different from any other in Ladakh as it has a fusion of Tibetan and Kashmiri art and archatecture. the Maitreya Buddha, surrounded by murals depicting scenes from his life and portraits of the patrons who underwrote the construction of the temple complex. |
Day 19 : Lamayuru - Leh:
If we are lucky we will catch a Puja (prayer session) at the monastery. There is hiking and lots to photograph here before returning to Leh.
Day 20 : Leh – Delhi:
We transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Delhi. The rest of the morning is at leisure, with an afternoon tour of Old Delhi. We overnight at the hotel in New Delhi.
Day 21 : Air Transit day:
We fly home. |
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Hemis Festival Option:
If you have more time the Hemis Festival, based on the Tibetan monastic calendar, takes place on July 12th and 13th in 2008. Extending your stay would allow us to attend and photograph this amaizing colorful cultural festival. |
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Hemis Monastery:
40 km from Leh, it is the wealthiest, best-known and biggest gompa
of Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual Tse-Chu
festival held here. The festival is on the 10th day (Tse-Chu)
of the Tibetan lunar month and honors Guru Padma Sambhav's birth.
Padma Sambhav also known as Guru Rimpoche is the founder of Tibetan
Buddhism.
The Hemis Monastery celebrates this event in
the form of a 2-day festival. Its resident Lamas perform sacred
masked dances leading to the destruction of sacrificial offerings.
Masks worn by the lamas represent various guardian divinities
of the Dugpa order of Buddhism. Hemis is the leading establishment
in Ladakh for the Dugpa order. |
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This 200 year-old tradition was
introduced by a member of Ladakh's ruling family who was reincarnated
in the 18th century as the monastery's Head lama, ' Sras Rimpoche'.
The Hemis dances are a re-enactment of the eight different manifestations
of Padmasambhava's magical feats of services to the cause of Buddhism.
The festival takes an auspicious turn every 12
years in the Tibetan Year of the Monkey, when the two-story high
'Thankga' depicting Padmasambhava is displayed. This famous Thankga,
richly embroidered with pearls and semi-precious stones was last
displayed in 2004.
The Hemis Monastery itself is divided into the
assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The
Dukhang hall is used as the "green room" by the dancers during
the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The verandahs
have an abundance of frescoes, among them the Buddhist 'wheel
of life' (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters. |
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Markha Valley with
Ladakh Festival |
Our trip will begin at The Ladakh Festival,
an event showcasing the art, culture, and heritage of Ladakh.
Highlights include a spectacular procession of cultural troupes
in full ceremonial costumes singing songs and performing traditional
dances, archery competitions, and a chance to witness a major
tournament of one of the himilayas most ancient sports, polo.
Then we are off on the The Markha Valley Trek,
one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world! It ventures
high into the Himalayas crossing two passes at over 15,000 ft.
(4,575m) as it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down
into parts of Zanskar, and through terrain that changes from incredible
narrow valleys to wide-open vast expanses! This is made all the
more interesting by the ancient Dugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism
that flourishes in the monasteries perched on hilltops that dot
the landscape. The trails are decorated by elaborate "chortens"
(shrines) and "mani" (prayer) walls, which reflect the region's
rich Buddhist culture. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha
Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped
peaks before crossing the 16,500 ft. (5000m) Gongmaru Pass. We
then descend to explore the famous Hemis Monastery, where we will
end our trek. A few days will be spent exploring and photographing
the fascinating town of Leh, once an important stop on the famed
caravan silk route from China.
| Difficulty:
Moderate
Dates: August 27 - September 15, 2008 |
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Connie photographing the Ladakh Festival |
Day 1: Depart from home.
Day 2: Air Transit Day.
Day 3: We arrive in Delhi and transfer to Hotel.
Day 4: We transfer to the domestic airport for
the flight to Leh. Upon arrival in Leh (10,496 ft. 3200 m) we
will transfer to the hotel.
Day 5: Today is a rest and acclimatization day
in Leh with an afternoon visit to local monasteries.
Day 6: Attend Ladakh Festival.
Day 7: Attend Ladakh Festival.
Day 8: Attend Ladakh Festival.
Day 9: Attend Ladakh Festival.
Day 10: Today we drive by Jeep from Leh to Spituk
village (11,424 ft. 3380m) and begin the Markha Valley trek. The
trek to Zinchen is an easy walk with 3 river crossings. We camp
at Zinchen village. |
Spituk Monastery
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Spituk Monastery:
Spituk Monastery prominently stands on the top of a hillock commanding a panoramic view of the Indus River Valley. Many icons of Buddha and fine thankas (religious paintings on cloth) are located in this 15th century Gompa. The Gompa houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image of Mahakali. The face of the Kali image remains covered except during a ceremony at an annual festival. |
Day 11: Zinchen to the base of
the Kanda-la:
This is a more challenging walk which includes several river crossings.
We stop for lunch at Rumbuck village and camp overnight at the
base of the Kanda-La (14,366ft. 4380m), the pass we will cross
the next day.
Day 12: Base of the Kanda-la to Skiu:
We walk along the mountainside up and over the Kanda-La at 15,908ft
(4,850,m). An enjoyable decent takes us towards Shingo village.
Easy walking brings us to our camp at Skiu (11,152ft. 3400m).
Day 13: Skiu to Markha:
Today we have several river crossings but the trekking is easy.
We Camp at Markha Village.
Day 14: Markha to Thachungtse:
From Markha Village we walk to Hankar Yogma village and visit
its Monastery. Then we move on to our camp at Thachungtse (12,136ft.3700m).
Day 15: Thachungtse to Nimaling:
A bit beyond Thachungtse we leave a broad riverside valley. The
valley narrows and goes higher with the river far to the left.
We walk near a small lake, and cross high pastures to Nimaling.
This is one of the most beautiful valleys of Ladakh at the height
of 15,416ft. 4700m.
Day 16: Nimaling – Chuskurmo:
A Long climb along the mountainside positions us to zigzag up
to Gongmaru La at 16,892ft. (5,150m). Several easy steam crossings
bring us to Chuskurmo.
Day 17: Final day of the trek; Chuskurmo –
Leh:
We trek to Shang Sumdo and are met by jeeps that return us to
Leh.
Day 18: We transfer to the airport for the return
flight to Delhi. Upon arrival we have the opportunity to wash
up before transferring to the International airport for your return
flight.
Day 19: Air transit day.
Day 20: Return home.
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Mick photographing in Markha village
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Trekking past prayer flags on the
Gongmaru La
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The Sham Valley Trek
with Zanskar Jeep Tour |
The Sham Valley Trek takes us through
the ancient Sham Kingdom and famous Apricot Valley of Ladakh.
We will see more exotic Buddhist Monasteries and visit small villages
inhabited by local farmers with an intact Tibetan lifestyle. This
itinerary is of moderate difficulty. The path does not rise above
14,760 ft. (4500m).
Following the trek we will journey by Jeep to
the famous 11th Century Lamayuru Monastery. Then we are off to
Zanskar via Kargil and the Suru Valley stopping along the way
to photograph.
Difficulty: Easy
Dates: Available between July 1 and September
30 Call to discuss dates |
Day 1: Depart from home.
Day 2: Air transit day.
Day 3: We arrive in Delhi and transfer to Hotel.
Day 4: We transfer to the domestic airport for
the flight to Leh. Upon arrival in Leh (10,496 ft. 3200 m) we
will transfer to the hotel.
Day 5: Today is a rest and acclimatization day
in Leh with an afternoon visit to local monasteries.
Day 6: Begin Sham Trek, Leh – Likir - Yangthang:
After breakfast we travel by private jeep to the start of the
first leg of our trek. We cross the Pobe La (pass) at 11,742 ft.
(3580M).
Day 7: Yangthang – Hemis Shukpachan –
Timasgum: We trek along Wullu valley and after crossing the Shemchan
La, arrive at the village of Hemis-Shukpachan. This village is
popular throughout Ladakh for its aromatic Shukpa (Cedar) which
is used as incense for religious purposes. There is also a small
Gompa (monastery) to visit.
Day 8: TIMASGUM – KHALTSE – Wanla:
We finish phase one of our trek and drive to Wanla via the village
of Khaltse.
Day 9: Wanla to Lamayuru:
We walk for 3 to 4
hours to the famous Lamayuru Monastery.
Day 10: Lamayuru - Parkachik (via Kargil):
Traveling by jeep we
pass through the city of Kargil as we turn up the Suru Valley
where we will meet a people of Tibeti-Darad descent who are Muslims
converted from Buddhist faith around the middle of the 16th century.
Day 11: Parkachik - Rangdum:
The most isolated
portion of the Suru Valley Rangdum is wild beautiful and desolate.
We camp here and explore the valley and an 18th century monastery
perched picturesquely atop a centrally rising hillock which is
entrenched around by the bifurcated course of a wild mountain
stream.
Day 12: Rangdum - Pensi-la:
Camp near the summit
of this pass where we will have the opportunity to photograph
the high peaks and glaciers.
Day 13: Pensi-la – Padum:
We overnight
in a guest house before setting out to explore the smaller
settlements of the Zanskar valley.
Day 14: Zangla:
We will spend a full day exploring
the villages of Karsha with its Nunnery and palace, and Zangla
with its ancient monastery home to over 150 lamas.
Day 15: Padum – Kargil:
A full days drive
returns us to Kargil
Day 16: Kargil – Leh:
We return to Leh
and rest.
Day 17: Leh – Delhi:
Flight to Delhi and
prepare for departure home.
Day 18: Air transit day.
Day 19: Return home. |
Sophie hanging with the local monks
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Binia Marti exploring Zangla Monastery
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Ladakh to Zanskar with Rafting Option
(Lamayuru to Padum)
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This trek goes into the hidden kingdom of Zanskar. Starting from the ancient monastery at Lamayuru, perched on a precipice, the trek offers close encounters with Zanskari life, passing interesting villages with their little Gompas on practically every day of the trek. The route takes in eight high passes and many river crossings depending on the time of the year.
| Difficulty:
Strenuous
Dates: Available between July 1 and September
30 Call to discuss dates |
Day 1: Depart from home.
Day 2: Air transit day.
Day 3: Arrive in Delhi:
Transfer to guest house
Day 4: Early morning flight to Leh, Ladakh:
Rest and begin acclimatization
Day 5: Sight seeing:
Leh and the Indus Valley (Visit Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis Monasteries)
Day 6: Drive by Jeep to Lamayuru (11,033 ft.):
The rest of the day is open for exploration of the village and monastery. We camp on the forested river bank on the edge of the village.
Day 7: Lamayuru - Wanla: Begin Trekking through apricot orchards and beautiful willow groves.
Day 8: Wanla - Hanupatta:
Passing through many small villages crossing streams and up a narrow gorge.
Day 9: Hanupatta - Photoksar:
The first of three high passes on the route are crossed today, Sirsir La (15,744 ft.)
Day 10: Photoksar - Yulchung:
We climb steeply over two passes today, the Bumiktse La (13,766 ft.) and the Singe La (16,400ft.)
Day 11: Yulchung - Lingshed:
Starting easy with a level walk through rocky terrain, the day finishes with a climb over two passes, the Kiupa La (12,628 ft) and the Murgum La (13,448 ft.), and two beautiful villages amongst barley fields.
Day 12: Lingshed - Nyetse:
We climb to a saddle, traverse a mountain side and climb again to the Hanuma La (15,415 ft.) and breathtaking views back to Lingshed and the Gompa.
Day 13: Nyetse - Hanamur:
Crossing a stream we traverse the mountain side and climb to Parfi La (12,792 ft.). A descent brings us to the Zanskar River and our camp.
Day 14: Hanamur - Pishu:
Following the river we have a long but easy walk. Across the widening valley from camp is Zangla, once home to the King of the region.
Day 15: Pishu - Karsha:
Again, following the river, we cross the often hot and dusty plain to the home of the regions largest monastery, Karsha.
Day 16: A day of rest and exploration of Karsha village and it’s monastery.
Option 1: Return via Jeep to Leh
Day 17: Padum - Kargil:
Travel by jeep over the Pensi La (14,400 ft.), past Nun and Kun, the regions two 8,000 meter peaks, and through a very distinct cultural change from Buddhist to Muslim.
Day 18: Kargil - Leh:
With an early departure we drive back to Leh.
Day 19: Leh: Day spent in Leh
Day 20: Leh - Delhi:
Return to Delhi on early morning flight. Transfer to international airport for flight home.
Day 21: Air transit day.
Day 22: Return home.
Option 2: Return via the Zanskar River by raft or kayak
On this self contained multi-day river trip, we return to Leh via the spectacular and desolate Zanskar river gorge. Dropping deep into the sheer walled canyon you will run class III - IV rapids finishing at the river’s confluence with the Indus River.
Day 17: Rafting Karsha – Jangla:
An easy day of rafting on class II water while we get used to the altitude and hone our river skills.
Day 18: Rafting Jangla – Nyerak
The forge narrows and we have our first class III whitewater.
Day 19: Rafting Lay-over (rest day) at Nyerak
Day 20: Rafting Nyerak – Lamayuru
A classic white water day with continuous Class III rapids, and a few Class IV rapids where the river squeezes between an 18ft gap.
Day 21: Lamayuru - Nimoo Take out:
Class III and IV white water challenges us as we plunge out of the canyon to the confluence with the Indus River. We finish with a short drive to Leh (1 hrs)
Day 22: Leh:
Day spent in Leh
Day 23: Leh - Delhi:
Return to Delhi on early morning flight. Transfer to international airport for flight home.
Day 24: Air transit day.
Day 25: Return home.
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Lamayuru Monastery
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Zangla Village and the Padum Valley
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Durung Glacier from the Pensi La |
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