Chang-Thang is home to the Changpa's (Nomads) which its scene is an incomprehensible level that enamors common magnificence. Starting the trek in Tsokar, we will trek over a few passes (most elevated being Parang La 5600 m (18,372 ft.) before consummation in Kibber. Because of the way of the trek it is troublesome and will oblige great physic as amazing chilly temperatures is not out of the ordinary. Following 11 days of trekking, we will inevitably go to Manali going to different cloisters and sanctuaries on the way. Delhi will be your last terminus of the tour 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. Note: Depending on time of arrival of international flight.
Day 2
Sightseeing around Delhi
Day will consist of visiting Old and New Delhi, as well as visiting the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Shanti Van, Raj Ghat, Humayun Tomb and Qutub Minar. The India Gate and the architectural buildings of the President’s House and Parliament will also be seen. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 3
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 the Tsemo Gompa, Shanti Stupa and Old Fort of Leh. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4
Sightseeing around Leh
Full day of sightseeing with a visit to the Shey, Thiskey and Hemis Monasteries of Ladakh. Afternoon visit around the town. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5
Journey from Leh to Kargil
Travelling Distance: 230 km
Travelling Time: 7-8 hours
The day will begin with an early departure from Leh to head towards the Suru Valley via a winding road. We will visit the Lamayuru Monastery en route. The Kargil district is Muslim-dominated and soon after passing Mulbek, you will notice the shift from the Buddhist culture to a Muslim one. Kargil is spread out over the left bank of the Suru River. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 6
Journey from Kargil - Rangdum
Travelling Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 3700 m / 12,139 ft.
Suru is one of the most beautiful valleys that are dominated by vast stretches of uninhabited land and close to the Nun-Kun glacier. The area also captivates magnificent views of the peaks of the Zanskar Range. The broad edelweiss carpets the meadow of Rangdum (Juldu) where camp can be made best here. Overnight camp.
Day 7
Journey from Rangdum – Karsha
Travelling Distance: 114 km
Travelling Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
We will begin the day with visiting the Rangdum Gompa before continuing over the Pensi La (4400 m / 14,435 ft.) which provides the main gateway to Zanskar. This route provides spectacular views of the Darung-Dring Glacier and the peaks of the Zanskar Range. The Slopes contain immense varieties of organic herbs. The road will continue on passing several villages before reaching Karsha. We will visit the Karsha Monastery; a beautiful Gelugpa monastery dating from the 15th century. Overnight camp. Note: If attending the Saini festival, the campsite will be in Saini or Padum.
The Karsha Monastery is situated on the western bank of the Zanskar River, on the opposite bank where the capital Padum is situated. It is linked with the monasteries of Likkir and Kamoling, which are close to Leh.
Day 8
Journey from Karsha to Reru via Stongde and Padum
Travelling Distance: 30 km
Altitude: 3750 m / 12,303 ft.
We will leave Padum and en route visit the Stongde Village and the monastery, which was ordered by the Gelugpa’s to be perched high on the village, dominating the valley. We will then return back to Padum before continuing the journey towards Reru. Visits to the monasteries of Bardan and Mune along the way. Overnight stay in a beautiful campsite just outside the village of Reru.
Day 9
Trek 1 – Reru – Pipula
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
On first day of trekking, we will begin with a descent into the Reru Village and then crossing the bridge over the Tserap River, until reaching Ichar. There we will visit the small Gompa and then descending again to the riverside joining the main trail between Reru and Pipula. Overnight camp beside the river.
Day 10
Trek 2 – Pipula – Purni
Trekking Time: 21/2 hours
Altitude: 3800 m / 12,467 ft.
Due to the scarcity of camping space In Purni, we need to make and early start as possible. Most trekking groups stay here for two nights with the side trip to the Phuktal Gompa. We will pass two villages (Abnop and Dorzong) which grasp the green oasis amongst the monotonous grey/brown. We will then reach the confluence of the two rivers where we will then need to keep on the left, heading down to Purni; a pretty campsite by a tiny village.
Day 11
Trek 3 - Purni - Phucktal then back to Purni
Trekking Time: 4 hours (2 hours there and back)
We will leave the camp in Purni and head up the left bank of the Tserap River along a gorge. The day will consist of visiting the Phuktal Gompa; most southern of all monasteries of Zanskar that is settled in a collected side of the valley. There are about 60 monks in residence; every year sacred dances are performed during the Guster festival, which occurs on the 18th and 19th days of the Tibetan 12th month.
Day 12
Trek 4 – Purni – Thangso
Trekking Time: 41/2 hours
Altitude: 3900m / 12,795 ft.
We will begin with a short walk until we reach the bridge to cross over the Lung Nak Sangpo, until we make a steady ascent to join the main trail. Along this trail we will come across a village called Yal, where we will cross a clear water stream to Testa. The trail follows on through green fields (in Jul/Aug) to Kurru; farmers will be seen at work on their fields. The unique terrain of morraines will bring you to a bridge leading to Tanze, where we will then come off the main trail to avoid the bridge crossing and continue onto Ralta. After reaching Ralta, we will then head on to the Thangso Village. Overnight camp near the village.
Day 13
Trek 5 – Thangso – Kargyak via Shanka
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4060 m / 13,320 ft.
After our morning breakfast we will make a start towards Kye Village; firstly arriving at a tiny village of shepherds called Shanka, after a 2 hour walk in the valley. The impressive views of the main Himalayan Range can be seen. We will also explore the village and interact with its villagers, before continuing on to the campsite at Kargyak; the highest permanent settlement in Zanskar.
Day 14
Trek 6 – Kargyak – Lhakhang
Trekking Time: 51/2 hours
Altitude: 4300 m / 14,107 ft.
The day will begin with us heading west of Kye, meanwhile, the Kitchen team will depart for Kargyak. After 2 hours walk in one of the most beautiful valleys, we will then have reached back in Shanka. Here we will explore more of their life before continuing our journey onto the campsite via Kye.
Day 15
Trek 7 – Lhakhang – Chhumik Marpo
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 4500 m / 14,763 ft.
We will leave early in the morning as we will be crossing a pass later in the day - a delay can be very dangerous for ponies due to snow on the pass. We will cross a stream before ascending uphill to a meadow. After a short easy walk, a steady climb over a moraine will leads us to the top of the Shingo La (5090 m / 16,699 ft.). Whilst crossing this pass, you will experience the magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya and Baralacha Ranges, until we descend to the campsite at the base of a glacier. As we cross the pass, we will then have reached Himachal Pradesh.
Day 16
Trek 9 – Chhumik Marpo – Zanskar Sumdo
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3950 m / 12,959 ft.
We begin with a long descent along a stream by a narrow valley accompanied by stunning peaks on both sides, until we reach the campsite. During the summer season, shepherds can be seen with their flocks.
Day 17
Trek 8 – Zanskar Sumdo – Palamo – Manali
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 3250 m / 10,662 ft.
This last day of trekking will take us to the Zanskar River following a large and rough road through meadows and fields of potatoes and peas, as well as passing many boulders. Upon reaching in Palamo or the villages of Rarik and Chhika, you will then be transferred by road to Manali. Darcha and Keylong can be seen along the Manali-Leh highway, you will move through the scenic Lahaul Valley before passing over the Rohtang Pass (3950 m / 12,959 ft.). After the Rohtang Pass, you will then experience the lush green Kullu Valley, also known as “the Valley of the Gods,” due to the proliferation of temples to different deities in the villages throughout the region. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 18
Journey from Manali – Delhi: Explore Manali
Travelling Distance: 570 km
Travelling Time: 16 hours
The morning will be spent by visiting the Old Manali Village and the Manu Temple. In Dhungri, you will also be able to visit the Hadimba Temple; a pagoda-style temple which is dedicated to a demoness in the middle of a cedar forest. You will be able to spend the rest of the day freely within the town until 3pm, when you will depart for the bus station. Overnight journey in bus.
Day 19
Flight Departure: Visit Old/New Delhi (Optional)
You will be given the opportunity to visit Old or New Delhi as you will have a full day free, before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
