Grand Himalayan Traverse - Nomadays

India

Grand Himalayan Traverse

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, cu...

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Day 1Arrival Delhi

Day 1Arrival Delhi

  • Arrive at the International airport of Delhi. After the traditional welcome, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

1h 30m-610km

Day 2Delhi – Leh by Flight

Day 2Delhi – Leh by Flight

Delhi - Leh

  • 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 3Leh Sightseeing – Matho – Thiksey – Hemis

Day 3Leh 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.

Day 4Leh - Local Exploration

Day 4Leh - 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.

4h-130km
Kanji

Day 5Leh – Lamayuru – Kanji (3850m)

Day 5Leh – 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.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Hotel Mansarovar
Lunch: Restaurant
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Kanji
6h-4km
Shilla Kong (4700m)

Day 6Trek Kanji – Shilla Kong (4,700m)

Day 6Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Shilla Kong (4700m)
7h
Photoksar

Day 7Trek Shilla Kong – Sniugutse La (5,100 m) – Sisir La (4,850m) – Photoksar (4,300m)

Day 7Trek 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.
    Duration of Trek: 7 Hrs

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Photoksar
7h-4km
Singi La Pass

Day 8Trek Photoksar – Singi La (4,530m)

Day 8Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Singi La Pass
7h
Lingshed

Day 9Trek Singi La Base – Kiupa La (4,480m) – Margum La (4,420m) – Lingshed (4,020m)

Day 9Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Lingshed
7h
Snertse

Day 10Trek Lingshed – Hanuma La (4,750m) – Snertse (3,830m)

Day 10Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Snertse
7h
Hanumil

Day 11Trek Snertse - Pufri La (3,970m) – Hanumil (3,380m)

Day 11Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Hanumil
6h-3km
Pishu

Day 12Trek Hanumil – Pishu (3,540m)

Day 12Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Pishu
6h-3km
Karsha Village
Padum
Raru

Day 13Trek à Pishu - Karsha (3.600 m) - padum - raru

Day 13Trek à Pishu - Karsha (3.600 m) - padum - raru

  • 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, then after 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.

  • Since padum, road transfer for raru where we spend the night again.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Raru
7h
Galbok

Day 14Trek Raru - Galbok (3,960m)

Day 14Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Galbok
6h
Purne

Day 15Trek Galbok – Phuktal – Purne (3,890m)

Day 15Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Purne
5h
Tangtse

Day 16Trek Purne – Teta - Tangtse

Day 16Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Tangtse
6h
Zingchen

Day 17Trek Tangtse – Zingchen (4,650m)

Day 17Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Zingchen
7h
Chumik Markho

Day 18Trek Zingchen – Phirtse La (5,450m) – Chumik Marpho (4,800m)

Day 18Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Chumik Markho
6h
Lingti Khola

Day 19Chumik Marpho (4,800m) – Trek along banks of Lingti Khola

Day 19Chumik 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Lingti Khola
5h
Keylong

Day 20Trek Lingti Khola - Keylong (4510m)

Day 20Trek 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

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Keylong
9h-260km
Manali

Day 21Keylong to Manali transfer via Baralacha La (5,029m)

Day 21Keylong 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.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation: Snow valley Resort
Manali

Day 22Manali Exploration

Day 22Manali 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.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation: Snow valley Resort
Manali
10h-320km

Day 23Drive Manali – Chandigarh

Day 23Drive 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.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: Made by your team
Accommodation: Camping
Accommodation: Aloft Chandigarh
4h-240km

Day 24Drive Chandigarh – Delhi

Day 24Drive 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.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: Made by your team
Breakfast: Aloft Chandigarh
Accommodation: Hotel Jivitesh

Day 25Departure transfer to the International Airport

Day 25Departure 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.