Himalayas Expedition 2008 Delhi to Ladakh on One of
the World's Highest Roads
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience one of the most beautifully
desolate and remote destinations in the Asia
Drive along one of the world’s highest roads
Immerse in centuries-old Tibetan culture
Interact with the unique Ladakhi people
Photograph the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas
Get expert photography tips from ASIAN
Geographic's
Photo Editor, Kris LeBoutillier
THE EXPEDITION
One of the most remote and mythical
regions of India, Ladakh is a landscape of unearthly
beauty. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest
mountain ranges, the great Himalayas and the Karakoram,
Ladakh sits high in a Himalayan valley between the Ladakh
and Zaskar ranges.
Ladakh is a land like no other. Traverse
through bizarre and surrealistic landscapes and travel
at altitudes of more than 5,000 metres. Visit regions
that until recently were cut off to tourists, and immerse
in the rich culture and history of ancient Buddhist
monasteries that contain some of Asia's greatest wonders
of gold and tapestry work.
June, Fri (Day 1) Singapore – Dehli Depart from Singapore on Jet Airways at 2300 hours.
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June, Sat (Day 2) Delhi – Chandigarh –Nalagarh Arrive in Delhi at 0215 hours. After clearing customs and immigration, we proceed into New Delhi for rest and refreshment, then catch the Shatabedi Express train to Chandigarh at 0730 hours. Catch up with your sleep on the train. We arrive in Chandigarh in time for lunch, where we drive to Nalagarh and check-in to Nalagarh Fort, a heritage hotel. Rest and recover from the travelling. Overnight in Nalagarh.
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June, Sun (Day 3) Nalagarh – Manali Today we drive across the Himalayan foothills, through the beautiful Kullu Valley and up to the hill station of Manali, the adventure centre of the Indian Himalayas. En route we make stops for lunch and visit the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery, Brijeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rorich Art Gallery and Naggar Castle. Arrive in Manali and check-in to a hotel.
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June, Mon (Day 4) Manali – Keylong From Manali the expedition begins: we drive over the Pir Panjal range and cross the high Rohtang Pass (3978m) with fantastic views of the neighbouring Chandra Bhaga mountain range. Here, the landscape changes drastically from the lush green forests of the Kullu Valley to the stark, dry high-altitude desert of the Himalayan ‘rain shadow’. We con-tinue to Keylong, the administrative capital of Lahul & Spiti district for the night.
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June, Tue (Day 5) Keylong We take a break from travelling
to acclimate to the altitude, hoping to avoid altitude
sickness as the road winds ever higher. Here in Keylong,
the Tibetan influence grows increasingly apparent
with the presence of Buddhist monasteries (gompas).
Trace the steps of the traditional route taken by
pilgrims, beginning with an easy morning trek to
Shishur Monastery, located just above Keylong, then
continue to Kardang Monastery and cross the pass
above the monastery, ending in Gondla. Return to
Keylong for the night.
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June, Wed (Day 6) Keylong - Lake Tsokar Today we resume the drive on one of the world’s highest roads. We first cross the Baralacha Pass (4,890m), which is fol-lowed almost immediately by Niki Pass (5050m) and Lochulang Pass (5100m). We by-pass Sarchu, the usual overnight stop for public buses that ply this road, and continue instead to Tsokar, one of the high mountain salt lakes found in the area. Overnight stay at a semi-permanent campsite by the lake.
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June, Thu (Day 7) Lake Tsokar - Leh We spend the morning exploring the area. This small lake is white around the edges with salt deposits, but the highlight is the unreal scenery – so alien that some call it ‘Moonland’. We continue the drive to Leh, travelling over Tanglang Pass, the highest point on this route (5,360m). Descend into Leh and check-in to the Hotel Lha-Ri-Sa for dinner. Overnight in Leh.
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June, Fri (Day 8) Leh Today, we visit Thikse and Hemis gompas and Stok Palace. Thikse is one of most impressive central Ladakh gompas, a complex of buildings built on a curve rising tier upon tier above the village. Hemis is also one of the most important gompas for its library and collection of Buddhist art. Later visit Stok Palace, the summer home of the royal family, which houses a museum. Take a drive out of Leh towards the Nubra Valley, as far as the Khardung Pass. At the height of 5,604 metres, this is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Overnight in Leh.
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June, Sat (Day 9) Leh - Delhi Morning transfer to the airport for departure on Jet Airways flight at 0825 hours. Arrive in Delhi at 0940 hours. Proceed to the hotel for a day of leisure. Overnight in Delhi.
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June, Sun (Day 10) Leh - Singapore Morning transfer to the airport and depart Delhi on Jet Airways flight at 0845 hours. Arrive in Singapore at 1650 hours.
Depart from Singapore: S$2,680
(including
all airfare, taxes and fuel surcharges)
Depart from Delhi:
S$2,080
(including internal airfare, taxes and fuel surcharges)
Note: All prices exclude cost of visa application.
10% Discount for Xplorer members. Click here to subscribe now!
GIVEAWAYS
We are accepting a maximum of 30-40
participants, accompanied by four members of staff from
ASIAN Geographic and Atrium Eco Travel. Each participant
will receive the following gift starter-pack:
LED Maglite valued at S$79
CamelBak Drinking Bottle
valued at S$25
ExOfficio Floating Pocket Valued at
S$5
ExOfficio Bugsaway Scarf valued at S$25
S$10 unconditional
ExOfficio cash Voucher
DETAILED INFORMATION
WEATHER
The weather in Delhi and Chandigarh is hot and humid, with chances of rain from an early monsoon. Manali's climate is dry - temperatures range from 0 degrees Celsius at night to 30 degrees Celsius at mid-day, so it is important to dress in layers.
WHAT TO PACK
Participants should pack T-shirts, long-sleeved cotton shirts, heavy cotton pants, sweaters and a light jacket.
Bring a comfortable pair of walking or hiking shoes, along with sandals and good thick socks. A broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunblock (SPF 15+) are also strongly recommended.
ACCOMMODATION Apart from an overnight camp at Lake Tsokar in Keylong, participants will be accommodated in the following hotels during the course of the trip:
Chandigarh: Fort Nalagarh Heritage Hotel
Manali: Hotel Silmog Gardens
Keylong: Hotel Tashi Delek
Leh: Hotel Lha-Ri-Sa
Delhi: Silver Ferns Hotel
These hotels are some of the best available in Keylong and Leh, and are generally of 3-Star standard.
Twin-sharing Rooms are provided for all participants. However, Single Room supplements are available at an additional S$375 (price is not discountable; subject to hotel availability).
MEALS
Meals will be provided throughout the course of the trip.
SIGN UP
To join this expedition, download
our application form and fax it to us at +65
6291 2068 or mail to:
Asian Geographic Magazines Pte Ltd
No. 1 Syed Alwi Road, #06-01 Song Lin Building, Singapore 207628
For further enquiries, please email our ASIAN Geographic representative at leslie@asiangeo.com
