Ladakh & Nubra Valley Over Khardung La - 11 days

Arrive at Delhi and take a flight to Leh. This is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular one-hour journeys on earth as the Airbus flies out of the scorching Indian plains over a virtual sea of snowcapped Himalayan peaks before landing at the ancient city of Leh in the Indus River Valley. Situated at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet in elevation, Leh is in stark and spectacular contrast to the urban intensity of New Delhi. Because of the early arrival as well as the dramatic elevation gain, your first day in Ladakh will be a restful, easy one. You may wish to stroll in the Leh bazaar, where there are many shops selling Ladakhi, Tibetan, and Kashmiri goods. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Today after breakfast explore the Monasteries of Ladakh. We will visit some of the nearby monasteries including Shey Gompa & Thiskey Gompa and Hemis. Thiskey Gompa is over 600 years old, and is home to the largest Buddha figure in Ladakh, as well as 80 Buddhist monks. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. The Shey Gompa is almost 400 years old and is this most well-known for its massive Shakyamuni Buddha, a 40 foot high statue. Shey Gompa also has some exquisite murals. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17’Th century AD. Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17’Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Today we drive about 4.5 hours to Kyagar Villag across Khardungla Pass (5596m/18,360′) to the wide and fertile Nubra valley. Khardungla Pass is the highest motorable pass in the world. Along the journey we will stop for many photos and visit the hot springs at Panamic and walk up to Samstaling monastery, a 150 year old complex with seven temples, an amazing collection of thangkas and restored frescoes. This monastery has the distinction of being inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1962 .We will spend this night in a hotel.

Today after breakfast, gear up and start trekking. Enroute visit the villages of Deskit, with its quaint little monastery atop the hill. After that we begin our trek from Hundar bridge, the trail follows the river on a wide dirt track. The landscape is spectacular as we continue along an impressive gorge. The trail becomes narrow and steep at Dzongpa (an hour from Hundar) and continues so along a side valley until it opens out at the highest point between Hundar and Skarchen. We then descend and continue along the river to reach camp at Skarchen (approximately 12,500 feet) at the confluence of two streams in the gorge. The day concludes with the 4-5 hours trekking. Overnight stay in camp at the river side.

After breakfast continue trekking along the river in the gorge for about two hours, passing below Wacham Village (a tiny settlement of two families). The trail then climbs steeply for about 20 minutes to Dok Yogma, a small village of five to six households. We walk past their barley fields and follow a good path to the village of Hundar Dok, a scenic village with plantations, barley fields and flowers. Our camp is in the village close to the river and we reach it by lunch. And then we will continue our trekking towards the Sniu Sumdo valley. Overnight stay in the Camp.

Today we descend to the junction of the Thanglasgo and Sniu Sumdo Valleys. Descend gradually across pastures studded with wildflowers, following a stream for another 4 – 5 hours to camp at Thanglasgo. During the summer months, shepherds bring their sheep, yaks and Dzomos for grazing. There are temporary huts here and there is a tradition that just 2 -3 families from the village of Hundar Dok come here every summer with the animals of all the villagers for grazing. While here, they make cheese and butter for the villagers. They stay here until the end of August or September, and then return to their village for the harvesting season. After reaching Thanglasgo we will settle camp and stay overnight in camp.

Today we follow the river upstream on a well-defined path in this high and beautiful valley of meadows. Yaks and Dzomos can been seen grazing around these large meadows by the glistening streams. We climb gradually until we reach camp at the base of Lasermola (15,750 feet), our highest camp. The snow bound Lasermola can be seen from camp. Today we will trek for 4-5 hrs. Upon arrival to Lasermola Base camp, we will explore the view of the mountains and refreshment by the fresh air. Overnight stay in camp.

Leaving the pastures we keep climbing to the snow line and moraine until we reach the top of the Lasermola Pass (17,700 feet)–taking approximately 2 – 3 hours to reach the top. At the pass we are rewarded with excellent views of the Karakoram Mountains and Ladakh and Zanskar ranges of mountains and the valleys on both sides. For those who are still not tired, they can continue a little higher from the pass for better views. There will be snow at the pass and we will need to leave camp very early in the morning to make the crossing easier for the animals. From the pass, you descend the Phyiang Valley to camp at Phyiang Sumdo at 14,800 feet. Today we will trek for around 9 hours.

On the final day of our trek we descend to Morubuk pastures and then to the village of Phyiang. We will enjoy wonderful views of the Stok mountain range today. Our vehicles will meet us at the road head, and we then drive through the village of Phyiang. We will make a short stop at the monastery here before continuing to Leh. We will arrive in Leh by early afternoon where we can enjoy showers and a nice dinner to celebrate the end of the trek. Take a rest in the majestic Leh and overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast in the morning, drive to the airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival to Delhi, check in to hotel. After refreshing yourself, visit sightseeing tour of regal Red fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate – The War Memorial, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple (also known as Bahai Temple) and Humayun’s tomb. Overnight stay in the luxurious hotel.

Today you will be transferred to the international airport as per your flight schedule for the flight to onward destination.