Ladakh : Little Tibet, land of lamas. Monasteries chortens and Maniwalls .  
 

Part of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is the third division. Each of the divisions, Jammu , Kashmir and Ladakh, has distinct cultures geographical terrain, religion and life style. It is often called “LITTLE TIBET”. Ladakh derives its name from Tibetan “La Tags’ the land of high pass. Ladakh in the western Himalayas form the vast Tibetan plateau, a high altitude desert, Karakoram Ladakh and Zanaskar range. Ladakh is divided administratively into 2 districts Kargil and Leh.
 

The Landscape of Ladakh is adventurous, barren mountain. The altitude ranges from 9000ft to 24,000ft from Sea level. Atmosphere is generally dry.
Great Himalaya Range. Including the impressive Snowcapped peaks, NUN and KUN 7135 and 7087mtrs the highest peaks in the Kashmir Himalaya., the Zanaskar range to the south and the Indus Valley to the North. North Ladakh range, the NUBRA and Shyok rivers drain the huge peaks of the eastern Karakoram, Rimo 7385mtrs, Teran Kangri 7464 mtrs. In the south east of Ladakh there are several Lakes PANGONG TSO, which forms the border with Tibet and TSO MORIRI TSO KAR. The highest peaks around TSO MORIRI is Lungser Kangri 6655 m, Chhasser Kangri 6622 m and Lapgo 6405 m.

Ladakh is one of the most exotic destinations; Buddhism in central Ladakh has shaped the whole culture. Every few villages have their own monasteries with prayer flags

Ladakh has extensive potential for adventure such a MOUNTAINEERING, TREKKING, RAFTING, MOUNTAIN BIKING and so on. First opened to Tourism in 1974. Hamid Narwari himself led the First Pioneer group of 18 people from Germany in June 1975 on Hemis Festival, leader of the group was Prof. Hennrich Herrar, sponsored by Air India (Munich office) with TV team to explorer the Moon-Land.

Leh : Capital of Ladakh, elevation 3500mts, population 35,000, majority Buddhist.

It is divided into several regions and such regions, is at the cross-road of central Asia and still retains powerful traces of its history. The people have a deep traditional society and a strong sense of culture. Music and dancing is their great past-time and “CHANG” is their locally prepared drink, similar to beer.

People are very friendly and helpful , you will find every one greets you with “Joo-Lay", which means Hello, Goodbye, Please and Thank you.

Ladakh is also known for the spectacular Monastic Festivals major events in the evolution of Tibetan Buddhism. Thousands of people turn out in their colourful dress, best making every festival a “ CARNIVAL” of colors.



PANGONG – TSO-LAKE:
Two days return trip from Leh. 125 Kms via Karu, Zingrial 30 Kms from Karu, and Changla Pass 5289mtrs and to Pangong all the way down passing via Tangtse Army and police check post. From camp to Pangong 20 kms drive Lukong TCP only 48 Kms of the Lake to Chuchul Broder and from here onwards in China.
Starting early , it’s reasonable day trip from Leh is possible. There are goods fixed camping facilities with hot and cold shower with all meals.
No one is allowed to pitch the tents near the Lake.
Tibet, a dream destination for many independent travelers wandering Ladakh, Is so close here yet unreachable. This Lake, the largest brackish lake in Asia, is some 130 kms long, much extends into the mountains of Tibet. In sun the Lake is a deep iridescent blue and green backed by barren tan – colored mountains with snow depending on the season. Like most mountain scenery in this part of the world it is stunningly beautiful and pristine. Visitors are allowed only as far as Spangmik, about 7 Kms along the southwestern shore, but the journey and final views are more than enough reason for coming here. The Pass and road kept open year-round by the army, due to its strategic significance as a route to/ from China.

TSO-MORIRI (Rupshu Valley) :
Tseomoriri is a huge mountain lake in the southeast Ladakh , in the Rupshu area . It is inhabited by nomads known as CHANGSPAS who live in rabos (tents) during summer, looking after their flock of sheep which produces PASHIMINA WOOL, one of the finest and costliest varieties.
Some of the famous travelers have visited the area ! GeorgeTrebeck 1822, Thomas Thomson 1847, A.H . Francke 1909.
From Leh to Tseomoriri Lake is 221 kms 6 to 7 hours drive by Jeep . The first part of the journey is on the fine black top road via Upshi 46 kms Chumathang 76 kms to Mahe Bridge 22 kms where the Indus River is to be crossed. The rough road ahead turns west to Sumdo 24 kms and then proceed south across the Namshant 12 kms Karzok 31 kms the only village in the area on the western shore of the Lake . Some portions of the road are sandy requiring a four –wheel drive. Another road from Sumdo towards west joining the Leh-Manali road via Pologongka La 4800 m Tso Kar Lake at Debring covering 70 kms from Mahe. This route is popular with jeep-safari travellers, via Tang – Lang –La 5300mtrs, the second highest Motor able road in the world
One can stay two days at Karzok village, visiting the interesting Gompa . The Thalda Kurmi Massif two peaks one can see from the Village towards easter shore of the Lake , this the earlier name . The Lamas and the villagers called in LUNGSER (the golden mountain) and Chhamser (the place of worship). The other peak Eapgo (the place for prayer.)
Good Fixed vamping arrangements with all meals.


NUBRA:
Means green valley, height of the valley is 2728 to 3000 mtrs, surrounded by mountains, to reach NUBRA valley there is a pass known “KHARDUNGLA”5350 mtrs. The highest vehicle pass in the world. The population is about 12,000, Budhhist 85 percent and 15 percent Muslims . The famous Gompa are Sumoor (Samashtanling) 250 years old, 110 Lamas under head Lama of Rezong,and the other one is Diskit Gompa about 500 years old under head Lama of Siptuk Gompa 90 Lamas are residing here. Also HUNDER GOMPA wonderful wall painting inside the Gompa built by the local villagers 200 years old.
There is famous hot spring at PANAMIK and famous glacier known SIACHAN. To visit Siachan glacier tourist are not allowed . From here, Nubra river flows from North to East and joins with river SHYOK at SUMOR. Panamik village the road junction to chines Turkistan. The Sasar Kangri 8.930 mtrs. Is the highest peak in Nubra valley is near Siachan, which is 48 kms from Panamik. Also famous for Double Hump Camels. Tourist can enjoy 8 kms camel ride from Diskit To Hunder on Sandy path.
Tourist Permit only as far as Hunder and Panamik.
Two days trip from Leh. There are good guest houses, also fixed camping facilities.

DHA HANU :
Along the Indus valley leading north west of Khalsi, 168 kms from Leh.
The area is more famous for its inhabitants, the Drads and Brokpas, “ People of the land” and ancient Indo- Iranian people with their own Buddhist traditions.
It is warmer than Leh, main crops are apricot, apples, walnut and grapes.
Tour can be done in two days. In Dha good guest Houses and Paying guest houses.
Day 01 Leh- Uletokpo( 80 kms) 3040 mts drive via Likir and Alchi Gompe:
Uletokpo : Ule Ethnic Resort, Indus river runs below the Resort. 24 hours running hot and cold shower. Mud huts made of mud and Canvas.. Check in the resort.
In the evening dry to visit Rezong Gompa.
Day 02 Full day trip to Dha Hanu 88 kms, via Khalsi and passing Dhomkar, Sukerbuchan, Achni, Thang.
The road is good no passes, 2 hours esay drive from the resort.
Visit the village and local houses.
Return back via Shanker Chiktan road via Khangral and Lamayuru .This area only shiet Muslims, different culture. In the evening back to resort
Day 03 Uletokpo to Leh.


POPULAR TREKKING ROUTES IN LEH :



KARGIL

ELEVATION 2800MTRS.
District headquaters of the region of Suru, Drass Wakha, Badh Karbu and Zanaskar. Lies midway between the alpine valley of Kashmir 204 Kms from Srinagar via Zogila Pass and Drass and from Leh 234 kms via Lamayuru, Fatula Pass 4100mtrs and Namikala Pass_____ . This is where all Vehicles going between these two places make a night halt. For Tourist Kargil is mainly a transit point between Srinagar – Leh and to Zanaskar. The people of Kargil are mostly Shia Muslims. Kargil next roaring Suru river.
In the past until 1947, it was an important trading Center linking with Ladakh, Tibet, Yarkand, Gilgit, Zanaskar.

Accommodation: Good hotels/Tourist Bungalows.


SURU VALLEY
Rangdom : 3650mtrs Entrance to the Budhist world. must isolated part of Suru Valley. Rangdom Gompa 18th century on a low hill. good trek route to east through Kanjila 5200mtrs linking up to the Leh – Kargil road at Lamayuru. After Rangdom, pass Pensi-la 4450mtrs wonderful Lake on the top and you can see. Duung-Durung Glacier. Then to Padum 3505mtrs once the ancient Lingdom of Zanskar

RANGDOM GOMPA- Zanaskar
Famous For: Long trek and Tours in the region also famous Monasteries around Padum.
Sani Gompa: Is located 6 kms west of Padhum. This castle like Gompa is unique because it is constructed on ground level. Legend has it that it was founded by Emperor Kanishka, the Kushan ruler as evidenced by the Kanishka Stupa in the backyard of the Gompa.
Karsha Gompa: is the landmark monastery in Zanaskar and is also the largest. It belongs to Gelukpa sect. As it stands on the side of mountain, it is a majestic complex of neat white washed adobe blocks. About 150 monks are resident here and use the several chapels for meditation and prayers.

Accommodation Few hotels and Guest houses.
Exciting Trekking Routes:
1: Padam- Phuktal- Shadi-Thondge-max altitude 5400mtrs Grade Moderate+Strenuous 7 days Season July 15 to sep.
Padam-Phuktal-Shadi-Thongde Trek

Max Trek Altitude 5400mts Grade: Moderate+ Strenous
Season:Mid August to Sep End
Drive to Padam from Kargil in 2 days.It is most adventurous trek,many river crossing,wonderful gorges,Vertical rock walls.Padum the administrative headquarters of the Zanaskar reions.The virgin vale,Surrounded by high mountains.
Destination: 16 to 18 days Tours. Covering Delhi/Leh by Air or Delhi-Srinagar by Air and Drive toKargil to Rangdom to Padum. 7 days trek Raru/Pupila/Purnee/Phuktal/Shadi/Cave/Thongde
And drive to Padam to Kargil/Leh or Srinagar



2:Padum To Darcha: 9 days max altitude 4548mtrs Grade Moderate-
Season ( Jul-Sep)


Delhi/Leh fly or Delhi –Srinagar Fly and drive to Kargil-Rangdoom-Padum
At the end of the trek Arrive Darcha and Drive to Manali one day.Manali to Dharamshala Drive
Dharamshala to Pathankot Drive and catch Train for Delhi



3: Rangdum – Lamayuru: 5days max altitude 5200mtrs Grade Moderate + Strenuous Season (Aug- Sep)


4: Padam-Sarchu : 10 days max Altitude 5400mtrs Grade Moderate + Strenous. Season (July-Sep)
5: Padam (Tingri) to Kishtwar max Altitude 5800mtrs Grade Moderate Strenuous 7 days trek. Season (July end to Sep)

New Trekking route: Manali(Himachal Pradesh)- Kangla 5468m to Burdhan Gompa-Padam(Zanaskar)

Forest/Wild-flowers/villages/Meadows/glaciers.
1. Manali to Udaipur Drive 9 hours via Rothang Pass. Overnight in tents
2. Trekking start Chamrat 3050m
3. Urgus 3810mts
4. Khanjar 4250mts
5. Khai Ghat 4000mts
6 Palphu 4600mts over glacier
7 Halt
8 8 Camp I 4800mts.
9. Camp II 5000mts(Glacier/cravasses)
10. Concorida 5125 mts cross Cravasses.
11 Over Kangla 5468mts highest pass in this trek
12 Trek to burdhan Gompa
13 Trek to Padam(Zanaskar). Drive to Kargil in 2 days and to Leh or Srinagar.


EXPEDITIONS:
Expedition To KUN 7085 mts
Season: July to Sep end)
The highest mountain in Zanaskar region. The route to the peak involves rock climbing/crevasses/glaciers.
29 days. Trekking 6 days from Heniskut (National highway Srinagar to Leh route) to Kanji village/Kanji base /over Kanji la 5100mts/Rangdoom/Yuldoo/Gulmathango and to Kun Base camp 4400mts.
Expedition 18 days Base camp to Base Camp). Trek back to Gulmathango and drive to Kargil 6 hours.



Expedition to NUN 7105mts
Season: July to Sep end)
Another highest mountain in Zanaskar region 29 days.

Trek from Heniskut or from Lamayuru to Rangdom 6 days and drive to Tangool Base camp on the main road of Kargil to Padum .Expedition 16 days{Base camp to Base Camp) and Drive back to Kargil/Srinagar


Manali (Himachal Pradesh)-Sarchu to Hemis Trek 18 days-with 10 Days Trek