Grand Traverse of the Indian Himalaya

FROM £ 2050

Ladakh, often called the Land of High Passes, is located in the Indian Himalayas. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and peaceful atmosphere. Ladakh is a Union Territory of India and one of the last places where Tibetan Buddhism is still widely practiced. It’s dramatic scenery with windy valleys, sharp mountain ridges, old monasteries built on cliffs and is one of the best adventure travel destinations on earth. The Grand Traverse of the Indian Himalaya is a high-altitude trekking adventure through the remote and stunning landscapes of Ladakh and the Changthang Plateau. This journey combines gradual acclimatization, cultural experiences, and a rewarding trek across High Mountain passes, beautiful lakes, and traditional nomadic regions.
The trek is led by Valerie Parkinson. Valerie has been leading treks and expeditions in the Himalaya for over 40 years and her knowledge of the culture, religion, people and mountains is second to none. In 2008 Valerie became the first British woman to summit Manaslu (8163m) without the use of supplementary oxygen. She spends every summer (and most winters) guiding in Ladakh.

HIGHLIGHTS

Spectacular flight across the Himalaya from Delhi to Leh with panoramic views of the huge glaciers and peaks of the Indian Himalaya.
Visits to iconic monasteries including Phyang, Spituk, Shey & Thiksey.
Trek through the remote Changthang Plateau, one of the highest inhabited nomadic regions in the world.
Crossing multiple high-altitude passes.
Stunning views of surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Rich wildlife sightings: Black-necked cranes, Brahminy ducks, Wild asses (kiang), Marmots, Pikkas, Wolves and Tibetan Antelope.
Journey concludes in the nomadic village of Korzok, overlooking beautiful azure blue Tso Moriri Lake.
A true end-to-end Himalayan traverse, not a circular trek.

Trips Date	Trip Status	Price (PP) Per Person
Sun 15 Aug, 27 - Sun 29 Aug, 27	Available	£ 2050

Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. The remainder of the day is available for rest following your journey or for independent exploration of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Fly Delhi to Leh (3500m)

Drive to the airport for an early flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If weather permits, arrive in Leh early. Spend the day relaxing and acclimatizing (11,485ft/3,500m). We take a rest in the morning and in the afternoon there will be a short orientation walk around Leh and its bazaars.
Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast
In Leh

Following breakfast, we set off on a morning sightseeing tour featuring visits to Phyang and Spituk monasteries, which are among the most renowned Buddhist temples in the region. We drive along the India Valley and the monasteries both contain ancient murals. We can experience the tranquil spiritual environment that exemplifies Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage. Return to the hotel by the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure; you can choose to relax at the hotel or independently explore the surrounding area.
Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast
In Leh

Today we have an acclimatization walk around the Leh Valley, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. Visit Sankar monastery, followed by the peaceful Shanti Stupa, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding mountains. Continue to the old Royal Palace, a historic nine-storey structure overlooking the city, and conclude the walk with a visit to Tsemo Gompa, perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the Indus Valley.
Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Rumtse & afternoon acclimatization walk (4218 m)

After breakfast, depart from Leh and drive towards Rumtse, a scenic journey of about 2.5 hours through the stark and beautiful landscapes of Ladakh. En route, visit the magnificent Shey palace, known for its giant copper-gilt statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, followed by the iconic Thiksey monastery, often compared to the Potala Palace for its impressive hilltop architecture and sweeping views of the Indus Valley. Continue to Rumtse, a traditional village and starting point for high-altitude treks.
Accomodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Distance: 77 kms / 2-3 hrs drive
Trek Rumtse – Kyamar (4590 m)

After breakfast start your first day trek through beautiful color gorge. After few minute of walking from camp, we cross the first River and walk along another riverside and continue along the left side. Again cross the same river towards the right side and continue along the left of the valley. Easy walk up to the Kyamar. Greenery and beautiful camping site with number of Marmots. Overnight at Camp.
Accomodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cross the Kyamari La (5142m) and the Mandalchan La (5233m) to Tisaling (5040m)

After breakfast start your first day trek up the Kyamar Vally. We cross the river a couple of times but the walking today is fairly gentle as we gain height slowly. Our campsite is on a green grassy area – look out for marmots around the camp. The energetic can take an extra hike up a hill behind our campsite.
Accommodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking: 4 ½ hrs

Ascent: ↑ 366m
Cross the Shibuk La (5293m) to Pongonagu (4550m)

A tougher day today as we cross 2 high passes. The trail zig zags gradually to the top of the Kyamari La. The effort is worth it for the stunning views of the mountains all around us. We descend a short while to our welcome lunch break. After lunch, we have a shorter climb to the Mandalchan La at 5233m. Again we have spectacular views of the beautiful colours of the barren Ladakh mountains. A short descent brings us to our camp at Tisaling.
Accommodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking: 7-8 hrs

Ascent: ↑ 558m

Decent: ↓300mt
Ponganagu - Nuruchan (4650m)

Continue your trek along the western shore of the stunning Tso Kar Lake, a stunning blue salt lake and a unique high-altitude wetland known for its rich birdlife. Keep an eye out for rare species such as black-necked cranes and Brahminy ducks, often seen feeding along the lake’s edges. Tso Kar is famously known as the “White Lake” due to the thick salt deposits that line its banks, The trail offers an easy walk through this vast open landscape before gradually leading you to the campsite at Nuruchan.
Accommodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking: 5-6 hrs

Ascent: ↑ 173m

Decent: ↓145mt
Cross the Horlam Konke La (4967m) to Rajung and the Kyamayuri La (5435m) to Gyame Barma (5200 m)

Today is a long yet highly rewarding trekking day as you cross two high mountain passes — the Horlam Kongke La and Kyamayuri La. The trail climbs steadily through wide valleys and rugged terrain, offering dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and high-altitude landscapes. Along the way, you are likely to encounter local nomad families moving with their herds of yaks, sheep, and goats, providing a fascinating glimpse into the traditional Changthang way of life. After crossing Kyamayuri La, the route descends gradually towards Gyame Barma, a beautiful campsite set in an open valley.
Accommodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking: 7-8 hrs

Ascent: ↑ 855m

Decent: ↓339m
Gyame Barma – Gyame La (5400m) to Gyame (5120m)

Today’s trek is relatively short and gentle, making it a pleasant conclusion to the journey. From Gyame Barma, the trail ascends gradually to the Gyame La, offering lovely views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ridges. After crossing the pass, begin a scenic descent into the Gyame Valley, where the nomads bring their animals to graze in the summer months. Overnight stay at camp.
Accommodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking: 3 hrs

Ascent: ↑ 213m

Decent: ↓251m
Cross the Yalung Nyau La (5450m) to Korzok (4570m)

Today marks one of the most spectacular days of the trek as you cross Yalung Nyau La, the highest pass of the entire journey. The ascent is gradual but rewarding, leading to breathtaking panoramic views. From the top of the pass, enjoy a magnificent first view of the deep blue waters of Tso Moriri Lake, framed by snow-capped peaks and vast open plains. Begin the descent towards Korzok village, walking through a wide barren valley with views of the Mentok range to the right and Lungser and Shamser Kangri ahead. Arrive at Korzok, a traditional high-altitude village located on the banks of Tso Moriri Lake. The evening is free to relax and soak in the serene atmosphere of this remote. Overnight stay at camp.
Accommodation: Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking: 5-6 hrs

Ascent: ↑ 300m

Decent: ↓905m
Drive from Karzok – Leh

After breakfast, depart from Korzok, bidding farewell to the serene surroundings of Tso Moriri Lake. Drive back to Leh, passing through vast high-altitude plains, remote villages, and dramatic mountain landscapes that define the Changthang region. Enjoy the scenic journey with photo stops along the way. Arrive in Leh in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel for that welcome hot shower.
Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Distance: 230 kms / 6-7hrs
Fly from Leh to Delhi

A memorable flight across the Himalayas and a dramatic end to our adventures in Ladakh.
(Please note – there is not much time to explore Leh at the end of the trip. If you would like additional days in Ladakh please let us know and we can arrange your flight and accommodation).

Accommodation. Hotel

Meals: Breakfast
Depart Delhi

Depart Delhi or extend your trip. Optional extensions include visiting the Taj Mahal or exploring more of Delhi. International flights should ideally depart after 14:00 for possible flight delays from Leh.
Meals: Breakfast

What is included in the price?

All airport transfers and ground transportation as per the itinerary
Domestic flights: Delhi – Leh – Delhi
Hotel accommodation in Delhi and Leh on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast
Fully supported trek with camp accommodation throughout the trekking days
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
Support staff including cooks, helpers, and porters/pack animals as required
All necessary camping equipment (tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping mats)
Inner Line Permits and trekking permits for Ladakh and Changthang regions
Entrance fees for monasteries and sightseeing as per itinerary
First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder carried by the support team
Comprehensive logistics and on-ground coordination throughout the journey

What is not included in the price?

International flights to Delhi
India Visa
Personal travel insurance
Extra meals in Delhi and Leh, as detailed in the itinerary
Optional sightseeing tours in Delhi
Tipping for drivers/hotel staff/guides/trek support team/leader
Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks etc
Hire of sleeping bag and down jacket in Leh
Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as roadblocks, weather conditions, natural calamities, flight cancellations and rescheduling, delays etc