trip

16 Days$2690USD

Activities
  • 11 day trek
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel
  • 10 nights camping
Meals
  • 14 Dinners
  • 14 Lunches
  • 15 Breakfasts
5
Moderate
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Explore high trails and remote passes linking the Indus Valley to the remote region of Rupshu
  • Head off the beaten track to Zalung Karpo La and the vast Tibetan borderlands
  • Traverse passes where prayer flags reflect the deep seated Buddhist heritage
  • Savour our fully supported trek staying in remote campsites
  • Explore the labyrinth of alleyways, vibrant markets and palaces of the vibrant capital of Leh

Why Book With Us

  • World Expeditions have been pioneering active adventures to all corners of the globe since 1975. All trips now are 100% carbon offset.
  • Receive three hearty freshly prepared meals on trek and save money by using our trek packing including quality down jacket, sleeping bag and more. Receive a souvenir kitbag.
  • Well paced trek with proper acclimatisation days led by expert wilderness first aid trained guides equipped with group medical kit.
  • Stay pre trek at the 5 star Lalit Hotel in New Delhi.

An innovative exploration across the high trails of Ladakh. We trek from Matho in the Indus valley to the high and wild region of Rupshu on the borderlands of Tibet. We traverse several high pass’s including the Gongmaru La and the Zalung La where we gain unrivalled views of the soaring Ladakh and Zanskar ranges while we encounter remote encampments many days from the nearest roadhead.

Trip Code: LHT

On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Delhi and sightseeing tours can be arranged. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members and the early morning departure to Leh the following morning the initial briefing will be on ‘a need to know basis’ such as what to pack, ordering a packed breakfast, what time for departure from the hotel, arrangements for leaving gear in Delhi etc. Your World Expeditions kit bag will also be distributed after the briefing. Note: The main briefing will be on arrival in Leh and sleeping bags, liners, insulated mattress and down jackets will be distributed. Note: As an alternative to arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you may wish to consider arriving the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant or your travel agent for pre-tour accommodation options. Overnight: The Lalit Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

We board the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh where you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges. On arrival in Leh it is essential to rest and start the all-important acclimatization process. Our schedule today is flexible. We include a walk to the main bazaar and adjacent alleyways as well as a visit to the King’s Palace to gain a sense of Leh’s rich historic past. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

We include visits to Shey Palace – the capital of upper Ladakh until the Royal family moved to Leh in the 17th century. We also visit the nearby Tikse monastery perched on a sugarloaf mountain overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery reflects an important link in Ladakh’s Tibetan Buddhist history as evidenced in the main Assembly hall as well as the multi denominational temple built in the 1980’s and proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. Later that day we can wander to the Shanti Stupa to gain a further perspective of the upper Indus Valley. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

We drive to the Matho village and after visiting the ancient monastery before we commence our trek ascending a well-defined trail to the campsite at Matho Phu. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

We spend a day at Matho Phu ascending the trail towards the La to acclimatise and prepare for the more demanding stages that lie ahead. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

From Matho Phu we slowly ascend towards the Shang La. The trail is not unduly steep and affords grand views that extend across the Indus Valley to the snow-capped ridges and peaks of the Ladakh Range. From the pass the trail winds down to comfortable campsite and fresh water spring at Shang Phu. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

From camp we ascend across high ridges leading directly to the Gyuncho La. En route there are stunning views north to the Ladakh Range before a long and in places tiring descent to Chogdo. After a welcome break on the outskirts of the village we complete the short ascent to Chuskyumo. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

We slowly ascend an impressive gorge leading to the base camp below the Gongmaru La. That afternoon we may ascend further towards the pass to gain panoramic views of the Indus Valley as well as acclimatising for the next stage. From the camp we may also see marmots (Himalayan hyrax) and possibly blue sheep while birds of prey hover in the thermals in search of prey. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

An exhilarating stage. From camp it will take less than two hours to ascend the trail that zig zags to the pass which is clearly identified with colourful prayer flags offering homage to the gods that guard the pass. From the pass there are panoramic views that extend across the many 6000m peaks that extend as far as the eye can see – including Kang Yatse. We descend to the vast Nimaling plains where villagers from Hanker – the highest village in the Markha valley graze their yaks throughout the summer months before we establish our camp. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

From Nimaling we cross a remote pass that skirts the lower flanks of Kang Yatse before descending to the valley leading to the Zalung La. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

From camp we gradually ascend across the scant pastures to our camp at the base of the Zalung La. En route there are several swift flowing stream crossings that may necessitate a change of footwear. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

From camp we enter a narrow gorge where snow leopard scats are regularly sited as we ascend steeply in places to the colourful prayer flags that define the Zalung Karpo La. From the pass views stretch across the vast Rupshu region with distant peaks that extend to the borderlands of Tibet. From the pass the trail descends steeply to the valley floor before a longer and more gradual ascent across mixed terrain to a delightful grassy camp at an abandoned camp at Tsorka. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

After the vigour’s of crossing the pass this is a delightful stage where we enter a narrow gorge to reach a small river flowing from the settlement at Dat. The walk gradually ascends across grazing grounds amid impressive side gorges to the camp at Lagto Kamlung where the remains of impressive mani walls reflect a bygone era when nomads grazed their animals in this remote outpost of Ladakh. Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

A full on day to complete the trek to abandoned settlement at Dat where we say bid farewell to our crew and mule attendants and commence our drive to Leh. It will take the best part of 2 hours to reach the Manali to Leh highway before we ascend to the Tanglang La (5350m) with birds eye views of the Indus valley the best part of 2000 metres below. It’s then a steep descent to the Indus valley and the final 1.5 hours to reach Leh. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

An opportunity to rest and wind down and complete your sightseeing and shopping and preparing for your early morning flight to Delhi. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

An early morning flight to Delhi will afford more impressive views across the mountain ranges you explored the previous week. Trip concludes in Delhi. However, we recommend booking your international flights the next day in case of inclement weather causing your flight from Leh to be cancelled. Please contact us for accommodation options in Delhi or other arrangements you may have.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
  • 3 hearty meals per day on trek prepared by our cooks
  • Airport transfers on Day 1
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Group medical kit
  • Good quality accommodation in Delhi & Leh
  • The use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
  • High altitude chamber
  • Private transportation
  • All park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • Mules to carry all personal and group baggage
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

  • International flights
  • Flights Delhi/Leh/Delhi
  • Lunch & Dinner in Delhi
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfer on final day

Accommodation


Departure dates


Notes

NB:
Flights Delhi to Leh & vice versa not included in the trip price

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$2690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Ladakh High Trails Single Supplement - Tent OnlyUSD$170
  • Ladakh High Trails Single SupplementUSD$460
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Ladakh High Trails trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Innovative Adventures

Curiosity about the world drives our desire to create new and unique experiences to get you off the well-trodden tourist trails. Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures.

Responsible Travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart of every program we offer as a fundamental and long held philosophy. When you book one of our adventures you’re supporting true sustainability in the protection of local communities, natural environments and wildlife.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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