Guardians of Pashmina
Pashmina or as the west knows it – Cashmere is the finest wool from the land of Changthang and it literally means ‘soft gold’ in Kashmiri. This fine thinner-than-hair wool is hand-woven into shawls by the Kashmiri artisans and sold world over. But lesser known are the goat herders, the nomadic tribe endemic to the vast windswept high-altitude (4500m) cold desert plateau – Changthang. It is located at the South-Eastern corner of Ladakh extending 1600kms eastward into Tibet and into modern day China. With expansive highlands and giant sapphire lakes, it is home to the Changpas, the wandering nomads of this land.
For generations, they have roamed its huge swathes of nutritious pastures with their flocks weathering severe temperatures, high winds, and inhospitable terrain. It is warm in the summers and severely cold in the winters, dropping to -35 to – 40-degree Celsius.It is only in these extreme weather condition does the pashmina goats thrive to yield the best pashmina wool. Throughout the year the nomads keep moving with their huge flocks of goats & sheep along with yaks, horses and ferocious Tibetan Mastiffs which guard the flocks against predators – mainly wolves. Their tents are made of black yak wool to protect them from the harsh winds as they move from one encampment to the other. This yak-wool tent earns them the name ‘Rebo’ – called so by the local Ladakhis. The Rebo cover vast stretches of land over a year’s journey and some stunning locations, still hidden and unknown to most of us non-nomads.The Changpas have and are still living this hard way of life following customs and keeping the tradition of their tribe alive even today, untethered to the modern society.
Another aspect that helps is the protection of the Indian side of Changthang, as ‘Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary’ which consists of two large, world famous lakes Pangong Tso and Tsomoriri and much smaller, yet amazing ones across the region which totals to about 11 lakes and 10 marshes. It is only in recent times has this region along the Tibetan border been thrown open to tourism although with a permit issued from Leh. Changthang is also home to many rare species of migratory birds and other fauna including the black-necked crane, Tibetan wild ass(Kiang) and the Argali.
Our Photography tour of Changpas of Changthang is designed to give explorers and photography enthusiasts a peek into the life and culture of these rugged dwellers and exotic landscapes that is their home! We start off with a 3-day acclimatization and mini photography sessions in and around Leh town where we cover stunning monasteries, ancient palaces, and little unknown nooks that will delight you. On Day 3, after we are better acclimatized we move to the heartland of the Rebo, in the backyard of the breathtaking Tsomoriri Lake. After a couple of nights, we move higher to a sprawling Valley surrounded by mountains all around and camp close to a lake.
The trip promises to be a feast for the eyes, with unimaginable visual imagery of India’s frontiers documenting the lesser known and changing lives of the Rebos of Changthang. This trip is ideal for photographers, people seeking quiet time and explorers in quest of unknown spectacular locations.
Who is this for?
This photography tour is for anyone interested in learning about the Changpa’s way of life. You need not be a professional to join the tour. We’ve crafted it keeping in mind the needs of beginners as well as more serious photographers.
What will you learn?
The tour is crafted to help participants document the way of life of the Changpa nomads right from portraits, the landscape they live in, to the little details of their everyday life. Beside this, we will also learn how to shoot the night sky as well one of those surreal looking time-lapse videos of the mountains.
₹50,000
Overview
Guardians of Pashmina-Photography tour of Changpas of Changthang – Overview
Photography tour of Changpas of Changthang
Pashmina or as the west knows it – Cashmere is the finest wool from the land of Changthang and it literally means ‘soft gold’ in Kashmiri. This fine thinner-than-hair wool is hand-woven into shawls by the Kashmiri artisans and sold world over. But lesser known are the goat herders, the nomadic tribe endemic to the vast windswept high-altitude (4500m) cold desert plateau – Changthang. It is located at the South-Eastern corner of Ladakh extending 1600kms eastward into Tibet and into modern day China. With expansive highlands and giant sapphire lakes, it is home to the Changpas, the wandering nomads of this land.
For generations, they have roamed its huge swathes of nutritious pastures with their flocks weathering severe temperatures, high winds, and inhospitable terrain. It is warm in the summers and severely cold in the winters, dropping to -35 to – 40-degree Celsius.It is only in these extreme weather condition does the pashmina goats thrive to yield the best pashmina wool. Throughout the year the nomads keep moving with their huge flocks of goats & sheep along with yaks, horses and ferocious Tibetan Mastiffs which guard the flocks against predators – mainly wolves. Their tents are made of black yak wool to protect them from the harsh winds as they move from one encampment to the other. This yak-wool tent earns them the name ‘Rebo’ – called so by the local Ladakhis. The Rebo cover vast stretches of land over a year’s journey and some stunning locations, still hidden and unknown to most of us non-nomads. The Changpas have and are still living this hard way of life following customs and keeping the tradition of their tribe alive even today, untethered to the modern society.
Another aspect that helps is the protection of the Indian side of Changthang, as ‘Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary’ which consists of two large, world famous lakes Pangong Tso and Tsomoriri and much smaller, yet amazing ones across the region which totals to about 11 lakes and 10 marshes. It is only in recent times has this region along the Tibetan border been thrown open to tourism although with a permit issued from Leh. Changthang is also home to many rare species of migratory birds and other fauna including the black-necked crane, Tibetan wild ass(Kiang) and the Argali.
Our trip is designed to give explorers and photography enthusiasts a peek into the life and culture of these rugged dwellers and exotic landscapes that is their home! We start off with a 3-day acclimatization and mini photography sessions in and around Leh town where we cover stunning monasteries, ancient palaces, and little unknown nooks that will delight you. On Day 3, after we are better acclimatized we move to the heartland of the Rebo, in the backyard of the breathtaking Tsomoriri Lake. After a couple of nights, we move higher to a sprawling Valley surrounded by mountains all around and camp close to a lake.
The Photography tour of Changpas of Changthang promises to be a feast for the eyes, with unimaginable visual imagery of India’s frontiers documenting the lesser known and changing lives of the Rebos of Changthang. This trip is ideal for photographers, people seeking quiet time and explorers in quest of unknown spectacular locations.
Who is this for?
This photography tour is for anyone interested in learning about the Changpa’s way of life. You need not be a professional to join the tour. We’ve crafted it keeping in mind the needs of beginners as well as more serious photographers.
What will you learn?
The tour is crafted to help participants document the way of life of the Changpa nomads right from portraits, the landscape they live in, to the little details of their everyday life. Beside this, we will also learn how to shoot the night sky as well one of those surreal looking time-lapse videos of the mountains.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- Visit Indian Himalaya’s wild and restricted frontiers
- Chance to document the little known lives of Changthang Nomads – the Rebo
- Hone photography skills with an expert mentor in stunning locales
- Sapphire Tso Moriri and other hidden high altitude lakes
- Camping in tents under a zillion stars
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 01:Arrive Leh(3500m)- Rest and acclimatization
Day 02:Sightseeing – Monasteries and Palaces
Day 03:Leh Heritage Walk
Day 04:Drive to Tsomoriri(4500m) via Tsokar
Day 05:@Nomad Camp 1
Day 06:Drive to Nomad Camp 2(4800m)
Day 07:@Nomad Camp 2
Day 08:@Nomad Camp 2
Day 09:Drive to Leh via Mahe
Day 10:Depart
Cost Inclusions
Guardians of Pashmina – Cost Details
COST:
INR 79500
USD 1325
COST INCLUDES
- Expert Photography mentor with vast Experience
- Experienced Camping Crew: Trip Leader and support staff for camping day in Changthang
- Accommodation: Entire accommodation during the trip
- A class hotel in Leh.
- Tents in Changthang
- All Transport as mentioned in the itinerary in Tempo Traveller – 14 seater
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary. All meals during camping and only breakfasts in Leh
- All Permits and taxes – 5% GST
COST EXCLUDES
- Airfares and Travel Insurance
- Photography equipment, personal equipment or sleeping bags
- Any additional transport or activities apart from the trip itinerary
- Expenses rising through unforeseen conditions like bad weather, natural calamities, flight cancellations, etc
- Rescue and evacuation services
- Expenses of any personal nature like phone calls, drinks, cigarettes, souvenirs, laundry, etc
- Tips
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in Cost includes
Itinerary
Guardians of Pashmina – Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Leh
Fly into Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh, one of the highest mountain airports in the world. The excitement begins mid-air as you gaze down at never ending ranges of mountains, glaciers and rivers. Also seen is the azure Tsomoriri Lake, one of our key locations for our upcoming trip. As you walk out of the airport you will be received by our Leh representative and driven straight to the hotel in Leh(15 mins drive). Check-in to the hotel, have breakfast and relax till noon.
Our comprehensive briefing will take place post lunch before heading out to the charming streets of Leh to checkout the bazaar.
Leh is at a very high altitude and it is paramount to give your body adequate time to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels. Avoid any kind of exertion for the first 2 days, drink lots of water and eat well.
Meals: B; Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing – Monasteries and Palaces
Today is another relaxed day and we drive around Leh to some iconic monasteries and palaces.
Ladakh has some amazing monasteries all around its land. But some of them stand out either for their architectural beauty or stunning location. One such is Thiksey monastery which is a miniature resemblance of the Potala Palce of Tibet. Apart from this, we visit Shey Palace, the erstwhile capital of Leh and return to Leh for lunch.
We visit Shanti Stupa early evening and take some good shots of Tsemo castle and Leh Valley in the setting sun…a great vantage point to click some amazing shots of Leh Palace and Tsemo Castle with the rugged mountainous background.
Meals: B; Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 03: Leh Heritage Walk
Leh has a long history , having been at the crossroads of Asia and part of the silk route. Their were bazaars in Leh in the ancient times when none existed in other parts of the India. It is amazing how it stands now with one part of town called Old Leh town and the other new, and how the old has mixed with the new. Age old traditions continued till this date, ancient architecture and some customs. It is a walk rich in information and visual imagery.
In the evening we make our way to Leh Palace and a short hike up to Tsemo Castle for some stunning shots of Sunset over Leh Valley and the Stok Range. Meals: B; Overnight Leh Hotel.
Day 04: Drive to Tsomoriri(4500m)
Our main workshop begins today with a long drive to Tsomoriri over Taglang La and Tsokar Lake. The drive is about 8 hrs, but we will have multiple stops on the way increasing travel time. Expect stops around the pass, at Morey plains, Tsokar Lake and other nomad areas on the way. The first signs of Changpa nomads we see once we cross Taglang La towards the right. The changpas keep shifting camps depending on the season. The drive is very scenic and we drive over 2 passes along the way. Tsokar(White Lake) is called so because of the salt deposits around it is famous as the breeding grounds for migratory birds like the black necked cranes, bar headed geese, ruddy shelducks, etc. Also the grazing grounds for Yak herders. There is a famous trek which starts from here and reaches Tsomoriri Lake.
We see glimpses of the magnificent Tsomoriri as we approach the lake and Korzok, is like a village out of a fairy tale. We set up camp in the Nomad grounds a little away from Korzok to be in proximity to the Nomads. In the late evening we take a small walk around the nomad camps to catch the evening activity.
Post dinner, we can settle down to capture the night skies!
Driving Time: 10 hrs.
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 05 – Day 08: @ Multiple Nomad Camps in Changthang Area
The next 4 days we spend most of our time living around and documenting the lives of Changthang Nomads in some spectacular settings and azure high altitude lakes close by. When we want to take a break from our cameras we can set out on short hikes or some quiet meditative time next to the pristine holy lakes!
Driving Time: 5-6 hrs.
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 09: Drive to Leh
We drive back to leh via Mahe Bridge, stopping for lunch at Chumathang Hot Springs. It’s amazing how boiling water is pushed out through geysers just next to the glacier fed cold Indus! The drive is all along the Indus till Leh and at Upshi we complete a circuit where we join the Manali-Leh Highway and drive back to Leh town.
Free time in the evening when you can shop or just chill in one of the restaurants enjoying gourmet cuisine.
Driving Time: 8-9 hrs.
Meals: BL, Overnight Camp.
Day 10: Departure
Early morning departure to the airport for flight to Delhi. Trip Ends!
Meals:B
Gallery
Guardians of Pashmina – Images
Extended Gallery on Facebook
Changthang Photo Tour – Aug 2018
Guardians of Pashmina – Sep 2017
Blog:
A visit to the land of Changpa Nomads and Sapphire Lakes
Proceed to Medium
Mentor
Mayank Soni is a travel photographer and filmmaker based in Mumbai. His love for the outdoors and indigenous cultures has led him to explore a range of remote corners across India. He has lived with the last surviving head hunters of Nagaland, trekked across the frozen Zanskar river in grueling minus 20 degree temperatures and explored the birding paradise of Eaglenest in search of the newly discovered species of Bugun. He regularly contributes to Lonely Planet Magazine India, National Geographic Traveller Magazine India and Conde Nast Traveller India as well as BBC Capital. Currently, he is working on a project to document the life of the Dard people of Gurez located on the Indo-Pak LOC.
More at www.mayanksoni.in
WHAT TO PACK – CAMERA EQUIPMENT
- Lenses – wide angle, telephoto, 50mm (optional 1x or 2x converter, 100-400mm for wildlife)
- Graduated Neutral Density Filter (round or square)
- 2 extra batteries
- 2 extra SD or CF memory cards
- Solar charger
- Camera cleaning kit
- Tripod
- Macbook/laptop
- Card reader
- Portable back-up hard disk
Inquiry
Talk to an Expert : Call +91-9886022521
Be the first to review “Guardians of Pashmina”
Related Treks
Complete Chadar Trek
₹50,000
The Chadar Trek is a phenomenal winter expedition. Period.
If Ladakh is a remote Himalayan region of Indian Himalaya, then Zanskar would be called the remote region of Ladakh! The region gets its name from the Zanskar river that cascades through the stunning Zanskar Gorge famously referred to as ‘The Grand Canyon of Asia’. Zanskar river is a tributary of Indus and is popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Summers. In the winters, the temperature in this cold, arid desert plummets drastically falling as low as -30 degree celsius forcing the Zanskar to freeze on the surface. Thus the top layer forms a veil of ice referred to as ‘Chadar’ by locals.
Markha Valley Trek
₹50,000
If you had to choose just one trek to do in Ladakh, it must be the Markha Valley Trek. It’s not “the most popular trek” in Ladakh without reason. Right from ease of access, remoteness of valley, wilderness experience and just the feel of trekking in Ladakh - it is all there on this trail. The long hours of walking in wind swept arid landscape with green villages suddenly appearing as a welcoming Oasis, is exactly how trekking in Markha is. Right in between the valley is the quaint Tacha Gompa perched high up on a cliff adding some mystic to this trek. What really adds to the experience is the presence of little hamlets along the way affording a high degree of interaction with the hardy natives. This is the first valley where the concept of homestays was pioneered in the 2000s and later replicated across other trekking valleys in Ladakh. The high altitude grazing grounds at Nimaling with splendid views of snowcapped Kang Yatse is yet another highlight.
The Markha Valley was connected to the mainland via a steel bridge across the Zanskar river in Feb,2016. This bridge was sadly washed off later that year from the Tsarap Chu floods. A new bridge has been proposed here and will soon see the light of day. It gives the trekkers the last few years to enjoy trekking in this fabulous valley sans vehicles! Make the most of it, when you can.
In Quest Of The Snow Leopard
In the dead of the night, in peak winter, when the mountains are covered by a snow quilt and are in deep slumber, ‘the grey ghost’ descends from the high inhospitable Himalayan heights to the lower reaches in the valley…in search of a mate and its prey - the wild mountain goats!
Snow Leopard (Ladakhi: Shan) - An enigmatic mammal capable of surviving in some of the most brutal terrains and in extreme environmental conditions, is the undisputed King of the snowcapped regions. Easily the most magnificent of all the wild cats, this nocturnal cat moves like the phantom in the high mountains of Central Asia in about 12 countries including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. In India, it is most prevalent in parts of Ladakh and Spiti. Due to its highly camouflaged coat and secretive habits, it is almost impossible to spot it in the summers. But in winters, when the mountains are under snow it becomes relatively easier to spot them by following their walking trails in the snow. There’s an estimated 250-350 that survive today and is marked as an endangered species.
For wildlife enthusiasts, spotting a snow leopard is akin to coming face to face with God. It takes penance and patience and luck to actually spot it in its natural habitat. For some of them, it's a yearly pilgrimage they need to make to hopefully catch this charming creature at close quarters. Mid-Feb and end-March being the mating season, the probability of spotting them is high. It is normal for a male and female leopard to stay put in the same place for 2-3 days once they meet.
Our itinerary spanning 10 days is spread out across 2 locations where snow leopards have been sighted most frequently in the winters - Sham Valley and Rumbak Valley. The trip also builds in a good mix of trekking, homestay experiences and a chance of spotting the other wildlife of Ladakh. We start our itinerary with 2 days of acclimatization and sightseeing in Leh before venturing into the Sham Valley for a small trek combined with wildlife spotting. We will spend a couple of days scanning the slopes of Yangthang, Ulley and Hemisshukpachen. The next half of the itinerary is around Rumbak Valley divided between Husing Do and Yurutse.
Scanning for wildlife involves a lot of patience and long hours in the outdoors is not so favourable conditions. It is almost meditative in its approach and can be exhausting but the reward is most satisfactory. Few can explain the jubilation of spotting rarely seen wildlife in all their glory. And if it happens to be the King itself, the joy just quadruples!!.
Wildlife spotting expected: Himalayan Blue Sheep, Tibetan Argali, Asiatic Ibex, Lynx, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Snow Leopard.
We do not promise sure shot spotting in these locations, but the probability is high. What we definitely promise is to give you a great and safe time as you enjoy an active winter in Ladakh hiking, camping and spotting some of its splendid wildlife.
Nubra Valley Trek
₹50,000
A section of the ancient silk route that connected China to
middle Asia
Nubra - the famous ‘Valley of flowers’ of Ladakh
Crossing of the high eternally snowbound Lasermola
Pass(5400m)
Sand dunes of Hundar and double-humped Camels
Massive Maitreya statue at Deskit monastery
Ancient monasteries and palaces of Ladakh
Singalila Ridge Trek
₹50,000
The Singalila Ridge Trek is one of the finest ridge walks in the Indian Himalaya affording amazing views of some big mountain ranges including Khangchendzonga and Everest. The highlight is the Khangchendzonga and surrounding mountains including Janoo and Pandim which from this distance, resembles a man sleeping and is famously referred to as “The Sleeping Buddha”.
The Singalila ridge comes off one of the ridges from Khangchendzonga in Sikkim. Sandakphu at 3636m, the highest point on this trek is a classic vantage point to view the Himalayan ranges from. Right ahead is the Khangchendzonga range, to the left is Everest range and to the right are the mountains of Bhutan. Trekkers and tourists flock to Sandakphu all year round, to get a glimpse of the magnificent Sleeping Buddha and to rejoice in its cool climes. This short getaway of 7 days is sure to leave you completely energized and feeling light.
#ChristmaswithChai
Khangchendzonga Circuit
Khangchendzonga Circuit is easily one of the finest treks the Indian Himalaya has to offer. Set in the kingdom of Sikkim, the hike takes you to touching distance of the 3rd highest mountain in the world and other snow jewels of Sikkim. Starting from as low as 1800m at Uttarey, the trek reaches its crescendo at Goechala(4940m), where the Khangchendzonga face is only 9 kms as the crow flies. It is an amphitheatre of huge mountains ranging from small peaks to 6000ers, 7000ers and the highest one in India!Some notable mountains are Janoo, Talung, Pandim, Jopuno, Narsing, Simvo and Kabru.
The first half of the trek straddles the border with Nepal passing through dense forests of rhododendron and sprawling meadows where Yaks and Dzos graze. Midway through the trek we camp beside high altitude holy lakes, before entering the Indian side of the border.
This is a demanding trek with some long days of walking where not many trekking groups venture. The route is mostly isolated all the way to Dzongri after which it joins the popular YuKsom-Dzongri Circuit where the footfall of hikers is higher. The Nepalese culture, rugged mountain route, heartwarming scenery, and the pacing of the route make this our personal favorite.
Consider this if you have a few treks under your belt, and lead a reasonably active lifestyle.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
₹50,000
Annapurna Conservation Area is the 2nd most walked Himalayan region in Nepal after Everest area. With myraid world class trekking options in the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit lead the popularity charts with most trekkers. Annapurna 1(8091m) was the first ever 8000er ever climbed by a French team led by Maurice Herzog in 1950.
From Kathmandu, we fly to the lakecity of Pokhara and drive to the roadhead at Nayapul(1050m) from where our trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary begins. Over the next few days we will walk to the base camp of an 8000er through some extraordinary variety in ecosystems - starting from terraced farmfields, to tropical jungles to arid desert like landscape at the foot of Annapurna. The trek initially passes through beautiful villages with terraced farm fields cut into mountain sides. The Tea-houses on the trail are all part of the villages and gives us immense scope for witnessing the lives of Gurung and Magar ethnic communities of Annapurna region. Ahead of Sinuwa, we enter dense tropical forests with a high chance of witnessing wildlife.For a birder, this is a trail through paradise!
Annapurna Panorama Trek
₹50,000
The 5-day Ghorepani-Poonhill trekking loop is one of the most pleasant and sought after short treks of Nepal and affords beautiful views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Macchapucchre ranges. Poon Hill, which is the highest point of the trek at 3210m is one of the finest vantage points in the Himalaya from where you can witness many peaks higher than 6000m and the Giants – Dhaulagiri(8167m) and Annapurna 1(8091m). A great introduction to Himalayan trekking and Nepalese Himalaya, this trek passes through farmlands and picturesque villages nestled in the foothills of Annapurna. We will be staying at simple tea-houses on the trail, a charming way to experience Nepali hospitality and witness the lifestyle of the natives. The traditional villages – Ghorepani and Ghandruk are the biggest Magar and Gurung settlements in the Annapurna sanctuary with wonderful views of the Himalayan ranges.
The trip starts with your arrival at Kathmandu and a day of sightseeing followed by the 5-day trek in Annapurna sanctuary with the beautiful lake city of Pokhara as base. Kathmandu and Pokhara, the 2 main cities of Nepal will play host before and after the trek.
THIS IS A GUARANTEED DEPARTURE.
Spiti Village Walks
₹50,000
God seemed to have created Spiti at complete leisure. There are few people in the world whose imagination is not instantly captured by Spiti at first sight…such is its beauty. As you drive down from Kunzum La, you are transported to a different world of arid lands, multicoloured mountains, impressive chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and 1000 year old monasteries built on high spurs. Between such landscape are nestled picturesque villages with toiling locals in their lush green farms of barley, buckwheat, and mustard. Solar energy has been well harnessed in the valley and it is not surprising to see entire villages subsisting on just solar power.
Spiti is cut-off from the rest of the world during its severe winters, when temperatures drop drastically to sub zero degrees. Its approach road from Shimla via the Hindustan-Tibet road is dangerous while Kunzum La, the gateway to Spiti Valley is closed under heavy snow most of the year. Spiti is open only in summers for a brief period between July and Sep, the only time you get to witness the bewitching beauty of this self sufficient valley.
Our trek takes us through some of the highest villages in Asia, staying in homestays and partaking local meals. A great way of exploring Spiti up and close, from the living rooms of the ever smiling, warm natives of Spiti.
Interestingly Spiti, and especially our trekking path has a lot of rock fossils reminding us of an age when the Himalaya used to be under the Tethys sea. This trek is also famous as the Fossil trail!
Parang La Trek
An ethereal walk traversing countries and geographies, from Indian desert mounds-of-sand like mountains of Spiti Valley to the vast expansive high altitude plateau, Changthang - the home of the nomadic Changpa’s in Tibet, is the Parang la trek. The trek reaches it crescendo, not just on one day – the day we cross the Parang la across the ragged mountains, but another – the day we soak in the serenity of the Tso Moriri. The trek is an endless walk along through green meadows where the Kiangs (Tibetan wild horses) run wild, through little bushes of green in the arid brown of the Spiti that are the rhododendrons, along the cobalt blue stillness of the Tso Moriri and then on to the vast expansive ill-populated wetlands of the Changthang plateau. This trek embodies the art of mindfulness – Vipaasana Meditation – One is truly mindful of their surrounding, their breath and the breathtaking visages.
The trip starts with a drive across the stunning landscapes and the lush green meadows of the Kullu valley to the arid mountain scapes of Lahaul and Spiti. To get acclimatised to the high altitude, the next couple of days is well spent understanding the ways of the monks and the people of Spiti in the millennial old, favourites of Dalai Lama -Toba and Kye/Key monasteries, soaking up some good energy and history. Taking the traditional trade route between Ladakh and Spiti, we cross Parang la (5580m), source of the Pare Chu River that flows from India to Tibet and final circles back to India to join the Spiti River. Then we descends to the almost never-ending plateau of Changthang and walk to the Tso Moriri (Lake Moriri) we get to sight some exotic migratory birds like the rare Great crested grebe, endangered Black-necked cranes, the lake is also the lone breeding home for the Bar-headed geese. Camping at the green grounds of Chumik Shilte and Kiangdam, we get to sleep under the stars and uninhabited lands of the Changthang, is a surreal experience of living, even if for few days, amongst the magnificent glacier peaks and still blue lakes. The trip ends with another scenic drive across Changthang to Leh, the main city of Ladakh, for a leisure day in Leh to relax the aching muscles after the challenging yet exciting walk.
This trek is recommended for experienced trekkers who have had some high-altitude trekking experience or maintain an active lifestyle.
- High altitude crossing from surreal Spiti into Changthang, the
Tibetan plateau
- Turquoise Tsomoriri Lake between Kiangdam and Korzok
- Wild Tibetan wild Asses and rare birds at Tsomoriri
- Witness lifestyle and interaction with Changpa Nomads of
Ladakh
- Millennium old monasteries of Spiti
- 2 splendid high altitude drives through awe-inspiring scenery
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.