On the old caravan route to Tibet, we will discover the riches of Indus Valley b> and the Sham Valley, b> before meeting the nomads of Changtang b>.
This program is divided into three stages:
We will first acclimatize in Indus Valley b> , and take the opportunity to discover the greatest monasteries of Ladakh b>.
Then we will hike in the Sham b> region, famous for its desert landscapes, colorful rocks, beautiful oases, opulent houses, fields of barley, and apricot and almond orchards.
Finally, we will discover the Changtang b>, the most eastern part of Ladakh, situated on the Tibetan border. The landscapes are infinitely beautiful and bright; the spaces are vast and wild life is intense. The Changtang houses two permanent villages, and many nomads who live in tents, with their yaks and pashmina goats.
Duration
15 days
based on your travel dates & customizable
|
From
£1567
per person
excluding international flights
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A perfect holiday for...
From the Indus Valley to the arid plateau of Changtang, this program allows you to discover the very different and equally spectacular landscapes of Ladakh. In this itinerary, you will love going to meet the nomads Chang-pas and discovering their way of life. An experience that will be engraved in memory.
Welcome at the airport by your driver and meet your Travel Expert, then transfer to the hotel. Take some rest to prepare yourself for the beautiful adventure you are about to begin. Overnight at hotel.
1h20 flight + 45 road
Early morning transfer to the domestic airport to take a flight to Ladakh. You fly over the splendid Himalayan range and its snow-capped peaks which is undoubtedly a breathtaking view from the window. Arrival at Leh Airport where you are welcomed by a representative of Shanti Travel. Transfer by private driver to reach Nimmu, a traditional village located at the junction of Zanskar and Indus valley. Because of the altitude (3500m), it is advisable to stay indoors and rest on the first day to get acclimatized to the altitude. Overnight at Nimmu House (subject to availability).
Your morning is charged up with the ultimate delightedness as you wake up in Nimmu House, an emblematic heritage of the region and a charming eco-resort, packed with peace and the simple pleasures in life. After an excellent breakfast in the garden, you will set off to discover the largest Buddhist monasteries in the Indus Valley and immerse yourself in the region's ultimate spirituality. A visit to the monasteries of Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis is a cultural, spiritual, and architectural discovery. Return to Nimmu in the afternoon. Overnight at Nimmu House
2 h drive
Morning departure by a private vehicle towards Yangtang to reach Likir monastery in Sham Valley, which is the starting point of your trek. Climb to the Tsermangchan La Pass (3870m), then down to the beautiful village of Hemis Shukpachan (3630m). Its name comes from the bark of cedar trees or Shukpa, which are used to make incense and can be seen everywhere in the village. Stroll through this small oasis, lost in the desert mountains where small streams and rivers flow in the shade of willows and where yaks, goats, and ibex graze peacefully along the trails. Visit the beautiful village and the school. Overnight in camp.
4/5 hour walk
A steep gradual climb to Meptak La Pass at 3880m to reach a lunar-like and mineral landscape. It is here where you can attain the ultimate peace surrounded by this immensity and feel truly cut off from the world. Then you return to the life of the Dangdong Tokpo Agricultural Valley and Ang village, famous for its apricot orchards. Short walk to the large village of Temisgam, with a small fortress and a monastery. Overnight in camp.
4/5 hour walk
Walk across the fields to the foot of a small hill after crossing the village of Tea, where you meet the generous and smiling inhabitants. In the midst of the whitewashed houses, you see magnificent hawthorn shrubs with sparkling purple blossoms. You then cross the Cham La Pass (4030m) to reach Skinning. Overnight in camp.
1 h drive
Descend into the valley to reach Khalse. Transfer to Lamayuru by jeep. This small picturesque village in the Indus Valley is dominated by a magnificent monastery perched at the height of 4000m in the midst of desert mountains. Overnight in guest house.
3h drive
Today, your driver takes you back to Nimmu House. Along the way, visit the extraordinary Alchi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Ladakh dating back to the 11th century and be mesmerized by the detail of its beautiful murals, artistic sculptures, and stunning wood paintings. Arrive at Nimmu House in the afternoon and relax with a refreshing cup of tea and the smell of the beautiful wild rose bushes. Visit the vegetable garden of the house, and if you wish, you can participate in the preparation of the traditional Ladakhi dish called Momos for dinner. Overnight at Nimmu House.
7h drive
This morning you leave the Indus Valley to reach Rupshu Valley, and more specifically Changtang, one of the highest desert plateaus in the world at 4500m altitude. On your way, the narrow valleys gradually open up into large, wild, and luminous landscapes, which are very different from the rest of Ladakh. In these immense U-shaped valleys, dominated by snowy peaks, lies the Tso Kar Salt Lake with its intense colours. You can see many species of birds including black-necked cranes that migrate to the area. Overnight camp near Thukje Village.
3h road & 3/4 hour walk
Leave your camp to fast track through the Namshang La (4960m). Stop at Kyagar Tso Lake and hike about 3 hours to the northern tip of Tso Moriri. Short transfer to Korzok, one of the only two permanent villages of Changtang. Visit the monastery of thirty monks that houses a reincarnated child called Rinpoche. You then continue on foot to the Korzok Phu Plains which houses many nomads (1-hour walk). Overnight in camp.
3/4h walk
Spend the day exploring the vast plains of Korzok Phu, surrounded by high mountains and home to many nomads. This remote region of the world is a major wildlife sanctuary and home to many birds, marmots, kyangs (wild donkeys), and if you are very lucky, you might see the elusive snow leopard, which is very rare! Overnight in camp.
7h - 210 km
This morning marks your departure from Tso Moriri Lake and this majestic world. This experience would be one of the most intense experiences of your trip and will forever mark your spirits. It is now time to get back to Leh. On the way, you pass by the beautiful turquoise Kyagar Tso Lake, which shines like a precious stone among the rough rocks. You cross the Namshang La Pass and then continue on a long descent to reach the Indus Valley. Arrive at the guesthouse and take a well-deserved hot shower. Overnight at Guesthouse.
After a good night's sleep, enjoy a day of rest to discover spectacular Leh. This ancient junction between Tibet and Central Asia was an important trading center where caravans used to stop on their way to Kashmir on the ancient Silk Road. You observe this combination of architecture, art, religion and smiling local faces. Stroll through the old neighborhood below the royal palace where Ladakhi women, dressed in black dresses and fuchsia belts, sell their vegetables. Explore the old bazaar filled with local handicrafts, ideal for buying souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. And if you have a desire for more depth into Ladakhi history and culture, we can arrange a visit to a private Ladakhi textile museum.
It's time to bid adieu to this magnificent region of Ladakh and take your flight back to Delhi. With your eyes on the sky, spirit in the mountains, and heart still warm, you again get lost in the incredible view of the Himalayan range. Upon your arrival in Delhi, your private driver welcomes you and takes you to your hotel. Free day in Delhi for you to explore the city or make your last purchases. You can also take this opportunity to enjoy delicious Indian cuisine with an Old Delhi Food Tour. Overnight in Hotel.
Free day in Delhi, a precaution in case of delay of the Delhi / Leh flight (mainly due to weather conditions) before the transfer to the airport. End of our services. It is always possible to add activities to this trip. Feel free to contact our Travel Expert for any specific requests.
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