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LADAKH TRAIL - INDIAmore photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews
Ladakh is sometimes also known as little Tibet due to its location at the heart of the magnificent Himalayan mountain range. On this trip we start in Leh and the Indus Valley for a few days, visiting the famous monastic festival of Lamayuru in one of the most beautiful monasteries of Lakakh. This is not only a unique cultural event but gives us some time to acclimatize to the high altitude. We then ride from the lush Markha Valley into the magnificent Himalayan scenery emerging on the Rupshu Plateau. This is a camping expedition and we are accompanied by pack horses to carry our gear. Riders need to be adventurous and fit, although technical ability is not a prerequisite as the pace is at a walk, mainly due to the terrain and altitude. This is an opportunity to visit some remote monasteries and enjoy the rugged contrasts of the Himalayas.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - LADAKH TRAILDay 1
Arrival at Delhi. You will be met from your international flight by a driver, who will transfer you straight to the national airport for the internal flight from Delhi to Leh which departs at 6am or thereabouts.
Day 2 Delhi – Leh (3400m)
Reach Leh in the morning and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, to aid acclimatisation. The hotel has a garden and terrace for guests to use. Meet your fellow travellers and the guides.
Day 3 Leh – Shey –Thikse – Leh (3400m)
In the morning you visit the 10th Century monasteries of Shey and Thiskey, said to be in the style of the palace at Potala in Llasa). Afternoon free, again to aid acclimatisation.
Day 4 Leh-Lamayuru (3500m)
Transfer to Lamayuru, and an opportunity to visit the famous monastic Lamayuru Festival
Day 5 Lamayuru – Alchi (3500m)
The morning is devoted again to the Festival. Travel to Alchi, on the way visiting a monastery with stunning murals. Night is spent in Alchi.
Day 6 Alchi – Spituk – Zingchen (4500m)
Morning departure from Alchi to reach the monastery at Spituk, the starting point for our journey with the horses. The small village of Zingchen, a green oasis surrounded by poplar trees, is the stopover before entering the mountains.
Day 7 Zingchen – Yurutse –Lartse (4500m)
A narrow gorge means crossing numerous small rivers before emerging onto the vast plains where you reach base camp at Kanda La. 4hrs riding
Day 8 Larksa – Skiu (3400m)
Cross the Shingo-la (4900m): the view from the Zanskar range is stunning. There is a long descent through a lunar landscape of lace rocks until the Markha, along the way visiting a small temple (gompa). The overnight camp is on the banks of the river. 4.5hrs riding
Day 9 Skiu – Markha (3700m)
Numerous river crossings today, sometimes by ford and others by bridge to reach the village of Markha, the largest in the valley. There is a stop at the monastery overlooking the valley. 5.5 hrs riding
Day 10 Markha – Langhand Chu (6200m)
You follow the river in the direction of the plains of Nimaling. There are excellent views from KangYatse, then you turn south towards the high plateau of Rapshu. 5hrs riding
Day 11 Langhand Chu – Zalung Karpo La (5200m)
Climb steadily over 2 days, starting at the bottom of the huge and wild valley, which is surrounded by jagged peaks. You cross the Karpo La, taking in the views from the summit. The night is spent in the alpine meadows of Tsokra. 5hrs riding
Day 12 Zalung Karpo La (5200m)
Second part of the journey above. 5.5hrs riding
Day 13
Tsokra – Dat
Descend along the river, continuing through magnificent gorges to the village of Dat, the only inhabited place in this valley which is itself unoccupied for part of the year.
Day 14
Dat – Leh
Return by bus to Leh, using the impressive road from Manali, with a pass at greater than 5300m.
Day 15
Leh – Delhi – Agra
Fly from Leh to Delhi. Leh has the highest airport in the world and so flights are often subject to climatic conditions which can cause delay. Transfer to Agra, where the rest of the day is free.
NB In case of flight delay (Delhi – Leh) the excursion in Agra may be altered or cancelled.
Day 16
Agra
Day free in Agra (or Delhi if flight is delayed by adverse weather). There is the opportunity for a trip to Taj Mahal. Night at the hotel.
Day 17
Agra – Delhi
Return to Delhi, transfer to airport.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team. The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS All transfers (including internal flights to and from Leh), accommodation on twin sharing basis, full board for entire tour except in Agra which is B&B. Entrances in Ladakh, all equipment while camping, services of guides, helpers and cook, horses and pack horses. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Entrances in Agra (around 27euros pp), meals in Agra other than breakfast, gratuities and items of a personal nature. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 
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