We visit Shey Palace and the nearby Thikse monastery set in a spectacular setting as well as Hemis monastery the largest and one of the most important in the upper Indus Valley. (BLD) Overnight: Hotel Meals: BB Elevation: 3500 m

We head to Stok Palace in the morning. The restof the day is free to prepare for the trek.(BLD) Overnight: Hotel Meals: BB Elevation: 3500 m

The drive to Leh initially follows the course of the Indus Valley through the villages of Nimu, Basgo and Saspol to Khalsi before we head up the switchbacks to the ancient monastery of Lamayuru (3450m). On arrival we have lunch before visiting the monastery including the main Assembly Hall and an adjacent rock cave where the Buddhist teacher Marpa is said to have meditated in the 10thcentury. Its then time thead off on our trek. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3150 m

The first stage takes us up and over the Prinkiti La (3650m) with viewsacross the Zanskar Range before descending a dry valley to the village of Wanlah. We visit Wanlah monastery founded in the 11Th century at the same time as Lamayuru. After Lunch drive to Photoksar. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation:4100 m

A comparatively easy stage. Initially we cross a small ridge before entering a wide glacial valley. Our trail leads across a series of grazing pastures to our camp set in a sheltered location at the base of the pass. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 4500 m

A demanding stage. It should take no more than an hour to reach the crest of the Singge La (5100m). From the pass the views extend across the folds of the Trans Himalaya while directly below you can appreciate the deep gorges of the Zanskar River forging its course through the Zanskar Range. Beyond the Singge La we descend steeply to a tiny gorge before traversing two minor passes that lead to the substantial village of Lingshet. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 4100 m

Another demanding stage. After brief visit to the monastery at Lingshet we head across the barely fields before commencing a long and tiring ascent to the Haluma La (4650m). From the pass there are panoramic views across and down the Zanskar gorges while you also gain a birds eye view of Lingshet. We then descend a rather featureless gorge to a small shepherd encampment known as Snertse. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3710 m

Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3380 m

After the series of pass crossing this stage will come as a welcome relief. We follow an undulating trail alongside the Zanskar River. En route we explore the village of Pidmu before heading to Pishu where we camp on a huge grassy grazing ground. That afternoon you may undertake an optional walk to Zangla the former capital of the lower kingdom of Zanskar - on the far side of the Zanskar River. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3470 m

Another easy stage. We follow a trail that continues alongside the course of the Zanskar river to the substantial village of Karsha. After lunch we ascend the trail to the impressive monastery founded in the 11th century. From the courtyard we gain impressive views south to the snow capped peaks and hanging glaciers that comprise the Great Himalaya Range. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3600 m

We initially follow a 4WD track avoiding the dusty terrain wherever possible as we make our way to Padum the administrative centre of the Zanskar. We camp in the vicinity of the village and take an afternoon off to explore the bazaar and teahouses while our crew restock our supplies for the rest of the trek. In Padum we will also meet our porters who will continue with us over the Kang La. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3500 m

From Padum we follow a 4WD track to the impressive monastery at Bardan to view the huge prayer wheel and fine wall paintings. We then continue along the 4WD track to the Temasa Tokpo and head a small side gorge to our campsite. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3800 m

We follow a rather tiring trail that crosses numerous scree slopes and side torrents as we ascend the Temasa Valley. As we gain altitude we glimpse of the huge snow capped peaks towering above the gorge before reaching our campsite at the base of the Kang La. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 4800 m

We head up the terminal moraine to the broad plateau that marks our route to the summit of the Kang La (5450m). The climb to the pass will leave you in little doubt that you are in the heart of the Himalaya as a series of 6000m peaks tower above both sides of the broad glacial pass. In the vicinity of the pass your guide will ensure that you rope up and trek around the most obvious crevassed areas. There follows a gradual descent to the 28km Miyar Glacier. Our camp will be in the upper section of the glacier. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 4500 m

camp (approx 4200m) (approx 7 to 8 hours) From our camp the glacial terrain provides relatively straightforward walking for several hours before we reach the upper moraine. From here on the trail is often non-existent and necessitate some tiring climbs up and around huge rock boulders as we make our way to our comfortable camp at the snout of the Miyar Glacier. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation:4200 m

After the challenge of crossing the Kang La and descending the Miyar Glacier this is a delightful stage. We cross a series of verdant meadows, carpeted in wildflowers. The pastures are the summer grazing areas of the Gaddi shepherds with their huge flocks of sheep and goats. The Gaddi are from the Brahmaur region of Himachal Pradesh and have been grazing their flocks here for many centuries. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 4050 m

We continue across the extensive grazing pastures before heading down a pine forested valley to a series of Buddhist settlements including the main village at Urgos and/or the roadhead and our final camp. Overnight: Camp Meals: BLD Elevation: 3250 m

Its a long drive first down the lower Miyar Valley to the confluence of the Chenab Valley. We then head up the valley along a road high above the Chenab River to the region of Lahaul. The road then diverts over the Rhotang Pass (and the Pir Panjal Range) to the pine clad Kullu Valley and the bustling tourist town of Manali. Overnight: Hotel Meals: BLD Elevation: 2000 m

A rest day with time to explore the markets and bazaars of Manali. There are also optional walks to the hot springs at the nearby village of Vashisht and the Dhungri Hindu temple in the midst of a nearby deodar forest. Overnight: Hotel Meals: BLD Elevation: 3380 m

We drive down the picturesque Kullu Valley with its famous apple orchards before reaching the Larji Gorge and the trading town of Mandi. The road then heads across the Himalayan foothills to Le Corbusiers visionary town of Chandigarh. Overnight: Hotel Meals: BLD

We board the early morning express train to Delhi. The journey takes around 4 hours. On arrival at New Delhi railway station we will be transferred to International Airport.