Day
01 : Join Delhi
Day 02 : In Delhi Day 03 : Train to Chandigarh,
drive to Manali
Day 04 : In Manali Day 05 : Commence trek
Day 06 : Chikha to Valu Ka
Ghare
Day 07 : Valu Ka Ghera to
Siliguri via
Hampta Pass
Day 08 : Rest / Contingency
Day 09 : Arrive Chatru drive
to Darcha and continue trek
Day 10 : Darcha to Jankar
Sumdo
Day 11 : Zanskar Sumdo to
high camp
Day 12 : Camp to Lakong via
Shingo La
Day 13 : Lakong to Kargyak
village
Day 14 : Kargyak to Purne
Day 15 : At Purne, Day trek
to
Phugtal Monastery
Day 16 : Purne to Itchar
Day 17 : Itchar to Bardan
Monastery
Day 18 : Bardan to Padum &
Karsha Monastery
Day 19 : Karsha to Pishu
village
Day 20 : Pishu to Hanumil
village
Day 21 : Hanumil to Snertse
camp via the Purfi La
Day 22 : Snertse to Lingshet
via the Hanuma La
Day 23 : Lingshet to base
of
Singge La
Day 24 : Camp to Photaksar
village via Singge La
Day 25 : Cross Sisir La to
Honupatta village
Day 26 : Honupatta to Wanlah
Day 27 : Arrive Lamayuru,
drive to Leh
Day 28 : In Leh
Day 29 : Fly to Delhi
Day 30 : Trip concludes Delhi
Highlights
Land Cost
Cost
of the tour
per person US$2650
from Delhi
The above costing is subject to
change without notice.
Himalayan
Traverse
The
adventure in brief The huge geographic and cultural
contrasts make this one of the best treks in the
Indian Himalaya. The traverse crosses the three
main mountain ranges in the West Himalaya - the
Pir Panjal, the main Himalaya and the Zanskar Range.
We trek from the verdant meadows in the Hampta Valley,
to the high and windswept Himalayan passes, to the
deep and arid gorges that characterise the region
of Ladakh. There are also significant cultural changes,
as we trek from the Hindu villages of the Kullu
Valley, across the Himalaya to the remote monasteries
and villages of Ladakh and the Zanskar.
Moderate
to Challenging level 30 Day trip
23 Day trek
6 nights hotels
TOUR
DATES:
2004
Dates
24 Jun – 23 Jul
15 Jul – 13 Aug
29 Jul – 27 Aug
26 Aug – 24 Sep
2005
Dates
23 Jun – 22 Jul
14 Jul – 12 Aug
04 Aug – 02 Sep
01 Sep – 30 Sep
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day 01 :
Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred
to the group hotel.
Day
02 : In
Delhi Day at leisure in Delhi.
An optional sightseeing tour including the Red Fort
and the Jama Masjid will be available. A group briefing
will be held this afternoon.
Day 03 : Train
& drive to Manali
Transfer to the train station for the early morning
train to Chandigarh. From here our chartered bus
takes us north across the Himalayan foothills and
into the Kullu Valley. The drive takes about 10
hours and is a delightful introduction to the Himalayan
foothills.
Day
04 : In
Manali (2020 metres)
with time to stretch the legs and undertake walks
to the Hadimba Temple situated in the pine forests
close to our hotel. We also visit Old Manali situated
on the far bank of the Manaslu River and to Vashisht
village, famous for its hot springs, on the far
side of the Beas River.
Day 05 : Commence
trek to Sythen village & Chikha
(6 hours)
One of the great advantages of commencing a trek
out of Manali is that the trek starts just a few
km down the valley. You can walk out of your hotel
to Prini village (1950 metres) and be on the trail
20 minutes later. The first two hours of the trek
are uphill through sparse pine forest as the trail
winds up to the village of Sythen. The villagers
originally came from Spiti and Kinnaur and settled
here a few generations ago.
From Sythen we follow a narrow pine forested valley
formed by the Hampta River. We pass Gujar villages
and flowered meadows before crossing the Hampta
River. The Gujars are essentially buffalo herders’
who make their living selling the buffalo milk or
cheese to the local people. With the pressure of
land they have migrated higher and further from
their cash source and nowaDays tend sheep and goats
to supplement their income. The campsite known locally
as Chikha (2980 metres) is situated in an open meadow
set beneath tumbling waterfalls, where Gaddi shepherds
graze their flocks on their way to the higher pastures
in Lahaul
. Day 06 :
Chikha to
Valu Ka Ghare (4 hours)
From Chikha the trail gradually ascends Hampta Valley
to the base of the Hampta Pass, to a stunning camp
known as Valu Ka Ghera (3660 metres) set amid many
snow capped ridges and peaks of the Pir Panjal.
Day 07 : Valu
Ka Ghera to Siliguri via Hampta Pass
(5 to 6 hours) The gradual ascent to the Hampta
Pass (4270 metres) is not difficult by Himalayan
standards. From the campsite the trail ascends towards
the pass then crosses a number of scree slopes often
under snow for much of the season.
An early start is recommended to gain views back
down and across the lush Kullu Valley to Hanuman
Tibba (5928 metres). The final few hundred metres
to the pass are steep. From the pass you gain good
views of Indrashan (6221 metres) and Deo Tibba (6001
metres), while to the north, views to the main Lahaul
range complete the panorama. The 400 metre descent
to the valley floor and our camp at Siliguri (3750
metres) is steep; we then have the option of trekking
to the North Indrashan glacier in the afternoon.
Day 08 :
Rest / Contingency
Day ToDay will be used as a rest or contingency
Day, and will be spent either before or after the
crossing of the Hampta Pass.
Day
09 : Siliguri
to Chatru (3 hours) & drive
to Darcha (6 hours) The trek commences with a small
river crossing to the true right of the valley before
an increasingly steep descent to Chatru (3360 metres)
in the Chandra Valley. Just before reaching the
Chandra Valley there is a further river crossing.
We then trek to the road head before crossing the
bridge to the small village of Chatru. Here our
bus will be waiting to take us onto Darcha (3285
metres). The drive through the Lahaul countryside
will take around five to six hours with time to
set up camp just outside the village that afternoon.
Day 10 :
Darcha to
Jankar Sumdo (8 hours)
From Darcha we follow the track to Rarig village
before crossing a stone bridge at Palamo (3700 metres).
In some ways this is a tiring stage as the trail
crosses extensive boulder and moraine fields and
several side streams. The Jankar Sumdo (3860 metres)
marks the confluence of the Darcha River and the
valley leading to the Shingo La.
Day
11 : Zanskar
Sumdo to high camp (6 to 7 hours)
From the campsite there is a short steep ascent.
We enter a narrow rocky valley and pass several
side shepherd huts. As we ascend, the valley widens
affording views of the many snow capped peaks and
hanging glaciers before reaching camp in the vicinity
of Chumik (4500 metres). As you trek higher you
appreciate why we spent the first few Days trekking
over the Hampta Pass - the trek should have left
you fully acclimatised and in good stead for the
Days ahead.
Day
12 : Camp
to Lakong via Shingo La (6 to 7
hours)
From our high camp there is a steady ascent up the
valley to the base of the terminal moraine. There
follows a steep ascent over scree before a more
gradual affair to the crest of the Great Himalaya
Range and the Shingo La (4980m). The prayer flags
and a small cairn are maintained - as with all passes
into Ladakh - to placate the local Gods or La's
of the pass and to ensure a safe journey. It's a
wonderful experience crossing the main Himalaya,
with fine views across to many 6000 plus metre peaks.
From the pass the trail crosses a series of snow
and scree slopes to the valley floor and a river
crossing where wet boots may be the order of the
Day. From here the trail continues across the alpine
slopes to the spectacular camp of Lakong (4450 metres)
with fine views of the snow capped peaks and hanging
glaciers at the head of the valley.
Day
13 : Lakong
to Kargyak village (5 hours)
The route down the valley skirts the yak and dzo
grazing pastures before crossing the upper reaches
of the Kargyak River beneath the huge monolith known
as Gumburanjan. This monolith provides a dominant
feature in the valley and is flanked by scree covered
ridges and hills leading to jagged mountains. The
grassy valley leading to Kargyak (4050metres) is
covered with wildflowers, including edelweiss, that
bloom after the spring snows melt. The entrance
to the village is marked by Mani walls and chortens.
Day 14 :
Kargyak to
Purne (7 hours)
From Kargyak we pass a series of small villages
including Tanze, Karu and Thetha. The trail is defined
by well maintained mani walls and chortens, while
the irrigation channels flow into the fields of
peas and barely.
Beyond Tetha the valley narrows and enters a gorge
en route bridge to Purne (3750 metres), a small
settlement situated on a plateau above the confluence
of the Tsarap and Lingti Chu rivers.
Day
15 : At
Purne, Day trek to Phugtal Monastery
(4 hours)
From Purne we trek up the Tsarap Valley for two
hours to the monastery at Phugtal. The monastery
is in a spectacular setting with the monks' quarters
literally carved out of the hillside. The monastery
was originally established in the 10th century and
has been rebuilt many times. In the afternoon we
have time to savour our camp setting and enjoy a
well earned rest.
Day
16 : Purne
to Itchar (6 to 7 hours)
The trek follows the course of the Tsarap River
and includes many ups and downs past tiny settlements.
Itchar (3650m) is on the opposite side of the gorge
and we camp in a comfortable grassy site below the
village.
Day
17 : Itchar
to Bardan Monastery(5
to 6 hours)
From Itchar we gradually climb out of the gorge
to the village of Reru. We continue to the village
and monastery of Mune (3750m) situated on a commanding
plateau site. We descend back down to the Tsarap
Chu and follow the well defined trail along to the
monastery at Bardan (3780 metres). The monastery
has been renovated in the last few years and also
has claim to housing one of the largest prayer wheels
in Ladakh. We camp in the village opposite the monastery
for the night.
Day 18 : Bardan
to Padum & Karsha Monastery
(5 to 6 hours) From Bardan we trek along a rather
dusty jeep road to Padum (3540 metres), the administrative
centre of the Zanskar. There is a mosque situated
just beyond the bazaar that services the Muslim
community who settled here after the forays of Zorawar
Singh in the 1830's. From Padum we can visit the
Dogra Fort established by Zorawar Singh, before
continuing on to Karsha (3610 metres). The monastery
is the largest in the Zanskar accommodating over
100 monks at various times of the year. From the
roof of the monastery we gain panoramic views of
the main Himalaya and the Zanskar Valley.
Day 19 : Karsha
to Pishu village (4 hours)
It's an easy stage down the valley to the substantial
village of Pishu (3470 metres). We establish our
camp alongside the Zanskar River with plenty of
time to visit the village of Zangla on the opposite
side of the river.
Day 20 : Pishu
to Hanumil village (5 hours)
The trail winds down beside the Zanskar River past
the village of Pidmu. The village of Hanumil (3850
metres) is situated opposite steep cliffs that rise
above the valley floor. We camp beyond the village
with impressive views north to the Zanskar Gorge.
Day 21 : Hanumil
to Snertse camp via the Purfi La
(6 hours)
For the first few kms the trail follows the course
of the Zanskar River before it enters the first
of a series of gorges as it forges its way north
to the Indus Valley. From here we ascent to a small
pass, the Purfi La (3850 metres), before dropping
steeply for nearly 500 metres to the Jingchan Tokpo,
the river that marks the boundary between Zanskar
and Ladakh. There follows a further ascent (400
metres) to our campsite in the vicinity of the shepherd
encampment at Snertse (3710 metres).
Day
22 : Snertse
to Lingshet via the Hanuma La (7
to 8 hours)
From camp we ascend the narrow, rocky gorge crossing
the river several times before entering a long flat
river plain. The final stage to the Hanuma La (4650
metres) follows a dry river bed that winds up to
the pass.
Two large chortens mark the pass with spectacular
views across the rugged Zanskar Range. The trail
to Lingshet village (3850 metres) descends steeply
to the valley floor before a long, gradual haul
to a camp a few km before Lingshet.
Day 23 :Lingshet to base
of Singge La (5 to 6 hours)
We complete the short trek to Lingshet monastery.
The monastery foundations, as with most monasteries
in the region, date back to the 10th century when
Buddhism was first introduced into the Zanskar.
There are two small passes to cross - the Netuke
La and the Khyupa La - en route to the base of the
Singge La.
First there is a gradual ascent to the Netuke La
(4280 metres), before a steep descent to the valley
floor. A further ascent takes us to the Khyupa La
(4360 metres), before completing the three to four
km to camp.
Our camp ( 4400m) is located a few km before the
base of the Singge La. From our camp we appreciate
the exceptional perspective and the profile of the
Trans Himalaya.
Day 24 : Camp
to Photaksar village via Singge La
(6 to 7 hours) It’s an hour’s trek to
the base of the Singge La. The climb to the Singge
La can be completed in about 1-1/2 to two hours.
The trail winds to the top of the pass (5010 metres)
that marks the main ridge line over the Zanskar
Range. From the pass there are remarkable views
back towards the main Himalaya - the range we crossed
12 Days ago.
The trail then descends to a wide grassy valley.
From here on it is a gradual haul to the village
of Photaksar (4100 metres). The village is situated
on the banks of the Photang River.
Day
25 : Cross
Sisir La to Honupatta village (6
to 7 hours)
From camp it takes about two hours to reach the
summit of the Sisir La (4720 metres). If the Day
is stormy the rock spires on the adjacent ridge
lines lend themselves to a variety of brilliant
colours. From the pass the trail descends over loose
scree to the Spong Valley before a long gradual
descent to the village of Honupatta (3720 metres).
Day 26 : Honupatta
to Wanlah (5 to 6 hours)
Below Honupatta the trail enters spectacular gorge
country where even the inventive villagers have
had difficulty maintaining a track. This is a highlight
of the trek as we gaze in awe at the gorge walls
that rise about 1000 metres above the river course.
At the end of the gorge we meet the road developments
that have been extended from Wanlah in the past
few seasons. We follow the trail to Phanjila and
then onto the village and monastery of Wanlah (3150
metres).
Day 27 : Wanlah
to Lamayuru Monastery via Prinkiti La(3 to 4hours) & drive to Leh (6 hours)
An early start is imperative to climb the final
pass, the Prinkiti La (3650 metres). It is not a
hard pass but the ascent can become hot and tiring
if it is not completed by mid-morning. From the
pass we gain further views across the Zanskar Range
before undertaking the short descent to Lamayuru
(3420 metres). We visit the monastery and also the
original site that is marked by a small, well preserved
building beside the main assembly hall.
At Lamayuru we bid farewell to our horse attendants
and board our chartered bus. The road descends steeply
for nearly 1500 metres to the Indus Valley before
we complete the 90 kilometres drive past the traditional
villages of Saspol, Basgo and Nimu to reach Leh
(3510 metres) by early evening.
Day
28 : In
Leh
During our time in Leh we structure our sightseeing
to accommodate group interests. Initially we spend
time wandering the Leh bazaar and palace. We have
the opportunity to climb to the Victory Fort (above
the Palace) built in the 15th century to commemorate
ladakh's independence from the invading armies from
Baltistan and Kashmir. From the Palace we can also
appreciate the alleyways that comprise the old town
of Leh, located to the east of the main bazaar.
Among other options is a visit to the Shanti Stupa
at Chanspa, just up the road from our hotel that
affords fine views up the Indus Valley. It is also
recommended to visit the Ladakh Ecological Centre
to appreciate how the Ladakhi people have been able
to incorporate new technology into their traditional
lifestyles.
A half-Day sightseeing trip to Tikse monastery and
Shey Palace is also included. Thikse was founded
in the 14th century after the Dalai Lama sent monks
to Ladakh and the outlying regions of West Tibet.
The monastery is situated in a commanding position
in the Indus Valley with the monk’s chambers
spreading down the hillside below the main Assembly
Hall.
Note
: The presence here of the new multi
- denominational chapel that was completed a decade
ago. It was built with the assistance of tourist
funds and is proof of the continuing vitality of
Buddhism in Ladakh.
We also visit Shey Palace, to view the magnificent
12 metre Shakyamuni Buddha statue.
Day 29 : Depart
Leh & fly direct to Delhi
This spectacular flight takes us across the backbone
of the West Himalaya en route to Delhi. On arrival
in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your
hotel with plenty of time that afternoon for shopping
and sightseeing.
Day 30 : In
Delhi trip concludes
For more background information on your trek, you
may wish to consult the 4th edition of "Trekking
in the Indian Himalaya" by Garry Weare, due
to be published by Lonely Planet, in 2002.
COST INCLUSIONS
YOUR TOUR COST INCLUDES:
- Quality Hotel accommodation in Delhi on a bed
and breakfast basis.
- Comfortable hotel accommodation in Manali and
Leh on a full board basis.
- Local sightseeing in Manali and Leh.
- All internal transport by train or private bus,
jeep, car or air.
- All airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and
departing on Day 30.
- Gear package including kit bag, sleeping bag,
insulated sleeping mat.
- All meals while trekking.
- Pack horses to carry all personal and group equipment.
- Group Leader and kitchen staff.
- Emergency medical kit.
YOUR TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Lunch and dinner in Delhi.
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek.
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls,
laundry, etc.
- Tips.
- Airport and departure taxes.
- Visa.
- Travel Insurance.
CLIMATE
The climate of the Kullu/Ladakh region is quite
complex. The Kullu Valley comes under the influence
of the Indian monsoon but the rainfall is by no
means as frequent or as heavy as in other parts
of the Indian Himalaya. The rainy season normally
lasts from the end of June until the beginning of
September but that does not preclude excellent days
of trekking en route to Ladakh. Once over the Hampta
Pass (and over the Pir Panjal) and into the region
of Lahaul the rainfall diminishes and once over
the Shingo La and into the Zanskar you are into
one of the driest regions of the Himalaya, with
only the occasional storm cloud breaking over the
main Himalaya Range. Day time temperatures will
be warm, on average about 25 degrees Celsius, but
sometimes reaching into the mid 30 degrees Celsius
during the middle of the day, however at night,
the temperatures will occasionally drop to 0 degrees
Celsius, we provide excellent tents and sleeping
bags to combat these conditions.
DAILY
ROUTINE
You will be woken with a cup of tea brought to your
tent at around 6:00 am., followed by a small bowl
of warm water for washing. Then, before breakfast,
you will pack up your gear, bearing in mind that
your sleeping bag will also have to fit into your
duffle bag. Pack your sleeping mat into its stuff
sack and ensure that your tent is free of rubbish
and ready for the next camp. Your duffle bag will
then be taken and tied up with other gear into a
load, which will be packed on to the waiting pack
horses.
We are usually on the trail by 7:00-7.30 am. We
may have lunch en route or we can aim to be in camp.
Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is set
up, a light lunch is prepared, leaving us with the
rest of the afternoon free to explore the nearby
villages or undertake a side option. Tea and donuts/pakoras
are prepared at 4:30 pm. Dinner is usually served
around 7:00 pm. Remember to bring your water bottle
to the dining tent so it can be filled by the kitchen
staff during dinner. Trekking evenings afford some
of the best memories of your trek, whether it is
sitting around talking, playing cards, chatting
with the staff or joining in some singing and dancing
with the local people, it is always a very special
time.
CONSERVATION
India’s environment is extremely fragile.
The rapidly increasing population puts immeasurable
pressure on the country's environment and resources
and it is our responsibility as visitors to minimise
the impact of our presence. It has always been our
motto that "we take only photographs and leave
only footprints".
We ask that all trekkers thoughtfully dispose wrappers
and toilet paper by burying or burning or placing
in the proper receptacle. It is also a good idea
during the trekking day to carry a small plastic
bag - the cooks can provide this - in which to store
any refuse, sweet wrappers, tissues etc., and give
it to the camp hands when you arrive at camp.
Important Note: These trip notes represent the most current
information available for this itinerary, and supersede
any information detailed in the current brochure,
including but not limited to the itinerary and price.
In remote and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote areas
are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may
be altered. To get the most out of your adventure
it is important that you are flexible, positive
and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.
Highlights 
