Remote Ladakh – Snia Valley and Lasermo La-15 Days

We board the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh. If conditions are clear you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges before landing at the capital of Ladakh. On our first day in Leh at 3500m we need to rest and acclimatise and spend the day wandering the main market to gain initial impressions of Ladakh culture. Overnight:  Leh

We head to Shey Palace and Tikse monastery as well as the more remote Matho monastery. Shey Palace was the original residence of the Ladakh Royal family before the upper and lower kingdoms of Ladakh were united at Leh in the 17th century. The nearby Tikse monastery is perched on the summit of a sugarloaf mountain with commanding views across the Indus Valley. The monastery was first established by the Gelukpa (Yellow hat) order that migrated from Tibet in the 15th century. Our guides will show you around the monastery and offer insights as to how the monks conduct their life and day to day monastic routine. If time permits we also visit Matho monastery on the far side of the Indus Valley, a monastery steeped in ancient traditions that only receives a handful of visitors each day. Overnight:  Leh – 3500m Activity: Sightseeing

The drive to the Nubra valley crosses the Kardung La (5602m), the highest motorable road in the world. En route to the pass we savour panoramic views of Leh while on the far side of the pass there are unsurpassed views of the rugged ranges that stretch to the East Karakoram. Reaching the Nubra valley we visit Diskit monastery before continuing to the nearby village of Hunder (3170m) where we spend the night in modest but comfortable accommodation. Overnight: Nubra Valley

Drive to Wachan (1 hour), commence trek to Dok Gongma (3 hours) From Hunder it is a short drive through an impressive gorge to the village of Wachan (3900m) where we commence our trek. The trail crosses a minor tributary before a gradual ascent through summer settlements to reach our camp at Dok Gongma (4200m). Overnight: Camping – 4200m

We spend two nights acclimatising at Dok Gongma before we continue to head up the main valley to the base of the Lasermo La. We explore the adjoining Snumao Valley, a remote alpine valley characterised by high peaks, hanging glaciers and verdant pastures that are frequented by local villagers during the summer. Overnight: Dok Gongma

We have reserved two days to gradually ascend to the base of the Lasermo La (4500m). The rich alpine valley affords no end of possibilities. Blue sheep are seen on the higher reaches which are renowned for the elusive snow leopard and the argali (Marco Polo sheep – the biggest sheep in the world). Golden eagles and lammergeier (barded vultures) glide the thermals above our camp. Overnight: Camping – 4500m (Lasermo La) Activity: ± 4 hours trekking

From the base camp it takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the pass. The initial ascent winds through extensive moraine field before heading up a broad glacier that leads to the Lasermo Pass (5,440m). The trail is well established and is crossed regularly by mule trains restocking supplies to the settlements above Wachan. From the pass there are spectacular views of the East Karakoram while shortly after crossing there are fine views of the Stok Range on the south side of the Indus Valley. The descent can be completed in 2 to 3 hours – the trail winding down across scree slopes – steep in places- before reaching a verdant valley where there no shortage of campsites (4,500m). Overnight: Camping – verdant valley4,500m.

Activity: High pass crossing – ± 6 hour7

A gradual descent across open meadows affording fine views of the peaks on the far side of the Indus Valley. After two hours we reach the main tributary and continue on down on down the true right bank to the tiny village of Murabak (4040m) located about five kms above the monastery of Phyang.Overnight: Phyang

Activity: ± 4 hours trekking

We drive to Phyang monastery that was established in the 16th century. An impressive temple built in the last decade is fitting testimony to the vibrant culture. Given its proximity to Leh many villages camping in the vicinity of the monastery during the festival. Like most monastic festivals, the masked dances follow a set pattern with the dancers and musicians offering a rousing celebration of Buddhist culture. That evening we return to Murabak and our last nights’ camping. Overnight: Phyang Camping – 4040m Activity:

Phyang festival Transport: 1 hour drive

We plan to spend the morning at Phyang as the festival unfolds on the second day. we then drive to Alchi – a 11th century monastic complex located in a remote corner in the Indus Valley. Alchi is remarkable in so far as it is one of the few surviving examples of pre Tibetan style monasteries in Ladakh. It consists of four small temples with exquisite wall paintings that reflecting the artistic traditions from Kashmir and the rest of India. We stay in the heart of Alchi in a comfortable hotel run by a local family. Overnight:  Alchi- 3100m

Activity: Phyang festival Transport: 2 hour drive

We drive alongside the Indus River to the village of Khalsi before ascending to Lamayuru. The monastery is set in a commanding position high above the Indus Valley. Established in the 11th century it is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh. It includes a cave inside the main Assembly hall where the Buddhist sage Naropa meditated. Later that afternoon we return to Alchi.

From Alchi it is a short drive to the secluded monastery at Likir. The monastery was established in the 15th century at a time when Tibetan influence was fast gaining a hold across Ladakh. The monastery was rebuilt in the 18th century and, in comparison to many other monasteries in the upper Indus Valley rarely attracts more than a handful of visitors each day. From Likir it takes around two hours to complete the drive back to Leh. Rest of the day is free to catch up on local sightseeing and shopping. Overnight: Leh – 3500m Activity: Monastery visit Transport: ± 2 hour drive

An early morning flight to Delhi will afford more impressive views across the mountain ranges you explored the previous week. Trip concludes in Delhi. However, we recommend booking your international flights the next day in case of inclement weather causing your flight from Leh to be cancelled. Please contact us for accommodation options in Delhi or other arrangements you may have. Transport: Airport transfer – Leh 1 hour, Flight (not included in trip price) – 1 hour 20 minutes