Great Himalayan Crossing

Today, we are transferred to the airport to board a flight to Leh. The journey allows us to enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas (flight subject to seasonal weather conditions). Upon arrival, we are welcomed by the agency representative and taken to the hotel. We spend the rest of the day exploring the area for the first time. We discover the city, its streets, its markets, its royal palace and its monastery. Acclimatization begins slowly. Leh is located at 3500 m altitude.

Today, we leave Leh to reach an 11th-century monastery at Lamayuru. Among the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh, the Gompa at Lamayuru houses around 150 monks. After this visit, we head towards Kanji where we set up our camp. This village is home to a small number of families whose livelihoods are centered on agriculture in the surrounding farms.

We are beginning our first hiking day heading towards Shilla Kong, also known as Yogma La. The pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range. We are free to explore the surroundings upon arrival. We spend the night at a camp.
Hiking Time: 6 hours

Our second trekking day takes us into the heart of the valley from where we descend the passage leading to Sniugutse La (3450m). From there, we enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings and take the opportunity to capture the mountains in photos. We continue our trek to our campsite located at the edge of the stream. The long descent along Sisir La (4850m) allows us to regain our energy. The trail extends only a few hundred meters before reaching the pass. Here, the view of the mountain range is simply incredible. We continue our epic journey with an ascent towards the village of Photoksar. It nestles between high mountain walls and lush pastures, dominated by an abandoned Gompa in the heart of the hills.
Journey duration: 7 hours

This morning, we start the day with a steep descent to Singi La. At over 5,000 m altitude, the pass offers breathtaking views of the glaciers, followed by a gradual path along the mountain to our camp located at the foot of Singi La.
Journey duration: 7 hours

Today, one hour of hiking on a ridge allows us to enjoy magnificent views of Nierag Valley and the Zanskar River. After descending the gentle slope to the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata, we begin a very steep descent to Kiupa La (4480 m). From there, the steep slope continues for 1,000 meters, then 300 meters more to a small passage that marks the edge of the Lingshed Valley. We then enjoy an easy trek to Lingshed and our camp set up near the village monastery.
Walking Time: 7 hours

This morning, a long and gradual descent takes us to Hanuma La. The trail winds through gorges and past sheep. This is followed by a two-and-a-half-hour descent. Crossing the bridge, we make our way down a sandy slope, while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Our excursion ends at our camp set up near the sheep enclosures of Snertse.
Duration: 7 hours

Today, we start our trek with a steep descent along a wild trail in the Zanskar region to Pase Parfi La (3.970 m). The pass marks the border between Zanskar and Ladakh. The hike to the plateau takes us approximately four hours. We then continue our hike on the left bank of the river and cross a moraine plateau, before heading towards the Pidmo bridge. From there, we still need to climb for two hours to reach our next camp at Hanumil. In the afternoon, we rest while admiring the views of the entrance to the Zanskar river gorges.
Journey duration: 7 hours

Today, our hike takes place along the Zanskar River, amid desert landscapes. We visit the village of Pidmo and discover a simple way of life, focused on livestock farming according to traditional practices that have remained unchanged for centuries. We arrive at Pishu, located on the banks of the Zanskar River, in the afternoon.
Walking Time: 6 hours

Today, we have the opportunity to visit the convent at Pishu, before starting a trek following the Zanskar river on flat terrain, then a gradual climb to Rinam (3,550 m). On the other side of the river, we catch sight of the Tongde monastery.

Starting from the Zanskar River, at the meeting point of its two tributaries, the Doda and the Tsarap, and then we head towards Padum, the capital of the ancient kingdom Zanskar. This village hosts a significant community of Buddhists and Sunni Muslims.

From Padum, road transfer to Raru where we spend the night again.

Today, our adventure allows us to appreciate the panoramas over many villages and picturesque landscapes along the Tsarap River. We cross through a magnificent canyon punctuated with climbs and descents. This part of the circuit also offers us magnificent views amid sparse vegetation. Our night camp awaits us at Galbok.
Walking Time: 7 hours

Today, we walk along the right bank of the Tsarap river to reach the glorious valley. An improvised bridge leads us to a small plateau adorned with chortens and prayer flags. On site, we have the privilege of enjoying a breathtaking view of the Phuktal monastery. Established on a limestone cliff, this architectural gem is one of the most stunning sites in the Zanskar valley. Monk residences are located at the bottom of the hill. Inside, we can find an inscription by Csoma de Körös (Hungarian historian, 1825-1826), one of the first foreign travelers to visit Zanskar. The temples of Phuktal monastery contain an interesting collection of ancient Thangkas (Tibetan paintings). After the visits, we resume our journey to Purne.
Journey duration: 6 hours

Today, we witness local life while following the course of Kargyak Chu. Men from villages accompany caravans, while women are busy with their work in the fields. We take great pleasure in sharing a glass of chang (fermented barley beer, very fresh).
Journey duration: 5 hours

Today, our hike takes us to Shingo La, then to Darsha, and finally to Phirtse La Pass. Here, the climate could differ, not being without effects on the isolated landscapes of Zanskar. Our overnight camp is located at Zingchen.
Walking Time: 6 hours

Today's trek involves climbing a high pass. We cross several streams to reach our camp at Chumik Marpho. Although the trek is a bit challenging, the views of the Lahaul peak are breathtaking, making us forget the fatigue during a few stops.
Walking Time: 7 hours

In the morning, we travel along the path at the edge of the Lingti river through shallow waters, before the weather warms up. The long walk follows the course of the river throughout the day. We reach the confluence of the Tsarap and Lingti by passing through various spurs and ancient Mani walls.
Journey duration: 6 hours

Today, we embark on a long trek to reach our camp via the Baralacha La pass. The final hours of the walk present a challenging test, but this adventure through the heart of alpine pastures is worth experiencing. Along the way, your patience and perseverance will be tested, especially at points where the water level is quite high. But the experience promises to be smooth and safe in the company of our professional team.
Trekking Time: 5 hours

Today, we set off in the morning for a long adventure in the heart of the Himalayan landscapes until Manali. This beautiful mountain station is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, on the banks of the Beas River. The valley is known for its diverse agricultural activity, particularly for the cultivation of fruits (apples and pears). We take advantage of this stopover to appreciate the beauty of the Chandra Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Today, a long but interesting car journey awaits us. Our trip starts early in the morning and passes through plains, across green valleys until Chandigarh. We arrive in the late afternoon at Chandigarh, the shared capital of the States of Punjab and Haryana. This city is actually a gateway to many mountain stations in Himachal Praddesh, Jammu and Kashmir and the northern parts of Punjab.

Today, we head to Delhi. After arrival and check-in at the hotel in the afternoon, we explore New Delhi. We drive along Rajpath lined with government buildings from the British era and designed by Lutyens. We discover the India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, we visit the beautiful Humayun's Tomb from the Mughal era and predecessor of the famous Taj Mahal. We also visit the impressive Qutab Minar.