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. Join us on this wonderful trek through the Hemis National Park with a challenging (entirely optional) ascent of UT Kangri, 6070m.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular mountain flights between Delhi and Leh.
- Trek through the dramatic high-altitude desert landscapes of Hemis National Park, home to blue sheep, wolves and the elusive snow leopard.
- Pass through remote villages and experience the traditional pastoral life of Ladakh.
- Fly over the Indian Himalaya from Delhi to Leh. On a clear day this is one of the most spectacular mountain flights on earth.
- Summit UT Kangri (6070m), a non-technical Himalayan peak ideal as a first 6000m climb.
- Experience the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture of Ladakh with visits to spectacular hilltop monasteries.
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.
| Trips Date | Trip Status | Price (PP) Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 22 Aug, 26 - Sun 06 Sep, 26 | Guaranteed | £ 1990 |
| Sun 11 Jul, 27 - Sun 25 Jul, 27 | Available | £ 2090 |
| Sun 25 Jul, 27 - Sun 08 Aug, 27 | Available | £ 2090 |
| Sun 08 Aug, 27 - Sun 22 Aug, 27 | Available | £ 2090 |
| Sun 22 Aug, 27 - Sun 05 Sep, 27 | Available | £ 2090 |
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Arrive Delhi
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the group hotel. Check-in time is usually after 2:00 pm. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you can relax and recover from your journey and prepare for the high-altitude adventure ahead. Around 6:00 pm, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing, followed by a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
- Accommodation: Hotel
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Fly Delhi to Leh (3,500m)
Today we take an early morning flight to Leh, located at an altitude of 3,500m. On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is kept free for rest and acclimatization to the high altitude. It is important to take it easy, stay hydrated, and allow your body to adjust. In the late afternoon, you may enjoy a gentle walk through Leh Bazaar and the old town, where you can experience the local culture and get your first glimpse of Ladakhi mountain life.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
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In Leh
After breakfast we drive along the Indus Valley to Shey where we stop and visit the old Royal Palace and temple with a 2 storey gilded Buddha. From Shey we have a pleasant warm up walk across the fields to Tikse monastery. Set high above the village this is one of the most magnificent monasteries in Ladakh. After a late lunch we drive back to Leh.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
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Acclimatisation walk in Leh valley
Today’s acclimatisation walk explores the Leh Valley. Walk past Leh Palace and climb to Tsemo Hill for panoramic views over Leh and the surrounding mountains. Descend via the Lamdon School and continue to the beautiful white-domed Shanti Stupa, built by Japanese monks as part of a peace mission. Afternoon free for exploration and final trek briefing.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
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Drive to Hamurja & Trek to Markha (3750m)
Drive to Hamurja at the entrance of the Markha Valley. After lunch, begin trekking upstream along the Markha River through the villages of Sara and Chalak to reach Markha, the largest village within Hemis National Park. Evening walk around the village and monastery.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Driving: 3 hrs
- Hiking: 3-4 hrs / 10km / 200m ↑
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Markha to Thachungtse (4250m)
Continue along the Markha River with several river crossings. En route, visit the dramatic cliffside Tacha Monastery before continuing to Hankar village for lunch. After lunch, enter a side valley past the ruins of Hankar Fort and continue to the remote campsite at Thachungtse, often visited by Himalayan blue sheep.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hiking: 6 - 7 hrs / 15km / 500m ↑
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Thachungtse to Nimaling (4854m)
A shorter trekking day as altitude increases. The trail climbs to a broad plateau with spectacular views of Kang Yatse (6400m), the highest peak in the valley. During summer, shepherds graze their flocks here and often sell fresh local yoghurt. Arrive at Nimaling by lunchtime. Afternoon free for acclimatisation walks.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hiking: 4-5 hrs / 8km / 600m ↑
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Nimaling to Chaktsang (4700m)
Cross the spectacular Lalung La Pass (5300m) with magnificent views of Dzo Jongo, Kang Yatse and Regoni Malari. Descend into a landscape of dramatic rock formations to the campsite at Chaktsang.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hiking: 5 - 6 hrs / 13km / 470m ↑ 620m ↓
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Chaktsang to Lato (4000m)
Cross the Chaktsang La Pass (5200m) before descending into a side gorge and eventually to Lato. Several river crossings are expected today. Tonight’s campsite is beside the Kyamur River near the peaceful village of Lato.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hiking: 5 - 6 hrs / 18km / 500m ↑ 1200m ↓
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Drive to Rumtse Phu & Trek to UT Kangri Base Camp (5300m)
Short drive (approximately 20 minutes) to Rumtse Phu. Meet the pony team and begin a steep climb to the base camp of UT Kangri.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hiking: 4 hrs / 6km / 450m ↑
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Rest & Acclimatisation at Base Camp
A full day to rest, hydrate and acclimatise before the summit attempt. There will also be an opportunity to take a short acclimatisation walk in the nearby foothills. After lunch, your mountain guides will conduct a training session covering the use of crampons, ice axes and rope techniques. Early dinner and rest before summit day preparations.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Summit day!
We set off very early (usually 1/2am) for our summit bid. A challenging climb awaits as you ascend steep scree and moraine before crossing snow fields on the way to the top. Finally, reach the summit at 6070m to be rewarded with views of Kang Yatse and many other high peaks of Ladakh. Take in the achievement of summiting a huge 6000m mountain before making the descent back to base camp where you can enjoy a well-earned HOT meal.
- Accommodation: TENTS
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hiking: 10 - 12 hrs / 800m ↑ 800m ↓
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Trek out and back to Leh
Descend to Rumtse Phu and say goodbye to the trekking crew before driving back to Leh. Afternoon free for relaxation, shopping or exploration.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
- Hiking: 2-3 hrs / 6 km / 650m ↓
- Driving: 2–3 hrs / 80km
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Fly to Delhi
Morning flight back to Delhi. possible to do a short sightseeing tour. In the afternoon enjoy guided sightseeing in Old Delhi including:
- Drive past the Red Fort
- Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi
- Pass by Jama Masjid
- Visit the famous spice market
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
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Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
What is included in the price?
- Twin bedded accommodation in Delhi & Leh 3 star hotels and two-man tents during the trek.
- Breakfast only in Delhi and Leh hotels.
- Full board for 8 nights– breakfast, lunch and dinner - during trek in dining tent.
- Return flights to Leh from Delhi (7kg hand luggage & 15kg checked in hold luggage).
- Expert local climbing guide throughout trek and support team with ponies to carry heavy luggage and all camp/cooking equipment.
- Valerie Parkinson will lead the trip.
- All transfers from/to airports/hotels in Delhi and Leh, including jeep transfers beginning & end of trek in Leh.
- All applicable local taxes.
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
- Monastery entrance fees in Ladakh
- Local tips for drivers/hotel staff/guide and trek support team, leader
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks etc
- Extra warm jackets and sleeping bags for the trek are available to hire (see hire list details in Trip Notes)
- Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as road blocks, weather conditions, natural calamities, flight cancellations and rescheduling, delays etc
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