INDUS VALLEY TREK

Season: April to October
Duration: 5 days trek
Grade: Moderate

This classic trek is also called the "Baby Trek" because of the easy and mild hiking conditions. Starting from Likir, one passes through several villages among the richest in Ladakh and worth visiting are the monasteries of Likir, Ridzong and Tingmosgam on the way. The trek ends at Khaltse. This is the only trek that can be done throughout the year, as the passes are not very high and don't get snow-blocked during winter

Day 01: Arrive Delhi Fly to Leh
Early morning flight from Delhi to Leh, transfer to hotel and full day for rest and acclimatise.

Day 02: Half Day City Tour
After breakfast visit Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Tsemo Gompa and Leh Palace. Back to hotel for lunchl, afternoon rest.

Day 03: Visit Shey Thiksey Hemis Monastries
Full day sightseeing with guide and pack lunch to SHEY / THIKSEY and HEMIS monasteries.

SHEY : Situated on a hillock 15 km. upstream from Leh was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tidetan kings. A 7.5 meter high copper status of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind is installed here.

THIKSE: Spectacularly sighted, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive gompa. There are several temples in this gompa, containing images stupas and wall painting of Buddhas which are exquisite.

HEMIS: It is the wealthiest, best known and biggest gompa in Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held here in summer. The festival is in honour of Guru Padma Sambhav's birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thanka, which is unfurled once in 12 years (next in 2004). Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Sengge Namgyal. It flourished under the Namgyal dynasty for the royalty favored for Drugkpa Sect, which managed the monastery.

Day 04: Drive Leh to Likir and trek to Yangthang 4-5 hours.
Drive to Liker, around 65 kms from Leh, on the Kargil road. Visit Likir monastery and then start trekking, reaching Yangthang following a route through Saspotse village and couple of small passes, Phobe La, 3600m and Chagatse La, 3650m. Overnight in camp.

Day 05: Yangthang to Ridzong Gompa and back to Yangthang, 5 hours.
After the breakfast proceed towards Ridzong. Path follows a stream and plantation of apricot and apple. Past a nunnery, the Ridzong monastery lies hidden in a small isolated valley bounded by mountains. After lunch walk back to Yangthang, overnight in camp.

Day 06: Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan, 2-3 hours.
Leave Yangthang for Hemis via Tsermangchen La, 3750m, a short and pleasant walk, arriving in Hemis Shukpachan by afternoon. For the rest of the day explore the village. Overnight in camp.

Day 07: Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam, 3 hours.
Leave village and proceed towards Temisgam via Maptek La, 3750m. Crossing the pass, fine view of Ang village opens up, trail follows down to Temisgam. Visit a ruined fort and a small monastery up on the hill. Overnight in camp.

Day 08: Temisgam to Khalsay, 4-5 hours; Drive to Lamayuru:.
Walk down to Khalsay via Bongbongchan La, 3650m, reaching Khalsay, a popular stop for vehicles traveling between Leh and Kargil, then continue up to Lamaryuru Gompa by jeep. Overnight in camp

Day 09: Lamayuru - Leh:
After visit of the Lamayuru gompa return to Leh by road.

Day 10: Leh:
Full day of rest in Leh, or sightseeing on your own - Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa.

Day 11: Day trip to Kardung La
After early morning breakfast drive to world highest motorable pass,18,372 ft./5600m above sea level with views of the Saser Spur, the easternmost outcrop of the Karakoram.

Day 12: Leh/Delhi
Morning transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival meet to assistance & drive to hotel for rest day.