Twin Peaks of Ladakh

On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Delhi and sightseeing tours can be arranged. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members and the early morning departure to Leh the following morning the initial briefing will be on ‘a need to know basis’ such as what to pack, ordering a packed breakfast, what time for departure from the hotel, arrangements for leaving gear in Delhi etc. Your World Expeditions kit bag will also be distributed after the briefing. Note: The main briefing will be on arrival in Leh and sleeping bags, liners, insulated mattress and down jackets will be distributed. Note: As an alternative to arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you may wish to consider arriving the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant or your travel agent for pre-tour accommodation options. Overnight: The Lalit Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

We board the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh where you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges. On arrival in Leh it is essential to rest and start the all-important acclimatization process. Our schedule today is flexible. We include a walk to the main bazaar and adjacent alleyways as well as a visit to the King’s Palace to gain a sense of Leh’s rich historic past. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

We include visits to Shey Palace – the capital of upper Ladakh until the Royal family moved to Leh in the 17th century. We also visit the nearby Alchi monastery perched on a sugarloaf mountain overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery reflects an important link in Ladakh’s Tibetan Buddhist history as evidenced in the main Assembly hall as well as the multi denominational chapel built in the 1980’s, proof of the continuing vitality of Buddhism in Ladakh. Later that day we can wander to the Shanti Stupa to gain a further perspective of the upper Indus Valley. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

We drive to the Matho village and after visiting the ancient monastery before we commence our trek ascending a well-defined trail to the campsite at Matho Phu. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

We spend a day at Matho Phu ascending the trail towards the La to acclimatise and prepare for the more demanding stages that lie ahead. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

From Matho Phu we slowly ascend towards the Shang La. The trail is steep in places but we are rewarded with grand views that extend across the Indus Valley to the snow-capped ridges and peaks of the Ladakh Range. From the pass the trail winds down to comfortable campsite and fresh water spring at Shang Phu. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

From camp we descend towards Shang village before crossing the Gyuncho La to Chogdo. While the trail is by no means demanding it will provide further acclimatisation in preparation for the days ahead. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

We slowly ascend an impressive gorge leading to the base camp below the Gongmaru La. That afternoon we ascend further towards the pass to gain panoramic views of the Indus Valley as well as acclimatising for the next stage. From the camp we may also see marmots (Himalayan hyrax) and possibly blue sheep while birds of prey hover in the thermals in search of prey. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

An exhilarating stage. From camp it will take less than two hours to ascend the trail that zig zags to the pass which is clearly identified with colourful prayer flags offering homage to the gods or La’s that guard the pass. From the pass there are wonderous views that extend across the many 6000m peaks that extend as far as the eye can see – including Kangyatse. We descend to the vast Nimaling plains where villagers from Hanker – the highest village in the Markha valley graze their yaks throughout the summer months. After a rest at Nimaling we continue to our base camp below the impressive flanks of Kangyatse. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

We commence a steep climb to high camp. Although it is a comparatively short ascent the altitude can make the trek quite strenuous. It does however provide sound preparation for the climb the next day. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

A day we have preparing for. While the ascent to the summit is not technically demanding the climb requires all your physical and mental strength. The rewards justify the climb for from the summit there are spectacular views that extend to the Zanskar range to the south while to the north are some of the unmistakable peaks of the Eastern Karakoram. The more demanding technical route to the true summit of Kangyatse (6401m) can also be appreciated. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

From our high camp we traverse to the nearby Dzong Jongo base taking in the panorama of snow peaks that define this vast and remote corner of Ladakh. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

A contingency day to prepare for the ascent of Dzo Jongo.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start is imperative as we commence our ascend the steep slopes leading to the summit of Dzong Jongo. Like the ascent of Kangyatse the ascend will tax your mental and physical strength but the rewards compensate with glorious back to Kangyatse and north to the East Karakoram range. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

After the exhilaration of ascending twin peaks we follow a remote trail leading east from the Nimaling piains that extend over a series of minor passes and camp within striking distance of Lato village. Overnight: Campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

It’s an exhilarating final day as we descend to the roadhead at Lato village on the Manali to Leh highway. After bidding farewell to our crew we complete the drive back to the Indus valley and the final 1.5 hours to Leh. Overnight: Hotel Omasila or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

An opportunity to rest and wind down and complete your sightseeing and shopping and preparing for your early morning flight to Delhi.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B