This itinerary is a 23-day journey through Ladakh, starting and ending in Leh.
It includes acclimatization in Leh, visits to Nubra Valley, and trekking through various villages and passes.
The trek goes through Largyab, Tia, and Skindiang, and the journey also involves visits to Dha Hanu and Lamayuru.
The flight over the Himalayas and the landing in Leh is an adventure in itself and even when you are tired from your long journey, that experience will wake you right up. Our guide is already waiting for at the airport in Leh and will bring you to your guesthouse/Hotel. On the first day you can relax and only relax to better acclimatize to the high altitude. (It is a conscious decision not having planned any activities on the first day, it is crucial for your adaptation to the high altitude!) Overnight: Hotel Meal plan: BB Elevation: 3500 m
Half day sightseeng near the city of the small monastery Sankar (Gelugpa) where you can walk through the countryside. Stop at the Shanti Stupa, inaugurated in 1985 by HH The Dalai Lama, And Built by a Japanese order a peace activist in the World. Overnight: Hotel Meal plan: BB Elevation: 3500 m
Explore the Indus valley & the great monasteries. Landmarks of history & Landscape of ladakhs. In the morning , Excursion to Stok and Matho located on the other side of Indus. Overnight: Hotel Meal plan: BB Elevation: 3500 m
Visit the upper valley of the Indus and the great monasteries of Shey, Thiksay and Hemis. Shey was the Capital of kingdom in the 13th Century. We continue to the Thiksay monasrery, located on the right bank of the Indus, at about 20Km from Leh.this monastery was rebuilt in the 15th century is dedicated to matreya, the Buddha of the future. After lunch we continue to Hemis, is the largest monastery in Ladakh. It gathers under its authority more then 500 monks. Erected in 1605, its locations has preserved the looting. Drive back to Sakti. Overnight: Guesthouse Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3700 m
Early morning departure to the Nubra Valley (130km about 5/6h), via Warila La pass(5259m). is one of the beautiful pass ,from the pass, on a clear day the view is superb: you can see the entire southern part, to the Indus Valley and the peaks of the Zansker Mountains north of the massif Saser. The Nubra valley lies on the ancient caravan route which connected Leh to Kashgar (now Sinking China) through the passes of the Karakorm and saser. In the valley there are several Buddhist monasteries such as Samsthaling and Disket Monastery. Overnight: Hotel Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3300 m
Morning drive to the valley of Disket and Hundar Returns to the road junction to cross the river by a bridge near Tirth, dominated by the spectacular landscape of snow-capped Karakorum range. Compared to the Indus valley, the climate is warmer here, and therefore the vegetation is denser, and there are several varieties of trees and flowers. Walk up to the Diskit monastery which is reached after walking about 45 min along the path lined with chortens. The Gonpa was built by Lama Tashscholing Changsem Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, founder of sect “ Yellow Hat”. After the visit continue to Hundar (7 km), along the desert valley of Sany Visit the monastery of “Chamba Lakhang” the huge statues of Buddha Maitreya with one carved in the rock Observation of flora and fauna. For more fit, stroll along the ridges overlooking the valley and small safari by camel (Bactrian) in the desert. Overnight: Hotel Meal plan BLD Elevation: 3300 m
Morning departure on a difficult track of 40km(1:30), before starting our trek to the bridge Pastsathang. Quiet climb and crossing a small pass the Thesegang La (3850m), where the view is superb on the surroundings, before joining Largyap Yokma (3600m) along the stream. Camp in the village which consists of about fifteen houses. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3600 m
For this short day, it will be wise to take a change of shoes, such as plastic sandals will, good shoes, because it will cross many streams! Morning walks on flat ground towards spollu Shuru. After walking about 1:30 across the river to reach the village of largyap Gom , from where one has a spectacular view of the glacier Ombokong. From the village you see two valleys . our route takes us by the right-hand up the river. It passes back again along the right bank and twenty minutes we arrive at our of camp (3970m), a beautiful grassy area near the stream. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3600 m Walking: 5h 30m
In the morning. You have superb views of the glacier. Thongo. Slowly climb to arrive in a beautiful valley surrounded by colorful rocks, quietly grazing yaks and other animals. These are the pastures of the village of Largyap. We cross the village, the scenery is magnificent. This good day’s walk will take us to camp at a place called Larsay Spangpochey. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4500 m Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4500 m
Challanging day to cross over the highest pass of the trek, Tia la (5420m), which can be seen in the distance. The climb start slowly but becomes more difficult as approaching towards the pass. The zig-zag path along the side of the mountain seens less difficult. Before reaching the pass some walk will be in the snow for about 20 min. From the pass the panoramic view of the surrounding picks is magnificent. After 1 hr distant we see four small lakes. Trek through the valley to a nice place to camp. Or in pastures grazed by yaks. Night at 4900m, at Dakstang Yokma. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4900 m Walking: 8 Hr
In the morning, the trek follows the left bank of the course down the river spectacular views of the scenery of this valley. Walking is easy on the path that leads us to the village floor. Pleasant picnic area in a large meadow. Arrival at camp in the afternoon (4400m), located at Chutangmo. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4400 m Walking: 6
This morning we continue to descend along the river through this beautiful valley. We cross the old hamlet of Tia Dok, where there are very odl houses. After the descent, the valley opens on the present village of Tia and her little monastery inhabited by Khatsa nuns. Upon arrival, stroll in the village, meeting with villages and visit the nunnery, where one has a superb view of the village of Temisgang. It is very picturesque, built on a rock in the middle of green fields and apricot orchards. Camp at 3350m in an orchard of apricot trees. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3350 m Walking: 5 Hr
Continue hiking along the village, crossing tracks at places. Then leave the track to follow a small path through green fields, then a small bridge we cross the stream that flows on the left, After crossing , it zigzags along a story path that leads to cervical Temong la at 3900m. from the pass, climbing gently to the left is the path that we will then follow the village to the right cervical cham (4040m). from the pass lead to Skyndiyang our stop for the night.Hence we will take that on our right, easier than the left. Continue on the trail, crossing , and keeping our right we enter a V-shaped valley, where you can then see the remains of chortens above the village of Skyndiyang at 3640m where we will set our camp, after a steep descent for a few minutes. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3640 m Walking: 4h30m
During this day, longer than the previous, we cross several mountain passes, and will also the chance to experience spectacular mountain scenery, we will ascend by a small path on the right side above the village. The trail then crosses the stream, passes near old house, and continuous to rise straight zigzag to the pass Sedhchan La (3950m). From the pass, the view of snowy peaks is superb. The descent is easy, the trail continued to the right and finally reaches the green pastures to 3740mtr including grazing herds of Yaks. Still following the trail, we reach another small pass before descending to the fields of Dok Yarmu that can be seen on the left down below 3600mtr and where we can Picnic near a small stream. In the afternoon, we continue for a few minute along the river then the zigzag path ascends to the left of stiff peaks and finally reaches the pass Lamamo 3830mtr from the Pass. The view enchanting. The descent follows the same zigzag path half way down, there are two trails, one starting to the bottom of the valley, the other to the right, and we will follow through the small pass. Horses should be lower than to return from the other side and instead of our nice camp (3600mtr) in a meadow and around a big old tree. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3600 m Walking: 5 Hr
Another long day of 6/7 hrs. From the camp we take a small green track following the river. The Trail than ascends along a stony path. We continue along the left bank and branch off to the right and claim the zigzag to the pass 83590mtrs. The Samun Agair from the top beautiful panorama. Descend generally towards a small rocky ridge that planges suddenly down on a hundred mtr. The trail continue to descent to the river and pastures, and then follows the left bank of the river. We go down until you see the track Dhomkhar the other side of the valley. Cross the river before c continue the ascent along the track until Domkhar motorized road appears. We leave the village behind us and join the camping spot near the stream at 3920mtr. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3920 m Walking: 7hr
In the morning we continue the ascent from the valley to the left, starting from a large cairn. We ascend the valley to the Col Tang La (4550m). The hike decomes steeper towerts top. At the pass, We turned on the right, we gain a little extra pass, the 47220m at The Yakra. The view is spectacular it bypasses the hill to the right before decending to Skyurbuchan Dok to the valley floor. The zigzag descent is quite steep in places before descending to valley floor. Once on the trail, we head to the right and arrive at our camp. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3800 m Walking: 6hr
At the end of our trek short hike to the trail that lends to the village of Skyurbuchan. We can visit in the afternoon the parton goddess of the monastery which known as Apchi Choski Dolma, Camp near village school in an apricot orchard. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3500 m Walking: 3h30m
From the village of Skyurbuchan, drive to the village of Dha Hanu Area, 20km from the border with Pakistan. Dha Hanu is situated in the region of Kargil. The inhabitants of this region are pure indi-Aryan with your skin and clear blue eyes. They have probably descended from Alexander the Great. They are about 2000, settled in five villages perched above the main bed of the Indus. They preserve on local cultures. Also they grow delicious apricots, they cultivate various vegetables especially Potatoes, Peast tomatoes, etc…. in a very fertile land. They also plant many flowers and they adorn their cap, both women and men. Discover the villages, meet the inhabitants, understand their way of life, customs & traditions etc. Overnight: Guesthouse Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3200 m Drive : 1 to 2 Hr
Morning transfer to the main highway road going up the Indus, the Lion River”, through the villages of Domkhar and Takmachik Sayse Dho. We arrive at the frok in Khalatse, and crossing the Indus by a large bridge, it leaves the vale and branch off right towards Lamayuru (3900m) and ascends by a series of hairpins’ on snake lake road to the impressive monastery & village of Lamayuru – the moonland. The monastery (Drikung-kargyuk) is located in an outstanding geological site, studied by many geologists, it has not yet reveal all its secrets.. O/N hotel. Overnight: Hotel Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3500 m Drive : 2 to 3 Hr
This is the most beautiful day of hiking in terms of scenery. The colour of the rocks change depending on the light and contrasts with the greenery of the village of Lamayuru. We climb to the pass of Prinkitila (3750 m). After a good rest we start our descent to Wanla. Early in the evening visit the Monastery Rinchen Zangpo perched on a hill overlooking the village of Wanla. Night in the family of Morup. Overnight: Guesthouse Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 4500 m Walking: 3 to 4 Hr
After breakfast drive to Alchi, visit the beautiful monastery with frescos dating from the twelth century classified world heritage UNESCO. After lunch visit Saspol cave. Easy walk in the fields aroud 1 Hr. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BLD Elevation: 3200 m Walking: 1 Hr
Back to Leh, on the way visit phyang monastery built in early sixteenth century. The village is located 17km from Leh. Afternoon free. Overnight: Camp Meal plan: BB Elevation: 3500 m Drive : 1 Hr
The flight over the Himalayas and landing in Leh is described as an adventure
It is recommended to relax to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Some of the monasteries visited include Sankar, Shey, Thiksay, Hemis, and Lamayuru
A key pass crossed during the trek is Tia La, at an elevation of 5420m