- The diversity of the landscapes crossed
- A cultural and spiritual experience
- Local immersion with the local inhabitants
Zanskar, the ancient Himalayan kingdom where time seems to stand still. Leaving from Leh, you depart for 20 days of trek in the Himalayas, crossing Zanskar from north to south. You dive into a mineral and lunar universe, filled with rocky mountains and roaring rivers. The second part of the route takes you to the Tibetan highlands and mountain pastures before returning to the Indus Valley at the end of the trip.
Throughout your trek in the Himalayas, you will visit Buddhist monasteries clinging to the mountains or perched on rocky outcrops. You cross many villages and hamlets and meet the warm and friendly inhabitants. Accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, a cook and muleteers, you embark on a great adventure in Ladakh-Zanskar.
The Great Crossing of Zanskar, is a great physical challenge. You oscillate between 4,000 and 5,000 metres of altitude during most of the trip and many mountain passes follow one another. The duration of the trek, the altitude and a certain isolation give this trip a true dimension of commitment.
Construction of new roads planned to open up the area and connect Zanskar to Lahaul have completely reshape our trekking routes in Ladakh. Some parts of the Great Zanskar Crossing have been modified by taking alternative paths to avoid walking on a road.
Itinerary
The Great Crossing of ZanskarThe Great Crossing of Zanskar
Welcome to India
Welcome to India
"**Namaste!** : your driver welcomes you at New Delhi airport and drives you to your hotel. Without waiting, set out to explore the great Indian capital by taxi or tuk-tuk. Take the opportunity to visit the must-see monuments of New Delhi: the Jama Masjid Mosque and the Red Fort, from the Mughal era. Stroll through the alleys of Old Delhi, through the heart of the spice market and taste your first Indian specialties. At the end of the day, return to the hotel to rest before your early morning departure the next day to Ladakh, nicknamed "Little Tibet".
Welcome to India
Welcome to India
"**Namaste!** : your driver welcomes you at New Delhi airport and drives you to your hotel. Without waiting, set out to explore the great Indian capital by taxi or tuk-tuk. Take the opportunity to visit the must-see monuments of New Delhi: the Jama Masjid Mosque and the Red Fort, from the Mughal era. Stroll through the alleys of Old Delhi, through the heart of the spice market and taste your first Indian specialties. At the end of the day, return to the hotel to rest before your early morning departure the next day to Ladakh, nicknamed "Little Tibet".
Above the Himalayas
Above the Himalayas
You will be picked up very early in the morning to go to the airport for your flight to Ladakh. This spectacular flight offers a unique view of the entire Himalayan range. You set foot on Ladakhi ground and are already inspired by the surrounding mountains around Leh Airport. Welcomed by the Shanti Travel team on site, you will be taken to your bed and breakfast. On your first day in Leh, it is important to rest well to acclimate to the altitude. Remember to hydrate yourself and do the least amount of physical effort and enjoy a relaxing day before your trek in the Himalayas.
Above the Himalayas
Above the Himalayas
You will be picked up very early in the morning to go to the airport for your flight to Ladakh. This spectacular flight offers a unique view of the entire Himalayan range. You set foot on Ladakhi ground and are already inspired by the surrounding mountains around Leh Airport. Welcomed by the Shanti Travel team on site, you will be taken to your bed and breakfast. On your first day in Leh, it is important to rest well to acclimate to the altitude. Remember to hydrate yourself and do the least amount of physical effort and enjoy a relaxing day before your trek in the Himalayas.
Acclimatisation day in the Indus Valley
Acclimatisation day in the Indus Valley
This free day is important to acclimatize well before the start of your trek in the Himalayas. Take this opportunity to discover the charm of the small town of Leh and go visit the many monasteries of the Indus Valley. Take a trip to the monastery of Matho, perched on a rocky promontory on the left bank of the Indus. It houses a unique new museum of Tibetan art, an ideal introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. On the right bank of the Indus, the Thiksey Monastery is notable for its imposing architecture, reminiscent of Potala Palace in Lhasa. Return to Leh at the end of the day.
Acclimatisation day in the Indus Valley
Acclimatisation day in the Indus Valley
This free day is important to acclimatize well before the start of your trek in the Himalayas. Take this opportunity to discover the charm of the small town of Leh and go visit the many monasteries of the Indus Valley. Take a trip to the monastery of Matho, perched on a rocky promontory on the left bank of the Indus. It houses a unique new museum of Tibetan art, an ideal introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. On the right bank of the Indus, the Thiksey Monastery is notable for its imposing architecture, reminiscent of Potala Palace in Lhasa. Return to Leh at the end of the day.
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru Monastery
Today, you leave Leh by car towards the west of the Indus Valley to join the starting point of your trek in the Himalayas. En route, you visit the magnificent Lamayuru Monastery, perched on a rocky outcrop. At the heart of the majestic lunar mountains, you can admire a breathtaking view of the Indus Valley. Your driver then takes the newly built route to Kanji by crossing the Photo La Pass. On site, you meet your local team including the cook, the mule driver and his flock who will accompany you during your trekking in Zanskar.
Camp at 3,850 metres / 6h drive
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru Monastery
Today, you leave Leh by car towards the west of the Indus Valley to join the starting point of your trek in the Himalayas. En route, you visit the magnificent Lamayuru Monastery, perched on a rocky outcrop. At the heart of the majestic lunar mountains, you can admire a breathtaking view of the Indus Valley. Your driver then takes the newly built route to Kanji by crossing the Photo La Pass. On site, you meet your local team including the cook, the mule driver and his flock who will accompany you during your trekking in Zanskar.
Camp at 3,850 metres / 6h drive
28 days • From 0 €
Included in the price
- Welcome to New Delhi by your Shanti Travel Expert.
- Reception and briefing in Leh by Shanti Travel representative.
- The assistance of your Travel Expert 24h/24h and 7d/7d.
- Transfers and scheduled trips with English-speaking driver, according to the program.
- Delhi-Leh / Leh-Delhi flights. (Price subject to change at the time of booking).
- Accommodation: At the hotel in a standard double / twin room in Delhi and Leh; camp during the trek.
- A local team to accompany you: English-speaking Ladakhi guide, cooks, muleteers as well as pack animals for the transport of collective and individual equipment.
- Camping tents (2 people), kitchen tent, kitchen equipment, camping mattresses.
- Meals: In Delhi and Leh, only breakfast; full board during the trek.
Not included in the price
- International flights.
- Lunches and dinners in Delhi and Leh.
- Entrances to the temples, monuments and museums planned for the program.
- Assistance-repatriation insurance.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Anything that is not listed in the "price includes" section.
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