This trek provides exploration of some of India’s famous monasteries and fascinating sites as the trek proceeds through the Indus Valley, crossing numerous passes (Phobe La, Charatse La, Chermentse La, Meptek La and Bonbbong La) with highest altitude of 4200 m (13,779 ft.). You will visit remote villages where people have preserved their Tibetan customs and traditions. In Dah-Hanu, you will be able to meet the Drokhpa’s; Aryan race with fascinating history. Flight from Leh to Delhi. Overnight stay in local guest houses is to be expected, which will provide more cultural experiences.
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
Sightseeing around Leh
Full day of sightseeing with a visit to the Shey, Thiskey and Hemis Monasteries. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4
Trek 1 – Leh to Phyang and Taru
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft. (Taru 3700 m / 12,139 ft.)
We will leave for Phyang and visit the monastery before continuing on to Taru. The day will consist of pleasant and short treks which will help you to acclimatise to the altitude. Overnight stay in campsite.
Day 5
Trek 2 – Taru – Taru La – Nyemo
Altitude: 4200m / 13,779 ft. (Nyemo 3700m / 12,139 ft.)
The trail begins to ascend steeply to the first pass of the trek, followed by a descent to the Nyemo Village.
Day 6
Trek 3 – Nyemo to Nie
Altitude: 3800 m / 12,467 ft.
The route crosses Basgo which is dominated by impressive ruined fortresses. A striking series of Chortens, sanctuaries and a palace line the path.
Day 7
Trek 4 – Nie to Likir
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
Reaching in an arid and bare landscape, we will visit the Likir Monastery; one of the oldest in Ladakh.
Day 8
Trek 5 – Likir to Yangthang
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
The route will begin through two low passes (the Phobe La 3700 m / 12,139 ft. and the Charatse La 3800m / 12,467 ft.), until opening to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 9
Trek 6 – Yang – Thang to Hemis Schukpachan
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3600m / 11,811 ft. (Over Chermentse La 3750 m / 12,303 ft.)
We will depart heading for the big village of Schukpa (Cidar). A 2 hour climb will bring us to the pass, followed by a long descent to a village. There we will visit the Gompa and explore the local area. Overnight stay in campsite.
Day 10
Trek 7 – Hemis Schukpachan to Themisgam
Trekking Time: 51/2 hours
Altitude: 3200 m / 10,498 ft. (Over Meptek La 3750 m / 12,303 ft.)
Taking around 21/2 hours, we will pass through a flat pastureland to the Meptek La. It descends into Ang Village and continues on to the Shyok Valley. 30 minutes later we will then reach Temisgam; the richest valley of Ladakh where lots of apricot, apple and nut tree orchards are, as well as a Gompa. Overnight camp.
Day 11
Trek 8 – Themisgam - Khaltse – Lamayuru
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 2995 m / 9,826 ft. (Over Bonbbong La 3850 m / 12,631 ft.)
We will leave the beautiful valley and do an easy ascent to Bonbong La which will take around 11/2 hours. We will follow a long and gentle slope to reach Khaltse; the highway between Leh and Srinagar. Drive to guest house in Lamayuru.
Day 12
Journey from Lamayuru to Dah-Hanu
Distance: 71 km
The day will commence with a drive along the Indus River before reaching in Dunkhar in the afternoon. The latter part of the day will be spent visiting a village and spending the night in a local house/guest house.
Day 13
Drokhpa is an area which is situated along the Indus River where many villages inhabits including Dhunkar, Tirit, Skurbuchan, Hanudo, Biama and Dha – on the road to Baltistan. The inhabitants are called Drokhpa, an Aryan race. They are tall, handsome and hospitable, with large, beautiful eyes and a sharp, equiline nose. Men, women and children wear heavy metallic earrings. Drokhpas are believed to have migrated to this area from central Asia via Gilgit, thousands of years ago. Most villages here are dominated by Muslims, with colourful mosques and a few Buddhist houses with small Gompas.
We will take a stroll into Biama and a 2 km trek to Dah. In the afternoon, we will cross the Indus to Balrase Village. We will then leave for Dah, with several villages on the way including Skurbuchan with apricot orchards. Achinathang and Biama are famous for pashmina wool, sheep breeding and handicrafts. Overnight stay in a guest house/local family house.
Day 14
Journey from Dah – Hanu via Alchi
Travelling Distance: 140 km
We will drive back to Leh via Alchi; one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. We will then reach Leh in the afternoon where you will rest and have some free time. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 15
Sightseeing around Leh
We will be visiting the Stok Palace and museum followed by a visit to the Spituk Monastery and a stroll in the village. In the afternoon you will be able to spend the rest of your time at your leisure, with an overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 16
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 17
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.
