MOUNTAIN EXPEDITION LADAKH
Every adventure lovers in the world should definitely consider of an Indian expedition. From extreme terrains to diverse range of landscapes, India offers a great scope for adventure enthusiast. The Zanskar and Ladakh velleys are adorned with a number of majestic mountain peaks which attract climbers from all over the world. In particular, the Nun and Kun massif serves as the focus of increasing the mountaineering activities in the regions. Nun, Kun Massif one of the most attractive mountaineering destination peak in the western Himalayas.
Stok Kangri Expedition
- DAY 01: Arrival Delhi
Up on arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay. - DAY 02: Delhi to Leh (3500 mts/11480 ft)
Take the morning flight for Leh. Check into the guest house and relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the gueshouse. - DAY 03: Leh local sightseeing
On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17'Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa. Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17'Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house. - DAY 04: Drive - Lamayuru (3600 mts/11810 ft) via Alchi (15O kms/ 4-5 hrs) Thiksey Gompa)
In the morning after breakfast drive Lamayuru via Alchi. Visit the oldest Alchi Monastery and Lamayuru. Dinner and overnight stay in Guest house. - DAY 05: Lamayuru - Wanla over Prinkti La (3800 mts/12465 ft)5 hrs
From Lamayuru monastery descend towards the village, cross the stream, ascend gradually upward the Prinkti la (3800 m) descend into the gorge, arrive at Shilla, crossing the bridge and reached at Wanla. - DAY 06: Wanla - Hinju (4 hrs)
The trail goes through the Hinju village, crossing the Hinju valley; leave one more valley on the left and ascent to the pass. Last ascent is steep. Again from the summit of the Konzke La, long descent to the pastures, follow the trail on the left bank along the mountain side. Here path gets lost, rather close to the river. There are circular walls. Before Sumda there is a glocked cave, so many nice campsites at the edge of the river, but continue along the left bank along the mountainside till Sumda. - DAY 08: Sumda - Base of Dundunchenla (4200 mts/13775 ft) 3 hrs
This is short day to reduce a long exhausted trek between Sumda to Chilling. A short Steep trail for 1.30 hours and than gradual walk till the campsite at base of pass. - DAY 09: Base - Chilling over Dundunchenla (4700 mts/15416 ft) 6 hrs
2 hours trek till the pass, after descending the pass south side, slope is steep and continue towards a valley which gets narrower and narrower, in the end it opens out at Chilling. Up to Chilling there is not much of water. Chilling is a village of craftsmen, here Peoples work with metals like copper, tin, silver and make ladles Tchang pots, tea pots etc. - DAY 10: Chilling - Shingo (5 - 6 hrs)
From Chilling follow the Zanskar river upstream for about 1/2 km., then cross it in a cable car (by paying fee) then there is a well defined path, Sakaya is 2 hours from the river crossing .After some distance from Skaya, the trail joins with the Markha valley trek. From here, Shingo with 2-3 houses is 3 hours away. Camp here for the night. - DAY 11: Shingo - Ganda La (4700 mts/15416 ft) 4 hrs
Ascent to Ganda la, it is two hours, easy climb descent into a beautiful valley and after passing Yurutse village (with beautiful houses), cross the river on right bank, cross an escarpment which leads into the valley of Rumbak Gompa. From Rumbak Gompa, there is a route joining Spituk via Zingchan. No pass in between, all easy going. - DAY 12: Rumbak Gompa - Stok base (4300 mts/14105 ft) over Stok La (4900 mts/16072 ft) 7 hrs Ganda La
After passing this beautiful stopping valley, Three hours steep climbing to the top of the pass. Descend to the base camp and further trek toward the base of Stok Kangri. - DAY 13 - 15: Climbing Stok Kangri (6130 mts/20107 ft)
This is one of the easiest peak declared as trekking peak in Ladakh region, one can climb from Lower base directly or well shift the camp to higher base camp. It takes almost 10 hours from base camp to base camp, minimum climbing equipment is required. - DAY 16: Descend to Stok (5 - 6 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast trek down to Stok, visit Stok palace, evening drive to Leh, and overnight stay in guest house. - DAY 09: Leh
The day is for relaxed. Overnight stay in guest house. - DAY 09: Leh-Delhi
In the morning transfer to the airport to catch flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi take a half day guided sightseeing. In the evening transfer to International airport to catch onwards flight.
Kangyatse Expedition
- DAY 01: Arrival Delhi
Upon your arrival at Delhi airport our representative will transfer to the hotel. Please provide travel plans on booking and we will arrange the pick up and transfer. Overnight hotel. - DAY 02: FLY TO LEH (3,505m/11566ft)
Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Leh. The rest of the day you can rest to adjust to the altitude and the early start. You may also start exploring Leh, including the Leh palace and old town. Overnight hotel. - DAY 03: SIGHTSEEING AROUND LEH.
Leh is the ancient capital of Ladakh and has many hilltop forts and palaces to visit including the Royal Palace, which overlooks the town. The town is situated on the old Silk Route and still has a trading tradition- it is well worth wandering around the colourful bazaar. Overnight hotel includes a view of Leh and the surrounding mountains, as well as Shanti stupa. - DAY 04: SIGHTSEEING AROUND LEH. DRIVE TO START THE TREK AT CHILING
This day includes a stop a the well known monastery is Thiksey. Thiksey gompa is a very impressive monastery containing numerous stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings. Overnight camping. - DAY 05: TREK TO SKIU. (3000m/9,900 ft) 4 hrs.
We begin this day by crossing the Zanskar River in a cable car located upstream a short distance from Chilling. We follow the well worn path to the village of Skaya. From here it is a short walk to the lush green campsite at Skiu. The village of Skiu is at only 9,900ft, and the Markha Valley here is narrow, so the temperatures can soar. We camp at Skiu, and at dusk it is worth climbing back up the valley to where the Skiu Nala meets the Markha river. Here there is a small monastery cared for by an old nun who comes every evening to light the candles at the altar of 'Chamba', the future Buddha. - DAY 06: TREK TO SHINGO (4,150m/13695ft)- 6 hours walking.
Today we follow the Zanskar river upstream to the village of Skiu where we turn away from the main river and follow a beautiful gorge up to Shingo. Overnight camping. - DAY 07: TREK TO RUMBAK (3,800m/12540ft)- 7 hours walking.
From Shingo village we follow a long gradual ascent to the Ganda la at 4,850m. We pass through Yurutse and then continue to our camp near the village of Rumbak. Overnight camping. - DAY 08: TREK TO KHILCHAY (4,200m/13860ft)- 5 hours walking.
From Rumbak we start the the steep climb to the Stok la at (4,900m/16170ft) where we have views of the Stok Kangri range. The camp is at Khilchay which is a short descent from the pass. Overnight camping. - DAY 09: TREK TO STOK KANGRI BASE CAMP (4,300m/14190ft)- 5 hours walking.
Today we walk to Stok Kangi base camp. Overnight camping. - DAY 10: TREK TO MATHO PHU (4,480m/14,700ft)- 5 hours.
We cross the river in the morning and walk up in the valley and cross Stok pass (4850m/16005ft) then continue with a gradual walk on the rocky slope to Matho phu. Overnight camping. - DAY 11: REK TO SHANG PHU, (4502m /14856ft) 6-7 hours.
We leave in the early morning to negotiate the steep slope of Matho phu. Just passed Matho phu, people leave in the summer with their cattle. Cross shang la (5100m/16830ft) the steep down to the other side of the pass to camp. Overnight ccamping. - DAY 12: TREK TO SHANG SUMO (3600 m/1090ft)- 4 hours.
We follow the shang river via shang Gonpa up in the rock cliff. Then walk down to Shang sumdo. Overnight camping. - DAY 13: SHANG SUMDO – LARTSA (4600 m/ 15180ft) 6-7 hrs.
We will begin the day climbing through the spectacular gorge of Shang, which is rife with magnificently hued rock formations that provide dramatic evidence of the collision between the Indian and Tibetan plates. The trail crosses rivers several times before we reach our campsite, Overnight Camping. - DAY 14: LARTSA – NIMALING VIA KONGMARU LA ( 5200 m/17160ft)
A steep 3-hour climb will lead us to Gongmaru La (5200 m), where there are jaw-dropping views of Kangyatse, the Zanskar and Karakoram Ranges. After satisfying ourselves with the surrounding views, we will make our descent toward the pasture of Nimaling, where the villagers of Marka Valley tend their sheep, goats and yaks during the summer. Overnight camping. - DAY 15: NIMALING– HIGH CAMP (5500m/18150ft) 3-4hrs.
This day is crucial, so we will spend the morning recuperating from the last few days' fatigue. After sufficient rest, we will embark on a steep 2–hour climb then continue with another hour or two up the slope to High Camp at 5500 meters. Although the distance is quite short, the altitude makes the hike quite strenuous. Overnight camping. - DAY 16: HIGH CAMP – SUMMIT – BASE CAMP (10-12 HRS)
The final push, beginning at 2 am, will be both physically and mentally challenging. But once atop the summit (6200m/20460ft and high summit 6400m/21120ft), with the surrounding, awe-inspiring scenery of Tibet, and the Zanskar and mighty Karakoram ranges, all of our numbing pains will melt away in a warm glow of success! After spending an hour on top of the world, we will descend to Base Camp, where we will while away the afternoon, relaxing and congratulating each other on a job well done. - DAY 17: BASE CAMP - SHANG SUMDO – MARTSELANG – LEH
We will spend these last two days retracing our footsteps, strolling casually downward while taking in the otherworldly beauty. Now is the time for us to enjoy the rare wildlife, unique scenery, and each other's company. On the final day of our adventure, we will travel by jeep back to Leh. - DAY 18: RELAX IN LEH.
You will have a chance to relax in the relative luxury of Leh, and do any last sightseeing and exploring. There will no doubt be a chance to have a final celebration with your guide and crew before the flight tomorrow. In the summer there are often polo matches on a Sunday. Overnight in the hotel. - DAY 19: FLY TO DELHI.
Our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. - DAY 20: RELAX IN DELHI.
International flights usually leave after midnight, so sleep in and relax. Leave for the airport about 10 pm. - DAY 21: FLY HOME
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Nun Kun Expedition
- DAY 01: Arrival Delhi
Up on arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay. - DAY 02: Delhi to Leh (3500 mts/11480 ft)
Take the morning flight for Leh. Check into the guest house and relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the gueshouse. - DAY 03: Leh local sightseeing
On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17'Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa. Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17'Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house. - DAY 04: Leh – Haniskut (3 700m)
We take the road in direction of Haniskut, a small village in the superb Markha valley. The winding road overhangs the Sangeluma river down below, and further up it crosses the Fatu pass at 4 091m before arriving at Haniskut. The landscapes during this drive are breathtaking... You can already imagine the sceneries you will encounter during your approach trek. Overnight at camp. - DAY 05: Hinaskot – Kanji (3 680m)
Starting point of our acclimatization trek in direction of the Kun's base camp. This trek will take a few days, and will offer the opportunity to discover this beautiful part of the Himalayan range.. - DAY 06: Kanji - Kanjila base (4 440m & 5 200m top of kanjila)
We continue our approach and penetrate the Punjab range. We catch a glimpse of the snow capped summits upon reaching the 5000m altitude at Kungi pass at 5 208m. We set up our camp some place below. - DAY 07: Kanjila base – Sumdo (3 810m)
Surrounded by the Kanji range with several summits ranging from 5 000 to 5 500m, we continue our acclimatization trek southward. These areas still remain mostly wild and unaffected by mass tourism. Night in tent. - DAY 08: Sumdo - Rangdum (3 840m)
From Sumdo we continue on our acclimatization trek. We reach Rangdum. Night in tent. - DAY 09: Rangdum - Shafat (3 840m)
Last day of our approach trek. Today we reach the base camp. Night in tent. - DAY 10: Shafat - Base camp (4 830m)
We reach base camp, somewhere below 5 000m. The team sets up the camp, facing the summit. We start feeling the effects of altitude. Rest and night in camp. - DAY 11: Base camp - camp 1 (5 500m)
Day's walk to reach camp 1, crossing the 5 500m limit and return to base camp for the night. Night at camp. - DAY 12: Camp 1 (5 500m))
Climb to altitude camps. First camp 1, where we set up our camp. Night in tent. - DAY 13: Camp 1 - Camp 2 (6 200m)
Climb to camp 2. Due to the factors of altitude and nonesxistence of tracks, our progression on the slope will be relatively slow, monitered by our guide. We establish our camp at 6 200 m. Night in tent. - DAY 14: Camp 2 (6 200m)
Rest day. Night in tent. - DAY 15: KUN summit (7 038m)
Early departure for the summit climb. Progression at your pace. We reach the summit and return to camp 2 . Night in tent. - DAY 16: Base camp - Gulmatungo
We leave base camp and walk down to Gulmatungo ; near Yumkun on the banks of the Suru river. Night in tent. - DAY 17: Gulmatungo - Kargil
Our vehicle will pick us up and drive us to Kargil, a small trading town, where Indian and Pakistani merchants meet. Night at the hotel. - DAY 18: Kargil - Leh
After breakfast we take the road to Leh. The winding road goes through various passes and familiar landscapes discovered during our trek. We reach Leh mid-afternoon to check in at our hotel. Evening free.. - DAY 19: Leh – Delhi
Airport transfer to catch the Delhi flight. Check in at your hotel. Afternoon free.
GUEST SPEAKS
We booked this hotel during our 8 day trip to Leh. What makes the stay worthwhile is that the rooms are clean, have spacious bathrooms with hot water facility in the morning and evening, the hotel stuff are very friendly and helpful. The manager arranged car and a friendly driver for our site seeing and provided us decent discounts on these tours as well. The hotel has a small but beautiful rose garden. The in-house restaurant has decent food options. Try their crispy pakodas with afternoon tea, and you know what I mean.
