The Rupshu region in the south-east of Ladakh lies on the borders of the Changthang plateau one of the most amazing stretch of land extending hundreds of miles into Tibet. It is a mesmerizing land of pastoral nomads with its hi-altitude plains, rolling mountains and salt water lakes. This region is devoid of established trekking routes and
is ideal territory for just wandering along the paths made by traders and nomads over the centuries. You have two options one is to take the direct flight to Leh from New Delhi or drive to Manali which is a more scenic route and also gives you to time to acclimatize for the high altitude you will be traveling in for the duration of your trek.

Day 1: Arrive at Leh by flight from New Delhi or by road from Manali. Check into a well appointed hotel. Please note that it is imperative that you spend at least three days in Leh for acclimatization if you arrive direct by the New Delhi flight.

Day 2: Spend the day exploring the ancient monasteries of Spituk and Phyang. Spend a leisurely day getting used to the rarified air and the magic of this hi-altitude desert terrain.

Day 3: Take a tour of the Shey and Matho Gompas and in the afternoon visit the Stok palace with its tiny museum. Stok is still lived in by the family of the erstwhile King.

Day 4: Check out of the hotel and drive to the legendary monastery of Hemis. After a gap of 12 years as is the custom, 2004 is the year when this monastery unrolls its beautiful Thanka (cloth painting) in the large courtyard. Overnight camp at Hemis.

Day 6: Today leaving Hemis early we trek to the village of Chogdo. The scenery is breathtaking and the views of the Ladakh Mountains are quite exhilarating. Camp on the fringes of the Chogdo village.

Day 7: The trek leads through barren landscape and we camp over for the night at the base of the Kongmaru La.

Day 8: Over the Kongmaru La (16,730 ft.) todays trek goes through the plain of Nimaling. Excellent views of the rolling hills and the distant mountains. Walking over a small ridge we reach our secluded camp site at the base of the towering Kang Yatze peak (21,000 ft.).

Day 9: Today we have the day at leisure; you can climb up a nearby ridge for a much 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 us, and enter a spectacular gorge leading further down into willow groves. Soon the valley widens and you're rewarded with an unforgettable view - the site of an enormous adorned monument. Camp.

Day 13: A short day. After one hour's walk, we reach the semi-permanent settlement of Dat. After setting up camp we explore the small Gelugpa Monastery and the surroundings.

Day 14: Beyond Dat stretches a vast plain and there are good chances of spotting herds of Kyiang, the Tibetan wild ass which frequent this valley. A freshwater spring gives you crystal clear fresh water before we start our climb to Yar La (15,910 ft.). The going is easy and the excellent views atop the pass come as a welcome sight. Lungmoche is our halt for the night.

Day 15: The trail leads through fantastically eroded rocks as we cross over mountain ridges. Our destination- Zhabuk can well be termed one of the most picturesque campsites in Ladakh. Good chances for you to spot the blue sheep or Nabu.

Day 16: A few river crossings make the day exciting. We leave the Zara Chu (river) behind as we climb up to our camp site.

Day 17: We make an early start today as our goal is to cross over the highest pass in our trek - the 17,390 ft. Marang La. Breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas are afforded from the saddle of the pass. Descending takes a bit long to our campsite set amidst a serene willow grove on the banks of the mighty Tsarap Chu.

Day 18: Today we take a short walk and reach the Manali-Leh Highway. A jeep waits to drive us down to the hill resort of Manali. The scenic drive takes us over the main Himalaya range. The drive also involves the crossing of three passes. However for the night we stop over at the tiny hamlet of Sarchu.

Day 19: Crossing the Baralacha La and the Rohtang La - You continue by jeep over Rohtang Pass from where lush green scenery comes as a much desired sight after your days spent in a barren yet breathtaking landscape. Check into a hotel for the night.

Day 20: Day free in Manali.

Day 21: Drive to the Palace Resort of Nalagarh and check in to a royal ambience. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day 22: A very short drive takes you to Chandigarh from where you catch the Shatabdi Express to New Delhi. On arrival check in to a gracious hotel.