Himalayan Journeys Nagarhole National Park

Himalayan Traverse

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23 days (Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, World

Grading:

Challenging level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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A stunning traverse of the Indian Himalaya

This is our classic trek in the West Himalaya. We traverse the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges and explore Buddhist villages and monasteries that have a close affinity to Tibet. Following forest trails and alpine meadows above the Kullu valley we take time to acclimatise as we ascend. We cross high, windswept passes where colourful prayer flags frame jagged peaks that stretch to the vast Tibetan plateau. Trekking through Zanskar we encounter ancient monasteries perched on sugarloaf mountains, while ancient mani walls line the trail and tiny whitewashed settlements thrive amid fields of ripening barley. After visiting the exquisite Phugtal monastery we traverse the vast wilderness region of Rupshu with its spectacular gorges and high windswept passes that are crossed by only a handful of trekking groups each year. After completing the trek we explore Leh and the outlying monasteries that characterise the Indus Valley.

Highlights

Sightseeing in Delhi
Stunning views of the Himalaya and Zanskar range
Himalayan mountain flight from Leh to Delhi
Traverse a series of remote and high passes
Visit Manali
Phugtal Monastery
Trek through isolated villages and the vast wilderness of Rupshu

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the sights and sounds of this great city, where cows walk freely through busy streets laden with rickshaws and old style cars, and sari clad ladies with bundles of shopping balanced on their heads pass by beggars and street peddlers all the time against a background noise of beeping horns and bicycle bells. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members, a group briefing will not be held until tomorrow morning. Should you arrive earlier in the day we are happy to assist with any optional sightseeing. Overnight group hotel. Please note if you are arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you might like to arrive the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant or travel agent for pre –tour accommodation options.

Day 2 Train to Chandigarh (approx. 31/2hrs), drive to Manali (approx. 8hrs)

Transfer to the train station for the early morning Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh. From here our chartered bus takes us north across the Himalayan foothills and into the Kullu Valley. The drive takes about 8 hours and is a delightful introduction to the Himalayan foothills.

Day 3 In Manali (2020m)

In Manali we have time to stretch our legs and undertake walks to the Hadimba Temple situated in the pine forests close to our hotel. We also visit Old Manali situated on the far bank of the Manaslu River and to Vashisht village, famous for its hot springs, on the far side of the Beas River.

Day 4 Commence trek to Chikha Walk approx. (3 to 4 hours)

From Manali we drive to the village of Sythen and continue to the roadhead at the entrance to the Hampta valley. After loading our packhorses we continue across a series of flowered meadows to a campsite known locally as Chikha (3000 metres). Our first nights camp is located in an open meadow set beneath tumbling waterfalls, where Gaddi shepherds graze their flocks on their way to the higher pastures in Lahaul.

Day 5 Chikha to Balu Ka Ghera (4 hours)

From Chikha the trail gradually ascends Hampta Valley to the base of the Hampta Pass, to a stunning camp known as Balu Ka Ghera (3540 metres) set amid many snow capped ridges and peaks of the Pir Panjal.

Day 6 Balu Ka Ghera to Siliguri via Hampta Pass (5 to 6 hours)

The gradual ascent to the Hampta Pass (4270 metres) is not difficult by Himalayan standards. From the campsite the trail ascends towards the pass then crosses a number of scree slopes often under snow for much of the season. An early start is recommended to gain views back down and across the lush Kullu Valley to Hanuman Tibba (5928 metres). The final few hundred metres to the pass are steep. From the pass you gain good views of Indrashan (6221 metres) and Deo Tibba (6001 metres), while to the north, views to the main Lahaul range complete the panorama. The 400-metre descent to the valley floor and our camp at Siliguri (3750 metres) is steep; we then have the option of trekking to the North Indrashan glacier in the afternoon.

Day 7 Siliguri to Chatru (3hours & drive to Pal Lhamo 6-7 hours)

The trek commences with a small river crossing to the true right of the valley before an increasingly steep descent to Chatru (3360 metres) in the Chandra Valley. Just before reaching the Chandra Valley there is a further river crossing. We then trek to the road head before crossing the bridge to the small village of Chatru. Here our bus will be waiting to take us onto Pal Lhamo (3600metres). The drive through the Lahaul countryside will take around six to seven hours with time to set up camp late that afternoon.

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Day 8 Pal Lhamo to Jankar Sumdo ( Approx 5 hours)

From Pal Lhamo we follow a well-established track through extensive boulder and moraine fields to camp. Jankar Sumdo (3860 metres).marks the confluence of the Darcha River and the valley leading to the Shingo La.

Day 9 Jankar Sumdo to high camp ( 6 to 7 hours)

From the campsite there is a short steep ascent. We enter a narrow rocky valley and pass several side shepherd huts. As we ascend, the valley widens affording views of the many snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers before reaching camp in the vicinity of Chumik (4500 metres). As you trek higher you appreciate why we spent the first few days trekking over the Hampta Pass - the trek should have left you fully acclimatised and in good stead for the days ahead.

Day 10 Camp to Lakong via Shingo La (6 to 7 hours)

From our high camp there is a steady ascent up the valley to the base of the terminal moraine. There follows a steep ascent over scree before a more gradual affair to the crest of the Great Himalaya Range and the Shingo La (5050 metres). The prayer flags and a small cairn are maintained - as with all passes into Ladakh - to placate the local Gods or La’s of the pass and to ensure a safe journey. It's a wonderful experience crossing the main Himalaya, with fine views across to many 6000 plus metre peaks. From the pass the trail crosses a series of snow and scree slopes to the valley floor and a river crossing where wet boots may be the order of the day. From here the trail continues across the alpine slopes to the spectacular camp of Lakong (4470 metres) with fine views of the snow capped peaks and hanging glaciers at the head of the valley.

Day 11 Lakong to Kargyak village (5 hours)

The route down the valley skirts the yak and dzo grazing pastures before crossing the upper reaches of the Kargyak River beneath the huge monolith known as Gumburanjan. This monolith provides a dominant feature in the valley and is flanked by scree covered ridges and hills leading to jagged mountains. The grassy valley leading to Kargyak (4050metres) is covered with wildflowers, including edelweiss, that bloom after the spring snows melt. Mani walls and chortens mark the entrance to the village.

Day 12 Contingency day

If all is on schedule then we have a rest day at Kargyak. A great campsite from where we have time to explore the side valleys and explore the nearby village.

Day 13 Kargyak to Purne (7 hours)

From Kargyak we pass a series of small villages including Tanze, Karu and Thetha. The trail is defined by well maintained mani walls and chortens, while the irrigation channels flow into the fields of peas and barely. Beyond Tetha the valley narrows and enters a gorge en route bridge to Purne (3820 metres),a small settlement situated on a plateau above the confluence of the Tsarap and Lingti Chu rivers.

Days 14-16 Purne to Tan Tak (2 days plus one contingency day)

Two days are scheduled to reach Tan Tak, the most remote village in Zanskar. An additional contingency day is reserved at Tan Tak before heading over to the Gotunda La to the Rupshu region. From Purne it is a 2 to 3 hour hike to Phugtal with time to explore the ancient monastery carved out of a limestone cliff high above the Tsarap Chu. Indeed nothing can prepare you for your first sight of the monastery in a truly stunning location. We have time to visit the monastery while our mules are offloaded and lead through the labyrinth of alleyways beneath the main Assembly Hall. We continue beyond the monastery for around 3 hours to a respectable campsite. On the second stage we ascend magnificent gorge country at times having to divert high above the rushing waters of the Tsarap Chu before reaching a side valley. From the confluence it is a further couple of hours to the village of Tan Tak (4100 metres) . We camp below the village in a willow grove. On the contingency day we have time to explore the village and wander the nearby ridges while preparing for the demanding traverse the following day.

Days 17-20 Tan Tak to Tsok Mesik (3 days) plus final day to roadhead & 6 hour drive to Leh.

It will take three days to trek across the wild and remote Rupshu region to Tsok Mesik. On the fourth day we should reach the road head with time to drive to Leh the same day. The first stage involves a steep climb to the ridge at Kontse La (4810 metres) before a gradual ascent to the main pass the Gotunda La (5040 metres). The demanding traverse takes across a broad plateau high above the course of the Tsarap Chu that affords unrivalled views of the Zanskar Range while from the Gotunda la there are views to the north of the vast Rupshu region. It is planned to complete a long descend on the far side of the pass on down to the deserted village of Homuch (3940 metres) alongside the Tsarap Chu.From Homuch it takes two days to reach the camp at Tsok Mesik. Anticipate several side river crossings and a few tiring ascends and descends across ridges high above the course of the river. There are no shortage of dramatic views of the peaks and jagged ridges that tower above the glacial valley while there are also no shortage of villages where the Chang Pa – the semi nomadic herdsmen spend the winter months. In the summer time, the Chang Pa tend to their flocks on the highest pastures following a traditional grazing pattern that they have followed for generations.From the campsite at Tsok Mesik (4200 metres) we continue for 3 to 4 hours on the final day of the trek before reaching the Manali to Leh highway just north of Sarchu. The drive takes around 6 hours that includes crossing the Taglang La (5328 metres) with views that extend north to the Ladakh Range before descending to the Indus Valley and Leh.

Days 21-22 In Leh (3510m)

During our time in Leh we structure our sightseeing to accommodate group interests. Initially we spend time wandering the Leh bazaar and palace. We have the opportunity to climb to the Victory Fort (above the Palace) built in the 15th century to commemorate Ladakh's independence from the invading armies from Baltistan and Kashmir. From the Palace we can also appreciate the alleyways that comprise the old town of Leh, located to the east of the main bazaar. Among other options is a visit to the Shanti Stupa at Chanspa, just up the road from our hotel that affords fine views up the Indus Valley. It is also recommended to visit the Ladakh Ecological Centre to appreciate how the Ladakhi people have been able to incorporate new technology into their traditional lifestyles.A half-day sightseeing trip to Tikse monastery and Shey Palace is also included. Tikse was founded in the 14th century after the Dalai Lama sent monks to Ladakh and the outlying regions of West Tibet. The monastery is situated in a commanding position in the Indus Valley with the monk’s chambers spreading down the hillside below the main Assembly Hall. Note the presence here of the new multi - denominational chapel that was completed a decade ago. It was built with the assistance of tourist funds and is proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh.We also visit Shey Palace, to view the magnificent 12 metre Shakyamuni Buddha statue.

Day 23 Depart Leh & fly direct to Delhi, trip concludes

This spectacular flight takes us across the backbone of the West Himalaya en route to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi trip concludes. If you are departing on late flights and would like to request a day room in Delhi please liaise with your World Expeditions reservations consultant or travel agent, this will be at your own cost.

Additional Information

Inclusions

22 breakfasts, 21 lunches and 21 dinners
flights Leh/Delhi
airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 23
expert bilingual guide
group medical kit
good quality accommodation in Delhi & Leh
gear package for use during the trip including kit bag, sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated sleeping mat
private transportation
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
horses to carry all personal and group equipment

Summary

23 day trip
17 day trek
6 nights hotels
16 nights camping

Trip Main Activities

Trekking

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.

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USD$3,820

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