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Himalayan Jeep Safari

The Zanskar Traverse

14 Days / 13 Nights

The ancient kingdom of Zanskar-once part of western Tibet-is a fascinating Buddhist enclave that historically has had little contact with the outside world. Indeed, even the famous Himalayan caravan routes didn't pass this way, since snows keep Zanskar's high passes inaccessible during the harsh winter months. It still lives in another century, an ancient world that begins where the paved road ends. Our challenging adventure takes you past green fertile valleys to moonscapes of stark yet evocative beauty, where you'll trek over high passes marked with fluttering prayer flags, see Buddhism practiced in its purest form, and admire an arid landscape brightened by shimmering willow groves and glacier-irrigated fields of yellow buckwheat and green pea patches. Along the way you'll meet the handsome Zanskari people, among the most colorfully dressed of Himalayan inhabitants, particularly the women with their massive turquoise encrusted headdresses (called perak), and follow trails lined with some of the most exquisitely carved mani stones in the Himalayas.

Description

Day 01: Arrive Delhi.
Our representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport upon your arrival in Delhi. He or she will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02: In Delhi.
This morning you will be taken on a tour of Old Delhi passing the Red Fort Jama Masjid, and the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Visit New Delhi in the afternoon where you will visit Qutab Minar, built in 1199, Humayun’s Tomb and drive past the President’s House, Parliament House and the India Gate. Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 03: Delhi to Nalagarh.
After breakfast you will be transferred to New Delhi Railway station to board a train to Chandigarh. On arrival you will be met, then taken by road to Nalagarh. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 04: Nalagarh to Manali.
After breakfast you will travel by road through the beautiful Kullu Valley to Manali, the adventure centre of the Indian Himalayas. En route stop for lunch and visit the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery, Brijeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rorrich Art Gallery and Naggar Castle. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 05: Manali to Jispa.
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jispa. The drive starts at Manali slowly winding up mountain roads through Rohtang Pass where you will notice a change with the Hindu influence being replaced with Buddhist temples. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 06: Jispa to Sarchu.
After breakfast depart for Sarchu via Baralacha Pass (4880 metres) with plenty of stops to capture the scenic grandeur of this majestic landscape dotted with snow capped peaks. After crossing the pass, you will head down to the vast plains of Sarchu at an altitude of 4200 metres where you will overnight at your hotel.

Day 07: Sarchu to Leh.
After early breakfast in the hotel you will leave for Leh through Nakeela and Lachangla Pass (5065 metres). After lunch you will be taken to Leh passing through Skyangchu Thang (the biggest and highest plateau on Earth stretching 42 kms), Tanglang La Pass (5360 metres) and Indus Valley. You will arrive at Leh by evening. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 08: Leh.
After breakfast, morning is at leisure. In the afternoon explore the local markets and visit Shanti Stupa before sunset. Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 09: Leh to Sumoor.
After breakfast you will be driven to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (the highest motorable road in the World). In the afternoon travel to Deskit and Hunder and then to Sumoor where you will overnight at your hotel.

Day 10: Sumoor.
After breakfast enjoy a full day to explore the flat Nubra valley, visiting silver sand dunes near Hunder Village. You will take a double-humped camel safari followed by a visit to Diskit and Hunder villages. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 11: Sumoor to Leh.
Early this morning you will visit the small Yarab Tso Lake. After breakfast drive back to Leh via Khardungla Pass. Evening at leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 12: Leh.
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour (including a picnic lunch) of the Indus Valley Monasteries – the Royal Museum at Stok Palace, Thiksey, and the Stagna and Changchubling Hemis Monasteries. Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 13: Leh to Delhi by Air.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your overnight hotel.

Day 14: Depart Delhi.
In time transfer to the airport, to board your flight to onward destination.
Note: The above route and estimated times must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, road conditions or other reasons. Our guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with our crew and the group members.