Home > Destinations > Indian Himalaya > Crossing the Zanskar
CROSSING THE ZANSKAR
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with Virgin Atlantic non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi and transfer by car to the Claridges Hotel where you will
stay overnight.
Day 3 Delhi to Kalka – by train
Kalka to Shimla – 90 kms
This morning transfer to Delhi Railway Station in good time to catch the
train to Kalka. On your arrival in Kalka Railway Station you will be met
and transferred to the Clarkes Hotel (Deluxe Room) where you will stay for
next two nights. The summer capital of the Raj from 1864 to 1947 and a
charming hill station, Shimla still retains the atmosphere of this bygone
era. (B)
Day 4 Shimla
At leisure to explore the old Raj hill station and surrounding area.
Places of interest include Christ Church, partly designed by Kipling’s
father, the Gaiety Theatre and the Tibetan Bazaar. Outside Shimla, a short
stiff climb leads to Jakhu Hill with its Monkey Temple and spectacular
mountain views. (B)
Day 5 Shimla to Manali – 300 kms
This morning drive north through the fertile Kullu Valley to Manali, a
town situated on the Beas River at the northernmost end of the valley.
The area, noted for its beautiful scenery and numerous ancient villages,
makes for an enjoyable drive. Stay for two nights at the Orchard Green
Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Manali
Today explore Manali and the surrounding region with your driver. Places of
interest include the Dungri Temple, Vashisht, a small hillside village near
to Manali famous for its Rama temple, the Solang Valley with fabulous views
of the distant snow-capped mountain peaks as well as the in small town of
Naggar.
Tomorrow you will begin the spectacular drive up to Ladakh. The high altitude road you will take, beyond the great Himalayan range, is right on the edge of the Tibetan plateau and traverses some spectacular mountain scenery. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Manali to Keylong – 120 kms (5 to 6 hours)
This morning leave Manali and start your journey to Leh. Exiting the lush Kullu
Valley traverse Rohtang Pass where there are spectacular views of the sharp
cliffs, deep ravines and large glaciers. Continue down into the Lahoul Valley
where the landscape changes dramatically with the greenery quickly replaced by
barren hillsides and villages with their fields of barley, peas and potato.
After one of the main confluences of the Indus River continue to Keylong where
you will stay overnight at the Dilrubu Retreat. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Keylong to Sarchu – 140 kms (5 to 6 hours)
This morning leave Keylong and drive to the small village of Patseo. As you
climb, the mountain views are spectacular. Cross the large meadows at
Zingzingbar and travel onto the Baralacha La Pass which at 4,883 meters
is the source of both the Bhaga and Chandra Rivers. The crossroads of the
Lahul, Zanskar, Spiti and Ladakh regions this is an important Pass. Descend
gradually to Sarchu (3,960 meters) and stay overnight at the Gold Drop Camp.
(B/L/D)
Day 9 Sarchu to Leh – (8 to 9 hours)
Today it is an early start to the Lachalung La Pass which stands at an altitude
of 5,065 meters. Continue along the Zanskar Range and descend into the Kyangshur
plains via Debring before climbing to the Taglang La Pass which at 5,328 meters
is the highest point of the journey and the second highest motorable pass in the
world. Follow the mighty Indus River through Upshi and Thikse before arriving
into Leh and the Kaal Hotel, or similar, where you will stay for the next four
nights. (B/L/D)
Only open to tourists since 1974 the area of Ladakh – and its capital Leh – is a magical and remote escape far from the rigors of modern civilization. A true frontier region Ladakh borders China to the east whilst to the west lies Pakistan and the Kashmir Valley.
Day 10 Leh – visit Alchi and Likir
This morning drive west on the scenic riverside road to the large religious
complex of Alchi and Likir. Hidden from view amongst local farmland Alchi’s large
temple complex is considered by many to be not only one of the most important
Buddhist centres in Ladakh but also a supreme example of monastic skill.
Afterwards, leave Alchi and head to nearby Likir which was established in the
15th Century and whose monks, at present, maintain the buildings at Alchi.
Return to Leh in the afternoon. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Leh – visit Hemis Thikse and Shey
Today visit the monasteries of Hemis, Thikse and Shey that border the main Leh
to Manali road. Start your day at Hemis founded by Stagsang Raspa during the
reign of King Senge Namgyal in 1630 AD. Colourful prayer flags flutter in the
breeze and it is here that the sacred dances of the Hemis Tsechu are held at
the end of June each year. Afterwards, continue to Thikse Monastery, built on
a rocky outcrop overlooking the flood plain of Indus River, before ending at
Shey which until the 16th Century was the Royal Residence of the Kings of
Ladakh. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Leh – visit Phyang and Spituk
After breakfast, leave your hotel and drive to the gompa of Phyang. Belonging
to the Red Hat Kagyupa sect this 16th Century Gouon monastery was built by King
Lakra Shis Namgyal – the founder of the Namgyal Dynasty – and is home to many
beautiful statues, including some 14th Century Kashmiri bronzes, thangkas and
valuable manuscript copies of the Kangyur – the translated word of the Buddha.
From here continue onto Spituk a monastery which contains an ancient collection of
Jelbagh masks rescued from the Potala Palace in Lhasa. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Leh to Delhi – by air
This morning return to Leh Airport in good time to catch your flight to Delhi. On
your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Claridges Hotel where you will stay
for the next two nights. (B)
Day 14 Delhi
Later today tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s dense
network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk by rickshaw,
the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi,
inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the
Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (B)
Day 15 Delhi to London
Depart Delhi on the Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow Terminal Three.
High Altitude: At all places in this Ladakh itinerary the altitude exceeds 3,000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Extend your stay in Delhi with a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra or colourful Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan.
Festivals are a common part of life in Ladakh and the celebrations at Hemis are some of the most famous. Held to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet, the festival is characterised by the sacred dance of Hemis which is performed wearing facial masks and colourful robes.
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Delhi, both offer beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan, in particular, is a hidden gem that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – CROSSING THE ZANSKAR
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £1,900.00. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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