This is one of the most
adventurous treks on an isolated route far into the mountains with many
rivers to be crossed. It is a real wilderness experience for adventure
seekers, and the best period for exploration is from August - October when
most of the snow has melted and the roaring rivers are passable.
The Journey begins Now!!! Day 01 Arrive Delhi 
You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After a traditional 'Swagat'
(Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport and to your
hotel
Enjoy a sightseeing of Old Delhi in the morning.
(Including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk)
Old Delhi Old Delhi pulses with the energy and colour, the hustle
and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which
twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and
aromas of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will see the famous Red
Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars (built by the Emperor Shah Jehan - the
builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering minarets and
wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's business nerve center),
the hustle-bustle of everyday Indian life all around you and chattering
voices.
Enjoy a sightseeing of New Delhi in the afternoon.
(Including the Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb and Lutyen's buildings)
New Delhi New Delhi stands in formal splendour, like a lone sentry
guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards,
which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a
city rich with formal parks and you will see the magnificent Parliament
Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President
of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens), once
the awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential
Palace, India Gate (a majestic 42-mts high arch, built as a memorial to the
Indian Soldiers killed in World War I), Qutab Minar (the 72.5 mts high tower
dating back to 13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic
Culture), Humayun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the
fore runner of the Taj Mahal, has Mughal Architecture at its graceful best).
Day 02: Delhi - Leh (By 9W-609) Dep 0540hrs / Arr
0655hrs Early morning transfer to Domestic Airport to connect the
flight for Leh, The main Centre of Ladakh. With the inhabitants of 50,000,
Leh is located in small valley just the north of Indus valley. The tourists
are advised to take complete rest for the proper acclimatization to the high
altitude atmosphere.
Later in the afternoon a walk around Leh
town (3500mtr) includes a visit to Leh Market, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa &
Leh Gompa - This walk shall help us in a getting acclimatize at this height.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Leh -
Martselang (2 ½hrs drive) - Shang Sumdo (6 hrs trek ) Leave
Leh by jeep to the starting point of the trek at Martselang (3600 m.) and
start our trek to Shang Sumdo ,a small village at 3700 m .Martselang is the
entry point into the Hemis National Park in which we may see endangered high
altitude animals like Snow leopard, Tibetan Wolves, the great Tibetan Sheep
and Golden Eagle.
Day 04: Shang Sumdo - Lartsa (6
hrs trek ) Today we trek through the gorge of Shang ,ascending
gradually an enjoying the magnificent colors, shapes and rock formations of
the gorge. We will pass by the small village of Chogdo before arriving at
camp at Lartsa (4600m).
Day 05: Lartsa -
Thachungtse via Kongmaru La 5200 m (6 hrs trek ) A steep ascent
leads us up to Kongmaru La (5200 m.) From the pass we will see a breath
taking view of Kangyatse Peak (6400 m), Zanskar and the Karakoram ranges
.Then we descend gradually to the summer pasture of Nimaling ,where the
villagers of Markha valley stay during the summer season with their sheep,
goats and yaks. The campsite of Thachungtse (4000 m) is further down the
valley on the bank of the Markha River.
Day 06:
Thachungtse - Yakrupal (5-6 hrs trek ) After yester day 's
strenuous walk, today is easier as we walk through the remote Langthang
valley ,where few other trekkers go. Only the villagers from Markha use this
valley as a pasture ground for their sheep, donkeys, yaks and horses. From
Thachungtse, we follow the valley own until it divides, cross the river and
follow the valley to the left along the Langthang Chu River. The Langthang
River has the tendency of rising during the day due to snow melting in the
mountains and by noon it becomes a dangerous river to cross. An early start
in the morning is therefore essential, as one has to cross the river several
times. Yakrupal (4200 m) is a nice, green campsite and a good place to rest.
Day 07: Yakrupal - Zalung Karpola 5150 m - Tilat Sumdo (5/6 hrs trek)
We will continue up the valley towards the Zalung Karpo Pass (5200m).
From the top of the Pass there is a spectacular view of the Zanskar range on
the one side, while on the other, the highest plateau in the world appears,
the Changthang plateau stretching far into Tibet. The only inhabitants of
the Changtang are a nomadic and semi-nomadic people, living in tiny
settlements with their animals and a small harvest of barley on which to
survive.
Descending own from the Pass, several river crossings
will follow and lea us to the right bank of the Changchu River and the
camping site of Tilat Sumdo (3750m).
At the crossroads of Tilad
Sumdo, it's worth exploring some of the secluded gorges nearby. If fortune
strikes there are chances of seeing wild life around, including blue sheep
and the rare snow leopard.
Day 08: Tilat Sumdo -
Base of Charcharla (8 hrs trek) Today we 'll have more river
crossings than any other day. The day starts with crossing the icy cold
river of Changchu and entering into a beautiful narrow valley until a
canyon. After several river crossings, the valley narrows and crossing the
river becomes much easier. Walking further leads us to a plain with stones
opposite a cluster of spectacular rocky needles where two cold streams
intersect. Camp at Charcharla base (4400 m)
Day
09: Base of Charchar La - Zangla Sumdo via Charcharla 4950 m (5 hrs trek)
Following the stream will reveal several impressive gorges. After
the third narrowing gorge, leaving the stream towards the left, we finally
ascend gradually to the top of Charchar la (4950m). From the pass we will
have a fine view of the main Himalaya beyond Padum. We descend steeply along
glacial steps to the base of the Pass. After crossing a magnificent canyon
towards the left as far as the intersection along the stream to the large
river at the campsite of Zangla Sumdo ,we'll have a very beautiful campsite
to relax for the night.
Day 10: Zangla Sumdo
-Zangla (4 hrs trek) With many river crossings downstream into the
Zulung valley, we sight the first Zanskari village amidst the greenery of
barley fields. The trail goes gradually up as far as Zangla castle and then
own for half an hour beyond the Chortens (Stupas), bringing us to the
village of Zangla (3370 m). Until 1989, Zangla had its own ruler with
control over the nearby villages of Honia, Chazar, Hanumil, Pidmo and Pishu
on the far side of the valley. Zangla monastery has its legacy with the
Spituk monastery of the Gelugpa sect.
Day 11:
Zangla - Karsha (5/6 hrs trek) Our day begins with crossing the
longest hanging bridge over the Zanskar River. From Pishu the trail ascends
gradually to the village of Rinam (3550 m), following the banks of the Great
Zanskar River. Along the way, we'll see the stunning monastery of Tongde.
Thereafter we will arrive at Karsha (3600m) an reinvigorate ourselves at the
banks of the Zanskar River listening to the musical tune of the flowing
water. Karsha monastery Karsha monastery is one of largest monasteries of
Gelugpa sect. It is on the hillside with am imposing view of the entire
valley. Most of the monks are from the surrounding villages. It is believed
that the monastic site was founded probably around the 10th century A.D. It
is recommended to visit the monastery to get a holy blessing.
Day 12: Karsitiha - Padum (2 hrs trek ) From Karsha we will follow
the route to Pipiting village on the dusty road to Padum (3531 m). Padum is
the major hub for all the activities of the entire valley and the capital of
Zanskar. Here all villagers gather on auspicious days. After arriving at
Padum, we once again intermingle with civilization for a day, and it is time
to have a complete rest before preparing for the long drive back to Leh.
Day 13: Padum - Rangdum (110 km /6 hrs Approx.)
We start our journey for Rangdum. Upon arrival in to our Private
tents. After tea /coffee late in the afternoon we visit the famous Rangdum
Monastery perched on a solitary rock in the middle of the valley. After
visiting the monastery we drive to Rangdum plains in Zanskar region.
Overnight stay in the tents in the picturesque campsite.
Day 14: Rangdum - Kargil - Lamayuru (237 km /10 hrs.) In the
morning we drive towards Lamayayuru - our next destination via Kargil. After
a long drive of about 10 hrs we arrive in Lamayuru and check in at our
pre-arranged guest house for an overnight stay.
Day 15: Lamayuru -Alchi -Likir - Leh (135 km /05 hrs.) In the
morning before breakfast we visit the Lamayuru monastery to be part of the
morning religious ceremony. It's a very soothing and spiritual experience to
be there among these warm an friendly monks. Then we drive to Alchi,
Ladakh's most loved monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are
very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike
other monasteries which are usually on a cliff top or cling to a
mountainside, Alchi is at ground level and is nestled in the shade of a
garden.
After Alchi we have an option to visit the impressive
Ridzong Gompa, reached from the road head after a 30-minute uphill walk. It
's an impressive monastery well hidden in the lap of the mountains until you
're face to face with it. It is situated on the mountainside wedged in
between 2 ends of a ridge. It is about 100 years old and the name means
'mountain fort' aptly describing this isolated gompa. It also has a nunnery
of female monks.
Later we drive to Likir and visit Likir gompa
situate atop a windy cliff top overlooking the beautiful village of Likir.
It was founded in the 12th Century although the present construction dates
back to the 18th century as the original one was destroyed by fire. In its
courtyard is a yellow-coloured 3-storey high mammoth statue of the Lord
Buddha, which was constructed by a resident monk. The top floor has an
impressive museum containing old thangkas and weapons used many centuries
back. Finally we reach Leh by evening. Upon arrival in Leh we check in at
our pre-arrange hotel for an overnight stay.
Day
16: Leh Today we proceed for an Indus Valley monastery tour. We
start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery
here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver
lamp burning in front of the statue. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa, an
impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The
monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plate statue of Maitreya Buddha,
the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa,
founded in the 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of
Sengge Namgyall. Hemis is one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh.
The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the
reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru
Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for
spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world. Later we visit the Stok Palace, the
Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museum that has a rich
collection of Ancient Ladakhi artifacts including old Thangkas, precious
stones, arms and armory, the Queen' s necklace and the crown of the King of
Ladakh among others. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 17: Leh - Delhi (By 9W610) Dep 0735hrs /Arr 0850hrs Transfer
to the Airport to catch the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi we
assist you to check in at our Hotel. Complete day at leisure to explore the
destination on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 18: Delhi - Agra - Delhi (220 Kms.-04hrs - One way)- Optional Tour
After an early breakfast, we drive at 0730 hrs to Agra, the erstwhile
capital of India under the great Mughals and known for The Taj Mahal. It has
always fascinate Indians and foreigners alike. On the way we visit Sikandra
(Tomb of Emperor Akbar). At Agra after lunch (own lunch) We visit the
incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal, built by emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort.
Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red
sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah
Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more
additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and
is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red Fort. After visiting the
fort we drive back to Delhi at 1700 hrs. Upon arrival in Delhi we will have
farewell Dinner and later we transfer you to the International airport.
Our Services end 
