From Rupshu to Spiti across Parang-La

Welcome to India! Your Travel Expert and your private driver warmly welcome you upon your arrival at the airport. There is only one flight a day to Ladakh, which will be the next day in the early hours of the morning. For this reason, we advise you to sleep in a hotel near the airport. This brief stopover in the Indian capital, essential to reach Ladakh, will give you sufficient time to enjoy a delicious meal of Indian cuisine for dinner. Between tandori chicken or tikka masala, chapatis or samosas, treat yourself to a delicious meal after your long journey. Night at the hotel.

Wake up early to catch your flight to Ladakh. This flight is a show in itself and is one of the most beautiful in the world. Open your eyes wide and enjoy the stunning views on the Himalayan range! A flight that fills you with excitement even before setting foot at Leh Airport where you will be greeted by our manager in charge of the welcoming of travellers. Your private driver will bring you to your bed and breakfast and share the latest information, essential for the smooth running of your trek. You spend a peaceful day to acclimatize to the altitude.

Today, enjoy a free day to discover the charm of yesteryear in the capital of Ladakh. This day of acclimatization is essential to begin after your trek in the best conditions. Dominated by its imposing royal palace, the city of Leh was once a crossroad of civilizations and commercial exchanges. There is wide diversity in architecture, art, religion and in the local faces that smile at you. Enjoy some fresh apricots from the local market and browse through the old bazaar to discover local crafts, including products made from cashmere wool, famous all over the world. Night in bed and breakfast.

This morning you take the road to the west of the Indus Valley. On your way, you visit the extraordinary monastery of Alchi, the oldest monastery in Ladakh dating from the eleventh century. Then you continue to Likir Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh, run by the Dalai Lama's brother, where you have the pleasure of being able to speak with the Buddhist monks. In the early afternoon, you will drive to Nimmu House, a magnificent historical noble stone house renovated into a heritage eco-resort with glamping options and a beautiful garden that boasts a fruit orchard. An idyllic setting, perfect for resting and relaxing before the start of your trek. In the evening, enjoy an excellent organic dinner in the garden

After breakfast, your driver will accompany you to Rumtse, the starting point of your trek planned the following morning. You leave the Indus Valley and the road begins to climb continuously. You cross the second highest car pass in the world at 5,260 metres. The further you go, the more the landscape opens up and the valleys stretch out into large wild, harmonious and luminous spaces. You arrive in the Rupshu region one of the harshest desert plateaus in the world where nomads live. You will have the pleasure of meeting your guide and your local team whilst sipping on a traditional buttered tea to share your joy and impatience.

First camp at 4,200 metres

The beginning of your fifteen-day trek has arrived! Your trek begins with a gentle first day of walking up the Kyamar Valley. It is through this valley that salt from Lake Tso Kar was transported to Leh and the Indus Valley. You follow the path that was once the salt road and cross two rivers. Vast green plains unfold all around you, bordered by rocky mountains with different ochre tones. You are seized by this splendid lunar and mineral landscape so different from the rest of Ladakh.

Camp near the shephards of Kyamar at 4,500 metres / 4-5h walk / + 300m

This morning, you climb progressively towards the pass of Kyamar La at 5,070 metres; from here you can admire a superb panorama on the Changtang region. You then descend into a new valley inhabited only a few months a year by the Chang-Pa nomads from Tibet. This population lives year-round in tents made from black Yak hide. Following a well-established routine, from one pasture to another, these goat, yak, sheep, donkey and horse breeders live mainly from the manufacture and weaving of the world-famous cashmere wool. You cross Mandalchan Pass at 5,200 metres to reach Tisaling where you set up camp.

After breakfast, continue your trek with an easy climb to the Shibuk La Pass at 5,100 metres. Listen to the peaceful sound of the colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind while you take in the intense colors of Lake Tso Kar and its surrounding snow-capped peaks. The show is grandiose. With the goal in sight, you go down the valley to reach the shores of the lake. Open your eyes wide, as many species of birds including black-necked cranes or brahmini ducks migrate to the area. You will also have the opportunity to meet kiangs (wild donkeys), marmots, ibex and maybe if you are lucky, the rare and elusive snow leopard.

You wake up in an enchanting setting, totally cut off from the rest of the world. You eat your breakfast while admiring the fascinating spectacle of the shadows and lights that shape the landscape.Today's program of regular and progressive walking is truly magnificent. In this soothing immensity, the rugged mountains and snow-capped peaks give you the feeling that time has stopped. You continue your walk along the west shore of the lake and observe the salt that settles there and gives it its nickname, the white lake. The beauty and the immeasurability of the landscapes plunge you into a silent reflection up to Nuruchan, where you set up camp for the night.

Today, you go to Rajun Karu through a green valley along a river formed by melting glaciers. You cross the Horlam Pass at 4,900 metres before going down to establish your camp. Enjoy the afternoon to rest. If the nomads have established their camp at Rajun Karu you will have the opportunity to observe scenes of daily life such as the great summer cleaning of their goats in the river. What a pleasure to end the day of walking by meeting a nomad family who invites you to their tent to share a few cups of salted tea with fresh yak butter.

This morning, you cross the plains where nomads set up their summer residence. Then by a fairly gentle climb you reach the Kyamuyuri Pass at 5,430 metres. Do not hesitate to look back and contemplate an extensive view of the landscape that you have crossed during these last days until Lake Tso Kar, which sparkle under the rays of morning sun. Then you descend into a wide U-shaped valley. You have lunch at Gyamar Barma before starting a steep slope towards Kartse La at 5,380 metres, the second pass of the day. Quiet descent to Gyama for a good night's sleep after this intense day.

Today, you climb the Yalung Nyau La Pass at 5,435 metres, the second highest pass on your trek that is guaranteed to give you a strong sense of accomplishment! Once at the summit, catch your breath in front of a breathtaking view of Lake Tso Moriri with its incredible turquoise color. As you descend, the view of the lake expands, gradually revealing the mineral beauty of the landscape. You will reach the village of Korzok, the only sedentary village in the region, located on the shores of the lake. Here you can enjoy a fascinating view of the huge Lake Tso Moriri, the most beautiful lake in Ladakh, a remnant of a sea that has been imprisoned for more than a million years.

It's been a week since you started your trek. You have lost all sense of time and are happy to rest a day by the lake to enjoy this wonderful place. Some people prefer to share the daily activities of nomads while others like to walk by the lake alone or with company. For nature lovers, you have the joy of watching the life of this unique ecosystem. If you are lucky, you may be able to see a Tibetan wolf crossing the plain. An ideal day to recover strength in an environment conducive to meditation and relaxation.

Today, you resume your trek. You go along the west shore of Lake Tso Moriri, where almost no elevation disturbs you. The colors of the lake change as the day goes by, ranging from turquoise, petrol blue or indigo depending on the time of the day and clouds. A truly magical experience to observe. Behind the lake, a barrier of red and ocher mountaints surround the landscape. And in the distance, you can observe the snow-covered peaks that reach more than 6,000 metres altitude. It includes Chamser Kangri, Lungser Kangri and Mentok I and II.

Starting from the end of the lake, the mineral landscapes are gradually tinged with green. You pass through the Parang Chu Valley and the scenery changes dramatically. You arrive in front of a wide delta between the Parang Chu and the Phrise Chu. A little further, you set up camp at Nurboo Sumdo on the edge of the river on a grassy lawn. It's time to drink good tea, set up a tent and read or meditate in this beautiful location.

Today, you set off towards Parang La Pass, the highest point of your trek that you will reach in four days. Starting from today, meetings with Ladakhis will be rare. Because of the high altitude and relative difficulty, even the nomads rarely use this pass. A real personal challenge that you are eager to meet. But for now, do not forget to put on your sandals! You cross the multiple streams of the Phirse Chu River before heading south up a wide valley covered with flat pebbles. Behind you, Lake Tso Moriri is a thin strip of blue color on the horizon.

You have now left the Rupshu Valley to return to Himachal Pradesh. This morning, you continue your walk towards the south where beautiful monoliths close the valley. Admire the desolate mountains that surround you. The road is dangerous. You cross a succession of cluttered blocks and small fallen rocks. Then, you cross a river and start a small steep climb. You then continue to the foot of beautiful dolomitic walls and the source of a small river. You finally find a viable path to your camp, situated in a vast plain that stretches along the right bank of the river.

Your day today contrasts with that of yesterday. It's a nice quiet walk through the meadows. You follow the river to the base camp of Parang La. In the morning, you have a beautiful view of the high peaks of the Himalayas, such as the Pari Lungbi (6,150 m) as well as the myriad of magnificent peaks encased in ice. Prepare yourself for a little adventure: the crossing of the confluence of two rivers including the Parang Chu. You arrive at the Parang La base camp (5,080 m) located by a creek in the middle of rough rocks.

Prepare for an early start at around five in the morning and enjoy the fresh air in the morning as you start the climb of Parang La at 5,600 metres altitude. The climb begins on a glacier tongue then the slope decreases as you reach a glacial plateau. Some zigzags on a snowy slope take you to the Parang La Pass. At the top, proud of your feat, you take the time to admire a fantastic panoramic view of the Spiti Valley. An emotional moment immersed in the tranquility of the high altitude. A long descent brings you to an alpine meadow that offers a splendid view of the cliffs bordering the Parilungbi Chu.

After a good night's sleep, you set off on your last day of the trek. After passing a small pass, you follow an exciting trail to Kibber and discover fields and a few scattered houses. On the way, you linger at a local summerhouse overlooking a narrow gorge beyond which appears the village of Kibber, the end point of your trek and one of the highest villages in the Himalayas. You go down the gorge and follow a nice dirt path to the chorten (Buddhist stupa) that marks the entrance to the village. In the evening, you celebrate the end of your trek with all your team. A wonderful memory that will remain engraved in your memory.

Visit the village of Kibber and drive to Kaza, the capital of Spiti, via the magnificent Kye Monastery. Night in a guest house in Kaza.

This morning, you will have your breakfast in the charming village of Kibber, one of the most beautiful Tibetan-style villages in Spiti. Before heading to Kaza, the capital of the region, you will visit Kye Monastery. This majestic monastery, which stands on a rocky peak and is covered with the square rooms of monks, will leave you in awe. A fabulous site that also allows you to admire a beautiful view of Spiti. The pretty oasis fields contrast with the lunar and mineral landscape of Ladakh. In Kaza, what a joy to reach the comfort of your hotel and take a well-deserved hot shower!

Today, a long day on the road awaits you. First, you cross the beautiful valley of Spiti then you cross the Kunzum La Pass at 4,800 metres, which marks the boundary between Spiti and Lahaul. You continue towards the Leh-Manali road, surrounded by alpine landscapes and go very close to many glaciers. A delight for mountain lovers. You then go up to the pass of Rothang La at 3,900 metres before descending into the valley of Kullu where small villages and herds of goats charm you, and welcome you back to the peaceful life of Ladakh.

You wake up in the old village of Manali, surrounded by pine trees that have changed over the years in the bustling city. In Manali, which is also one of the main Indian ski resorts, you will discover beautiful old houses. Enjoy this day to rest and recover from your trek. Why not go in search of souvenirs to bring back for yourself and your loved ones? You also have the opportunity to visit the Hindu temples of the city that contrast with the Buddhist environment of your last days. At the end of the day, you board a nightly "Bus Deluxe" to reach the Indian capital.

The last day of your trip has arrived. You wake up quietly in the comfort of your hotel and choose how you will spend your last moments in India. A last trip to the bazaar, a chicken curry, or perhaps a trip to one of Delhi’s monuments - the choice is yours. Or take the time to treat yourself to an excellent Indian Ayurvedic massage with natural oils. A great way to relax and ease the tension from your long trek and relax before your return flight. Your private driver then escorts you to Delhi International Airport. Our services are coming to an end and we wish you a pleasant journey back and hope to see you again soon in Asia with our Shanti Travel team!