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The Nubra Valley stretches picturesquely between
the mighty mountain ranges of Ladakh to the south
and the Karakorum to the north and east. Once
a stopover for caravans trudging the legendary
silk route, Nubra now is easily accessible by
road over the second highest motor able pass in
the world - the Khardung La. It can also be accessed
by a couple of trekking trails from Leh. The Nubra
Valley offers the visitor a grand spectacle with
the glimmering Shyok River streaking its way to
join the Indus in Baltistan. The double humped
Bactrian Camels somberly grazing around lend this
beautiful destination an even more exotic dimension.
This traverse that you join us in takes us through
this green vast land and crossing over two mountain
passes returns to Leh.
Our
trek begins from the quaint Phyang village with
its beautiful monastery. The first stages are
through barren yet intriguingly shaped landscape
and over the Lasirmo Pass (5300m). Atop this pass
are spectacular views of the awesome Karakorum,
Ladakh and Zanskar mountain ranges. Since acclimatization
is essential we take some time getting to Leh
Ladakh traveling through two ranges of the Himalaya.
You also have an option of taking a direct flight
to Leh in which case we suggest you spend at least
three days there before starting your trek.
Day 1: Greeted at the Indira Gandhi International
Airport in New Delhi and driven to the Imperial
Hotel a classic place to stay exuding colonial
ambience. Check in for the night.
Day 2: Leave New Delhi early and take
the legendary Grand Trunk Road for a 6 hour drive
to the Palace Resort at Pinjore famous for its
well landscaped gardens. Check in for the night.
Day 3: Leaving the Shivalik foothills
of the Himalaya we now drive into the hills for
our next destination the now famous hill resort
of Manali. Arrive by early evening and check into
another colonial heritage hotel Johnson's Lodge
for the night.
Day 4: Since acclimatization is crucial
for the days ahead we stay for another day at
Manali where you get to explore the interesting
bazaar with its colorful shops selling a variety
of merchandise. Explore the surrounding hillsides
and pay a visit the 500 old Hadimba Devi temple
set in a thickly forested grove of equally old
Deodar trees. Also check out the hot sulphur springs
at the ancient village of Vashisht. Evening relax
at the Johnson Café for a sumptuous dinner.
Day 5: Leave Manali early and drive up
to the 13,500 ft high Rohtang Pass and cross over
into the semi desert valley of Lahaul. Drive along
the picturesque Bhaga River and then head north
into the surreal landscape bordering south Zanskar
and Ladakh. Check into a tented camp at Sarchu
a small hamlet midway from Manali to Leh. Overnight
in camp.
Day 6: Drive through an amazing high altitude
desert region with extensive plateaus and barren
hills. Cross the 17,500 ft high Tanglang La pass
and descend into the Indus Valley and reach Leh
by evening. Check into a comfortable hotel for
the night.
Day 7: Free day to get used to the rarified
air and the high altitude and also get to see
the Leh Palace and the Shanti Stupa a modern monastery
set atop a hillside. After lunch visit the Stok
and Spituk Monasteries both ancient and full of
interesting images and murals.
Day 8: Drive to Alchi 3200m
Leaving the laid back town of Leh we drive along
the River Indus to one of the oldest Buddhist
Monasteries in Asia - Alchi Gompa. It rests peacefully
is a scenic village with pastoral scenes of green
barley fields. You require a torch light to really
appreciate the detailed frescoes within the Gompa.
Spend an idyllic day strolling around the village
before settling down at a comfortable Guesthouse.
Day 9: Trek to Phyang camp
Leaving Alchi early we drive further onto our
trek point the small village of Phyang with its
ancient monastery. The trek heads through an alpine
valley towards the Lasermo Pass at 4800m. Camp
after a three hour walk at the base of the pass
for the night.
Day 10: Trek to Lasermo 4600m
An early climb is best to reach the top of the
pass in time for excellent views of the surrounding
Stok and Karakorum mountain ranges. The descent
to our pasture land campsite may be through snow
if the winter's been heavy.Camp overnight.
Day11:
Trek to Brok Yogma 4200m
This is a pleasant day's walk through high valleys
strewn with myriad wild flowers and extensive
views of the hi-mountain pastures. Camp overnight.
Day 12: Trek to Hunder Dok 4000m
The trail goes through pastures which are now
sprouting with grass fed by the melting of glaciers
originating from the Lasermo La. Camp at Hunder
Dok for the night.
Day 13: Trek to Hunder 3500m
A rewarding day's walk through forested valleys
and towering hillsides takes us to towards the
end of the valley we reach am interesting place
surrounded by the remains of ancient forts. In
the distance ahead stand the snowy peaks of the
Karakorum ranges and just below runs the legendary
Silk Route where the small hamlet of Hunder played
host to numerous trade caravans. Camp is setup
in a willow grove.
Day 14: Drive to Panamik 3500m
Panamik is a tiny village in the beautiful Nubra
Valley. Close by are rejuvenating hot springs
that ease out all the tiredness if any of your
trek. Green forests also come as a welcome sight
after the past days in a barren land.
Day 15: Drive back to Leh.
The drive along the valley floor ascends slowly
towards the second highest motor able mountain
pass in the world - the Khardung La at 5602m.
By early afternoon we reach Leh to check into
our hotel.
Day 16: Take a flight back to New Delhi
and check into the Imperial Hotel for the night.
Day free to explore some of the older parts of
Delhi. An interesting place to go for an evening
meal is the Jama Masjid area which just oozes
with history and offers a couple of restaurants
serving delectable Moghul cuisine favored by the
Moghul emperors during their heydays. Evening
return to hotel.
Day 17: Drive to the International Airport
for your flight back home.
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