The Magical Himalayas
The start and rugged landscape is situated amidst multiple-hued mountains, some smooth enough to rub your cheeks on, others scraggly as though termites have had a go at them for breakfast. Miles and stretches of this never-never land, surprised by quaint little vibrant green hamlets oozing wild roses and lavender, fringe the life-giving Indus River. Ladakh is a land, like no other. Tucked between two of the world's greatest mountain ranges -- The Himalayas and The Karakoram, offers adventure amidst beauty that surpasses any other mountain range. Isolated for many months of the year by snow, it is still one of the best places to experience the unique culture of the high Himalayas. It's snow-clad peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture has attracted tourists and explorers from all over the world. We may well spot blue sheep and Ibex scrambling over the rocky slopes beneath the superb mountain scenery.
In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the form we see today by wind and water.
Yes, water! Today, a high -altitude desert, sheltered from the rain-bearing clouds of the Indian monsoon by the barrier of the Great Himalayas.
This area was once covered by an extensive lake system, the vestiges of which still exist on its south -east plateau of Rupshu and Chushul - in drainage basins with evocative names like Tsomoiri, Tsokar, and grandest of all, Pangong-tso. Occasionally, some stray monsoon clouds do find their way over the Himalayas, and lately this seems to be happening with increasing frequency. But, the main source of water remains the winter snowfall. Drass, Zanskar and the Suru Valley on the Himalayas northern flank receive heavy snow in winter; this feeds the glaciers whose melt water, carried down by streams, irrigates the fields in summer. For the rest of the region, the snow on the peaks is virtually the only source of water. As the crops grow, the villagers pray not for rain, but for sun to melt the glaciers and liberate their water. Usually their prayers are answered, for the skies are clear and the sun shines for over 300 days in the year.
Once a major halt on the caravan route through Asia, the ancient Buddhist enclave of Leh lies just across the Great Himalayan Rain Shadow - an arid and forbidding landscape closely resembling that of neighbouring Tibet. We shall, throughout our tour would be driving & sometimes enjoy walks and visits to gompas along the legendary Shimla to Leh highway - one of the world's highest and most spectacular roads.
Leh & Ladakh has a distinct alpine, floral and faunal variety. Several flowering plants, a dozen important mammals and over a hundred species of birds are found here in this rugged terrain. Most of the species are classified as endangered or rare.
The wild yak is to be found only here. Other animals include the ibex, blue sheep, bharal, docile marmot and mouse hare. Black necked crane, bar-headed geese, ducks and several other water birds breed near the lakes in thousands. The avid bird watcher can spend friutful hours by observing Bactrian magpies, grey tits, chough, raven, sparrow, kite, kestrel, Turkoman rock pigeon, chukor, finches, buntings, larks, desert wheat eaters, a many more varieties of birds.
The snow leopard is this areas most rare animal. Another one that is unique is the kyang or the wild horse, while at lower altitudes the musk deer too is a rare sight, precious by virtue of its expensive musk. Visitors are likely to spot many marmots, mouse hares, stone martens, red foxes, wolves, ibex, bharal and shapu during the course of their journey but the habitat of the nyan (big horned sheep), chim (Tibetan antelope famed for its fleece-Shahtoosh), goa (Tibetan gazelle), lynx, pallas cat, kyamg (wild horse) and brong dong (wild yak) are still outside the tourists' domain.
Best time: Himachel Pradesh, Ladakh and Zanskar – May to October
ITINERARY
Day 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Assistance on arrival at the airport in Delhi and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 IN DELHI
Full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Among the highlights of your visit are the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, Chandni Chowk in the Old Delhi area and Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Govt. Buildings and Qutub Minar in the New Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 DELHI-HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH
Morning depart by surface to Haridwar. Visit the Bathing Ghat and the temples. Later drive on to Rishikesh. Afternoon visit the Temples of Rishikesh. Evening witness the Aarti at the Holy River Ganges.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 HARDWAR-SHIMLA/TATAPANI
Drive from Hardwar to Dehradun, Paonta Sahib, the town Famous for its Sikh Temple on the banks of River Yamuna. Proceed via Solan, Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Period. Spend the even on the Mall Road before we proceed for our final destination of the day, an hours drive up north, known for its hot spring, called Tatapani for night halt at Hotel/camp.
Day 05 TATAPANI-SARAHAN
The Drive today to the place known for the temple of Goddess Bhima Kali. 7 hrs. Bhimakali Temple, a wonderful mixture of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. It is very sacred to both the communities. The Bhimakali goddess idol is about 200 years old. Apple orchards surround the village and opposite to Sarahan you can have the spectacular views of Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (5227M). Overnight at Hotel/camp.
Day 06 SARAHAN-KALPA
Early morning after visit to the holy temple of Godess Bhimakali. Drive from Sarahan to Kalpa, a six hrs drive along Satluj River. En route visiting Rekong Peo and the new Buddhist monastery. One gets excited on witnessing the magic mountains "Kinnar Kailash" (6050M). It is true that it changes colours every day with the change of weather conditions and at sunset time it is really on fire. In the evening visit to the Kalpa village where we can witness the traditional houses and temple of the Vishnu and Shiva that opens only in the evening for prayer. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 07 KALPA-NAKO. (3959M),
Early morning when sun rises View of Kailash is wonderful. A distance of 122Kms and six hour drive. En route visiting Kanum monastery, library of Kangyur, Gompa Labrang, main temple of Gelugpa Landup Ganfel Gompa (Khache Lakhang), the Gompa of Tashi Cholling, Morang and Labrang villages. Ascending further to Nako. Nako has a beautiful lake that freezes in the winter and villagers play ice hockey during this period and seeing the temple of Padamsambhava, the second incarnation of lord Buddha who made Buddhism popular in the Trans Himalayas is worth seeing where we can see the foot prints of the Padamsambhava. Overnight Camp near village.
Day 8 NAKO-KAZA.
After breakfast journey starts to Dry of Himalayas, 3 hours to Tabo visiting Tabo and lunch in Tabo. Today we will be entering into the Spiti valley. Spiti is known as the living museum. The mountains are devoid to any vegetation due to erosion by wind, sun and snow over thousands of years. The monastery at Tabo is the oldest monastery in Spiti. Budhist Kala chakra was celebrated In Tabo 2000. Where we to see the Ajantas of Himalayas oldest caves on barren mountains of Tabo enjoying The Thanka paintings, one of the most precious paintings of Buddhism.. After lunch we Drive to through Danker monastery and a small museum which is built on Cliffs and drive 2 hours to Kaza over night in Hotel or camp.
Day 9 IN KAZA
After breakfast excursion to Kee monastery and Kibber village at an altitude of 4205M. After lunch a drive
to the highest motorable roar Langza and en route visiting the Comik and Hikim village. Overnight at Kaza.
Day 10 KAZA-KEYLONG.
Today is the long drive over 4550 M Kunzam La pass. Kaza (3600M) to Chota Dadarpul (3960M) is a tough drive but the different landscapes enroute makes your journey really adventurous with all views of Kunzam top, Bara Shigri Glacier (second biggest glaciers of the world), open valley and wide Chandra River. Khoksar is the place where the passports are checked and entry has to be made on the check post. Overnight Hotel at Keylong.
Day 11 KEYLONG-SARCHU.
From Keylong its wonderful and isolated drive to Sarchu over 4483M Baralacha Pass. Overnight Camp.
Day 12 SARCHU-LEH.
Journey from Sarchu is on the worlds 2nd highest motorable road it makes you feel how huge these Himalayas are. We will see the huge grounds and will slowly will reach on the top of Taglag La pass 5328 M through wonderful landscapes. Overnight at Leh.
Day 13 IN LEH
Visit around Leh, the Monesteries and shanti satupa. Amore relaxing day to enjoy the beautiful environs of the Magical high altitude wonder within the Himalayas.
Day 14 LEH
Day free to relax or for independent activities.
Day 15 LEH-SARCHU.
According to the time, drive to Sarchu through wonderful landscapes & on the worlds 2nd highest motorable road to reach Sarchu for night halt.
Day 16 SARCHU-MANALI
Drive from Sarchu to Manali and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Evening take glimpse in the Market. Overnight at Manali.
Day 17 MANALI-CHANDIGARH.
Drive from Manali to Chandigarh. Evening enjoy the visit to the famous rock garden & sector 17 market. overnight at Chandigarh.
Day 18 CHANDIGARH-DELHI
Morning sightseeing tour of Chandigarh city. Chandigarh was designed by LE CORBUSIER – the famous French architect. Half day tour includes visit to the Secretariat, High Court, State Library, Assembly Chambers, Rose Gardens, University, Botanical Gardens and the beautiful lake.
Afternoon depart by surface to Delhi and upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 19 DEPART DELHI
In time departure transfer to the airport to board flight back home.
END OF THE TOUR
Spin Holidays
Explore India with us !!
L- 46/327, Mahipalpur Extn
New Delhi - 110037
INDIA
Mobile: 09891603377
Email: info@spinholidays.com, spinholidays@hotmail.com
What to Take on High Altitude Treks
Please travel light and bring with you a small but strong rucksack or duffle bag, which could be carried by Yaks or horses (if need be or during trek).
Essentials:
Should include Tshirts, warm trousers, (jeans are not advisable) thermal trousers or long johns, a warm jumper, hat, gloves and socks and a windproof and waterproof jacket. An umbrella can be useful for rain or sunshine/raincoat. In addition please bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a personal first aid kit, a walking stick, water bottle and water purification tablets, a penknife and torch and spare batteries for electrical items. Optional extras could include a towel, toilet paper, matches and some small plastic bags to carry rubbish until we find a suitable disposal site. Don’t forget to bring lots of film roles. We advise you to bring your own sleeping bags and mats too.
What We’ll arrange
All jeep transport, hotel/tented accommodation, meals; food will be as per availability.
Trekking Permits
Do carry your 3 passport size photographs and 2 photocopies of passport and visa, as all foreigners may have to have Trekking Permits for some areas. I will try to sort that thing out before the tour starts…..for which you would have to send us all your details.
Travel Insurance
Whether you are going alone or with us, it is important to check that your Insurance covers any trekking accidents, sickness and loss of belongings.
Documents
It is advisable to wrap your original passport and air ticket in a waterproof bag to prevent them from getting wet on the tour. You will be asked to show them at many entry points, as we shall be traveling very close to the borders. Please photocopy your passport, visa and air ticket before you start your tour, one of the tour leaders shall keep one copy safely while you are away, you should take at least one copy with you as you may need it to acquire further permits.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude is of paramount importance on this tour, our food will be especially chosen to help you with adapting to the high altitudes and our place of stay would be at fair distances. It is advisable to keep sipping water (contains oxygen) and not to walk too fast or push your body after 3,500 metres; otherwise it can be very dangerous. Ultimately, if you feel unwell, do not hide your symptoms and our guide will find every possible solution on the spot.
First Aid Kit
We shall be carrying a first aid kit. Normal medicine, plasters and our group leader & also our guide has the knowledge about local herbs and massage to make you feel better.
Spin Holidays
Explore India with us !!
L- 46/327, Mahipalpur Extn
New Delhi - 110037
INDIA
Mobile: 09891603377
Email: info@spinholidays.com, spinholidays@hotmail.com
