Day
01 : Join Delhi
Day 02 : Fly to Leh Day 03 : In Leh
Day 04 : In Leh
Day 05 : Drive to Jingchan, Commence
trek
Day 06 : Rumbak to camp
below
Ganda La
Day 07 : Yurutse to Shogdo
via Ganda La
Day 08 : Shogdo to Nardung
Day 09 : Nardung to Hankar
Day 10 : Hankar to Nimaling
Day 11 : Nimaling to Sumdo
via Gongmaru La
Day12 : Complete trek, attend
Hemis festival
Day 13 : Attend Hemis festival
Day 14 : Fly to Delhi
Day 15 : Trip concludes Delhi Day 16 : At Tso Moriri Day 19 : Return to Leh
Day 20 : In Leh
Day 21 : Depart Leh
Day 22 : In Delhi
Highlights
Land Cost
Cost
of the tour
per person US$ 2390,
from Delhi The above costing is subject
to change without notice.
Hidden
Valleys of Ladakh
[ LED BY GARRY WEARE ]
WELCOME TO WORLDWIDE
ADVENTURES
Thank you for enquiring about our Hidden Valleys
of Ladakh trip. Worldwide Adventures is an affiliate
of World Expeditions, one of the most experienced
adventure travel companies and this year we are
celebrating our 29th year in operation! Our product
range has expanded significantly since we first
offered trips to the Nepal and Indian Himalayas
in the early 70’s.
These Days we offer trips on every continent –
from adventure touring to introductory trekking
& cycling adventures, to sea kayaking and rafting
in Australia and mountaineering trips in the worlds
most spectacular mountain regions. Our hands-on
operational control is the key to our success –
it has ensured a safety record second to none, and
the most innovative adventure itineraries around.
When you review the caliber of our leaders (eight
of whom have climbed Everest), you will appreciate
the pivotal role that World Expeditions (Worldwide
Adventures) has played in the development of adventure
travel in Australia. Please look carefully at our
trip features and inclusions; you’ll see that
World Expeditions’ (Worldwide Adventures)
trips represent excellent value for money. We hope
that you can join us on this trip of a lifetime.
THE ADVENTURE
IN BRIEF
Ladakh is often referred to as Little Tibet on account
of its ancient Buddhist cultural heritage and proximity
to Tibet. It is literally ‘a land of high
passes’, characterized by tiny-whitewashed
villages and Buddhist monasteries set beneath a
dramatic Trans Himalayan mountain-scape. We combine
a moderate trek following trails linking settlements
beyond the Indus Valley with time in Leh, Ladakh’s
historic capital and two Days to attend the renowned
Hemis festival.
An additional week to visit the camp in the vicinity
of the serene lake at Tso Moriri in East Ladakh
close to the Tibetan borderlands is also highly
recommended. This year our group will be accompanied
by Garry Weare, author of the definitive “Trekking
in the Indian Himalayas’ by Lonely Planet,
founding director of the Australian Himalayan Foundation
and former director of World Expeditions. Last year
Garry completed a six month across the Indian Himalayas
and to date has trekked well over 20,000 km in this
spectacular region of the Himalayas.
Moderate
Level
15-Day trip
07 Day trek
07 nights hotels
With Tso Moriri Option
22-Day trip
07 Day trek
09 nights hotels
TOUR
DATES:
16 Jun – 30 Jun
Hidden Valleys
of Ladakh with Rupshu Option
As above until Day 15
30 Jun
– 07 Jul
Day 15 : Drive to Tso Moriri & camp
Day 16/18 : At Tso Moriri, Day walks
Day 19 : Return to Leh
Day 20 : In Leh
Day 21 : Fly to Delhi
Day 22 : In Delhi, trip concludes
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day 01 :
Arrive
Delhi.
You will be met by our local representative leader
and transferred to the hotel. A pre-trek briefing
will be given and optional sightseeing of Old and
New Delhi will be included this afternoon subject
to your flight arrival time, including the Red Fort
and the Jama Masjid where arrangements will be made
for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag
and down jacket.
Day
02 : Fly
to Leh
We take the early flight from Delhi to Leh in the
Indus Valley. If the conditions are clear you will
be rewarded with grand views across the Great Himalayas
and Zanskar ranges before landing at the capital
of Ladakh. We will have the rest of the Day at leisure
in Leh.
Day
3/4 :
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 17th 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 Stok Palace, Tikse
monastery and Shey Palace is also included. 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 multi - denominational
chapel built with the assistance of tourist funds
and is proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism
in Ladakh.
At Shey Palace we view the magnificent 12-meter
Shakyamuni Buddha statue while at Stok we appreciate
the museum that includes many exhibits from the
time the Ladakhi Royal family were exiled from Leh
in 1836.
Day 05 : Leh
to Jingham & trek to Rumbak
(2 to 3 hours)
On our first Day we drive along a dirt road to the
south of the Indus Valley to the secluded village
of Jingham (3380m). From the trailhead, we head
up a narrow willow-lined gorge for a couple of hours
to the settlement of Rumbak (3870m) and our first
camp.
Day
06 : Rumbak
to camp below Ganda La (2 to 3 hours)
Another short Day to assist acclimatization. From
Rumbak we ascend above the valley floor and across
several tiny meadows as we follow the trail to the
tiny settlement of Yurutse. The peak of Stok Kangri
looms above the stark mountain-scape. Our campsite
(4300 meters) will be located in one of the many
meadows just above the village and within striking
distance of the Ganda La. That afternoon we undertake
a short walk to further assist with acclimatization.
Day 07 : Yurutse
to Shogdo via Ganda La (6 hours)
Above our camp we gain views of the snow-capped
Stok Range. A number of chortens define the trail
on the final gradual ascent to the Ganda La (4920m).
From the pass there a views south across the endless
folds of the Zanskar Range and the snow capped summits
of the main Himalayas Range before completing the
gradual descent to the village of Shingo (4090 meters)
Day 08 : Shogdo to Nardung
(6 to 7 hours)
Below Shogdo the trail enters a narrow gorge where
willow, poplar and rose bushes provide a natural
canopy alongside the river course. The Skiu monastery
(3380m) marks the confluence of the stream coming
from Shingo and the Markha Valley. We then head
up the valley to the settlement of Nardung (3530m)
and a comfortable, grassy campsite.
Day 09 : Nardung to Hankar
(6 to 7 hours)
The trail gradually ascends the Markha Valley to
Markha (3800m) a substantial village, complete with
a derelict fort on the hillside while there is a
small village gompa just above the village. The
trail then crosses the Markha River a number of
times to reach the village of Umlung. A few km beyond
the village the valley widens and the imposing peak
of Kangyaze (6400m) can be appreciated before reaching
Hankar (3980m), the highest village in the Markha
Valley.
Day 10 : Hankar
to Nimaling (4 to 5 hours)
Beyond Hankar the trail heads north to the meadows
of Thochuntse before steadily ascending to a series
of grassy windswept ridges. As the trial gradient
eases there are a series of mani walls and chortens
marking the route, while the huge peak of Kangyaze
looms to the south beyond the alpine pastures.
The camping areas at Nimaling (4730m) are shared
with the yak herders from Hankar, Umlung and Markha.
There is also an option to head across the yak pastures
to the base of Kangyaze for further views south
and west across the Zanskar Ranges.
Day 11 : Nimaling
to Sumdo via Gongmaru La (6 to 7
hours)
The gradual ascent to the pass can be completed
in no more than two hours. The Gongmaru La (5160m)
is the highest pass on the trek and affords a birds
eye view down to the Indus Valley and across to
the Ladakh Range.
From the pass there is a steep 500 descent to a
small shepherd encampment before entering a narrow
gorge crossing the main stream on several occasions
as it drops steeply to the highest village of Chogdo
(3950m). It’s then a further hours walk onto
Sumdo (3650m) and our last camp.
Day 12/13
: Complete
trek, attend Hemis Festival
From Sumdo we either take transport along the jeep
road or walk the short distance to Hemis monastery.
The two-Day festival at Hemis commemorates the Indian
sage Padmasambhava who introduced Tantric Buddhism
to this region of the Himalayas in the 8th century.
The festival consists of an elaborate series of
masked dances depicting the life of Padmasambhava
and the moral victory of knowledge over ignorance
etc.
The festival is attended by several thousands of
Ladakhi villagers from throughout the Indus Valley.
Besides its religious significance it is a time
to renew acquaintances, visit the many stands and
drink large quantities of butter tea and barley
beer. In essence it is more of a medieval fair than
a religious festival that reflects much of the contemporary
cultural life of Ladakh.
Note: that our trek in 2004 coincides with the once
every 11 year unveiling of the huge thangka in honour
of Padmasambhava. While we will do our utmost to
gain reserve seats at the festival this may be beyond
our control. We therefore request you accept a flexible
arrangement regarding seating arrangements for the
two at the festival.
Day 14 : Depart
Leh, fly to Delhi
We complete the spectacular flight down the crest
of the West Himalayas to Himachal Pradesh and the
Indian Plains. On arrival in Delhi we will transfer
to our hotel and the rest of the Day is at leisure.
Day 15 : In
Delhi, trip concludes
The trip concludes toDay and you will be transferred
to the airport for your return flight
Rupshu Extension
Day 15
: To Tso Moriri
From Leh (we drive for six hours &140 km) to
the 4000m lake of Tso Moriri
Day
16 /18 : At
Tso Moriri
We have reserved three Days to camp and explore
the area in the vicinity of Tso Moriri. A serene
lake surrounded by grassland and tiny patches of
rich pasture while gently rounded 6000m peaks provide
an inspiring backdrop. On arrival we will camp close
to the settlement and monastery of Kursoc before
heading of to more remote localities from where
we can undertake Day walks to appreciate the grazing
areas where the Chang pa – the nomadic yak
herdsmen live for most of the year.
In many respects the Chang pa are similar in lifestyles
to the original Ladakhi herdsmen who migrated from
West Tibet. They are generally self-sufficient,
live in tents made from yak hide and are on the
move in search of pastures for their animals for
most of the year. They are generally self sufficient
with their yaks, sheep and goats providing them
with meat, cheese and milk and wool including the
famous pashmina wool which is made into some of
the world’s finest shawls. Until the 1980’s
the Chang pa also traded salt for barely grain with
the villagers in the Zanskar valley.
It was incidentally a trade that was witnessed by
some of the early WE groups trekking through the
remote gorges linking the Zanskar and the Markha
valley. NowaDays the state government is trying
to provide a more stable lifestyle for future generations
of Chang pa with a school and hostel in Kursoc.
It is questionable though (and a good topic of conversation
while we are there) as to the long-term viability
of the project.
Our Day walks will take us high on the flanks of
the surrounding peaks and also along the shores
of the lake. It is one of the few habitats of the
black-necked swan while brahmini ducks and snow
pigeons together with birds of prey that also live
close to the lake. Other endangered species include
the kiangs and the wild yak as well as the snow
leopard that return to the shores of the lake at
the margin of the seasons.
We have the option of camping alongside the nearby
lake of Tso Khar l before returning to Leh
Day 19 : Return to
Leh
Day 20 : In
Leh, open arrangements
Day 21 : Depart Leh,
fly to Delhi
We complete the spectacular flight down the crest
of the West Himalayas to Himachal Pradesh and the
Indian Plains. On arrival in Delhi we will transfer
to our hotel and the rest of the Day is at leisure.
Day 22 : In
Delhi, trip concludes
The trip concludes toDay and you will be transferred
to the airport for your return flight
COST INCLUSIONS
YOUR
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
- Quality hotel accommodation in Delhi on a bed
and breakfast basis.
- Comfortable hotel accommodation in Leh on a full
board basis.
- Local sightseeing in Ladakh
- All internal transport by private bus, jeep, car
or air.
- All airport transfers.
- 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.
- International Airfare
- 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.
FURTHER
READING
For more background information on your trek, and
for a bibliography on Ladakh you may wish to consult
the 4th edition of "Trekking in the Indian
Himalayas” by Garry Weare, published by Lonely
Planet, 2002.
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 awaiting packhorses.
We are usually on the trail by 7:00 am and try to
complete our trek by lunchtime.
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 visiting the local people, it
is always a very special time.
MEALS
Our menu is based on fresh food to provide three
nutritious, plentiful and tasty meals daily. Breakfast
is a selection of cereal, muesli, porridge, followed
by pancakes, chapati, puri and local breads. An
egg dish usually completes the meal. Lunch is a
selection of salads, pasta, traditional breads,
cheese and potato dishes.
Our evening meal commences with soup and is followed
by rice, pasta and a range of vegetable and meat
dishes. Fruit or a local dessert completes the meal.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cordial and biscuits
are provided at meals and on request in camp. We
can cater for specific dietary needs if we know
in advance. First-time trekkers are pleasantly surprised
at the quality of the meals.
HEALTH
You can expect to remain healthy throughout the
trek. All food is hygienically prepared, cooked
and served. Our kitchen crew are well trained and
conscientiously adhere to strict hygiene guidelines.
All water is boiled to ensure it is safe to use.
You should be conservative when you eat in Delhi
prior to the trek.
LEADER
AND CREW
Our local leaders are professional guides dedicated
to providing the best experience possible. They
have a high level of competence in wilderness and
emergency medicine. We travel as a self-contained
expedition ensuring that we do not deplete limited
local food resources and provide valuable employment
for the local people. We enjoy the company of the
crewmembers with whom we share our days. Guides
will ensure we take the right trail, kitchen hands
prepare our food and do the washing up, the skilled
cook's meals will please you, porters and yak handlers
move your gear from camp to camp and the sirdar
oversees the operation. The times you spend with
these people - walking, talking, playing games -
will often be the fondest memories of your trek.
TIPPING
Tipping is a tradition throughout the Indian sub-continent.
At the end of the trek your leader will collect
what you wish to give and assist the group to distribute
it fairly amongst the crew. The staff will work
very hard and look forward to your tip as an indication
from you of a job well done. As a recommendation,
you should budget on tipping around (approximately
USD$2-3) for each trek day. If you wish to tip the
leader please do this in addition to the crew's
tip. We do not include the tip in the cost of your
trek because if we did the crew would not see it
as an expression of your satisfaction.
ITINERARY
Our itineraries are designed to allow you to acclimatize
to the altitude gains comfortably and without risk.
Although it would be possible to do this trek in
fewer days, we believe that extra time in addition
to the minimum days must be included to allow for
contingencies such as bad weather or the need for
further acclimatization. The walking hours mentioned
are only a guide and could vary considerably according
to each individual, depending on your particular
pace and how often you stop for photographs or breaks.
The route and overnight stops are at the discretion
of the group leader and the itinerary should be
seen only as an indication.
ACCOMMODATION
Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions clients will
generally stay at a first class hotel within walking
distance of the town centre, where a full breakfast
is provided. However at peak times it may be necessary
to use other hotels of equal standard. You will
leave all those items not required on the trek at
the hotel.
CLIMATE
Ladakh, situated to the north of the main Himalayas
Range is beyond the influence of the Indian monsoon.
Humidity is low and rainfall no more than a few
centimetres each year. In June the daytime temperature
will vary (around 20C) while at night they may drop
considerably. On the trek we provide excellent tents
and sleeping bags to combat any variations on these
conditions.
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 minimize
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 
