Home » Adventure Tour of India

Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights
Destination: -------------------

Day-wise Itinerary of the Tour

Day-1 Delhi
Arrive in IGI Airport Delhi. Meet and greet by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel. Check into the hotel. After freshening up proceed for the city tour of Delhi. Visit Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, then Jama Masjid and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. In the afternoon visit Qutub Minar built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial Arch ), Lakshmi Narayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple. Also drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings & Connaught Place shopping centre. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day-2 Delhi – Shimla (270 km / 7 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast proceed to Shimla by road . Arrive Shimla , check into the hotel for overnight stay .

Day-3 Shimla – Manali (220 km / 7 Hrs Drive) After breakfast, proceed to Manali. Arrive Manali, check into the hotel. Late evening enjoy half day local sightseeing tour. Overnight in Manali.

Day-4 Manali – Darcha (3400 Mts.) 140 km by Jeep
After breakfast, proceed to Darcha Enroute visit Rohthang Pass (3,978 mts.). Few places on the Earth can mark so dramatic a change in landscape as the Rohtang Pass. To one side, the lush green head of Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, chocolate colored mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that shine in the dazzlingly crisp light. On the valley floor, we drive through the field of potato and peas, dotted by Lahauli Villages, and we encounter the local inhabitants working in the fields. After crossing a bridge at Tandi, the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers, which later becomes Chenab. These Rivers originate from Baralacha La, and flow all the way into the plains of Punjab. From Tandi, the road crosses the river on a bridge and veers North along the Bhaga Valley to Keylong The district head quarters of Lahaul and Spiti. As we move further towards Darcha, we see along the River many villages with Buddhist prayer flags and Stupa's and the landscape also embodies a more desert look. Overnight Camping in Darcha.

Day-5 Darcha – Palamo (12 km Track)
After breakfast proceed to Palahmo. Slowly the landscape changes its appearance, rocks assume human like forms. It is flat easy walk to the last villages of Lahaul, Chhika and Rarik. On the way we meet nice friendly people of this region. From here another stretch of walk along the River (Barai Nallah) to Palahmo. There is a small temple on the edge of a gorge dedicated to the local Goddess Paldan Lahmo, from this the place has got its name. Standing on the top of the gorge, it is wonderful site to see the tremendous energy with which the water moves through this gorge. After crossing a man made bridge over the gorge we reach the camping site for overnight stay .

Day-6 Palamo- Zanskar Sumdo ( 3,750 Mts.) 14km / 5-6 Hrs. Trek
The trail gradually ascends till reaching the awesomely beautiful Zanskar Sumdo, which is the meeting point of two water sources. The river here was once dangerous to cross but is now made safe by a modern suspension bridge. The pack cannot cross on it and therefore must be unloaded so that they can swim through the river. This bridge is situated on the boundaries of Zanskar and Lahaul valleys and from here you see entire the Zanskar valley. Ascend a little further to reach Zanskar Sumdo where you camp overnight.

Day-7 Zanskar- Sumdo- Chumi Napo (4,060 Mts.) 14 km 5-6 Hrs.Trek
In the morning, resume trek from Zanskar Sumdo to reach Chumi Napo, covering a distance of about 14 km. You will experience a steep climb initially, but shortly afterwards, the trek becomes easier upto Chumi Napo. A number of streams have to be crossed on the trail, which are extremely cold and have to be crossed very cautiously and slowly Camp at Chumi Napo for overnight.

Day-8 Chumi Napo- Shiong La – Lakham (16 km)
Morning, resume trek from Chumi Napo to reach Lakham, covering a distance of about 16 km., en-route cross the Shiong La. From the top of the Pass, there are spectacular views of the peaks of Ladakh. From this pass, the trail initially descends steeply down till the meadows of Lakham , which is a good camping site at the foot of the Shingo La

Day-9 Lakham – Kurgiak (14 km Trek)
In the morning, resume trek from Lakham to reach Kurgiak. The trail descends along the wide Kargyak River, which is difficult to cross if there has been a lot of snow melting during the day, increasing the depth of the water. After crossing the river, continue down the valley past the beautiful sheer-sided mountain called Gumburanjon (5900m). Kargyak is the first and highest village in this valley. There are good campsites beneath this village. Camp at Kurgiak for overnight stay .

Day-10 Kargyak - Kuru- Testa- Purne(3745Mts.) 6-7 Hrs. Trek
Today, we trek all along the Kargiak Chu stream. After crossing the Thangse Bridge, we keep walking on the left bank of the stream till we reach Testa Village-a big village in comparison to other villages in Zanskar. From here we pass through quite a few more hamlets to get to Purni, a small hamlet on top of a hill. With three to four houses, belonging to the same family. This is a resting point for trekkers from both sides, this makes it a very commercial center in the middle of this isolated land. You can get everything form Coke to a bottle of beer here, even it the prices are almost triple. And below there is a confluence point of Kargiak Chu and Sarap Chu (Chu in local language means river or water) which now becomes Sarap Chu or Zanskar River and would accompany us throughout our Journey in Zanskar. This River is infact used by the local people of Zanskar to travel to Leh and other far Villages in the winters when it freezes and the thick layer of ice on the top, makes it what is famously called as Chader (Blanket) Route. In the recent times this is getting very famous among the travelers around the world. Overnight camping in Purne .

Day-11 Purni-Phuktal-Gompa-Purni (3745Mts.) 5-6 Hrs. Trek
After a leisurely breakfast commence excursion to the most famous & dramatic monastery of Phuktal which in one the most impressive Gompas in Ladakh by covering approx 14 kms. Here the spectacular Gelukpa monastery is situated around a sacred spring that originates from a deep cave. It is a fantastic sight with the monastery buildings built on the face of a rock, while the temple is situated in the cave. Trek back to Purne after visiting the monastery to camp for lunch. Overnight stay at camp.

Day-12 Pipula (5 Hrs. Trek)
We track through the Gorge, along the Zanskar River, we get to a small Hemlet of Gyalbok. Located in the middle of the Gorge on a hill. This is a very beautiful track. We camp at Pipula along the River Zanskar.

Day -13 Pipula- Raru (3600Mts.) 6 Hrs. Trej
Another stretch of trek through the middle of the gorge and our sincere companion, the Zanskar River flows along. After crossing the Bridge on Zanskar River we get to another very beautiful village of Zanskar- 'Ichar'. This village is located on a rock to the right bank of Zanskar River, houses a small but beautiful Monastery and has a school as well, one of the schools in Zanskar which really works. We spend bit of time, meeting the inhabitants of this beautiful village and visiting the Monastery then continue our walk to wards Raru. During this walk, there is a possibility of finding some wild life, herds of Ibex, if this is one of your lucky day. We cross another Bridge to reach Raru, another big Village in Zanskar, now connected with road to Padum. The camping is on a beautiful grassy patch along a small lake made by collecting the water from the glacier streams flowing down the mountains by the villagers for irrigating their fields . Overnight stay at Camp in Raru

Day-14 Raru - Padum (3500 Mts./ 06-07 Hrs.Drive)
Today we pass through the Mune and Bardan Gompa. Mune monastery is the finest example of the traditional Tibetan architecture where as the Bardan monastery is built on the huge rock on the banks of the river Zanskar. The location of the monastery is incredible- it rises right from the edge of cliff. All the way walking on the dusty road, soon the wide plains of Zanskar are visible and finally we reach Padum. Overnight in Padum.

Day-15 Padum - Karsha -Padum (3,500 Mts./ 05 - 06 Hrs. Drive)
One and a half hours trek through the flat plain, takes us to Karsha Monastery - the largest and most important monastery in the Zanskar region. It lies North to Padum towards Yurlang and can be reached after crossing the Doda River (Stode river). The monastery that is picturesquely built on a rock high above the Doda River can be seen from a distance. The monastery houses more than 150 yellow capped monks who are headed by younger brother of Dalai Lama. The monastery was built in 15th Century and contains beautiful statues of Buddha, Shakiyamuni, Tsongkhapa and Avolokeshwara. The wall paintings are very attractive and depict the life of Buddha and his disciples and number of Buddhisatavas. It also contains a big library. There is also a nunnery in the Monastery. On the way to the monastery one passes the Chamba Lin Temple which dates back to 11th Century. During the prayer ceremony, the atmosphere is very mesmerizing, as all the senior monks perform the prayer, completely involved in the mantras (holy texts). Of all the monasteries in Zanskar, this monastery is more organized and disciplined. From Karsha, we continue through the vast plain towards Rinam. Though windy but beautiful campsite along a stream. This is like an oasis in the desert. Overnight in Padum

Day – 16 Padum-Rangdum (3048 Mts.)
After breakfast drive to Rangdum (4100m) by covering 140 km. On arrival at Rangdum pitch the tent for overnight stay. Rest of the day explore the monastery. Overnight in Rangdum .

Day-17 Rangdum- Suru Valley- Kargil (145 km / 7-8 Hours )
Early morning drive to Kargil over the Pensila pass (4250m), En-route visit the Nomadic camp, & shepherd houses. Enter the Suru Valley : One of the most beautiful regions of Ladakh, the Suru Valley forms the mainstay of Kargil district. Lying nestled along the north-eastern foothills of the great Himalayan Wall, it extends from Kargil town, first southward for a length of about 75 kms upto the expanse around Panikhar, thence eastward for another stretch of nearly 65 kms upto the foot of the Penzila watershed where the Suru valley rises. Its composite population of about 30,000 -- mainly of Tibeti-Darad descent-- are Muslims who had converted their Buddhist faith around the middle of the 16th Century. The upper reaches of the valley, particularly around the Sankoo bowl, the Panikhar expense and the higher stretch beyond, present a spectacle of breathtaking features - majestic mountain ramparts crowned by snow capped peaks, undulating alpine slopes draining into wild mountain streams of foaming cascades of pristine water, awesome glaciers descending along the Himalayan slopes to the river bed in riverine formation, quaint villages of adobe houses straggling dry hillocks surrounded by large tracts of lush crops downward the patches of alpine pastures uphill. The beauty of this region is further enhanced by the sheer contrast provided by the towering peaks of Kun (7035 mt) and Nun (7135 mt) which loom over the skyline in their crystalline majesty. Dinner & overnight at Hotel.

Day-18 Kargil- Lamayuru - Leh (3530 Mts. 245 km. 7-8 hrs. drive)
After breakfast drive towards Leh, enroute visit the historical site of Mulbekh. Later continue the drive to Lamayuru. Visit Lamayuru monastery. In the afternoon drive a further 10 minuts drive to Leh, On arrival check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day- 19 Leh Sightseeing
After breakfast visit Phyang & Spituk, Shanker Monastery. In the afternoon visit Shanti Stupa and stroll in the local market for indivudual activites. Overnight at hotel.

Day-20 Leh Sightseeing
Full day excursion to visit the most important monasteries of the Indus valley. After breakfast drive toward Hemis around 35 km from Leh. En route visit Shey, Thiksey & Hemis monasteries accompanied by local English speaking guide. Shey was the old capital and the home of the kings of Ladakh before the new capital became established in Leh. The palace sits in a strategic position on a spur jutting out into the Indus valley. The main temple contains a large Buddha statue sculpted by Nepalese craft men. Thiksey, this large Gompa is an impressive sight, situated on top of a craggy hill while the rest of the complex sprawls down beneath it. It was founded in the 15th Century by Gelukpa monks. On arrival at Hemis visit the richest monasteries in this valley. The famous annual mosque dance is very popular in Leh. After wards drive to Martselang & trek to Sang Sumdo for around 2-3 hrs Pitch the tent near by the village & rest of the time explore the village. Late afternoon return to Leh, rest of the day at leisure for shopping etc.

Day -21 Leh - Delhi ( By Flight)
Early morning transfer to Leh airport for flight to Delhi