Jeep Safari in The Cold Desert

During this trip to the Hidden Valleys of Himalayas the visitors go through the Real Experience to see the Indian Culture in the begining while when start at Shimla. On the first day we organise the Religious Function in which you see the real Worship done by the Priest invited from the nearby temple. That is followed by the performance of Folk Dance and dinner with drinks. But to organise all these we need minimum a group of 10 people onwards.

During the trips you go through the Hidden valleys of Western Himalayas, The Most beautiful scenery of the Cold Desert, High Altitude Lakes, Some of the Hundreds of years old Monasteries, Himalayan Villages and Amazing Landscape. Thos einterested Contact us at :

Astounding Himalayas

Kishori Niwas

Longwood

Shimla - 171001

Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)

Contact No. : +91 9816149102

E Mail : astoundinghimalayas@gmail.com

Jeep Safari in the Cold Desert

Delhi / Shimla / Sarhan / Sangla / Kalpa / Nako / Tabo / Kibber / Ki Monastery / Kaylong Trilokinath & Udaipur / Sarchu / Leh

Duration : 19 Days / 18 Nights

Type of Area You are Travelling Through : Your enter from Green to Brown, gradually and cross some of the very high passes such as Kunzum Pass (4551 m) and Tanglang Pass (5328 m). Drink lots of water and use aspirin if you suffer Acute Mountain Sickness.

Best Period to Travel : Mid June to September End (subject to the opening of Kunzum Pass, otherwise we change the route and go via Manali).

Number of Participants : Minimum : 2, Maximum : 24

Please Note : (The following itinerary has been prepared after a deep research and personal visits of the places. The details of the places mentioned in the itinerary and some other places are also given here in this document. You are welcome to discuss with us to add or remove any places, if you want, to the itinerary as per your comfort. It is very much possible to do so as most of the places mentioned in the details are on the way from Shimla to Leh).

Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi : Our representative waits for you at the airport. Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to you hotel.

Day 02 : Train to Kalka : Early morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shatabadi. (dep : 0630. Arr kalka : 1200). Arrive Kalka and change to Toy Train to Shimla. (dep. 1210. Arr Shimla : 1730). The toy train is linked with Shatabadi Express and does not leave till Shatabadi Express has arrived. Arrival at Shimla at 1730 and transfer to your hotel.

Day 03 Shimla : Half day Heritage walk visiting Christ Church, Jakhu Peak and Viceregal Lodge. In the after noon we shall meet and discuss anything you have in your mind regarding the trip.

Day 04: Shimla to Sarhan : 2165 M (175 KM – 6 hours drive) : Today’s drive takes you through lush green Apple Orchards. On the way river Satluj runs along side the age-old Indo-Tibet road. By early evening you arrive at Sarhan, perched high above the river Satluj. Check into the quaint little Guest House in the temple or Hotel Srikhand Mahadev.

Day 05: Sarahan to Sangla : 2680 M (95 KM – 3 – 4 hrs. drive) You now enter the Kinnaur district and the beautiful valley of Sangla. It is also known as Baspa valley as Baspa river flows through the valley. The valley offers enchanting view of snow clad peaks in the surroundings. On arrival check into a guest house or the pitch your tents.

Day 06: Sangla : Visit to the ancient Kamru fort & temple dedicated to Nag Devta – The Snake God. Afternoon visit to Chitkul, the highest and the last village in this valley.

Day 07: Sangla to Kalpa : 2759m (55 KM – 2 hrs. drive) : Kalpa is the main village of the District - Kalpa. Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majesty of the Kinner Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light.

Day 08 : Kalpa to Tabo : 2950 M (200 KM – 8 to 9 hrs drive) : Another pleasant day drive to the small village of Nako. On this drive you enter from green to brown area gradually.

Day 09 : Tabo to Kaza : 3050 M (45 KM – 4 hrs drive) Tabo is known as The Ajantas of Himalayas due to its wall paintings in the old Monestery of Tabo. On the way visit to Dhankar Monastery – once the house of Royal Family of the valley, Lalung Monastery in Lingti Valley. Reach Kaza in the evening and check into guest house.

Day 10 : Kaza : 3750 M. : Today we shall visit Langcha (4275 M) and Komic Village and its Monastery (4587 m). the view and the landscape is breathtaking, mind blowing and out standing.

Day 11 : Kaza to Chandertal (4500 m) : Today after a hot breakfast, drive to Kibber is the highest village of the world that is connected with electricity, water, road and telephone. Ki Monastery located at the height of 3969 Meter. Visit the ancient monastery built on what is believed to be have been a crater of an extinct Volcano. The Monastery boasts of ancient brass instruments consisting of Trumpets, Cymbals & Drums. Drive to Losar (2.5 hrs drive). Drive to Kunzum pass and walk to Chandertal lake (9 km – 3 hrs walk). Those who cannot walk can drive to the lake. This moon lake is the origination point of Chandra River that becomes Chinab when it enters Pakistan. The lake is located at elevation of 4550 m. Over night stay at the camps.

Day 12 : Chandertal to Kaylong : 3350 Meter (4 to 5 hrs. drive) : Here you enter Lahaul Valley. Drive along the Chandra River, The landscape is barren all around while the valley floor is lush green with fields of Barley, Potato, and Hops spring with trees of Willow & Poplar. En-route we stop at tiny hamlet of Chatru for refreshment.

Day 13 : Kaylong to Udaipur (2650 Meter) and Trilokinath (2760 Meter) : Today drive along the Chandra Bhaga to sacred sites of Trilokinath & Udaipur. Trilokinath is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perhaps the only place in the world that is revered by both Hindus & Buddhist. Udaipur is famous for the temple of Mrikula Devi, that was built by Pandaws during their exile. After visiting these exquisite temples return to Kaylong after a full days 100 KM drive.

Day 14 : Keylong to Sarchu (4253 Meter) : 115 KM : 6 to 7 hrs drive : Morning after breakfast drive over the Baralacha Pass (4883 meters) and the picturesque Suraj Tal Lake (4800 Meters) slowly entering another cold desert in Himalayas. Overnight at camp Sarchu. Sarchu is the place where we leave Himachal Pradesh Behind and enter Jammu & Kashmir State.

Day 15: Sarchu – Leh : (3450 Meter) : 246 KM – 8 to 9 hrs drive) : On this route we also cross the plateau of ‘More Plans’ for 45 kilometers. The beauty here is unexplainable. Then over the Tanglang La Pass (5328 meter) the highest point of the tour where you stand on the world’s second highest motor able pass.

Day 16 : Leh : A Complete day of visit to the Monasteries (104 Kms) After breakfast drive to visit the Shey Palace, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries and Stok Palace Museum. Packed or Hot Lunch will be provided. Return to Leh in the evening. Overnight Hotel.

Day 17 : Leh – Nubra Valley (120 Kms) : After Breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft). Arrive at Deskit by Afternoon. Rest of the day one is free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village. Overnight Hotel.

Day 18 : Nubra Valley to Leh (120 Kms) : After Breakfast visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Overnight Hotel.

Day 19 : Leh – Delhi : Transfer to airport and fly back to Delhi with Sweet Memories of Ladakh. Met on arrival at the airport in Delhi and transfer to Hotel / International airport.