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Situated
at an average altitude of over 11,000 ft Ladakh (literally - "Land
of High Passes"), nestling in the Himalyas, is a place like no
other. A high altitude cold desert, its dramatic landscape is the
closest most of us will ever get to the moon.
Vast plateaus bounded by towering massifs, verdant valleys that surprise
you with their splash of vivid green, the highest motorable pass in
the world, incredibly blue skies, remote monasteries built on hilltops,
air so clear you can literally see for miles, but also so thin that
you had better acclimatise before you undertake any serious walking...
and above all the Laddakhi people - simple folk, full of warmth and
the wisdom.
There are two ways of getting into Ladakh - either fly directly into
Leh from Delhi or drive up from Manali. (You can get to Manali from
Delhi by air, or by car, or an overnight deluxe bus.) While the approach
into Leh from the air is spectacular enough, for those who would really
like to experience this awesome mountainscape up close there's nothing
better than to drive over the four mountain passes that connect Leh
to the world - Rohtang at 13,200 ft (3980 m), Baralacha La at 16,300
ft (4892 m), Lachulang La at 16,800 ft (5065 m) and Tanglang La at
almost 17,800 ft (5360 m). The 500 km drive also helps the acclimatisation
process! But this is possible only between June and September when
the snows have melted and the passes are open. The journey can be
done either by a 4-wheel drive or the good old Royal Enfield 350/500
cc motorbike. On my last trip I even saw some brave souls cycling
up ...!
Ladakh also offers some fantastic trekking opportunities - from gentle
two/three day treks out of Leh to more rugged trips of upto two weeks.
So, pick your comfort (or tolerance!) level, and send us an email.
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Day
1
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Drive out from Manali after breakfast. Cross the Rohtang Pass and
halt for the night at Keylong or Jispa (Hotel)
Day 2 - Leave after breakfast. Over the
Baralacha La to a tented camp at Sarchu for the night.
Day 3 - Two passes to be crossed today
- Lachulang La and Tanglang La - getting to Leh by tea time. Check
into your hotel...Take it easy.
Day 4 - Morning free to walk around Main
Street, explore interesting bookshops and generally acclimatise. Evening
walk to Sankar Gompa and Leh Palace - if you're up to it!
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 Day
5 - Visit to Shey Palace, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. This
is a full day trip by vehicle with a guide.
Day 6 - Morning drive to Khardung La
(over 18,600 ft) - the highest motorable pass in the world! Evening
visit to Shanti Stupa - climb 575 steps to the best place in Leh to
watch a sunset.
Day 7 - Full day visit to Lamayuru monastery,
enroute also visit Alchi, Likir or Ridzong monasteries. Alternatively
you could choose to do some rafting on the Indus river today.
Day 8 - Fly out to Delhi. |
Per person on twin share and half board basis - US$ 495. Includes
drive from Manali to Leh with overnight camp/hotel as mentioned with
dinner and breakfast, accommodation in " A Class" hotel with breakfast
and dinner, sightseeing with a vehicle and guide, entrances to monasteries,
packed lunch for rafting and departure airport transfer.
 Per
person on twin share and half board basis - US$ 495. Includes drive
from Manali to Leh with overnight camp/hotel as mentioned with dinner
and breakfast, accommodation in " A Class" hotel with breakfast and
dinner, sightseeing with a vehicle and guide, entrances to monasteries,
packed lunch for rafting and departure airport transfer.The
same trip can also be done by motorcycle... Add two days and US$ 100
to get back to Manali, again with an overnight camp at Sarchu. You'll
be escorted by a mechanic, riding his own bike and carrying spares
for any repairs required enroute. For larger groups we can arrange
a full backup/support team in an accompanying truck.
Warning: This is not a picnic
... the altitude poses a real danger to people who are not in good
health. Please consult your doctor before you sign on. We would require
a medical certificate and a disclaimer.  |
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