Region: Himalaya
Duration: 11 Days
This Jeep safari along the ancient Trans – Himalayan trade to obscure village and Monasteries is an exciting new adventure holiday that packs so much into two weeks.
Day 01: Shimla – Sarhan (184 kms/ 7 hrs)
We start our jeep safari from Shimla to Sarhan Enroute; we visit the palace inRampur. We drive further the steep mountain and arrive in Sarhan (1950m). Sarhan, the tiny village offers the splendid views ofShrikhandaMahadevPeak (5155m). You will also visit the famousBhimkaliTemple, the big attraction of Sarhan. Overnight lodge
Day 02: Sarhan – Sangla (304 kms/ 8 hrs)
Drive along the spectacular HindustanTibet road which s carved in a rock and goes along the wildSutlejRiver. A view of Kinner -KailashPeak is splendid from Sangla. Visit remote villages of Rackcham and Chitkul. On arrival in Sangla check in and overnight at camp.
Day 03: Sangla – Kalpa (53 kms/ 2 hrs)
Morning visit Kamru village and fort. Later travel by surface from Sangla to Kalpa located in backdrop of Kinner Kailash mountain range. Evening free to explore Kalpa village.
Day 04: Kalpa – Tabo (176 kms/ 8 hrs)
Travel by surface from Kalpa to Tabo enroute visiting Nako village beautifully located on banks of a small lake. On arrival in Tabo check in and overnight at guest house.
Day 05: Tabo – Kaza (50 kms/ 5 hrs)
Morning visit Tabo monastery. Later travel to Kaza enroute visiting Lalung and Dhankar Gompa. On arrival in Kaza check in at guest house.
Day 06: Kaza
Morning visit the Ki monastery, 12 kms from Kaza. This centuries old gompa is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors – and at one time also acted as a fort. It houses valuable Thangkas and offers a panoramic view of the area. Also visit the small gompa at Kibber, 9 kms further ahead. Kibber at 4205 m/13,792 ft has the distinction of being the highest permanently inhabited village of the region.
Day 07: Kaza – Keylong (206 kms /9 hrs)
In the morning drive to Keylong viaKunzamPass (4558 m/14,950ft) which provides beautiful views of CB ranges. Enroute visit several villages of Spiti and Lahaul valley. On arrival check in at hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08: Keylong – Sarchu (248 kms/8 hrs)
Today we will drive from Keylong to Sarchu overBaralachalaPass (4800 m). On arrival check in at camp at Sarchu. Evening free to walk around in Sarchu. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 09: Sarchu – Leh (248 kms/ 8 hrs)
Early morning drive to Leh gives you a feeling of being in the high Tibetan Plateau. One climbs a series of Galta loops consisting of 32 hairpin bends on the way up from Sarchu and come out in Pang valley. It is here that one can divert to the right and visit the huge high altitude lakes of Tsokar and Tsemoriri. This region also has rare wild life like the Tibetan wild Ass, wolf, and the elusive Snow Leopard, the black-necked Crane and Tibetan Snow Cock. Cross to the other side of the Pang,TzanspoRiver to continue drive up to yet another plateau for a long traverse on the legendaryMoore plains. The highest of the Tibetan Plateau at 4200 Mts. Continue driving Tangling La (5280 Mts.) the second highest motorable pass in the world that commands breath taking views of the Zanskar range. A pleasant drive about 20 Kms brings you to the Ladakhi hamlet, Gya, heralded by prayer flags. After crossing few more villages one reaches the greatIndusRiver. Further drive to Leh town, overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Leh
After breakfast full day sight seeing. Evening back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. 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. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.
Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.
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.
Day 11: Leh – Khardung La – Leh
In the morning drive for the Khardung -LaPass. This is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5,600m! The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from theIndus valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Sesser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent. Evening back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay.
