Enter a portal of another universe within the world, Zanskar. Nestled in between the majestic mountains, Mother Nature exists here in all her Raw and Natural glory, fierce, unrelenting and yet welcoming those who seek her.
Here the land lies untouched by the modernity of the world, where the real evolution lies within. Watch as the night speaks to you with gestures of falling starts and twinkling stardust that holds millions of wishes on the horizon. The sweet sounds of the river wake you up to the glistening Sun as it rises, bringing warmth and joy to all in its gaze in a land where man and nature live in absolute harmony.
Beyond Himalayas invites you on this marvelous journey to discover the magic of Zanskar valley. Immerse yourself in the peacefully quiet lives of the monks. Share the love with the little monks who even at a tender age can be your greatest teachers. Absorb the blessed energy of great yogis in their hidden caves. Live with the locals to open yourself to their pious mountain strength, faith, and compassion. A journey for those who want to find stillness, in their own vastness.
Tour Information:
Stays: Leh: Local homestay Lamayuru: Hotel Rangdum: Local guesthouse Padum: Hotel Cha: Local homestay Phuktal: Monastery guesthouse/ Camping Jispa: Hotel Manali: Hotel
Transfers: Innova
itinerary
Day 1LEH
In the morning, we will leave for the airport. The flights in Leh usually land by 11:30 am and you will drive straight to a beautiful local homestay. There isn’t a better way to acclimatize in Leh than to be a part of one of the most magical events in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery Festival celebrating the birth of Lord Padmasambhava. This vibrant event is the best way to soak in the culture of Ladakh and get the most soul-enriching experiences.
Accommodation: Local family homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Good
Day 2LEH DAY
Another day in the unparalleled beauty of Ladakh’s most loved Hemis Festival. The traditional Cham dance is performed by the Lamas wearing the intricately designed masks telling stories of victory of good over evil. Explore the magnificent 11th century-old Hemis monastery that houses a wide collection of historical and religious Thangkas, stupas and statues made of precious metals and is also one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries of Ladakh.
Accommodation: Local family homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Good
7:30 – 8:30 yoga
9:00 Breakfast
10:30 am Hemis Festival
12:30 Lunch at the Festival
4:30 Tea and snacks
7:30 Dinner
Day 3LAMAYURU
As the morning falls, we begin the day with the calming energy of a yoga session. After breakfast, we will depart for Lamayuru famous for its moonlike landscapes. On the way, we will make a stop at the famous and ancient Alchi Choskar monastery dated back to the 10th century. Enjoy a delicious local Ladakhi lunch at Alchi kitchen before we resume our journey to Lamayuru. Upon arrival, we will rest over a hot cup of tea and snacks. In the evening we will visit the Lamayuru monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries of Ladakh also called “Place of Freedom” with its serene and jaw-dropping landscapes.
Accommodation: Homestay in Lamayuru
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Good
Through beautiful villages tucked in picturesque landscapes, the receding high altitude glaciers, and the rugged mountain peaks, we arrive at Rungdum in the evening. An enchanting yet secluded village at the edge of the mesmerizing Suru Valley, Rangdum holds sacred space for inner contemplation to unwind the knots within us and giving us a chance to begin this holy journey with freshness in our hearts. The quiet and simple life of the village folks can carry you to your inner-stillness, where-in lies the source of all magic.
Accommodation: Guest house in Rangdum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Rough
Breakfast at 7:30 am
Depart for Rangdum: 8:30 am
12:30 pm lunch at Kargil
5:30 pm Arrive Rangdum
7:30 pm Dinner
Day 5RANGDUM
Monasteries are the heart of Ladakh. The weathered prayer flags fluttering in the wind, the serene sound of the chants, the warmth of a religion that teaches compassion and universal love, Ladakh offers a sacred journey for every seeker. Today we will visit the Rangdum monastery. The quaint and quiet monastery is about 200 years old and is held between spectacular and serene landscapes of Suru Valley. The ancient interiors of the monastery will take you into a timeless space, where you can truly connect to your higher self. After lunch at the monastery, revel in a silent walk by the river to the guesthouse
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Rangdum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Fairly good
7:30 am Breakfast
9:00 am Rangdum Monastery
Prayers and meditation
12:30 pm lunch at the monastery
2:00 pm walk by the river
4:30 pm Tea and snacks
7:30 pm Dinner
Day 6PADUM
The drive through Rangdum to Padum Enroute breathtaking views of the mountain peaks and secluded villages. Crossing the gateway to Zanskar, the Pensi la pass with the marvelous view of the Glacier lake and the Drang Drung Glacier, we arrive at Padum, a small township in Zanskar named after the Great Padmasambhava and is central to our visits to most of the monasteries.
Accommodation: Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Rough
7:30 am Breakfast
9:00 am Depart for Padum
12:30 picnic lunch
3:00 pm arrive at Padum
Tea and snacks
7:30 pm Dinner
Day 7PADUM, VISIT ZONGKHUL MONASTERY
Located at a foot of a wide side valley, Dzongkhul monastery is said to have founded by the great saint Naropa who meditated in the caves around which the monastery is built. By the elegant Bardur river, the monastery is built directly on a rock wall and houses ancient thankas and images of lamas with care and reverence. In the quietude of the holy monastery that has been a place of contemplation and meditation for many yogins for time immemorial, you can allow yourself to revel in the mystery that you are made of.
Accommodation: Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Farely good
7:30 – 8:30 am Yoga
9:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Depart for Dzongkul monastery (1.5 hrs)
12:30 pm Lunch at the monastery
Visit the cave
Meditate
7:30 pm Dinner at Padum
Day 8PADUM, VISIT KARSHA MONASTERY
Today we spend the day at the prestigious Karsha monastery. Sitting majestically on a steep mountain overlooking the Padum valley, Karsha monastery is the largest monastery of Zanskar. This ancient monastery houses an awe-inspiring and ancient cloth painting made of gold and colorful threads depicting a day in the life of Buddha with his tutelary deities. What makes this monastery incredibly special are the little monks who study here and carry a divine innocence within imbuing every heart with a sense of awe. Immerse yourself in their innocence and wisdom and exchange learning.
Accommodation: Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Fairly good
7:30 – 8:30 am Yoga
9:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Depart for Karsha monastery (1 hr)
12:30 pm Lunch at the monastery
Visit the monastery school
Meditate
7:30 pm Dinner at Padum
Day 9PADUM, STONGDEY MONASTERY FESTIVAL
Celebrate an auspicious day at the Gustor Festival in the Stongdey monastery. Famous for its ancient Buddhist relics, the monastery is the second-largest and oldest in Zanskar. The sacred masked dance performed by the monastery monks and the instrumental music reverberates the environment with a feeling of connection, harmony, and celebration. The Stongdey Gustor festival brings people from all over the globe together to share their love for spirituality and culture.
Accommodation: Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Farely good
7:30 – 8:30 yoga
9:00 Breakfast
11:00 am Stongdey monastery Festival
12:30 Lunch at the Festival
4:30 Tea and snacks
7:30 Dinner at Padum
Day 10PADUM, STONGDEY MONASTERY FESTIVAL
Another high-spirited day at the Stongdey Gustor festival. Today, we make offerings to Goddess Palden Lhamo, the supreme authority of the protectors of Dharma and Mother who protects us from our ego. Explore the monastery which was built by the great Tibetan Yogi, Marpa and behold the beauty of the exquisite paintings of the deities and several ancient artworks in the seven temples inside the monastery surrounded by impeccable landscapes of the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Farely good
7:30 – 8:30 yoga
9:00 Breakfast
11:00 am Stongdey monastery Festival
12:30 Lunch at the Festival
4:30 Tea and snacks
7:30 Dinner at Padum
Day 11PADUM, VISIT SANI MONASTERY
Today we visit Sani monastery associated with a famous Buddist Yogi, Naropa who mediated under the Kanika Stupa, a Chorten built in the 1st century by the Kalinga empire around which the monastery is situated. Dwell in the silence of the monastery and stroll through the alleys of a beautiful village with plantations of poplar trees and fields of barley, potatoes, and peas towards Guru Padmasambhava’s leisure ground by a beautiful spring lake. Meditate by the 12 meters tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava by the holy lake where many sense his lingering presence even today.
Accommodation: Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Farely good
7:30 – 8:30 am Yoga
9:00 am Breakfast
10:30 am Sani monastery
12:30 pm Picnic Lunch
Walk to the Guru Padmasambhava’s leisure ground
Meditate
7:30 pm Dinner at Padum
Day 12CHA
After breakfast in Padum, we will leave for Cha, a village before the Phukthal monastery on the other side of the Zanskar valley. A quaint little hamlet of 34 households, with yaks and goats grazing on the Barley and pea fields across the landscape of the barren mountains. This village is the oldest in Zanskar and still holds its pristine character. Relax and enjoy the local stay at the humble abode of our host Mr. Chamba and his family.
Accommodation: Hotel in Padum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Farely good
7:30 – 8:30 am Yoga
9:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Leave for Cha (3 hrs)
1:00 pm Lunch
Village walk
4:30 pm Tea and snacks
7:30 pm Dinner at the Homestay
Day 13PHUKTHAL MONASTERY
There”s something so undefinably magical about waking up to the holy mountains of the Zanskar ranges. After breakfast, we start our day’s walk towards Phukthal monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Zanskar, tucked in a cave and a holy shelter to many masters from time immemorial. The two and a half-hour walk along a breathtaking winding trail by River Lungnak gives scope for contemplation and inquiry as the scale of the untouched landscape around you brings perspective. Visit the monastery and its school and as the sun sets leaving behind the silhouettes, soak in the quietude of this ancient monastery in meditation and understanding the silent life of the monks.
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Depart for Phuktal Trek (3 hrs)
12:30 pm Lunch at the monastery
Phuktal monastery and cave
4:30 pm Tea and snacks
Evening puja
7:30 pm Dinner
Day 14PHUKTAL MONASTERY
As the light of the early sun spreads on the land below, we begin the day in the main hall of the monastery for Tsoks, a practice of offering and purification performed by the monks. Along the day we will spend time with the monks, partake in prayers and offerings to Paldan Lhamo, principal protectress of Tibet. After lunch, savor the beautiful view of the valley and its river before leaving for the trail back to the village of Cha.
Accommodation: Homestay in Cha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Mild to moderate trail
Morning prayers at Phuktal monastery
Breakfast
12:30 lunch
2:00 pm Depart for Cha (3 hrs)
5:00 pm Tea and snacks
7:30 pm Dinner at the homestay
Day 15JISPA
After another magnificent morning in Cha, we will leave for Jispa on an eight-hour picturesque drive through an adventurous road. On reaching Jispa, check-in at the riverside camp and spend the evening exploring the valley and the village fields, leading to the warmth of a bonfire at the campsite.
7:30 am Breakfast
9:00 am Depart Cha for Jispa
12:30 pm Lunch at Darcha
4:30 pm Arrive at Jispa
Silent walk and meditation
7:30 pm Dinner at the campsite
Day 16MANALI
The scenic drive through the fascinating Himalayas will take us from Jispa to Manali, crossing the last high Himalayan pass, Rothang la. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at the garden cafe and retire for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Manali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfers: Innova
Altitude:
Road condition: Farely good
Breakfast 7:30 am
9:00 am Depart Jispa for Manali
12:30 Lunch at Khoksar
Rohtang pass
6:30 pm Arrive Manali
7:30 pm Dinner
01. ACCOMMODATION THROUGH THE TRIP ON TWIN SHARING
02. PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE GUIDE
03. SATVIK MEALS EVERY DAY, INCLUDING:
a. HERBAL TEA AND FRUITS FOR MORNING SESSIONS AT 6 am
b. HEALTHY BREAKFAST AT 8 am
c. TEA AND SNACKS 4 pm
d. DINNER 7 – 8 pm
04. PERMITS AND PASSES THROUGH THE TRIP
07. MONASTERY AND WILDLIFE FEES
08. FILM SCREENINGS / TALKS
09. TRANSFERS IN INNOVA WITH 4 PEOPLE IN EACH CAR
EXCLUSIONS:
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
TRAVEL, LUGGAGE & MEDICAL INSURANCE TOURIST VISA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TAXES
TIPS
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
must read
CHANGES TO YOUR ITINERARY
For your best interest, sometimes it might have to make necessary alterations to your holiday itinerary. Where practical, we will advice you before you depart from your hometown, although occasionally we may be forced to make changes en route. We will keep you informed at all times.
MOUNTAIN FLIGHT DELAYS
Bad weather in mountainous regions can cause flight delays. These problems mainly happen in Ladakh region of India. If the delay is extended it may be necessary for us to re-route the trek and tour, perhaps to an area more readily accessed by road transport. We do not accept responsibility for charges incurred as result of flight delays and missing international flight connections. However, we will make every effort to assist you.
INHERENT RISKS OR DANGERS
You understand and accept that your proposed tour may expose you to levels of physical exertion to which you may not be accustomed to or be exposed to inherent dangers when traveling through remote areas which may be subject to, among other things, unfavorable political, physical, health or climatic conditions. By agreeing to use our services, you accept these dangers and unfavorable conditions.
INSURANCE
You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes a provision for helicopter rescue when you pay your deposit.
YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS
We strongly recommend that you visit your doctor and dentist before your holiday. You must ask your doctor about current inoculation requirements. Full details of pre-existing medical conditions must be forwarded to us when you book. Older clients or clients with pre-existing medical conditions may require a letter from your doctor clearing them for the trek and Beyond Himalayas Pvt. Ltd. reserve the right to check these documents prior to confirmation of tours and treks
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for all tourists. The passports must be valid for minimum of six months from the start of journey, with at least two clean pages per country to be visited.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A valid visa is required for the entire destination. You should always consult your doctor or nearest travel clinic for the latest information on recommended health precautions, both vaccination and malaria prophylaxis.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
GENERAL
Extensive medical kits are carried on all trips. In addition, medical oxygen and Portable Altitude Chambers are carried as a precaution on high altitude treks and climbing expeditions. All meals on trek are prepared specifically for your group to strict hygiene standards, and sterile washing facilities are provided.
HIGH ALTITUDE
Sickness from altitude can affect anyone. Serious problems are avoided by building in rest and acclimatization. For normal symptoms a drop in altitude, or time in portable acclimatization chamber, leads to quick recovery.
All trips are graded. There are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Mountaineering categories.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation is highly appreciated
AGE LIMITS
Client over sixty are required to complete a medical and personal travel history questionnaire. Persons under sixteen can join specified family departures and private groups.
