Shimla via Sptit to Ladakh tour itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Meet and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Delhi to Simla (1900 m)
Early morning departure to Simla by train (approx. 12 hours). Known as
the The Queen of the Hill Stations, Simla is the capital of the Himachal
Pradesh, a popular destination for Indians as honeymoon desired
destination and to get away the heat of the flatlands.
Day 3: Simla sightseeing
Morning trip to Jhaku Hill to visit the well-known Hanuman temple, then
return to hotel for lunch. Afternoon at your own leisure.
Day 4: Simla to Sarahan (1920 m), 190 km
Drive via Kufri, Narkandha, via spectacular road high above the river
bottom, then descend to Rampur, the former Himalayan kingdom of Rampur
Busheher. Next ascend to Sarahan at nearly 9,000 feet above sea level,
the summer capital of the Rampur Busheher. Visit 1500 years old
Bhimakali Temple and get a wonderful view of the Shir Khand peaks.
Day 5: Sarahan to Sangla (3450 m), 140 km
Leave for Sangla, the gateway to Kinnaur, entering the Baspa Valley, the
most wonderful valley of Kinnaur, dominated by the Kamru fort; visit the
fort and village. Overnight in camp.
Day 6: Sangla to Chitkul and return back to Sangla
Full day excursion up to the last village of the valley, Chitkul and
Rackchham, hike around and marvel at vernacular Kinnauri house
architecture.
Day 7: Sangla/ to Rekongpeo (2290 m), 38km
Leave for Rekongpeo, the district head office of Kinnaur. Go to the
monastery which provides a fine view of the Kinner Kailash, a dominant
peak deemed one of the mythical abodes of Lord Shiva. After exploring
monastery back to the campsite or guest home.
Day 8: Rekongpeo to Nako (3658 m), 107 km, 7 hrs
Ride towards Spiti via Khab at the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti
rivers. Continue to Nako, a pictoresque village high above the main
Spiti road with amazing views of the surrounding peaks; visit the Drugpa
monastery. Camp overnight.
Day 9: Nako to Tabo (3050 m), 67 km, 6 hrs
Today we at last arrive at Tabo village, dominated by the venerated Tabo
Gompa, in terms of sanctity regarded as next only to Tibet's Tholing
monastery. For this very reason it's here where the present Dalai Lama
is believed to settle eventually for his final retreat. Founded in 996
A.D. and recognized for its superb frescoes and altars, the Tabo
monastery is known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Overnight in Tabo.
Day 10: Tabo to Pin valley (3700 m), 58km
Continue to Dhankar, the ancient seat of the Spiti king. Spectacularly
sited Dhankar gompa has a commanding view over the valley, towering high
over the barren rocky mountain slopes. Next visit Lalung, another
intriguing monastery in Spiti. Late afternoon reach Pin valley and
gateway to national park, populated by the snow leopard and ibex. Visit
Kungri gompa, the main Nyingmapa monastery of Spiti.
Day 11: Pin valley to Kaza (3600 m), 43 km
Cycle to Kaza, Spiti subdivisional headquarters, explore the town, its
market and monastery and proceed to campsite.
Day 12: Day tour to Kye and Kibber (4200 m), then return to Kaza
Day tour to the well-known Kye Gompa perched high on a pyramid like
mountain, belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Get a taste
of Kibber, located in a semi bowl-shaped narrow valley, one of the
highest populated villages in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4200m.
Evening return to camp near Kaza.
Day 13: Kaza to Losar (4300 m), 56 km
On to Losar, the last village of the Spiti valley. Appreciate the
hospitality of the locals, taste some Tibetan tea and tsampa, take a
peak at the monastery.
Day 14: Losar to Gramphoo (3200 m), 74 km
Leave Spiti behind and after crossing the 4500m high Kunzum La enter the
Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh. Descend to confluence of Chandra and
Bhaga rivers and arrive at Gramphoo. Overnight in Gramphoo.
Day 15: Gramphoo to Tandi (1926 m), 62 km
Cycle to Tandi (49 km) along Chandra river. Camp.
Day 16: Tandi - Petseo, 43km
Morning after breakfast we start cycling to reach Darcha (43 km).
Enroute stop at Gondhala to see the ancient Gondhala Fort. Pass by
Keylong (3348 mt) - an oasis of green fields and Jispa (3142 mt). Stop
at Jispa and visit the monastery. Arrive Darcha by evening and set-up
camp.
Day 17: Petseo to Tak, 45 km
Commence cycling toward Patseo (3811 m) surrounded by scenic green
pastures. After Patseo the road passes along some alpine lakes, making
for an appropriate area where to camp for the night.
Day 18: Tak to Sarchu, 41 km
Today cycle to Sarchu, located at the border between Himachal and Jammu
& Kashmir States. After a level stretch across large meadows continue to
ascent up the Bhaga river which eventually brings us to Baralacha Pass
(4892 m). Baralacha means "a pass at cross roads," a fitting name for a
remote high altitude region flanked by snow covered peaks of the
surrounding Himalayan ranges, and an approximate junction of barren
roads and trails leading to Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul. Arrive at
Sarchu (4253 m) for dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 19: Sarchu to Pang, 84 km
Long day cycling (84 km) to reach Pang. En route marvel at the panorama
from top of Lachulung La (5065 m / 16600 ft). The third major pass is
reached after crossing the Tsarap Chu river, then ride up along zig-zag
road, arrive at Pang and set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 20: Pang to Tanglang La, 63 km
Bicycle 63 km to reach Tanglang La Pass (5328 m), the 2nd highest
motorable road after Kardung La on the way to Nubra. From the pass we
cycle down to large More Plains. In the distance you can see flocks of
sheep of the nomadic Changpas who in summer come down to the More plains
in search of greener pastures. Setup camp along a small stream at the
base of a pass.
Day 21: Tanglang La to Upshi, 54 km
Excitement builds as we near Leh. Cycle 54 km to reach Upshi, small
market town and gateway to Indus Valley of Ladakh. The approach to Upshi
is via a narrow valley along a stream and past villages of Rumtse, Gya
and Meeru.
Day 22: Upshi to Leh, 60 km
Last 60 km brings us to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. From Upshi the road
follows the Indus River. On the way we stop to see the famous Hemis
Gompa, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Next stop is
Thiksey Gompa, a striking monastery atop a prominent hill, then cycle
past the ancient Palace of Shey. Finally arrive in Leh by evening, check
into hotel, have sumptuous dinner and a beer.
Day 23: Leh
Wake up late or rest, then proceed for sightseeing tour of Phiyang,
Spituk and Stok Palace. Rest of the day at your own leisure. Overnight
stay in hotel.
Day 24: Leh - Delhi
Board your return flight to Delhi.
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