Ladakh Double Adventure

Arrive at Leh (3,500m) by flight. The journey by air is an amazing experience as you fly over the imposing Himalayan range offering breathtaking views of the topography. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for acclimatization and an evening stroll in the market area. (Meals: Nil)

After breakfast we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Leh, visiting the Hemis Monastery – a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage. The monastery holds the distinction of being the biggest as well as the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. We then head towards Thiksey Monastery – located on top of a hill. This monastery resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Thiksey monastery houses a large statue of Buddha and this is one of the most frequently visited monasteries in Ladakh. After that we visit Shey Palace – a monastery known for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. It is said to be the second largest such statue in Ladakh. We return back to the hotel and relax. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we will drive to Likir (3 to 4hrs drive), en-route visiting Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest and famous monasteries of Ladakh, founded in 11th century and located on the bank of Indus river. Upon arrival at Likir we check-in to our camps. In the afternoon we visit the Likir Monastery. Founded in 1065 AD, the monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has a 23 meter (75 ft.) gold-covered Buddha statue. (Driving Time: 3 – 4 hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we get ready for our trek to Yangthang. The trail ascends towards a small pass called Phobe La (3580m). After crossing this pass we arrive at Sumdo Village and continue to walk, crossing a stream over a wooden bridge and then follow the road again. Later we leave the road and climb up to the Chagatse La pass (3630m). From here we see the small settlement of Yangthang village which is our campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

We eat breakfast and leave for Hemis Shukpachen village, our next campsite. It is a short trek to reach Hemis Shukpachen village. The trail heads north, descending for a bit, crossing a stream before climbing up west again to Tsermangchen La (3750m). We will be crossing the pass to reach the scenic village, with a rich cultural background, myths and mysteries. (Trekking Time: 2 – 3 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today is another fairly easy day of trekking. The trail will take us up between two hillocks west of the village until it veers south and climbs steeply up to the Meptak La (3750m) marked by prayer flags. From the pass we head down the gorge to Ang, a charming village with apricot orchards. We cross the river and trek all the way down to reach Temisgam village, our stop for the night. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today we have to cross only one pass, the Bongbong La (3,700m). After crossing the pass we reach Khaltse village, the nearest road head (trek ends | 3-4hrs trek). From here we drive to Lamayuru and visit Lamayuru monastery – one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh region. The monastery is famous for its rich wall paintings, collection of thangkas, murals, scriptures and statues of different forms of Buddha and other deities. Afterwards we drive to Leh, and upon arrival we check-in to hotel. (Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hrs / Driving Time: 3 – 4hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

We cycle towards the world’s highest motor-able pass – Khardung La (5,602m). The ride is challenging as it is an uphill climb all the way to the pass. The road is smooth till South Pullu and then it gets bumpy till the pass. Upon reaching Khardung La we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley and snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar range. We spend some time here and then drive back to Leh. Optional: Those interested can also cycle their way downhill to Leh. (Cycling Distance: Approx. 40kms / Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we will be transferred to the airport for onward travel. (Meals: Breakfast)