Join Carol and Martin Noval on this high-altitude Ladakh adventure – 28 June to 24 July 2008 (15 days on the trek.)
DELHI - CHANDIGARH - KULLU VALLEY - JISPA - PANG - TSO MORIRI LAKE-KARZOK – TSO KAR LAKE – RUMTSE – THIKSEY – LEH – LAMAYURU FESTIVAL – ALCHI – LEH – DELHI
The nomad country of Ladakh to the east of Leh offers spectacular Himalayan scenery, azure blue high-altitude lakes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and villages, great walking and the opportunity to meet and walk among the Changpa Nomads still living their age-old pastoral life. The Changpas dwell in yak wool tents and graze their herds on the rich grasses that thrive in the areas near the enormous Tso Moriri Lake, a remnant of the ancient Tethys Sea. We've led treks all over the Himalayas and this is one of our favorite areas.
We'll begin acclinmatizing on day walks in the Kullu Valley, walking in remote villages and visiting ancient Hindu temples. From the Kullu Valley we'll move up gradually to be well-acclimatized when we begin our 15-day trek from Pang to Rumtse. We'll trek through nomad country from Pang to Tso Moriri Lake, an astonishing sight in the Himalayas. We'll spend a couple of days along the lake before reaching the village of Karzok. Then we cross a series of passes and interesting valleys to Tso Kar Lake and on to Rumtse Village.
There is spectacular wildlife viewing: wild horses (the kyang), goats, marmots, giant hares, bar-headed geese, brahminy ducks, gigantic “bearded” vultures, terns, black necked cranes, and if we are lucky, a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard, plus the Changpas’ great herds of yak and pashmina goats. The wildflowers will be at their peak and up here edelweiss is a common flower.
On the trek you’ll be greeted each morning at your tent with a steaming cup of the beverage of your choice and we have a hearty multi-course breakfast before setting out on the trail. Crew members set up and dismantle camp and load and unload our packhorses. Our horsemen are well-experienced and we usually get the opportunity to watch them re-shoe at least one of the horses.
At the end of the trek we'll drive to Leh, Ladkah's capital and a fascinating town. We will visit 1000-year-old Alchi and Thiksey Gompas and attend a festival – the Yuru Kab-Gyat Lama Festival at Lamayuru Gompa. Lama festivals are an important part of life in Tibetan Buddhist lands. Devotees in their traditional costumes attend in the thousands to gain merit, and for socializing, trading and entertainment. The lamas of Lamayuru Gompa perform sacred rituals and mask dances, the masks representing the guardian deities of the Dri-gung-pa pantheon. Lamayuru Monastery is set in a fabulous moonscape and has 200 monks in residence.
Included: International airport transfers, hotels with attached bath, Gortex sleeping tents, all meals on and off the trek, snacks, mineral water, soft drinks, sightseeing and admissions. Domestic flights. Road transport by SUV.
About trekking with us:
“…a perfect and powerful trip … I feel very fortunate that I happened upon a tour being led by such knowledgeable, interesting ...and WELL ORGANIZED people - thanks again... “
Jim Tepperman
“I just want to thank you for both for your wonderful leadership and great knowledge of the area, history, and culture. I have great memories to cherish.”
Candice Yu Simon
Let us know, and we will arrange an Agra and/or Jaipur extension for you.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Trip price is $2890 (single supplement: $225) and includes accommodation (hotel rooms with private bath; spacious Gortex tents on the trek), all meals, mineral water and soft drinks, road travel by SUV, domestic flights, your international airport transfers, entrance fees, and is based on double occupancy and a group size of 8 members. International airfare is not included.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Hiking & Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
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