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
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 01:Arrive Leh
Day 02:Sightseeing and Acclimatization
Day 03:Drive to Hundar
Day 04:Drive to roadhead. Trek to Hundar Dok
Day 05:Trek to Sniu Sumdo
Day 06:Trek to Thanglasgo
Day 07:Trek to Lasermola Base
Day 08:Trek to Phyang Sumdo
Day 09:Trek to Morobuk. Drive to Leh
Day 10:Depart
Day 01:Arrive Leh
Day 02:Sightseeing and Acclimatization
Day 03:Drive to Hundar
Day 04:Drive to roadhead. Trek to Hundar Dok
Day 05:Trek to Sniu Sumdo
Day 06:Trek to Thanglasgo
Day 07:Trek to Lasermola Base
Day 08:Trek to Phyang Sumdo
Day 09:Trek to Morobuk. Drive to Leh
Day 10:Depart
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.
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
Hampta Pass trek is the epic crossing from the lush green Kullu Valley into the arid, semi-desert like valley of Lahaul. For generations, this pass has been used by locals and Gaddi Shepherds in the summer months for crossing over into Lahaul with their herds of sheep and goat. The other pass that takes us across is the Rohtang La(3985m) which is a motorable road.
Standing on Hampta pass(4270m), it is amazing to notice the stark contrasts in scenery between the 2 valleys. We begin our adventure with a beautiful 4 day acclimatization trek through Deo Tibba Valley reaching the base camp of Mt. Deo Tibba(6001m) at Pyangneru. Deo Tibba(6001m) and Indrasan(6221m) are the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal range and this trek gives us some of the best views of both these peaks and the adjacent ones. The snout of the Deo Tibba glacier is just 2 hrs away from the basecamp.
We then enter Hampta Valley through Jobri Nallah and ascend to the pass at 4270m. It is a common sight to meet Gaddi shepherds all along the route with their big flocks. Sometimes our campsites are just next to theirs and it is great to get insights of the mountains and wildlife from these wise, hardened men. Each campsite on this trek is an absolute beauty, with the campsite at Rourikholi taking the cake.
Trekking in Himachal is definitely an uplifting experience and this trek in particular, with its variety, pacing and beautiful landscape will leave you completely rejuvenated.
Manali! The name itself excites one and all for a variety of reasons :) But most of all for its chill climes and pristine Himalayan ranges. Nestled between the Pir Panjal Range and the Dhauladhar range is Kullu Valley, the gateway to Ladakh and the Karakoram. Manali, the most famous tourist hill town in Kullu Valley is at an altitude of 2000m and enjoys salubrious weather and a steady inflow of tourists and trekkers through the year. The side valleys around Manali offer some amazing trekking options from relaxed day hikes for amateurs to tough trails for the seasoned trekker. The only time the valley sort of goes into slumber would be during the winter when the inflow of travellers thins down.
Here’s a chance to experience Manali and around in the quiet winters and have a fab Christmas and New year. Sign off 2017 and welcome 2018 with an exhilarating experience in the mountains. Lovely pine-scented forests, sprawling meadows, snow-capped mountains, and a billion stars to gaze at in the dead of the nights.
After our arrival in Manali, we set up base at the Buddhist village of Tsethan(2650m), an hour’s drive into the mountains above Manali. This is the last inhabited village after which we are totally in the mountains. This was the village which was proposed to become a ski village. A lot of heli skiing and ski touring happens around here in the peak of winters. At Tsethan, we stay at a lovely lodge and take day hikes everyday into a different valley ranging from 3-4 hrs. Have picnic lunches soaking in the Himalayan bliss or come back early for a hot lunch at base camp. Evenings are spent around the bonfire chatting away and star gazing. Its also a chance to interact with the very hospitable locals and learn a little of their simple yet rugged lifestyles. All in all a great way to say bye to this year and move on into the next with renewed hopes and dreams.
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
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!
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.
This adventure is specifically designed for the active traveller, somebody who relishes a destination while being on the move. For anybody who wants to get a good feel of Ladakh up and close, and in action mode.
We spend the first 2 days acclimatizing to high altitude, something mandatory after arriving in Leh. The next 2 days are for mountain biking down the highest motorable road to Leh and then on to Likir, the start point of our trek. 2 days of trekking to follow, through Ladakhi villages with green cultivated fields and staying in homestays for the night. A great way of getting to know the local lifestyle and interact with the natives of Sham Valley.
Before going on to our last adventure, we take a long and beautiful drive through Suru and Zanskar to reach Padum, the main town of Zanskar. The next 3 days is reserved for high octane white water adventure on the Zanskar river over a class 4+ section through Zanskar canyon, famously referred to as “The Grand Canyon of Asia”. The penultimate day for visiting the famous turquoise Pangong lake at the Tibetan border and the final day to just sit and vegetate!
For energetic ones visiting Ladakh for the first time, there is no better way of soaking in the Ladakh feel in 2 weeks.
Goechala Trek is your chance to visit the hallowed land of the highest mountain in India and the 3rd highest mountain in the World - Khangchendzonga(8586m) in the Kingdom of Sikkim. You will be delighted each day of the trip by the Buddhist culture of the place, its natural beauty and the warmth of the locals. The trip spans the Nepalese hinterland of East India covering Darjeeling and West Sikkim. Right from day 1, the Khangchendzonga range covers the north sky and grows in size as we inch closer and closer until Goechala, where we are just 9 kms away from its formidable North face. You will have to crane your neck to get a good sight at the summit from here.
The trip starts with 2 days at the Tea Capital of Darjeeling, the charming hill station town built by the British. We then move on to Yuksom in West Sikkim, the start point for the 8 day trek rich in flora and fauna. There is a wide variety of orchids, ferns, rhododendrons and bamboo…the thick vegetation with snow mountains peeking through the branches, the yaks and dzos ambling along with load on their backs is a common sight along the trail. During Spring, this region is home to some of the biggest and most colourful rlooming hododendrons in the Himalaya.
Rated among the finest walks in the Indian Himalaya, the trek to Goechala and back will leave you craving for more.
This is an itinerary which covers most of the highlights of Ladakh in an action-packed 14-day package. We start our trip from New Delhi with an overnight Volvo to Manali, a lush Himalayan Hill station famous for its apple orchards. After a day of relaxing and local sightseeing in Manali, we embark on an epic 2-day trans-Himalayan road trip to Leh rated as one of the finest road trips in the World crossing 5 high passes with stunning scenery.
We have a day’s rest to recoup from the driving when we checkout the famous monasteries and palaces in Leh. The next 2 days we visit the northernmost tip of India - Nubra Valley which used to be a major stopover for traders during the silk route days. Enjoy rides on the double-humped camels there and visit Diskit monastery with the 32 mtr statue of the Maitreya Buddha. On the way back to Leh, we enjoy mountain biking from the highest motorable pass - Khardung La(5359m).
We then hike for 3 days through the picturesque Sham Valley interspersed with villages with green farm fields. One of the best ways to feel the essence of Ladakh. We also get an opportunity to stay in Homestays and view first hand the lifestyle of people in Ladakh. We end the trek at Tingmosgang and to Lamayuru, one of the most popular monasteries of Ladakh. Lamayuru is situated in mud spires in a moonlike surroundings which will leave you in total awe. The next day at Leh is reserved for rest and leisure. Checkout sunrise over Tsemo Castle or sunset over Shanti Stupa. A heart warming experience just seeing the sun light up the Valley and turn it crimson during sunset. Visit the charming and bustling market in Leh and shop for your loved ones.
The next 2 days are reserved for a visit to Pangong Lake and a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Zanskar.
This is one trip that will leave you with vivid images and special experiences that you will be talking about for a long time.
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