The Grand Traverse

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. (Meals- Ni)

After breakfast departure to Delhi Airport for flight to Kullu. Meeting on arrival and drive to Manali – a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. One can also fly in to Chandigarh and then drive to Manali (7.5 – 8.5hrs drive). Or else, you can reach Chandigarh by train and then drive to Manali. KVT can arrange transfers from Chandigarh airport or railway station at additional cost. NOTE: It is advisable to arrive a day earlier, which will help in better acclimatization. (Meals: Breakfast)

This day we drive towards Darcha en-route crossing the Atal Tunnel – the newly completed 9.02 km highway tunnel which is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in the world. We then follow the highway driving along the Chenab river till Tandi bridge, and later continue our drive to Darcha. We leave the highway and continue our drive towards Palamo, the starting point of our trek. We reach Palamo and camp for the night. (Driving Time: 3 – 4 hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

In the morning we begin our trek towards Zanskar Sumdo (‘Sumdo’ means confluence) our next campsite for the night. The trail goes through small rivers and we pass a spectacular gorge then we keep on walking towards Zanskar Sumdo and reach there. (Trek begins / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today morning after having breakfast we follow the trail which leads us to Shingo La (5091m). We start with a gradual ascent towards a small pasture land which we cross and walk for some more hours and reach the base camp Chumik Napko our campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Early morning we start ascending towards the pass of Shingo La (5091m). From our camps the trail is a steep ascent and at some section we walk over glaciers and boulders. Finally we reach the pass from where we have breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks of the Great Himalayan range. From the pass the trail is a steep descent towards our next campsite Lhakhang, where we camp near the pasture land used by the shepherds for their flocks. (Trekking Time: 8 – 9 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today the trail is gentle as we walk in the valley most of the time and will be crossing river beds frequently. We leave behind the big and impressive Gombo Rangjon peak. We walk further through grazing meadows full of herbs and finally reach Kargyak village. It is the highest human settlement in Zanskar. We camp at this picturesque village for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the morning after breakfast we leave Kargyak village and follow the trail which leads us to our next campsite at Purni village. We follow the trail which passes through few villages and finally reaching Purni village where we camp for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today we trek to the stunningly located Phuktal Monastery (3850m). The fantastic sight of this monastery perched on the mountainside will definitely impress everyone. From our campsite we follow the Tsarap River through a stunning gorge before reaching the gompa. We will return to camp and after lunch we will continue on the left bank of Tsarap River. Arrive at Galboh and camp here for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning we trek towards Raru. We follow the Tsarap River through beautiful canyon. The trail goes up and down many times as we pass through one of the fascinating village of Ichar before we reach Raru our campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This is an easy day as the trail goes through the canyon and we follow the Tsarap River throughout the day. After an hour of walking we arrive to a small village of Mune dominated by an ancient Gompa of Gelukpa Order. Walk further for two hours and on the way we visit Bardan Gompa situated right at the bank of Tsarap River. Later we leave the trail and cross a bridge and walk through the green fields up to the village of Shila. There is an option to stop the trek here and drive to Kargil and further drive to Leh, with an en-route visit to Lamayuru monastery. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today morning we begin our day by crossing the bridge and head towards Padum the former capital of the ancient Zanskar Kingdom and now the administrative centre of Zanskar. We continue on a dusty trail towards the Doda River then we cross the bridge to reach Karsha Monastery dating back to the 16th century. It is the largest and the wealthiest of all monasteries in Zanskar Valley. We reach and camp at Karsha village for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This day trek starts with a fairly easy but hot walk along the dusty banks of the Zanskar River. Just before Pishu we make a short detour to take a look at the longest hanging bridge in the Zanskar region, boasting an impressive 55 metre span. Then we continue towards Pishu where we camp for the night just below the village. (Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Morning we have breakfast and will continue our trek along the left bank of the Zanskar River. The trail leads us on a large moraine plateau along the Zanskar River and after crossing the plateau we reach at the bridge at Pidmo village. We cross the bridge and from here it is another two hours walk to reach our next campsite at Hanumil village. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning we have breakfast and walk for an hour, later we cross the stream and start a steep ascent towards the pass of Parfi La (3950m) away from the Zanskar River. The pass marks the boundary between Zanskar and Ladakh; after crossing the pass the trail is a steep descent towards the Oma Chu River on the other side (a tributary of Zanskar River). Then we cross the bridge and walk up to a sandy slope to enjoy the magnificent views of the surroundings and then continue our trek towards our next campsite Snertse. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This day we have a long gradual ascent towards the summit of Hanuma La (4700m) through gorges. After hours of climbing we reach Hanuma La from where one will be blessed with the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Then we make a steep descent to the mountain and from here another climb to a small pass that marks the rim of the Lingshed Valley. We then begin an easy walk down to the village of Lingshed where we camp for the night near to the village monastery. (Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the morning after breakfast we start a steep ascent towards the base camp of Singge La (5050m) after an hour we cross a pass and from the pass one can have a beautiful view of the Nierag Valley and the Zanskar River. Then we descend to the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata from where we follow a gradual path along the side of the mountain up to our campsite at the base of Singge La. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

We begin our day with a steep ascent for hours to reach the pass of Singge La (5050m). From the pass we have some magnificent views of the glaciers, before we make the short descent into the wide expanse of the Photang Valley. From here the path is easy, with a gentle climb towards the Bumiktse La (4200m) followed by a descent into the village of Photoksar. The village lies enclosed between high mountain walls and lush pastureland, overlooked by an abandoned gompa in the hills above the village. (Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning after breakfast we start climbing up towards Sirsir La (4850m) the trail gets steeper and harder. From here a remarkable views over the surrounding mountains range can be seen. An easy descent brings us to the valley and again we start ascending towards another pass Sniugutse La (5050m). An excellent view can be seen on a clear day from the pass and then we descend to our next campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today the trail goes ascending towards our final pass Shillakong La (4700m). The pass offers breathtaking views over the surrounding range of mountains. An easy descent brings us to a small village of Kanji our campsite for the night. (Trek Ends / Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today morning after finishing breakfast we board the vehicles and drive towards Leh en-route visiting 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. (Driving Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will be transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival connect international flight back to home country.