ZANSKAR
AND LADAKH TREKS
This Ladakh trek explores the region to the north of Lahaul. It visits the
Lingti valley, summer home to nomadic shepherds before climbing 5000
metres to Phirtse La and entering Kargia valley. This valley has rock
colours and attractive medieval villages. A visit to the monastry at
Phuktal situated in a huge limestone cave on the edge of a cliff is
recommended. Large herds of ibex can be seen along rocky crags. Trekking
in this Ladakh trek entails hours of strenuous walk over high passes and
numerous river crossings. With proper acclimatization it is both
physically exhilarating and culturally most interesting trekking tour of
India.
Duration
: 26 Days Delhi to Delhi
Best time : July to mid October
Delhi-Manali-Paste-Bara Lacha Pass-Sarchu-Kurgia valley-Shingo
La-Darcha-Manali-Delhi
TREKKING IN LADAKH :
This high altitude cold desert is the western extension of the Tibetan
plateau in northmost India. Predominantly Buddhist, it is a land of
monastries and high passes. The inhabitants are a happy go lucky sort who
live a romantic life herding their prized yaks in the summer pastures.
They live in primitive villages with a central monastry which have amazing
'Thankas' (Paintings), carved images and murals, and a head 'lama' - high
priest incharge of daily affairs. Although no mountaineering skills are
required for trekking in this area you should be reasonably fit as it
involves crossing passes upto 6000m.
1. Whiskey Bridge to Leh :
Delhi-Manali-Zara River-Yar La-Khar-Hankar-Indus Valley-Leh-Delhi
Duration : 25 Days Delhi to Delhi
Best time : July to mid October
2. Rupshu Trek
Duration : 17 Days Delhi to Delhi
Best time : July to mid October
3. Darcha to Padum L
Duration : 15 Days Delhi to Delhi
Best time : July to mid October
Extension :
a) To Lamayuru. One of the oldest and largest gompas in Ladakh and then
drive to Leh (12 days)
b) To Martselang near the famous Hemis Gompa (21 days)
TREKKING IN EASTERN HIMALAYAS (Sikkim and
Darjeeling)
The basin of the Teesta river lies in Sikkim and its northern reaches are
dominated by Kanchenjunga the world's third highest mountain. Feb by
glaciers, the many streams of the Teesta river tumble through deep gorges,
grassy alps and forests. Past Gangtok, other main towns in the region are
Kalimpong, Kurseong and Darjeeling. A fascinating toy train chugs its way
up from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling through pine, oak, magnolia and
rhododendron forests and an amazing variety of wild orchids. Famous
Buddhist monastries and pilgrim centres are Rumtek, Yuksom, Tashding and
Pemayangtse.
1. Singali La Trek :
Duration : 7 Days Darjeeling to Darjeeling
Best Time : March to April and October to November
Delhi-Darjeeling-Trek-Delhi
2. Kanchenjunga Trek :
This trek begins from pemayangtse hrough moss laden forests, abounding in
a variety of flora and fauna, through scenes of grazing yaks, mountain
sheep and Tibetan resettlement villages. The trekking trail leads through
some of the most spectacular forested areas of Sikkim particularly
beautiful during the spring when the rhododendrons, giant magnolias and a
profusion of other flowers are in full bloom.
At Dongri, one comes face to face with a magnificient view of Mt.
Kanchenjunga. A rugged terrain from Zemathang leads to Golcha La (5000m),
the highest point on the trek. On the return journey from zemathang one
can keep a look out for rare high altitude pheasants and the blue sheep.
Gradually rise along the east ridge of Dzongri till Phitang and from there
descend to Bakhim and on to Yuksom.
Duration : 12 Days Gangtok to Darjeeling
Best Time : March to April and October to November
Delhi-Gangtok-Pemayangtse - Yuksom - Bakhim - Dzongri - Zemathang -
Golcha La - Phithang - Yuksom - Darjeeling - Delhi
NEPAL
TREKKING TOURS
In the Nepal Himalayas are a galaxy of the world's highest mountains,
Everest, Makalu, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, Manasalu, annapurna,
Dhaulagiri. The weird formation of the three annapurna summits (all 8000m)
looks like a huge marble platform , fifteen kilometres across. Beyond
Annapurna, the great Himalayas dip down to the Gandak river gorge, making
it one of the most fearsome sights in the world, with the range rising on
the other side of the gorge to Dhaulagiri. Beyond Dhaulagiri is the maze
of mountain systems of Kanjiroba Himal and Api, until you come to the
Garhwal Himalayas.
Pokhar is a popular base for treks into the valleys. Popular Nepal treks
are the Helambu trail, ghorepani trek, Sherpa village trek & the Royal
Pokhra trek, a popular trek first trekked by HRH Prince of Wales in 1980.
Duration : 3 to 15 Days
Best time : October to June
