Go forth, O monks, to bless the many, to bring happiness to the many, out of compassion for the worlds, go forth for the welfare, the blessing, the happiness of all beings& Go forth and spread the teaching that is beautiful in the beginning, beautiful in the middle and beautiful in the .
Lord Buddha

In the highest reaches of the Western Himalaya is Ladakh, and area of rugged beauty, much like a moonscape at times. It is a mountainous land of high passes, green-bottomed valleys and vast, barren expanses, with its rarefied atmosphere, lying in the shadows of the Karakoram and Himalayas.

A super combination of Culture, monasteries, wildlife and breath taking scenery of this magical Buddhist Kingdom of Ladakh.

Duration: 16 Days.
Best time: Mid June to September.
Highest point: Kongmaru-La (5100 m).
Focus: Villages, monasteries, wildlife, high passes, and dramatic landscape.
Physical Challenge: Moderate overall, but can be challenging when approaching passes, so physical fitness is recommended.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Delhi:
Assistance, garland welcome and transfer to Domestic airport for flight to Leh. The spectacular one hour mountain flight over the mighty Himalayas brings you to Leh, capital of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. Arrive and transfer to Ladakhi style hotel. A day of rest to acclimatize to the arid high altitude of Leh (3100 mts). Relax in the hotel gardens or take a leisurely stroll around the colourful bazaar. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 Leh:
After breakfast, a half day trip to the 200 year old Shankar monastery, which contains a plethora of impressive images, wall paintings and sculptures, including a huge statue of Aloketesvara-with 1000 arms & heads. Next stop is the Japanese built peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa).

The winding road leading to it offers enthralling views of the surrounding countryside. Crowned with a massive dome, this stupa is reminiscent of Nalanda and Rajgir stupas. Afternoon, visit a Ladakhi Buddhist family and share a cup of butter tea, tsampa (roasted barley) and tschang (fermented barley beer), and see their the way of living. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 3 Leh-sightseeing:
After breakfast, leave for a full day sightseeing to Alchi and Spitok monasteries. The road goes via Nimmu, the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The confluence of these two rivers has created a beautiful scenic spot. The Gompa at Alchi is renowned for its massive Buddha statues, lavish wood-carvings and houses the only example of Kashmiri-style wall paintings in the area. There are also many chortens around the village. On the way back to Leh we visit Spitok Gompa, situated on a hilltop above the River Indus. The main prayer hall (Gokhang) is about 1000 years old and offers spectacular views from the rooftop. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 4 Leh-Stok (Trek to bottom of Pass):
Morning departure by jeep to the village of Stok, which lies immediately south of Leh, on the opposite side of the Indus valley. Stok is home to a royal palace and a small museum which contains religious artifacts and ceremonial clothing belonging to the royal family. After visiting the palace we trek about 2hrs near the bottom of the pass and camp near the natural spring. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 5 Stok- Rumbak (6 to 7hrs. Trek)
After an early breakfast, we make the long steep ascent to Stok-La (4900 m). As this is our first major trekking day and is quite strenuous, we recommend that you walk at a steady pace in order to establish an even rhythm. The challenging days walk is rewarded by the amazing rock formations on the approach to the pass and also by the stunning views of the Indus Valley and distant mountain ranges from the top of Stok La. From Stok La, we descend into the picturesque and agriculturally rich valley of Rumba, with its beautifully decorated houses, monasteries and schools. Camp overnight in tents.

Day 6 Rumbak - Shingo (6 hrs. Trek)
Early morning start. The trail to Shingo goes via Yurutse and over the Ganda-La (4900 m). Along the way, you will have beautiful views of the Zanskar and KaraKoram ranges. Long, but easy descent to Shingo, where we set up camp for the night.

Day 7 Shingo -Skiu (2 - 3hrs. Trek)
A fairly easy walk, in the shade of trees and bushes, along a deep gorge. The trail crosses the stream several times before arriving in Skiu. We camp for the night in a beautiful spot on the banks of the river, overlooking a derelict fortress on the cliff. Afternoon free to explore the village. Overnight in tents.

Day 8 Skiu - Markha (7 hrs. Trek).
A long days walk, crossing back and forward over the Markha Stream, to Markha village (3800 m). There are bridges at many of the more difficult crossing places. The lush vegetation along the river-side is in stark contrast to the dry and barren upper valley slopes. Overnight in tents.

Day 9 Markha: (3800 m)
A day of rest to explore this beautiful area. On the hill to the north of Markha there is a small gompa, where the resident monk will be happy to show you the ancient wall paintings and festival masks.

Day 10 Markha-Tchatchutse (6 hrs. trek).
The trail continues above Markha village, taking us eastwards, deeper into the Markha valley to our camp-site at Tchatchutse. Along the way, we pass some impressive monasteries, some ruined and some intact. In this area we are likely to see small herds of blue sheep (bharal) which often come right down to the river to graze. Overnight in tents.

Day 11 Tchatchutse-Nimaling:(6hrs.)
Todays walk brings us to the head of the valley, which offers good views of the prominent peak of Kang Yatze (6,400 m) Crossing the Markha stream on the last bridge, we start a steeper climb towards the high plains, known as Nimaling. As well as blue sheep, golden marmots and large hares, Nimaling is also home to an impressive range of birds of prey, including lammergiers and golden eagles.

Day 12 Nimaling-Kongmaru La-Shjang (7 hrs.)
Early morning trek to Kongmaru-La (5100 m).
The trail from the pass offers fabulous views to the north of the hills of eastern Karakoram and China. On our way down, we walk along a narrow gorge and by afternoon, arrive in Shjang, our stopping place for the night.

Day 13 Shjang-Hemis-Leh:
Continuing our descent, we pass some of the highest located houses in the valley before descending into another section of rocky gorge. Along the way we pass through the village of Martsylang, before arriving in Hemis for lunchtime. This village, nestled in a gorge, is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. After lunch and rest, explore Hemis Monastery, the biggest and wealthiest in Ladakh. Late afternoon, we return by jeep to our hotel in Leh.

Day 14 Leh:
A day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in hotel.

Day 15 Leh- Delhi- Agra:
Early morning flight to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and drive 250kms/5hrs to Agra, city of the Taj. Overnight in hotel.

Day 16 Agra - International airport:
After breakfast, visit to Taj Mahal and Red Fort, and on to Delhi, in time to board your return flight home.