Trip program
–
D1: Meet in New Delhi, hotel.
D2: Morning free. In the afternoon we visit Old and New Delhi.
D3: Flight to Leh (3500m) with amazing views over the Indian Himalaya. Transfer to hotel and day free. You may visit the bazaar, the royal palace and the monastery (15th century), etc.
D4: Visit Taktak and Hemis monasteries in the valley. We attend the annual Taktak festival which is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche and includes religious songs and dances with masks. This is a very important social event that attracts people from all around the area. The atmosphere is very happy, lively and colorful. Hemis is the largest and the most important in Ladakh
D5: Free day in Leh.
D6: We drive to Alchi monastery
(10th century), which has amazing Buda collections
and original frescos. After a picnic we continue along the Indus
river to Themisgam (90Km) where we camp (3200m).
D7: Today we explore the rich and fertile Themisgam valley hiking along the fields and meeting the natives. We also climb the promontory to visit the Kucha monastery and the ruined fort that attest the importance of this village as the old capital of the Sham kingdom.
D8: We climb the valley that leads us to Ang village passing by several chortens (buddhist religious monuments) and stone walls with carved prayers. Next we take the old caravan route to Meptek-la col (3960m) where above us exist caves where monks used to meditate. Easy descent to Hemis Shukpachang (3200m), a beautiful village surrounded by an interesting and protected cedar forest and tilled fields.
D9: We leave the village among stone walls and proceed surrounded by a rough landscape. We reach Sermanchan La col (3800m) with its chortens and prayer flags and continue towards Yangtang plateau (3300m). Camp site near the local school house.
D10: Day hiking trip along the Yangtang stream to Rizong monastery (14th century). This monastery is divided in two buildings built apart: one for monks and the other for nuns. Return to Yangtang.
D11: Hike on the plateau watching peasants
in the fields followed by an easy climb to Charatse La
(3680m). We cross Sumdo village and continue towards Pobela
col (3600m), after which we descend to Likir (3200m),
where we visit its ancient monastery. Bus transport to Leh;
hotel.
D12: In the morning we drive to visit some of the most important monasteries east of Leh’s valley: Shey (15th century), Tikse (14th century) and Hemis (171h century), the biggest and most important in Ladakh. Returning to Leh we stop at Stok palace (19th century), the current residence of the royal family. The afternoon is free.
D13: Fly to Delhi in the morning, followed by a transport to Agra.
D14: Visit the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the desert town of Fatehpur Sikri.
D15: Morning free. After lunch we drive back to Delhi.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Price: Eur 1440. per person.
Single room supplement: Eur 124.
Dates: Jul 23-Ago 6, Ago 6-20.
To
convert these prices in a different currency please click : 
Booking Conditions -
Price - Valid in 2004.
Includes: hotels in double room with breakfast, all meals outside Delhi and Agra, all domestic transport, guide, cook, pack animals and helpers.
Does not include: visa, airport tax (USD 12), personal equipment, meals in Delhi and Agra, visits on free days, transfers to and from the airport, tips, travel insurance.
Group: min 4 persons, max 16.
Program: Depending on weather conditions, the groups’ condition or other justifiable, the guide may alter the program.
Vaccines: None mandatory.
Equipment: Trekking boots, sleeping bag (3-4 seasons), waterproof gear, etc.
After your booking you will receive a Trip Information sheet which includes a detailed recommended equipment list.
Documentation: valid passport, please check with
your local Indian consulate or embassy for entry requirements.
iladi-18mar04
