LADAKH TREK HIGHLIGHTS
- Eight days of dramatic trekking through Himalayan scenery with spectacular river valleys and snowcapped sacred mountains
- Ladakh's warm and welcoming people and a devout Buddhist culture
- Temples and monasteries seen by few Westerners
- Optional visit to the Taj Mahal
LADAKH TREK DETAILS
- 16-day trip begins and ends in Dehli, India
- 8 nights best available hotels and 7 nights full-service camping
- All meals included
TRIP RATING
With a high, arid landscape, Ladakh possesses the spectacular western edge of the Himalayas and a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, marking the boundary between the mountains and the vast Tibetan plateau. Although politically part of India, geographically and culturally Ladakh is actually an extension of western Tibet. Ladakh has fervently retained the monastic Buddhism that has been suppressed within Tibet. In fact, the image of Tibetan culture most Westerners imagine to exist in Tibet is perhaps now more appropriate to Ladakh than to Tibet itself. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, has long been a remote and fascinating outpost as its location in the upper Indus Valley made it an important crossroads for pilgrims and traders.
It takes a hardy trekker to strike out along the trails far into the Markha Valley of Ladakh. Our trekking adventure leaves from Stok, traversing high terrain to visit some of the most exceptional country in Ladakh. We spend eight days crossing multiple high Himalayan passes -- trekking into some truly rugged country -- visiting traditional villages, with views of snow-topped peaks. The combination of a cultural exploration of the rich Buddhist culture of Ladakh and a challenging trek in the high desert plateau and mountains make this a memorable Himalayan adventure.
Ladakh Trekking Overview
Days 1–2: Arrival in Delhi. Explore Delhi sites such as the Red Fort, or take an optional trip to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal.
Days 3–5: Fly to Leh and spend time acclimating to the altitude (11,500') of this Himalayan outpost. Daily acclimatization hikes and visits to local monasteries such as Shey,Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, and Phyang.
Days 6–14: Trekking along the Markha River through “Little Tibet,” one
of the world’s highest inhabited plateaus, we take in spectacular views of the
great Himalayan, Ladakh, and Zanskar ranges. We cross two high passes at
elevations up to 17,000', and trails wind past willow groves, alongside patches
of wild roses, and through colorful canyons. We meet nomadic families herding
yaks, and visit small monasteries where butter lamps burn. Return to Leh
for a celebratory night before returning to Delhi.
Days 15–16: Fly from Leh to Delhi for a farewell celebration and departure.
Step Away from the Ordinary ~ Ladakh Trekking
When you return from a journey such as our Ladakh Trekking Expedition, there won't be a lot of destination name dropping to do (well, okay, maybe the Taj Mahal). This is not an adventure you undertake to impress your friends with legendary names. You'll more likely get blank stares or "Where?" as a reaction among your friends when you share your travel story. But inside, you'll remember the epic Himalayan vistas, the feeling of remote solitude, and the friendly faces of Buddhist monks. This is a journey you undertake for nobody but yourself.
More Information
2008 Dates
- June 21-July 6
August 25-September 9
2008 Land Cost
- $3595 per person
- Single Supplement $575
- Internal Airfare: $395
(prices good through December 31, 2008)
Have Questions? Call us at 800-941-8010, or E-mail a Boundless Journeys India Specialist today!