Grand Himalayan Traverse Tour

Package Overview

ICY GLACIERS, FORBIDDING TRAILS, DRAMATIC VISTAS
This classic grand trek s one of the longest, oldest, and remotest sojourns into the mystical and hidden reaches of the Trans Himalayas. Starting from the ancient silk route outpost of Leh in the arid Ladakh moonscape, we traverse the valleys and high passes across the deep Trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Zanskar to finish our trek at Keylong Serai in the lush and verdant Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh. The change in landscape, scenery, culture and wildlife is both dramatic and spectacular. A challenging trek that tests one’s endurance and stamina yet an unforgettable and rewarding experience some of the most spectacular sights and a hidden ancient culture that has remained unchanged in this high Himalayan corridors.


Following our arrival in Leh, we spend the first few days exploring the local attractions and world famous Buddhist monasteries at Hemis, Thiksey and Matho to gain at insight into the local culture and Tibetan Buddhist traditions that have remained unchanged in centuries. Visiting local bazaars and remote villages provided an added local interest. By now we will also be well acclimatized and ready to set off on our trek from the beautiful village of Kanji near Lamayuru following shepherd trails and old caravan routes.


From Kanji we negotiate our climb to Yogma La over imposing Shilakong and Sniugutse La Pass at over 5000m. The scenery is dramatic and only interrupted by remote white washed Chortens and remote monasteries and villages lining the ridges and contours. Joining another ancient trail at Photoksar, we walk along the old and famous Darcha – Lamayuru pack horse trail passing through villages and following the brilliantly turquoise Tsarap Chu River. Trekking through a narrow canyon route, we emerge near the spectacular Phuktal Gompa, one of the most remote and exquisite monasteries in the region. This is the heart of Ladakh and Zanskar and quintessential Trans-Himalaya. A hidden unspoiled frontier of imposing nature and a rich and ancient culture that evokes the magical beauty of ancient Tibet, picture perfect and mesmerizing.


Next we follow the Kargyak River climbing the high pass of Phirtse La (5,450m) - our gateway into the Lahaul valley on the Himachal side of Trans-Himalayas. We terminate our trek at Keylong Serai for a transfer to the lush mountain town of Manali. We spend a day relaxing in this quaint and picturesque town situated in the lush Kullu valley. Heading from Manali of Delhi, we stop overnight in Chandigarh – a city known for its modernist Le Corbusier architecture and fantasy sculptures at Nek Chand’s Rock Garden.

HIGHLIGHTS
One of the oldest trans-Himalayas treks; some of the highest and most challenging mountains passes.
Leh, Local attractions and world famous Buddhist monasteries
Incredibly scenic and remote Zanskar valley
Isolated villages and Buddhist monasteries
Magnificence of high-altitude trans-Himalayan landscape

28 days from 1850$ per person. International flight not included.
TrekkingInternational flights tickets
Domestic flight tickets for the sector: (Leh - Delhi)
Travel insurance
Tips for Local guide, trek guide and other trek staff
Rescue and evacuation services
Miscellaneous Expenses - drinks, souvenir, personal expenses etc.
Indian Visa
Other services not mentioned in 'Inclusion'

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival Delhi

  Arrive at the International airport of Delhi. After the traditional welcome, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
• Day 2 : Delhi – Leh By Flight

  Today, we will be transferred to the airport to catch the Flight destined to Leh. This flight offers us the panoramic view of the Himalayas (flight subject to the weather at the time). Upon arrival, we will be received by the representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day devoted to a first approach of the places. Discover the city, its streets, its markets, its royal palace, the monastery. Acclimation starts slowly; Leh is located at 3500 meters above sea level.
• Day 3 : Leh Sightseeing – Matho – Thiksey – Hemis

  Today, in the sightseeing tour to three of the major gompas (monasteries) around Leh we first drive to Thikse Monastery that belongs to Gelukpa order (Yellow hat). Perched on top of a hill its red and white buildings can be seen from miles. A recently built temple within this complex contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. Next we drive to Hemis Gompa that belongs to Drukpa order (Red hat). It holds the distinction not only of being the biggest and the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh but also of very rich collections of ancient relics and the rare 17th century murals and the painted stone reliefs adorning the courtyard gallery making it a true UNESCO World Heritage Site. We continue our excursion and visit Matho monastery situated right across Thikse on the other side of Indus River. This monastery was founded in 16th century and it's an only monastery that belongs to Sakya order of Tibetan Monastery.

  • Themes Heritage
• Day 4 : Leh - Local Exploration

  In the morning after the breakfast, we leave to visit Leh starting with Leh Palace, built in the 17th century as presidential palace for the Singge Namgyal King. Much smaller, but resembling the Potala in Lhasa, Leh Palace is now in ruins. It has nine floors and has been abandoned since the royal family moved to the Stok Palace in the 1830s. Thereafter, we proceed to Shanti Stupa, located on the hill in Changspa and this Stupa was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist organization, known as "The Japanese for World Peace". The purpose behind the construction of the Stupa was to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and promote world peace and finally to visit the Monastery of Namgyal Tsemo, founded at the beginning of the 15th century, the monastery of Namgyal Tsemo in Leh is renowned for its three Floors ‘The idol of Maitrieya Buddha’. Located on a mountain top behind the Leh Palace, the monastery offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the gently flowing Indus River and the snow-capped Zanskar peaks.

  • Hotspots Leh Palace
• Day 5 : Leh – Lamayuru – Kanji (3850m)

  Today, we will leave Leh and en route stop for a visit of the 11th century monastery at Lamayuru, one of the oldest and largest in Ladakh, the Gompa at Lamayuru is home to around 150 monks. After the sightseeing of monastery, we head towards Kanji where we camp. This village has a small number of families whose livelihood depends upon agriculture from surrounding farms.
• Day 6 : Trek Kanji – Shilla Kong (4,700m)

  Today being the first day of trek, we head towards first pass, Shilla Kong, also known as Yogma La. The pass offers breathtaking views over the surrounding range of mountains. On arrival, we can explore the surrounding. Overnight in Camp.
  Duration of Trek: 6 Hrs
• Day 7 : Trek Shilla Kong – Sniugutse La (5,100 M) – Sisir La (4,850m) – Photoksar (4,300m)

  Second day of trekking brings us to the valley from where we descend again towards another pass, Sniugutse La (3450m). From here, we have excellent view of surrounding and offer us the occasion to capture the mountains in Camera. From this pass, we continue to trek to our campsite at the bank of the stream. A long descent all the way down to SirSir La (4850m) helps us to regain the force. The trail gets steeper just a couple of hundred meters before reaching the pass. Here a remarkable view of the surrounding mountain range is amazing followed by an ascent into the village of Photoksar. The village lies enclosed between high mountain walls and lush pastureland overlooked by an abandoned Gompa in the hills above the village.

  • Themes Hill Stations & Valleys, Trekking
• Day 8 : Trek Photoksar – Singi La (4,530m)

  We begin the day with a steep descent to Singe-la this morning. At over 5,000 meters the pass offers some stunning views of the glaciers, this part of our day's journey follows a gradual path along the side of the mountain up to our camp at the base of Singe-la.
  Duration of Trek: 7 Hrs
• Day 9 : Trek Singi La Base – Kiupa La (4,480m) – Margum La (4,420m) – Lingshed (4,020m)

  Today an hour’s trek across an escarpment offers us some wonderful views across the Nierag Valley and the Zanskar River. After following the gentle slope up to the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata we begin a very steep descent to the Kiupa-la (4480 m). From here we make a steep 1,000 meters ascent before another 300 meters to a small pass that marks the rim of the Lingshed Valley. We then begin an easy trek up to Lingshed and our camp near the village's monastery.
  Duration of Trek: 7 Hrs

  • Themes Hill Stations & Valleys
• Day 10 : Trek Lingshed – Hanuma La (4,750m) – Snertse (3,830m)

  A long, gradual descent this morning takes us down towards Hanuma-la. The journey winds its way through the gorge and past sheep folds before a two and a half hour descent. Crossing the bridge we crest a sandy slope to enjoy some stunning views of the mountains and valleys before completing the journey to our camp close to the sheep pens at Snertse.
  Duration of Trek: 7 Hrs

  • Themes Hill Stations & Valleys
• Day 11 : Trek Snertse - Pufri La (3,970m) – Hanumil (3,380m)

  Today we start with a steep descent and follow the trail away from the Zanskar region and towards the Parfi-la Pass (3,970m). The pass marks the boundary between Zanskar and Ladakh and the trek down to the plateau takes us around four hours. We then continue along the left bank of the river and cross a moraine plateau before we head towards a bridge at Pidmo. From here it is a further two-hour climb to our next camp at Hanumil. In the afternoon we enjoy the late afternoon view of the entrance to the Zanskar River gorges.
  Duration of Trek: 7 Hrs
• Day 12 : Trek Hanumil – Pishu (3,540m)

  Today our trek will take us through the Zanskar River in the middle of deserted landscapes. You will witness the local village of Pidmo and a few local families and their simple way of life, focused on breeding and traditional farming ways even in this modern age which has not evolved for centuries. We reach around afternoon in the village of Pishu, located on the River Zanskar.
  Duration of Trek: 6 Hrs
• Day 13 : Pishu

  Complete day for rejuvenation. A visit to Zangla village may be an option for some who wish to explore the surrounding.For an excursion to the Zangla Village, we follow the flat trail beside the Zanskar River to reach Zangla, ancient capital of Zanskar. There we find the ruins of a castle and nunnery and also a small Gompa with some old Thangkas and statues which were shifted from the old fort houses. After visiting this village we trek back to the beautiful camp site of Pishu.
• Day 14 : Trek Pishu – Karsha (3,600m)

  Today, we have the possibilty of visiting the nunnery in Pishu, before we start our Trek which will follow along the Zanskar on flat terrain that climbs gradually to Rinam (3550 m). On the other side of bank, we will catch a sight of the splendid views of the Monastery of Tongde. Leaving the Zanskar River behind us, where its two tributaries, the Doda and the Tsarap, meet, we will reach to our camp below The Village of Karsha.
  Duration of Trek: 6 Hrs
• Day 15 : Trek Karsha – Padum – Shilla (3,650m)

  Today we trek and head towards Padum, the former capital of the ancient Zanskar Kingdom and home to a sizeable community of Buddhists and Sunni Muslims. Here we leave this road and cross a bridge and walk through the green lush fields of mustard and barley up to The village of Shilla.
  Duration of Trek: 5 Hrs
• Day 16 : Trek Shilla – Bardhan – Raru (3,850m)

  It's an easy trekking day. We visit the magnificent Bardan Gompa that has an impressive prayer wheel. The Gompa is situated right at the bank of Tsarap on the mountain plateau. We then continue our Trek and will experience amazing breathtaking views before reaching Raru. Overnight in Camp at Raru.
  Duration of Trek: 6 Hrs

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 17 : Trek Raru - Galbok (3,960m)

  Today's trek would offer us the view of many attractive villages, landscapes and the breathtaking scenic beauty while following the Tsarap River through a beautiful canyon experiencing many rises and falls. It will offer us a magnificent view with an impressive solemnity while walking along the River in the midst of sparse vegetation. Overnight Camp in Galbok.
  Duration of Trek: 7 Hrs
• Day 18 : Trek Galbok – Phuktal – Purne (3,890m)

  Today we will be follwing the footsteps of the right bank of the Tsarap River entering the glorious valley to reach a makeshift bridge, it will take us to a small plateau decorated with chortens and flags of prayers. You will witness the breathtaking view of the Monastery of Phuktal, this jewel of architecture is one of the most amazing sites in the Zanskar valley, situated on a Limestone cliff. It has its residences of monks perched down the hill. Inside, you can also notice an inscription by Csoma de Körös (Hungarian historian, 1825-1826), of one of the first foreign travellers to visit the Zanskar. Its temples also contain an alluring collection of ancient Thangkas (Tibetan paintings). After the visits, we will return back to Purne.
  Duration of Trek: 6 Hrs

  • Themes Hill Stations & Valleys
• Day 19 : Trek Purne – Teta - Tangtse

  Today, we will witness the local life around us while following the course of the Kargyak Chu, villages will be seen excited on their way to accompany the caravans while women will be seen busy with their work in the fields. Nothing can compare the utmost pleasure to share a glass of chang (fermented barley beer, served very fresh).
  Duration of Trek: 5 Hrs
• Day 20 : Trek Tangtse – Zingchen (4,650m)

  Today, our trek would lead to the Shingo La Pass and then to Darsha, to head towards the Phirtse La Pass. Here, the climate could differ, It has an effect of the isolated landscapes of Zanskar. Overnight Camp in Zingchen.
  Duration of Trek: 6 Hrs
• Day 21 : Trek Zingchen – Phirtse La (5,450m) – Chumik Marpho (4,800m)

  Today's Trek would involve crossing the highest pass, crossing several streams to reach our camp in Chumik Marpho. Though it is going to be a bit challenging but the views of the Lahaul peak would be a real treat to your eyes.
  Duration of Trek: 7 Hrs
• Day 22 : Chumik Marpho (4,800m) – Trek Along Banks of Lingti Khola

  In the morning today, we follow the way towards the Lingti River, through the low waters before it starts to get heated around us. It will be long walk passing by the river throughout the whole day in order to reach the Conflux of the Tsarap and the Lingti while passing by the various spurs and the ancient Mani walls.
  Duration of Trek: 6 Hrs
• Day 23 : Trek Lingti Khola - Keylong (4510m)

  Today it is going to be long route to arrive at our camp via the Baralacha La pass. The last few hours of the walk will be a tough challenge but it is worth the comfort that you will experience in the Alpine pastures. Here, your patience will be tested by the high water level. But it will be a smooth and safe experience in the company of our professional team.
  Duration of Trek: 5 Hrs
• Day 24 : Keylong to Manali transfer via Baralacha La (5,029m)

  Today we will depart in the in the morning. Taking an adventurous long ride from the Himalayas to another part of the region, Manali, a beautiful hill station located in the Himalayan foothills and on the banks of Beas River. This valley is known to be agriculturally rich, famous for its varied fruits, particularly for its apples and pears. While on the way experiencing the beauty of the Valley of Chandra, enclosed by snow-capped peaks.

  • Themes Hill Stations & Valleys, Hill Stations & Valleys
• Day 25 : Manali Exploration

  Today we visit the beautiful village of Old Manali and the Temple of Sage Manu and Goddess Hadimba. Afternoon stroll on the Mall road in Indian style with visit to the Buddhist monastery and Tibetan market will add spice to the day’s experiences.
• Day 26 : Drive Manali – Chandigarh

  Today we have a long but interesting drive that starts early in the morning and passes from plains through lush green valleys all the way to Chandigarh, We arrive late in the afternoon in the town of Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana states. This city actually stands like a gateway to many hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and the northern parts of Punjab.

  • Themes Hill Stations & Valleys, Hill Stations & Valleys
• Day 27 : Drive Chandigarh – Delhi

  Today we drive to Delhi. Arrival and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, we begin with the visit of "New Delhi": you will be taken to the Rajpath, passing in front of the government buildings of the British era, designed by Lutyens, including India Gate India) and the Presidential Palace. Then, we go to the beautiful tomb of Humayun of the Mughal era and predecessor of the famous Taj Mahal. We will also visit the imposing of Qutab Minar.

  • Hotspots Qutab Minar, India Gate
• Day 28 : Departure Transfer to the International Airport

  Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the international airport or any point of convenience for onward journey to respective countries.

Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Accommodation for 19 nights on Full board in camp/tent on double sharing basis
• 03 nights on Full Board in hotel in Leh
• 02 nights on breakfast basis in hotel in Delhi
• 01 night on breakfast basis in hotel in Chandigarh
• 02 nights on breakfast basis in hotel in Manali
• All ground transportation included in the program using private air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking driver
• Trekking equipment and materials including food (excluding personal equipment)
• Trekking guide for 18 days during trekking (D:06 till D:23)
• Professional English speaking tour leader throughout the trip
• First aid kit
• Govt. Taxes

Exclusions

• International flights tickets
• Domestic flight tickets for the sector: (Leh - Delhi)
• Travel insurance
• Tips for Local guide, trek guide and other trek staff
• Rescue and evacuation services
• Miscellaneous Expenses - drinks, souvenir, personal expenses etc.
• Indian Visa
• Other services not mentioned in 'Inclusion'

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• 803-804 Kirti Shikhar, District Centre Janakpuri, New Delhi, Delhi, India - 110058
• 08069247163 (Ext : 064)
• XXXXXXXXXX@tourtravelworld.com View Mail ID

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