“The painters and sculptors from Kashmir brought with them a highly sophisticated form of art, which was deeply rooted in the classic Sanskrit texts of India. The masters from Kashmir would have also trained local artists and there was a marvelous blending of the local idioms with the developed styles coming from Kashmir,” says the historian, Binoy K Behl.
Also the ancient monastery of Alchi, renowned as the oldest Buddhist centre in Ladakh was founded a thousand years ago by the great translator of the Tibetan Buddhism, Rinchen Sangpo. This age-old seat of learning stands errect on the banks of the Indus river unlike other monasteries that are located on top of hills.
Grade: Tough
Number of days: Maximum 7 days and Minimum 6 Days
Best period: June to October
Highest Elevation: 5250m
itinerary
Day 1DELHI ARRIVAL:
On your arrival at IGI airport Delhi, the capital city of India, our representative will transfer you to the hotel in Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 *
Meals: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 2DELHI AGRA DELHI
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the guest will visit Taj Mehal, the epitome of love, Indian history and culture from the Mughal dynasty. After a full guided tour of Taj Mehal we will visit the Divane khass and gardens. In the evening drive back to Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 *
Meals: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 3DELHI DARSHAN
After breakfast at the hotel, the guests will be escorted to Old Delhi for a visit to Red Fort, Jama Masjid and indulge in the food trail of Old Delhi’s Chandini chowk. Post lunch we will visit Himayun’s tomb, Indian Habitat center for some contemporary art exhibits and Cultural History of India.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 *
Meals: B/D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 4DELHI TO LEH
Check out from the hotel in Delhi for the early morning flight to Leh. On arrival in Leh the guests will be transferred to the home-stay in Leh and rest for the day to acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening visit Leh market and Sankar monastery.
Accommodation: Homestay
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 5LEH HERITAGE WALK
After a homely breakfast at the home-stay in Leh, the guests will walk down to Lala’s cafe (the oldest cafe in town) before they start on the heritage walk. On this walk, a storyteller will escort us through. We will start by visiting the museum built by the Leh Old Town Restoration Initiative (LOTI) group, with locally available materials and infrastructure. The structure evolves around a skyscraper (Thokskar) on the top floor and has relics of Ladakh. From there we will enter the old town streets where the entire landscape is still as it was back in the day of the King Singay Namgyal (14th - 17th century AD) times, some of which have been restored by LOTI. The walk will take us through the King Singay Namgyal’s palace. After finishing the walk around Leh town we will explore the market and have lunch in a garden cafe. Post lunch the group will visit Women’s Alliance and LEDeG to explore the contemporary. The group will have dinner at Bon appetite restaurant in Leh.
Accommodation: Homestay
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
Day 6LAMAYURU TO URSI (6/7 HOURS)
After visiting Lamayuru monastery you will be led down towards the village, across the stream, and on to climbing the mountain slope. The trail will follow on within the deep valley till you reach Phanji-la. After crossing the pass and spending some moments watching the spectacular view, your trek will continue down into a narrow gorge to the village of Shilla. Across the bridge heading to right bank of Yapola River, is the Wanla village. You will continue alongside Yapola for about an hour and will then reach Phenjila village where you may take a short break. After walking for another hour through the main valley, heading north along the stream, the trail will lead you to the campsite next to Urshi Village.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 7URSI TO TAR (8 HOURS)
From the camp, the trail can be seen clearly along the mountain range. However, it’s deceptively easy to the eyes. Crossing the Tar-La (5240 m) is as difficult for the horses as it is for trekkers. You will see large masses of boulders fallen from the high mountain slopes all along the way. The trek, although tough, is rewarding, what with the amazing landscape. After several hours’ descent down the slope, the Tar village will emerge where your campsite shall be awaiting you.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 8TAR TO MANGYU (4/5 HOURS)
This trail is much easier than the previous day’s. It runs up from the village to the top of a small pass-Mangyu-La and continuous with an easy descent towards Mangyu. Mangyu is a small attractive and idyllic village encircled by high mountains. The small monastery of Mangyu is run by the Lamayuru monastery administration and the religious enclaves are almost identical. A beautiful camp is located beside the stream.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 9MANGYU TO LARDHO (4/5 HOURS)
From Mangyu, the path is rather easy and the valley is beautiful with spectacular landscapes to enjoy. It is likely to be a dream-like walk for you. After a couple of hours’ walk, you will enter the Indus valley at Gera village. Across the bridge over the River, you will continue following the Indus River upstream until you reach Lardo with its peaceful campsite.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 10LARDHO TO CHILLING (3/4 HOURS)
It is a pleasant trail along the Indus River with the majestic Mountains. You will ultimately reach the famous Alchi Monastery, wrapped in its mystical pure energy by the banks of the Indus River. After you have spent your time there, till your heart’s content, a jeep will pick you up and bring you back to Leh.
Accommodation: Trekking campsite
Road condition: Good
Meals: B / D
Transfers: Innova (7 seater MUV)
CREW: Guide, Cook, support team
Day 11LEH TO DELHI
The guests will leave for the airport in time for their flight to Delhi. On reaching Delhi our representatives will transfer you to the hotel. Explore Delhi for the rest of the day until your flight for onward journey with sweet memories of the tour.
STAY THROUGHOUT IN PREMIUM HOMESTAYS AND CAMPSITES
MEALS
WELCOME & SOUVENIR KIT
ALL ACTIVITIES MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY
TRANSFERS IN TOYOTA INNOVA THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
AIRPORT TRNASFERS
TREKKING EQUIPMENT AND CAMPING GEAR
ACCOMPANYING LOCAL EXPERTS AND RESOURCE PERSONS THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
ALL PERMITS AND PASSES
DOCTOR ON CALL
EXCLUSIONS:
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
SLEEPING BAG
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.
