The journey begins with a drive from Leh toward the west of the Indus Valley to Lamayuru, visiting the monastery. The trek is fairly sustained as we will need to cross a pass each day, the highest at an altitude of 5250 m (17,224 ft.) so it is feasible for all but will require good physic. The trek proceeds through isolated villages and nights of camping next to scenic streams. The trek ends in Alchi, where one of the oldest monasteries in the Indus Valley is situated. A further drive to Leh, then on to Delhi brings us to the end of the programme.
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 2
Domestic flight Delhi – Leh
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
Transferral to a domestic airport where you will fly to Leh. Once reached in Leh, you will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit to a monastery within the town and sightsee of the Shanti Stupa and Old Fort of Leh.
Day 3
Journey from Leh to Lamayuru via Phyang
Distance: 170 km
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
We will be leaving Leh to head for the starting point of the trek, during which you will be given the opportunity to visit the Alchi Monastery and join evening Puja, before spending the night in Lamayuru.
Day 4
Trek 1 – Lamayuru to Wanla
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 3800 m / 12,467 ft.
From the Lamayuru Monastery, we will descend down towards the village where we will need to cross a stream. Then we will ascend gradually upward until reaching Printik La before descending into the gorge where we will then arrive at Shilla. We will cross the bridge and continue to Wanla.
Day 5
Trek 2 – Wanla to Urshi
Trekking Time: 41/2 hours
Following the Yapola River on the left we will arrive at Penjila after 2 hours. Once we have continued through the valley, after an hour we will then leave the valley and keep continuing straight to the north along a stream that leads to Urshi. The campsite is located near the pass which we will find after passing off the village. Overnight stay in campsite.
Day 6
Trek 3 – Urshi to Tar
Trekking Time: 61/2 hours
Altitude: 5250 m / 17,224 ft. (Over Tar La 5250 m / 17,224 ft.)
Trail is very well marked however difficult for the first 5 hours until you reach Tar La. Masses of fallen rocks on the slopes have been experienced whilst descending the pass for 3 hours to reach the Tar Village. Note: Descending may be a problem for horses.
Day 7
Trek 4 – Tar to Mangyu
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
We will follow the path that ascends to the mountain side to a new pass where we will then descend towards the Mang Gyu; a beautiful village with a monastery. Below the village is a stream which we will be camping near.
Day 8
Trek 5 – Mang Gyu to Alchi
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
After a trek of around 2 hours along a path that leads into a narrow valley, we will reach the village of Gyra, set in the Indus Valley. Following the Indus upstream, we will pass Lardo until reaching the main highway – about half an hour before Alchi. Overnight camp near the village.
Day 9
Journey from Alchi – Leh
We will be driving back to Leh where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Day 10
Flight from Leh – Delhi
You will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi. Once reached in Delhi you will then be transported to your hotel where you will be staying overnight. The afternoon can be spent at your own leisure.
Day 11
Flight Departure: Visit Old/New Delhi
You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day of sightseeing, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
