Jewels of the Crown
Trip to Ladakh
18 days / 17 nights
India :
- Manali. Jispa. Sarchu. Tsomoriri. Leh. Nubra. Sham Trek.
Jeep Tour.15th June – 30th September
Trans Himalayan Region Fully Escorted Tour
5 star RatingThis is a world class Jeep Safari Tour starts from Manali – The Valley of Gods and rises up to Ladakh – The Crown of India. Once we have left Manali we, enter Buddhists’ area, that once was a part of Tibbet – the Roof of the World. This Crown of India has many jewels in it, in the shapes of passes, lakes, monasteries, trekking trails, moonlike landscapes and of course its chortans – the stupas, of various sizes. Gradually you enter the hills and drive over the world’s highest motor able roads and over the high passes providing breath taking visual delight to your heart, mind and eyes. The journey is through the spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain and old monasteries, highest and the largest lakes of the region like lake Tsomoriri and Lake Pangong. At the end of the tour, we have added an easy village walk in the high regions. This walk is through the remote villages and the orchards of apricot that is grown in abundance in this area.
Accommodation
We use and recommend only homestays or experiential properties where the experience is absolutely different than traditional hotels. It is always subject to their availability because some of them, e.g. Chonor House in Dharamsala, get bookings more than six months in advance. We have given the links to the accommodation units, in the itinerary, that we recommend. You can click on the link and know the place where we are going to put you.
Your Tour Guide / Tour Escort
- This tour is escorted by an English Speaking local Guide who is very well versed with the history of Sikhism, Buddhism, and British Raj in India. He shall remain with for throughout the tour, from arrival at Amritsar till your departure in Chandigarh. The escort keeps a deep knowledge of the area, the incidents, and the present situation of the places that you are going to visit with him. All the walks shall also be conducted by him and he will share a great amount of knowledge with you, about all the things that may surprise you in the temples, on the roads, in the villages and, at any other place while on the trip.
- Language: We do not have Other Language Speaking Guides other than English.
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner are included in all our packages. The rest of the other meals are all on a direct payment basis.
- Breakfast: The menu remains North Indian, South Indian, Continental, and others. Porridge / Corn Flakes with milk (hot / Cold) are the essential part of the breakfast, added with toast, butter, jam, honey, marmalade, fruit, a variety of Indian bread such as paranthas and poori with freshly cooked vegetables and pickles, sausages, tea/coffee, all depending upon the quality of the hotel.
- Dinner: Depending on the place to place we prefer to have dinner. For Example, Shimla and Dharamsala have a variety of restaurants so we dine out whereas at other places we prefer to have dinner in the hotel.
- Manali : Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Jispa: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Sarchu: Room + All Meals
- Tsomoriri: Room + All Meals
- Leh: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Nubra: Room+ Breakfast +Dinner
- Trek: Room+ All Meals
Transport
Like many other tour operators, to keep the cost down, we try not to use big coaches or buses. The reasons are that many types of coaches are not allowed inside the big towns. They are allowed to go up to a certain point and then from there, either you are transported to the small cars or asked to walk to the hotel. We use only big cars, preferably, Toyota Crysta or Tempo Travellers which are completely refurbished and fitted with superbly comfortable seats with seat belts and enough leg space.
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- In this tour, we use only Toyota Crysta cars for 2 to 3 passengers traveling together: Toyota Crysta. The tour escort/Guide will also travel with you in the same car. (see the photo in slider)
- All transport services start from Manali till Sarchu AC Toyota Crysta. These cars will be with you only till Sarchu.
- At Sachu you will have other cars because cars going from Manali are not allowed to go beyond that point.
- The cars which come to pick you up at Sarchu will remain with you throughout the tour.
Other things Include
- Baggage Handling Charges.
- All Assistance from the airports/railway stations.
- Tour Escort/Guide for the entire journey.
- All applicable taxes will be included in the package cost.
- Any airfares.
- Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices included”.
- Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.
- The Services of Vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary.
- Any Kind of Drinks / Table drinks (Alcoholic, Aerated).
- Camera fee, Soft or Hard drinks, Starters.
- Medical & Travel insurance.
- Additional costs due to flight cancellation, train delays roadblocks, natural calamity, etc.
Tips
In most cases, people ask us about the tips in the restaurants, for the drivers and for the guides. We recommend the following.
- In the restaurants: Normally it is 10% of the total bill.
For the Driver:
- This man works very hard as he drives on the narrow and bumpy road with great care and at night hardly finds any place to sleep. The next morning he has to drive again and so a sound sleep is required. He expects the hotelier to provide him with a comfortable room and some hotels do that but in most cases, he sleeps in his car. The tip recommended to him is Rs. 300/- per day.
For the Guides/ Tour Manager:
- This man is your friend, philosopher, the guide throughout the trip and with his knowledge, he keeps your trip alive and brings different experiences to the front. He takes care of check-ins/checkouts at the hotels /organizes and decided the venue for your meals, organizes local guides for you, takes care of you in case of emergency, helps you with the local language, remains your local caretaker, and remains your friend forever even after the trip is over. He deserves the better portion of the tip and so we recommend a minimum of Rs. 500/- per person per day for him.
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Travel Research
- These trips are for those who enjoy walking & traveling. Although we run these walking programs on fixed itineraries but still we keep the trips as flexible as possible for the convenience and comforts of our clients. On these trips, we offer the opportunity to walk to some remote areas where everyone wishes to go at least once in his or her life but due to certain reasons, such as health, or time sometimes can’t go there.
Physical Rating
- The participant in these Walks should have a certain level of fitness. You may be expected to walk for 3-5 hours a day with your daypack.
- We shall be walking on the trails through the green area. The trails at a number of places are narrow, bumpy, or dusty. At some places, we might be crossing the streams of water flow. So due to these conditions we are likely to walk slowly and might become irritating for you. But only those shall enjoy these treks who know how to enjoy the natural beauty and the landscape around.
- We are dead sure that the Geographical Carvings and the Landscape on these treks is so stunning that it does not give you an opportunity to get irritated and leave your camera.
- Since we remain under the Treeline so the effects of altitude cannot be a problem, but sometimes if the gradient is steep for you then it is suggested to slow down and go gradually.
Group Size
Looking at the comforts of the Travelers and the Staff our group size remains as follows :
- Maximum – 8 pax
- Minimum – 2 pax
Health
- Before you travel to India it is advised that you should consult your doctor for up to date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements, and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses.
- Although a First Aid Box is always a part of our Kit still we recommend that you carry any personal medical requirements if you have.
Cultural Shock
- India is a country that may be very different from something that you may have experienced before. And especially when you in the interiors of the Himalayan Foothills it might be very different from other areas you have traveled to. In most of the villages here, simplicity and poverty can result in initial culture shock. Some villages are still under the poverty line but they follow their traditions and culture strictly. So all this should be seen as an exciting new challenge.
Weather Conditions
- July to September are the monsoon months in India and there could be some unforeseen problems like road blockages due to landslides or road damages. So a change or delay in itinerary could be there or we reach the destination from some other route, however, it is quite unlikely.
- Check out the latest weather condition at accuweather.com.
Safety and Security
- Check with the embassy in your country and follow their advice for their latest travel information.
- It is recommended that you use a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers’ cheques, cash, credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards, and other valuable items.
- Leave your valuable jewelry at home as you won’t need it while traveling.
- Keep your baggage under lock and key.
Travel Light
- During the itinerary, you will be traveling most of the time so pack as lightly as possible (stay under 10 kg/22lb). Most travelers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Avoid Suitcases.
- The mountains can be cold. Nighttime temperatures can be as low as 5 degrees, so bring a set of warmer clothes; thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful. A warm jumper/jacket, cap, gloves, and sunglasses no matter what time of the year, as we travel at altitudes above 3500m.
Dressing
- It is very important that when you are traveling to India, you kindly dress up keeping in mind the respect for the locale culture, especially Ladies. In some areas, you might have some people gathering around you, touching you, and looking at you for a long time, as you are a foreigner.
- As a general guideline full shirts and full-length skirts or knee covered skirts are recommended. At some places or the religious buildings, shorts are not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings.
- At religious places, you shall be required to cover your head. The cloth is provided by the temple. So kindly follow the tradition otherwise the authorities might not allow you to enter the premises.
- In India, before entering all religious places you are required to remove your shoes. You can also bring a pair of floaters footwear that are easily available in the markets in India too, these footwear are easy to remove and wear.
- Women are sometimes not allowed to enter some of the religious places in the hills.
Photography and Interaction with Local
- During our Walks, there will be many opportunities for you to meet and talk with locals. You are allowed to take pictures but it is also suggested that you take permission before clicking their houses, lifestyle, and them. One way to start any conversation is with pictures.
- Children in the villages might ask you to click their pictures. If you have a digital camera you click and show them on screen.
- Also if possible for you to bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city, or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country to show them.
- People in the hills are very simple and hospitable. They might ask you to come to their house and have a cup of tea as tea is a very common and untimely drink in India. They shall be very happy if you accept their invitation.
Check List
- Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets.
- Health requirements arranged. 1 photocopy of the above documents, Money: cash/credit card/traveler’s cheques, Money pouch.
- Your personal First-Aid kit including rehydration salts, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses due to harsh sunlight and exposure to high altitudes.
- Wide brim hat or umbrella
- Antibacterial hand gel, when water is scarce.
- Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day.
- Walking Boots – light weight.
- Boot Protector.
- Thin Liner socks : 3 pairs
- Heavier outer socks.
- Tights, for Women. At least one pair.
- T-Shirts. Take several light-weighted.
- Walking pants.
- Rain Pants.
- Warm socks.
- Alarm clock and torch/flashlight.
- Lightweight travel towel.
- Refillable water bottle, for filling from a thermos.
- Earplugs can be useful if avoid someone snoring in the group.
- Your own sleeping bag.
- Warm clothes. It is recommended to bring thermal underwear, and either a down or a fleece jacket.
- A windproof jacket.
- A pair of gloves.
- A scarf or face mask for dust, Sarong for covering up when washing/showering.
- Three pairs are enough.
- For Women, a couple.
- Tampons or Sanitary Napkins. They are easily available in the open market.
- Toilet Kit.
- Insect Repellent.
- Bug Powder.
- A candle, large and small rubber bands, plastic bags, tape extra pens, etc.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival – Chandigarh and Drive to Manali
Distance – 300 km
Travel Time: 8 hrs.
Overnight Stay: Hotel John Banon’s Lodge/Banon Resort or Similar.
We welcome you to Chandigarh. Your tour escort cum tour guide is going to meet you here, outside the exit gate of the airport. Move to the cars and start your drive to Manali, in the Himalayan foothills. We shall enter the hills after two hours and then will gradually start gaining height.
Manali is a beautiful valley, although overcrowded now, but still, it offers some of the lovely views of the Himalayan peaks. Also, it is the base camp of many high Himalayan treks and travels. We are going to spend two nights here, to get acclimatized to the high elevation.
On arrival check in to your hotel, relax a bit and then proceed for dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 02 Manali
Stay: John Banon/Banon Resort 
Meals: Breakfast. Dinner
In the morning we shall drive to Dhungri Temple located in the middle of the cedar forest. The temple is dedicated to Demon Goddess Hidimba. As per the legend, she was the sister of a Demon Hidimb who was a pain for the people of the area. Hidimb was killed by Bhim, one of the Pandawa brothers, and then Hidimba married Bhim. After that, she became the chief Goddess of the area and still is regarded as the same. She is the chief of all three hundred and eighty-four deities in Kullu valley. The building of the temple is a marvel example of hill architecture and is regularly visited by devotees and tourists.
After that, we shall drive to Naggar to see the Roerich Art Gallery. Nicholas Resorich was a Russian artist who arrived in this valley in the early years of the last century, married a local woman, and got settled here. He built a house for himself which is now a gallery and display much of his work.
Day 03: Manali – Jispa
Stay: Hotel Ibex or Hotel Padma Meals: Breakfast. Dinner.
Time Taken: 5.5hrs. 
Distance: 95 km
Today we are going to cross through the Rohtang tunnel. This newly built tunnel has brought a great change to the life of people from Lahaul valley, the other side of the Indian world. They had been waiting for this tunnel for ages because earlier they have to walk over Rohtang Pass (3900 mtr.) which remains snowclad for most time of the year. We enter Lahaul Valley to the other side of the tunnel and continue our drive along river Chandra and then river Bhaga. On the way, at Sisu we shall visit the temple of Raja Ghepan. Just after that is the village Tandi where river Chandra is joined by River Bhaga and further on it becomes Chenab to enter Pakistan and join river Indus. A short detour to the Khadong Monastery is worth it. This Monastery is known for making Thangka paintings. A beautiful view of the village of Keylong is clearly visible to the other side of the river Bhaga.
On arrival at Jispa check into the hotel and relax.
Day 04: Jispa - Sarchu
Stay: Fixed Camp with attached facilities Meals: Breakfast. Dinner.
Distance: 85 km Driving Time: 3 to 4 hours Drive Over: Baralacha Pass (4900 m)
Drive over the first highest pass on the way, that is Baralacha la. The view of snowcapped Himalayan peaks from the pass is just. On the way, there is a place called Darcha. This village got buried under a landslip in 1976. The huge boulders are still laying as they fell on the village as they are too big to be moved away. So practically this site is a type of cemetery where people, cattle, and their homes are resting in peace.
Overnight stay at Camp, tents with attached facilities. Sarchu is the first highest place where we are going to sleep above the tree line. Some of you might suffer from a lack of oxygen so kindly use the oxygen cylinders that you have brought with you.
Day 05: Sarchu - Tsomoriri
Stay: Fixed Camp with attached facilities Meals: Breakfast. Packed Lunch, and Dinner.
Distance: 220 km Driving Time: o8 hrs.
Today is going to be the longest drive but the most stunning landscape will come your way. Apart from the passes the other attraction today is Morey plain. This 45-kilometer-long plateau used to be a lake in the past. A short stopover for a click is a must in this area. On the way, we shall also stop at Lake Tsokar, the saltwater lake in this area. One can see the heaps of salt laying around.
Lake Tsomoriri Lake is one of the largest lakes in Ladakh. On a sunny day, it resembles a pearl in the brown mountains with its tips covered with snow.
Pack Lunch shall be carried.
Day 06 : Tsomoriri
Stay: Fixed Camp with attached facilities Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today we shall take a rest and sometime we shall spend in visiting the Village Korzok – one of the remotest villages in this area. Walk around the Lake and make good use of your camera.
Day 07 : Tsomoriri - Leh
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or Similar Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner
Drive to Leh, the headquarter and the capital city of the Ladakh region. On the way, we will stop at Chang Thang, the site of the hot springs.
Leh is the headquarter town of Ladakh state and is the only town in this area. At the elevation of 3200 meters, Leh was hit by a cloud burst in 2010 that caused major damage to the town. Also, Leh is the base of many other treks and travels to the other parts of Ladakh.
On arrival check into your hotel and relax.
Day 8: Leh - Pangong Lake
Stay: Fixed Camp with attached facilities Meals: Breakfast. Dinner
Distance: 200 km. Driving Time: 6 to 7 hrs.
Pangong Lake is the largest lake of this region situated at an elevation of 4350 meters, with an area of nearly 900 square kilometers. In 1962 after the Chinese aggression on India, 60% of the lake was captured by the Chinese army. The journey is full of stunning views of this cold desert and rugged mountains. On arrival check into your camp and relax.
Day 09 : Pangong Lake - Leh
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Distance: 200 km Driving Time: 6 to 7 hours
Drive back to Leh the same way. Packed lunch shall be carried.
Day 10: Leh - Nubra Valley
Stay: Hotel Lahrimo or similar Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
Distance: 120 km Driving Time: 5 hours
Nubra Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the area. The major attraction of today’s journey is the drive over Khardong La – the second highest motorable pass in the world (5600 m). Beautifully carved and decorated by the river Shyok, Nubra is also the entry gate to Siachen Glacier – the highest battlefield in the world, and to Gilgit and Baltistan – Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or generally known as POK. Check-in on arrival and relax for some time.
In the afternoon we shall drive to Hunder to enjoy a camel Safari on double humped Mongolian camel.
Day 11: Nubra - Panamik - Nubra
Stay: Hotel Lahrimo Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Panamik is a scenic village at the Tibetan front. Also, it is known for its Sulphur water hot springs. People from far away places come here to have a bath in these springs to cure their skin diseases.
Day 12: Nubra - Leh
Stay: Hoel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Distance: 120 km Driving Time: 5 hours
Drive to Leh that same way. Evening free to stroll in Leh Bazaar.
Day 13: Leh
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
Today we spend visiting the monasteries in and around Leh. Visit to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery Hemis Monastery and Stok Palace Museum. Hemis is the largest and the richest monastery of Indian Western Himalayas.
Day 14: Leh – Likir – Yangthang
Stay: Homestay Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Distance: 55 km Driving Time: 2 hours Trek: 6 km/3 hours
We start the day a little early and a two hours’ drive brings us to village Likir. After visiting the famous Likir monastery we begin our Village Walk. The trail goes steadily upwards till you get to Chagatse La (3630m). Across the pass is the village of Yangthang where you spend the night. Overnight at a homestay.
Day 15: Yangthang – Hemis Shukpachan
Stay: Homestay Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek: 8 km/3 to 4 hours
Today our trek is slightly longer. We walk alongside the river and trees amidst the gorge to the Rizong monastery. It is worth visiting Rizong Monastery, which is isolated at the back of a natural amphitheater and has three main rooms to visit, two with large Buddhas and the third with a large stupa. After visiting the gompa, we ascend gradually to the Shushut pass 4000 m. From the pass, we have a view of village Hemis Shukpachan as well as surrounding peaks. An easy descent towards our camp at Hemis Shukpachan takes a couple of hours. It is one of the major villages of Sham valley, and the name of the village is derived from the conifers (shukpa= cedar or juniper).
Day 16: Hemis Shukpachan – Tingmosgam
Stay: Homestay Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek: 8 km/3 to 4 hours
From Hemis Shukpachan we go onto a flat ground as far as ill-defined pass alongside the Chortens (stupas). A steep descent will lead us to the right side of the mountains and climb steadily on the slope towards the Mebtak La 3720 m. After taking short rest and enjoying the view from the pass, we head down to the village of Ang. From Ang, we head towards the south on the dusty jeep road to the village of Tingmosgam . Tingmosgam is well famed for its monastery and is perhaps the most affluent village in the sham valley for its apricots, apples, nuts, and beautiful houses. Overnight at homestay.
Day 17: Tingmosgam – Lamayuru – Alchi – Leh
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
Distance: 120 km/3 to 4 hours
After a night at Temisgam, we drive to Lamayuru. The famous monastery of Lamayuru (one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh). Visit the Yurdung Gonpa (another name for the Lamayuru monastery), and enjoy the scenic view of the moonlike landscape. Later drive back the route you came from towards Leh. En-route visit Alchi Choskor (religious monument, oldest of its type in Ladakh).
Alchi Choskor, built in the 11th century by Lama Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, has fabulous paintings and architecture. Alchi monastery, the only monastery in Ladakh built on flat ground, is well known for its peerless wall paintings Take a village walk and get down to the river Indus to spend some quiet time here. Reach Leh by evening. Overnight at guest house.
Day 18: Leh Departure
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
Distance: 120 km/3 to 4 hours
Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. Thank you for joining us. Have a safe journey back home.
Price
On-Demand
Highlights
- Moonlike Landscape
- Himalayan rural life
- Drive over some of the highest passes
- Nubra Valley
- Buddhist Monasteries
- Interaction with the locals
- Sham Trek, basically a village walk
General Information
Group Size
04 to 08
Pick up from
Manali
Drop at
Leh
Experience
- Local lifestyle
- Religion
- Buddhism
- Walks to the unknown
- Trans Himalayan Region
Time Consumed
18 Days / 17 Nights
Walking Days
03
Level of Walks
Easy
Call or WhatsApp
+91 7018703170
Geographical Information
Altitude
2000 m to 3500 m
Weather
- Spring: March-May
- Monsoon: July–September
- Autumn: October–November.
- Winter: December – February.
Click here to check the weather forecast.
Temperature
- The warmest month of the year is June, with an average temperature of 20.9 °C | 69.6 °F.
- January has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 5.6 °C | 42.1 °F.
- Click here to check the current temperature.
Inclines
Level & Gradual
Terrain
Hilly.
Traffic on the Walks
You will be lucky if you see any.
Other Information
Tour Type
Please choose from the following and let us know:
- Fully Escorted Private Tour.
Do not Forget
- Camera.
- Credit / Debit Cards.
- Walking Shoes.
- Sunglasses.
- Sun Screen.
- Umbrella on a rainy day.
- Rain Cover.
- Sun Hat.
- Personal medicine (if any)
- Warm Jacket in Winter.
Pets
Not Allowed
‘Toilets’ & ‘Permanent Toilets’
Yes
Wheelchair Accessibility
No
Local Guides
Highly Experienced
English Speaking Guides
Great Reconnaissance
Experience
Not Just Holiday
Walks for All
Variety of Walks
For all Nature Lovers
Small Groups
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