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Classic trekking in 'Little Tibet'
The tour starts in Delhi today. The group flights usually arrive in the morning. There will be a welcome briefing but otherwise, today is free to relax and recover from the flight or for individual exploration of Delhi. Rooms in the hotel are usually available after mid day. Comfortable Hotel
A very early start today for the flight to Leh. We often have to leave the hotel at around 2 am and drive to the airport for the very early morning but highly spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If the weather is good and the flight goes on time we should be in Leh early. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m). In the morning we rest and catch up on some sleep and in the afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh and its bazaars.Standard Hotel
Today there is a sightseeing tour to two of the major gompas in the area. We first drive to Shey, a former Royal Palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350 year old copper and gold statue of the Buddha. From Shey we drive (or we can walk across the fields) to Tikse, where we visit the monastery - perched on top of a hill - its red and white buildings can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. We return to Leh and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore.Standard Hotel
Today we will have an acclimatisation walk round the Leh Valley. Set above Leh on the Namgyal Hill, are the ruins of the Old Royal Palace. From here a winding path takes us to Tsemo Monastery, from where we are rewarded for our efforts by magnificent views of the whole of Leh and its surrounding villages. Descending round the back of the palace we walk via Sankar to the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda. This huge stupa overlooks Leh and we have stunning views of the town and the Stok range of mountains across the valley. (There is the chance today to make an optional jeep safari to the Khardung Pass; at 5,602m, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.The journey to the top of the pass and back takes roughly 4/5 hours in total and can be booked and paid for locally. Your leader will have details. (If you do the jeep safari this will be in the morning and you can do a walk in the afternoon).Standard Hotel
By now we should be well acclimatised, and we take a short drive from Leh to Jinchen. We drive past Spituk, the site of the first Gelugpa Monastery in Ladakh. There should be time to visit the monastery with its commanding views over the Indus Valley. From here a new road takes us across the Indus towards Jinchen. We will drive as far as the road conditions allow and to where our ponies will be waiting. After they are loaded up we start our trek into the Jinchen Gorge at the foot of the Stok Mountains. The trail is straightforward as we follow the Jinchen Nala upstream. The valley closes in around us and spectacular rock formations tower above us. An ever-changing panorama of fantastic coloured mountains surrounds us as we ascend the valley. We may have to cross the river as the stream forces the path closer to the side of the valley. Suddenly the valley widens and reveals the snow-topped peaks of the Stok mountains. Prayer flags on a wide pasture mark the junction with the trail leading to Rumbak village. Tonight's camp is below Rumbak village with stunning views all around - looking left towards Rumbak a fantastic multi-coloured toothy skyline ridge appears in the distance. We can visit the village this afternoon and maybe sample the local delicacy, salty yak buttered tea, in one of the many home stays. Full-service Camping (sleeping altitude 3,880m)
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 4-5
A short day today for acclimatisation. We head up the main valley past a watermill and to a bridge, which we cross. The trail ascends the valley gradually and when the valley splits we take the right-hand fork up past the one house village of Yurutse. Leaving the fields behind we ascend towards the Ganda La and camp tonight by a small stream below the pass. In the afternoon there will be an acclimatisation walk on the hills around camp.Full-service Camping (sleeping altitude 4,539m)
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 4
A long day today as we cross our first pass. The trail is clear as it zigzags towards the pass. As we climb the views become more and more spectacular. Behind us, Stok Kangri dominates the skyline. Finally, we reach the top of the Ganda La (4,970m) decked with colourful prayer flags and the views are worth all the effort. Ahead is the Zanskar Range and behind are the Stok Mountains. Far below in the valley are the fields of Shingo. As we descend keep an eye open for marmots and blue sheep, both of which seem to thrive in these desolate, high altitude spots. The trail to Shingo is easy and in the main season, there is usually a tea tent here, which may sell cold drinks. From Shingo, the trail takes us through a spectacular gorge with beautifully coloured and eroded rocks. We continue down the gorge all the way to the small hamlet of Skiu. As we pass through Skiu we can stop and have a look at a Women’s Eco Café that Exodus helped renovate as part of our Himalayan Community Support. We camp either in Skiu itself or about 20 minutes beyond the village by the river.Full-service Camping (sleeping altitude 3,360m)
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 10.5
Activity Hours: 8-9
A fairly long, but easier walk today, as we trek along the valley to Markha. The terrain along the valley is not demanding so there are plenty of opportunities to admire the magnificent scenery. The colours of the barren mountains of Ladakh are truly spectacular, pastel pinks, blues and greens shine in the brilliant sunshine and change colour dramatically as the sun rises and sets.We follow the river all day today and will have to cross the river a few times and although bridges have been built in some places there will be some river crossings today. We will have lunch in Sara, where there is usually some welcome shade in a tea tent. Beyond the settlement of Chalak, there is an impressive line of chortens and a huge mound of goat horns, which are placed on the chortens to ward off any evil spirits trying to enter the valley. Climbing up to a small col we descend again to the river and a mediaeval fort silhouetted on the hillside tells us that we have almost reached Markha. Just before Markha, we will need to don our river crossing sandals for at least 2 river crossings.Markha is only a small village and there will be time to explore the small monastery in the afternoon. Our camp will be on grazing flats near the village.Full-service Camping (sleeping altitude 3,750m)
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12.5
Activity Hours: 8
Just beyond Markha, the trail meets the Chacham Valley. We will have one or two river crossings this morning. Just after the river crossings is Tache gompa, set way above us on the cliff face. There is time to visit the monastery, which is the most important in the valley and is affiliated to Hemis. It is a steep 10-minute climb up to the small temple but the stunning views from the top are well worth the effort. Continuing up the valley we walk through Umlung village to Hankar where there are more impressive fort ruins and a small gompa. We have lunch in Hankar at the Eco Cafe that Exodus has helped set up and support as part of our Himalayan Community Support Projects. From Hankar the trail turns off from the main valley, climbs up a small side valley past the ruins of Hankar Fort before dropping down to Upper Hankar. Climbing more we now follow the Nimaling stream to Thachungtse where we camp. We may be lucky and see Blue Sheep (a type of wild goat) high up on the grazing areas above the campsite.Full-service Camping (sleeping altitude 4,250m)
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 7
A short but quite tough walk today to Nimaling. The trail climbs steeply to a plateau where the valley opens out. Ahead are spectacular views of Kang Yangtse, at 6,400m, the highest peak in the valley. In this area, there is no permanent habitation but during the summer months, the shepherds bring their flocks of sheep, goats and dzos (cow-yak cross breeds) to graze on the high altitude pasture. The shepherds stay in stone shelters close to the grazing area for the whole summer and we can often buy yoghurt or local cheese from them. In the evenings, the animals are brought down from the hills and it is quite usual to have hundreds of them wandering through the campsite. Look after your edibles! We should get to Nimaling by lunchtime and in the afternoon, there is an optional walk up behind camp towards Kang Yangtse. This is well worth doing and highly recommended for the impressive close-up views of Kang Yangste. Full-service Camping (sleeping altitude 4,854m)
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 4-5
A long day as we cross our second, and highest, pass of the trek. Our trail begins today by climbing to the Gongmaru La. It is a fairly long, steep ascent zigzagging to the top of the pass at 5,286m, but the views from the top are worth the effort. Looking back we see Kang Yangtse, Dzo Jongo East and West and Regoni Malari. Ahead there are views of the Stok Range and down to the Indus valley. The descent is steep at first and we then enter a spectacular gorge and descend more gradually with many small river crossings. High up on the barren cliffs we may spot the elusive Blue Sheep which inhabit this area. Passing through Chuskurmo we continue our long descent crossing the river several times to the village of Chokodo. Today is a tough one due to crossing the high pass and the long descent.Full-service Camping (sleeping altitude 3,980m)
Distance in Km: 18
Distance in Miles: 11
Activity Hours: 8-10
This morning we drive to Hemis Monastery though very occasionally the road gets blocked and our transport cannot make it so we will then need to walk down the jeep track to Hemis. Hemis was once the largest and richest of all the Ladakhi monasteries. A wander round the dimly lit temples containing grotesque yet beautiful masks and statues will take us back hundreds of years in time. We then drive back to Leh and the comforts of a hot shower at our hotel. We should get to Leh for lunch and the rest of the day is free for last minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars.Standard Hotel
We fly from Leh to Delhi. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing in Delhi.Comfortable Hotel
6 nights hotels, all en suite, 7 nights full-service camping7 days
point-to-point walkingGroup normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Min age
18 yrsAltitude maximum 5200m, average 3900mTravel by jeep, on foot and 2
internal flightsFull porterage throughout the trek
All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.All meals except for
main meals in Delhi and Leh are included; please allow about GBP70 (approx.
USD115) for these.Whilst camping, the staff will bring a hot drink (usually
tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon tea and
biscuits will be served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is
a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam,
eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route
(except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically
include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and
western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dhal and
paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner time a dessert such as tinned fruit and
custard, fritters or cake is also be served. Please note that although some
meals will include meat, it is not as readily available whilst
camping.Drinking WaterStaying hydrated is important when undertaking any
physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally
recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.We strongly
encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing
problem of plastic pollution in Ladakh. In Leh there is a shop called
Dzomsa which sells safe drinking water. Your leader will show you where this
is on your first day in Leh.During the trek the cooks will collect and boil
drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for
you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use
your own water purification treatment as well.We also suggest that you may
like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with
you and use a SteriPEN to treat any non-boiled water. A SteriPEN is a
handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy
to pack for a trek. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification
tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on
non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is
uncommon in these regions).SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor
shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB
charging ones. Using a SteriPEN means you won’t leave behind a single
plastic bottle – and you can keep it for future trips.
6 nights hotels, all en suite, 7 nights full-service camping7 days
point-to-point walkingGroup normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Min age
18 yrsAltitude maximum 5200m, average 3900mTravel by jeep, on foot and 2
internal flightsFull porterage throughout the trek
This is a reasonably strenuous trek involving seven days point-to-point
walking at quite high altitudes; maximum altitude 5,286m, average 3,900m. As
such is has been graded as ‘challenging’ (activity level 5). Most days
involve 4-6 hours walking, although there are a few longer days, and there
are two passes over 4,900m.Most of the trails are well made on sandy paths.
There are a few river crossings. Daytime temperatures can be very hot,
especially in the middle of the day as at these altitudes the sun is very
strong. Nights will be cooler and cold at Nimaling.This trek is for those who
are willing to put in the necessary fitness preparation and like a good walk
for around 6 hours a day. This is a fully supported camping trek with full
porterage (mules and ponies) throughout; you need only carry your day pack.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:
https://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdfThe
transfer journeys at the start and end of the trek are both very short (less
than an hour’s drive).As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we
ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend 3
days in Leh (3500m) before the trek to allow you to acclimatise before
starting the trek.Walking distances and hours are given as approximates only.
Timings stated include rest and photo stops but not a longer lunch break and
will vary depending on the pace of your group.Why Trek with Exodus?• Over
30 years’ experience of organising treks in Ladakh.• 'Ask an expert' -
talk to Exodus office staff who have done the treks themselves.•
Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and
trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness.• All staff
(leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage.•
Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation
and contingency days.• Staff carry oxygen and first aid kit.•
Self-assessment AMS cards used to monitor every client at altitude.
Hotels & CampingIn Delhi, we use a comfortable hotel (usually the Hotel Jaypee Siddharth),
which has air-conditioned rooms, all en suite. In Leh we stay in a simple
hotel but all rooms have en suite facilities. There is intermittent Wi-Fi
available in Leh, however, there is no mobile coverage for international
phones in Ladakh. The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis,
meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook,
and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your day pack.
Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents
which have enough room inside for your kitbags. We also have a dining tent
complete with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually
two) for use during the evenings. No running water is available whilst
camping. You will be camping close to a river or stream and the camp staff
will provide bowls of warm water (to wash with) whilst trekking.Single rooms
and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please
enquire at the time of booking.
Campsite at the base of the Ganda La, 
This trip will be led by an experienced local English speaking leader. The
leader will be supported by local guides, cook crew and pony men and as many
helpers as the group size dictates. All Exodus leaders are highly
experienced and as well as Exodus leader training courses they are all
trained in wilderness first aid.The 7 August 2022 departure (land only start
date) will be led by Valerie Parkinson. Valerie has been leading treks and
climbs in Ladakh and the rest of the Himalaya for the last 35 years. Her
experience in this area is second to none and she has led the trek many
times. Places on Valerie’s treks book up quickly, so we advise booking
early if you would like to trek with her.
All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.All meals except for
main meals in Delhi and Leh are included; please allow about GBP70 (approx.
USD115) for these.Whilst camping, the staff will bring a hot drink (usually
tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon tea and
biscuits will be served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is
a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam,
eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route
(except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically
include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and
western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dhal and
paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner time a dessert such as tinned fruit and
custard, fritters or cake is also be served. Please note that although some
meals will include meat, it is not as readily available whilst
camping.Drinking WaterStaying hydrated is important when undertaking any
physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally
recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.We strongly
encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing
problem of plastic pollution in Ladakh. In Leh there is a shop called
Dzomsa which sells safe drinking water. Your leader will show you where this
is on your first day in Leh.During the trek the cooks will collect and boil
drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for
you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use
your own water purification treatment as well.We also suggest that you may
like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with
you and use a SteriPEN to treat any non-boiled water. A SteriPEN is a
handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy
to pack for a trek. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification
tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on
non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is
uncommon in these regions).SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor
shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB
charging ones. Using a SteriPEN means you won’t leave behind a single
plastic bottle – and you can keep it for future trips.
Depending on the time of day, for transfers in Delhi we use either taxis or
private buses (during busy times such as morning rush hour taxis are
preferable to negotiate the busy narrow streets). In and around Leh and for
the drive to Jinchen and from Sumdo we use a private minibus, jeeps or taxis.
For the flights to and from Leh we use one of the airlines operating within
India.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 15 daysThe group flight from London
is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the
itinerary.Flights from LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of Virgin
Atlantic (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.Internal flights during the trip are with a local
airline.Travelling land only: 14 days starting and ending in DelhiYour trip
normally starts at our hotel in Delhi in the morning of Day 1 of the
itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final
Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.Leh
Flight DelaysLeh Airport can sometimes experience adverse weather conditions
and fog which can occasionally cause flights to be delayed or cancelled. If
booking your own flights we advise you to book your international flight home
from Delhi departing no sooner than mid‐ afternoon/evening on the last day
of the itinerary. Please also be aware that should you miss your
international flight as a result of delays from Leh, your insurance may not
cover you for any additional expenses incurred.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £10 (approx. US$15) should you
decide to make your way independently.
Generally the weather is good in Ladakh during the summer time, with warm to
very hot sunny days (up to 30degC/35degC) with cooler nights depending on the
altitude (it can reach freezing at Nimaling in September). There is, however,
the possibility of rain, and you should be prepared for this. The sun is very
strong at these altitudes and some of the days on trek can be extremely hot.
The above weather chart for Leh shows average temperatures only - it does not
reflect extremes of heat and cold. Please refer to the paragraph below for
further details of the temperature range. Generally the weather is good in
Ladakh during the summer time, with warm to very hot sunny days (up to
30ºC/35ºC+) with cooler nights depending on the altitude (it can reach
freezing at Nimaling in September). There is, however, the possibility of
rain, and you should be prepared for this. The sun is very strong at these
altitudes and some of the days on trek can be extremely hot.Ladakh, though
technically part of the Tibetan plateau and classified as a high altitude
desert, can and does occasionally experience the effects of the Indian
monsoon. Although the departures are timed to coincide when the weather is
normally good, you should remember that in any mountain area the weather is
never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with
any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.Delhi in the
summer it is very hot and humid.
You will be restricted to 12 kgs of luggage whilst on trek for porterage.
Please also see the 'internal flights weight limit' section below.3/4-season
sleeping bag (liner optional)Sleeping mattress/Thermarest3-season
jacketWalking boots - lightweight and waterproof with ankle support and worn
in.Waterproof jacket and trousers Trainers/sandals for the evening (and river
crossings)Warm hat, Warm gloves Several pairs of walking socks (not too thick
as it can be very hot in Ladakh in summer)A thermal layerMid layer
(fleece)T-shirts/shirts/base layersLightweight trousers Shorts (or skirt for
women) Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protectionDaypack
(at least 25 litres)Head torchWater Bottles (minimum 2 litres)Plastic bags
(bin liners) to line daypack and for packing clothing in the kitbagToilet
paperSmall personal first aid kitPlease note that many Indians are still
traditional in the way they dress. Out of respect for the country, we ask you
to dress conservatively – no sleeveless tops or tight leggings. Although
shorts are acceptable on trek they should be modest and reach to just above
the knee and for women, a skirt or trousers are preferable (shorts are not
acceptable in the monasteries).We believe in reducing our negative
environmental impacts wherever possible, this goes for when you need to spend
a penny in the great outdoors! If no facilities are available there may come
a time when you need to go to the loo behind a tree/bush/rock. To avoid
leaving toilet paper behind we recommend taking biodegradable dog
poo/sandwich bags with you. Once you have done your business you can pop the
used toilet roll in here and take it off the mountain or trail at the end of
the day and dispose of it when there are appropriate facilities
available.Donations to Ranbirpura Primary SchoolExodus supports
underprivileged children at Ranbirpura Primary School, near Tikse in Ladakh.
Although the basic education is looked after by the government, some of the
facilities are limited. If you have any extra room in your luggage the school
and the children would appreciate any of the following items: children’s
books for 5-15 year olds, notebooks, pens, crayons, painting books, school
bags, girls and boys socks or underwear, warm hats and gloves, toothpaste &
brushes, lightweight board games. These items can be handed over to your
leader on arrival to your hotel in Delhi, and your leader will carry it to
Leh (our local partner will pay for any excess baggage charge on the Leh
flight associated with this).Please note:As of November 2019 the Indian
government has announced a ban on e-cigarettes and related products. You
will be unable to buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country.
Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
Water purificationTrekking pole(s)Hand washing gelBiodegradable
soap/shampooUmbrella (for sun/rain)
You are advised to bring most of your money in cash as you will not be able
to change travellers cheques in India. It makes no difference whether you
bring Sterling or US Dollars. You can change your money on arrival at Delhi
airport but the rates tend to be very low at the airport so we recommend
changing cash either in the hotel in Delhi or at the money change kiosks in
Leh. You will need approximately £100-150 (approx. US$175-255) for meals,
entry fees and tipping for the whole trip.Apart from the extra food you
should allow approximately £3 (approx. US$5) a day for drinks and
incidentals, more if you enjoy a few beers, as these are comparatively
expensive in India. Most monasteries in Ladakh charge a small entrance fee
that goes towards the upkeep of the building. These may add up to about £8
(approx. US$13) in total.Whilst on trek there is not much to spend your money
on, but in Leh and Delhi there is a wealth of souvenirs, trinkets etc.India
has very good opportunities for shopping, especially for locally made goods,
and in Delhi local guides may well offer to take you to emporiums as well as
workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great
opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides
will often assume that visitors will want to go shopping, it is very much
part of the culture, however, if you do not wish to go please make this clear
to your local guide at the time.Optional ExcursionsThe half-day trip to the
Khardung La costs about INR1,650 (£20 / US$25) per person with 4 people
sharing a jeep. Please note the Indian government will no longer issue the
Khardung La permit to the following passport holders - Chinese, Korean or
Taiwanese.
Tipping is of course entirely at your discretion, but it is customary in
India. Tipping can be an awkward affair especially when you are not familiar
with the country. Your leader will help with tipping and will provide a list
of suggested tips. This will include tips for drivers, hotel porters and
other hotel staff, local sightseeing guides, and if trekking or biking will
include camp staff such as guide, assistants, cooks and ponymen. Sometimes
your leader will collect a kitty during the trip and sometimes they will
collect the tips towards the end of the trip (occasionally for very small
groups the leader may need to collect a little more than the suggested
amount). We suggest you allow Rs4,500 (approx. £55 / $70) for this trip.
Please try to tip in local currency.Tipping of the leader is not included in
the above and is at your discretion. However we suggest around Rs1000-2000
(approx. £15-25 /US$20-30) per person for the leader.Based on the above
distributions, you should allow approximately GB£70-75/US$90-100 per person
in total for all tips for the tour duration. Please try to give all tips in
local currency.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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