|
|
With the easing of restrictions in the eastern part of
Leh , it is
now possible to visit the great wilderness around the lake of Tso Moriri
in Rupshu southeast of Leh and to glimpse Tibet from the shores of Lake
Pangong in the far east of Ladakh. Far more relaxing and inviting are the
new trekking possibilities offered near these lakes.
Day
1: Arrival in Delhi, catch a flight to Leh.
Day 2: Tour of Leh city.
Day 3: Tour of Spitok and Phyang Gompas.
Day 4: Tour of Shey and Matho Gompas and Stok Palace, the home of
Ladakhi royalty.
Day 5: Tour of Tikse and Hemis Gompas, two of the wealthiest and
most influential institutions in
Ladakh . Camp at
Hemis.
Day 6: Trek from Hemis to the village of Chogdo.
Day 7: Trek to Kongmaru La base camp.
Day 8: Over Kongmaru La (16,730 ft.) to the plain of Nimaling,
then over a small ridge to the secluded base camp at the foot of majestic
Kang Yatze peak (21,000 ft.).
Day 9: Day at leisure or perhaps climb an adjacent ridge for a
closer view of Kang Yatze's summit.
Day 10: Over Konka Wangpo (16,500 ft.) to the valley of Langtang
Chu.
Day 11: Climb to the top of Zalung Karpo la (16,570 ft.) for a
birds'-eye view of the Kharnak region before descending to the lovely
meadow of Sokra.
Day 12: Pass through Kharnak, with its imposing fort looming
over; enter a spectacular gorge leading further down into willow groves.
When the valley widens again, one will reach one of the most auspicious
spots in the region, the site of a massive and remarkably ornamented
monument. Overnight camp.
Day 13: A short day. After one hour's walk, one will reach the
semi-permanent settlement of Dat and camp near the village. The village
and its small Gelugpa Gompa merit an afternoon's exploration.
Day 14: On the vast open plain beyond Dat, keep a close lookout
for herds of Kyiang, the Tibetan wild Ass, seen frequently in this valley.
The stream has dried up here, but bubbling springs provide refreshment
before the climb to Yar la (15,910 ft.). This is an easy pass, but the
views are incredible. From the pass, there is a simple descent to
Lungmoche.
Day 15: The scenery changes yet again as one passes two small
ridges and descend through grotesquely wind-carved rocks to one of the
most beautiful campsites in
Ladakh , called
Zhabuk.
Day 16: Be prepared for some exciting river crossings before
climbing high above the Zara Chu (river) and leave it behind for good.
Day 17: Make an early start to tackle the highest pass on our
journey, 17,390 ft, Marang la. The views from the summit stretch to the
Great Himalayas. The descent is quite long, and one ends up in a lovely
willow grove on the bank of the mighty Tsarap Chu, leaving the icy heights
far behind.
Day 18: It's a short walk to the Manali-Leh road, where one can
get jeeps that will take one to Manali. This spectacular drive takes
adventurers over the main Himalayan range at the 15,255 ft Baralacha la
before stopping for the night in Darcha.
Day 19: Continue by jeep over Rohtang Pass (3,978 metres) to
Manali.
Day 20: Day free in
Manali .
Day 21: Drive to to Pinjore, check into a hotel for an overnight
stay.
Day 22: A short jeep ride to
Chandigarh ,
then the Express train to Delhi, on arrival check into a hotel for an
overnight stay.
Day 23: Depart- Delhi and transfer to airport for catching a
flight to onward journey.