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Ladakh overwhelms your soul. This portion of ancient Tibet is a high-altitude desert in the Western Himalaya. A rugged, sparsely settled terrain of ever-changing colour stretches from horizon to horizon beneath deep blue skies.
Often referred to as the “roof of the World”, it still embodies the magic and mystique of ancient Tibet. Though technically a part of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh has culturally always been a part of Tibet, and is still known as “Little Tibet”.
The predominant religion and a major guiding force over the centuries is Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. Language, clothes, architecture, traditions and the land itself are all very similar to those of pre-invasion Tibet. In fact, with the changes wrought by the Chinese in Central Tibet, Ladakh represents the largest living remnant of the great Tibetan civilization.
Ladakh opened to the outside world in 1975. In the more remote areas of the region, little has changed for centuries. Our trips to Ladakh emphasize cross-cultural contact with the exceptionally friendly people who live here and the experience (and preservation) of some of the remote valleys, ancient ruins and active Buddhist sites.
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Kashmir
| Ladakh
| Zanskar
See map |
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MARKHA VALLEY
20 day trip | 10 day trek | Grade B
This is one of the most beautiful treks in Ladakh. We trek through the Hemis National Park which is home to a number of species of endangered mammals including the Snow Leopard. It ventures high into the mountains crossing two passes Ganda La (4,600 mtrs) and Kongmaru La (4,900 mtrs). Stunning views of Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges and the impressive peak of Kangyaze (6,600 mtrs). An ancient form of Buddhism still flourishes in many monastries throughout the villages of Markha Valley.
Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
Day 2 - Flight - Delhi to Srinagar
Day 3 - Srinagar
Day 4 - Srinagar - local sightseeing
Day 5 to 6 - Drive to Leh
Day 7 to 17 - Trekking
Day 18 - Leh
Day 19 - Local sightseeing
Day 20 - Flight - Leh - Delhi
and onward destination
HIGH ALTITUDE NOMADIC TREK
25 day trip | 16 day trek | Grade A
This high altitude trek ventures through Rupshu and Changthang valleys and crosses many high passes, stark and spectacular mountains. Most of our campsites are over 4,000 mtrs and the highest at Gyama Sumdo (4,500 mtrs). The Rupshu is a large area to the south east of Ladakh. The altitude of the valley varies between 4,000 and 5,000 mtres. The mountains are barren and dry. The climate being extremely cold and dry, makes for little agriculture but a lot of grazing land. The inhabitants, called Khampas, lead a nomadic life travelling with their herds of goats, Dzos and flocks of sheep. Rupshus' bar hills support a sparse population of wildlife. The lake of Tso-moriri is spectacular and is a breeding ground for numerous species of birds such as the bar-headed goose, the great crested grebe, the Brahmini duck and brown-headed gull.
Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
Day 2 - Flight - Delhi to Srinagar
Day 3 - Srinagar
Day 4 - Srinagar - local sightseeing
Day 5 to 6 - Drive to Leh
Day 7 - Leh
Day 8 to 23 - Trekking
Day 24 - Leh - local sightseeing
Day 25 - Flight - Leh - Delhi
and onward destination
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