Discovering Ladakh, India
Horses
Type of horses:
Zanskari Tibeto Mongolian breed.
Nature of horses:
A local mountain breed that is hardy, short and firm in stature.
Height of horses:
Average of 14 hh
Weight limit:
80 kgs
Tack type:
Local saddles made of leather and wool
Weather
Current Conditions:
Smoke, 31 C
Forecast:
Fri - Thunderstorms. High: 32 Low: 27
Sat - Thunderstorms. High: 31 Low: 26
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
2010 price: based on a Twin share.
4 Pax: £1739 per person
5 to 8: £1650 per person
9 to 12: £1575 per person
Single Supplement: £265.
Non-riders: £1563 based on a twin share. (Non-Riders will be in Jeeps with riders.)
A guide to tipping for the whole trip: £80 Per Person (suggested)
Tour Includes:
Hotel in New Delhi, full board with bed & breakfast at the start & day use without any meals at the end of the tour, hotel & tents in Ladakh with all meals, all transfers & sightseeing in Delhi (air-con) and all transfers, sightseeing & overland journeys in Ladakh (non air-con). Jeep services in Leh, One riding horse per person, two extra horses for an emergency, one guide for 4 to 9 Pax and two guides for 12 Pax, English speaking cultural guide during sightseeing at Delhi & Ladakh as per the programme, Jeep support during horse safari, complete comfortable camping arrangements and basic First aid kit, mineral water, all entrance fees as per the programme, Inner line permit to enter Rupshu valley.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
A challenging and exciting trail for the tough and adventurous rider taking you through the south-eastern Tibetan plateau of Changtang. This is often referred to as one of the harshest living environments on earth and is the place the hardy tribe of Changpas call home.
Only true nomads in India live most of their life on horseback, these pastoral shepherds manage their flocks of pashmina goats from one hard-to-find pasture to the other. It is the intimate interactions with the nomads that makes this a special trip of discovery. They often live in their yak-hair tents called REBO. Their horses are supremely suited to the living conditions here and are of the Zanskari variety, whose bloodlines can be traced back to the Mongolian horses that Ghenghis Khan rode during his conquests. This breed is nimble, short, fast and immensely powerful with a gentle nature and take easily to being ridden. They negotiate the terrain with ease that neither foot nor wheels can negotiate, and demand little other than a pat on the back after a hard day’s riding.
This trip takes you to Ladakh in the northern-most part of India, bordering China (Tibet). It brings you to the most authentic, traditional and fascinating Tibetan Buddhist communities on earth. Ladakh is separated culturally, geographically, and politically from the Hindu and Muslim areas of India. In Ladakh, you can explore the tranquility of remote Buddhist communities, ancient monasteries, and wild mountains where snow leopards still roam. This region is located at a high altitude (2750 m and above), it is joined by two of the world's highest Mountain ranges, the Karakoram and the great Himalayas.
Ladakh is the best place in India to experience cultural interactions with highland Buddhist people. Leh is the capital of Ladakh and was also a trading post on the Legendary Silk route Caravans. This adventure trip rewards the patient and persistent ecotourist with incomparable experiences, friendships and memories. Visit safe, compassionate, beautiful, remote areas of ancient Ladakh on this extraordinary expedition.
The tack and equipment used is of good quality and comfortable. Their mobile mountain camping equipment is practicle and of high standard.
This is topped off by a very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional team to look after your daily needs with complete back up.
This is a holiday for the adventurous where you may need patience, endurance and a broad mind as well as good health. It is for travellers who appreciate and respect different cultures and lifestyle and are able to cope with remote locations untouched by civilisation. This is not a super luxury safari as many of those are in Rajasthan!
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation varies throughout your stay. Whilst in New Delhi you will stay in on of two very comfortable hotels. Both options offer upscale high-quality and spacious accommodation surrounded by scenic grandeur and greenery. Both exhibit atmosphere, great facilities and a swimming pool.
During your time in Leh you will stay in an A-class Ladakhi style hotel with a restaurant and garden. These are similar to 3* hotels with a friendly service. Luxury hotels are rare in Leh due to the uncertain climate and remote area. Class hotels are considered to be the safest bet here. The surrounding area offers local markets. You can catch a glimpse of the traditional Tibetan aura in the hotels. The warm hospitality of the hotel staff goes a long way in making your stay worthwhile and memorable.
During the trail you will be provided with Alpine tents, these are an A shaped mountain tent. The tents will be provided with thick mattresses on the floor, bed sheets and pillow (with cover). On the camp there will be a dining tent with folding chairs and tables, a kitchen tent and a toilet tent with a bucket and water. There will also be a cook and helpers.
The food is nourishing, of high quality with a varied menu.
Activities
There are lots of opportunities for sight-seeing, taking in the local history and culture of the areas you visit. There are also plenty of walks to be enjoyed. Non riders are welcome and will be transported in the 4x4 Jeeps with the riders.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: A good physical fitness is a must, healthy with a good heart and up for an adventure.
Age limit: 18 - 60
Tuition: No.
Included: As detailed by the pricing; accommodation, meals as per the programme and riding.
Not included: International & domestic airfare, travel insurance, main meals in Delhi, all your personal bills like laundry, beverages & tips etc.
Travel Information
You will need to take an international flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
On day three you will receive transfers to catch your domestic flight. Domestic Flight supplement: £425 per Person from Delhi – Leh –Delhi in Ecomony class.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Programme
Ladakh Himalayan Trail
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Nothing expresses “the ride of your life” better than a trot on horseback through the least assimilated corners of Rupshu Valley in Ladakh. An exciting horse riding safari that takes you on an adventure to the remote and rugged Himalayan area of Ladakh, along the frontier Tibetan Plateau trail and between the elevation of 3500m to 4700m. The scenery along the way is dramatic, with barren as well as snowclad mountain tops, open valleys, brackish salt water lakes, rare flora and fauna, ChangPa Buddhist nomads, spectacular old monastries and lively culture. Day 1. Arrive Delhi: You arrive in New Delhi where you will be greeted with a traditional garland by your assistant. Later you will receive a transfer to your hotel where you will spend the night. Day 2. Delhi: After a late breakfast, you will spend half of the day sightseeing in Old Delhi, visiting the Red fort & Rikshaw and ride through Mina Bazaar- a true introduction to the medieval city and the capital of India - Delhi. Overnight is spent in a hotel. Note: Red Fort is closed on Monday !!! Day 3. Delhi – Leh (Fly): The day starts early in the morning, your assistant will transfer you to the domestic airport for a 1 hour 15 minute classic flight to Ladakh over the mighty Himalayas. You will arrive at Leh which is around 3500 metres above sea level, this is the capital city of Ladakh. You will receive a transfer to your hotel. The day is set aside for complete rest in the hotel allowing you time to acclimatise to the arid high altitude. Overnight is spent at the hotel. Day 4. Leh: Explore the Phyang Monastery. Phyang Monastery of Ladakh is situated approximately 40 km to the west of Leh. It belongs to the Red Hat Sect of Buddhism. Lunch will be enjoyed in your hotel. Later in the day you will have the opportunity to take part in a sun-set walk to the Japanese built peace pagoda called Shanti Stupa, which has panoramic views of the Indus valley. Day 5. Sightseeing around Leh: The morning starts with a walk in the old Tibetan bazaar. After lunch there is a visit to Leh Palace and a gentle walk to Tsemo monastery. Later you will return to the hotel where you will spend the night. Day 6. Leh – Thiksey-Moore Plains: Following an early morning breakfast you will be driven for about six hours to the Moore Plains crossing over the second highest accessible pass in the world Taglang-la 5200 m. Enroute you will visit Thiksey gompa, the look a like to Potala palace of Lhasa. You will arrive at camp in the afternoon. Following lunch your horse guide will introduce you to your horse and you will receive a trial ride for about 30 minutes. Overnight in the Alpine tents (4100 m). Day 7. Moore Plains {Debring} to Yukti via Pongunagu {Tsokar}: - 1st day ride (about 30 kms/06 hrs) Today after breakfast, you ride from Debring towards the Rupshu Valley and the village of Pongunagu called Thugjay and small monastery. From there you continue on to the Tsokar Lake where you can spend some time exploring the lake and witness some of the endangered migrated birds/animals such as, Black necked Cranes & Tibetan wild ass. You set up your camp at the base of Polokongka Pass. (4300 m). Day 8. Yukti to Sumdo (about 22 Kms/05 hrs) Today after breakfast the ride starts with a short climb to Polokongka Pass, crossing the pass at about 4400 m. Here you get the chance to visit a beautiful village of Ankung and the biggest Nomadic Boarding School at the beginning of Puga plains. You will then ride on towards the beautiful Puga plains, passing through fountain like sulphur springs, locally used as medicine by nomad camps with herds of yak and Pashmina goats. Later in the day you continue to ride through Sumdo, a village with a small monastery and very friendly Tibetan refugee people. The last part of today's ride takes you to the small settlement of Rubel Sumdo, inhabited by shepherds and horsemen, this is where you set up camp for the night. Overnight in tent. Day 9. Sumdo to Korzok Tsomoriri: (about 38 kms/07 hrs) After breakfast the day starts by visiting the local people and having a closer look at their horses and goats. You then ride towards Sumdo Pass (4700 m) After crossing the pass you descend into a cup shaped valley with the beautiful Khyaghar Lake in the centre. A picturesque lunch is taken at the lake side. The ride continues as you cross a small range of mountains into another valley where its glistening stream flows through it. Your guides call the valley "Marmot Valley", as it is full of Himalayan Marmots darting about. Later you continue the ride to the village of Korzok at Tsomoriri Lakeside. Once reaching the lake there are ample opportunities for canters and gallops across the vast open lakeshore. Ride in and around Korzok village, Tsomo-Ri-Ri Lake and visit the Kurzok Monastery (about three hour ride). In the whole of Rupshu there is only one semi-permanent settlement, Kurzok, at the northern end of Tsomo-Ri-Ri Lake. This is where you will find a small gompa (monastery). At over 4350 m. this may be one of the highest places in the world where crops are regularly grown - the ubiquitous naked barley - though there is no guarantee of their ripening every year. There are said to be ruins of ancient human settlements, complete with irrigation canals, at levels even higher that Kurzok. Your camp site tonight is close to the village of Kurzok. Day 10.Tsomoriri to Kyangdam (about 22 kms/05 hrs) Today you ride from the right bank of Tsomo-Ri-Ri Lake (about 4300 m). This is the breeding ground for a variety of birds - among them are the Bar-headed Goose, the Great Crested Grebe, Brahmini Duck and Brown-headed Gull. You set up your camp at the end of this huge lake and this place is also regarded as the most beautiful sunset point. Overnight in tents. Day 11.Kyangdam – Nurbu La- Chumiknakpo - Kyangdam Today you explore for about four hours through the biggest pastureland in Rupshu valley, full of wild life in the shadow of twin peaks Chamser and Lungser Kangri 6670M & 6300M. This huge wetland is absolutely the most beautiful place for canters and gallops. Overnight in Tents. Day 12. Kyangdam to Upper Tsomoriri {Phu}: (about 35 Kms/07 hrs) Today you ride back to Tsomoriri and reach the biggest nomadic camp in upper Tsomoriri called Phu. Here you can see and experience the life of Nomads and your guide will introduce you to a nomad family and you can also try their butter tea in their tent {REBO}. Overnight in tents. Day 13. Upper Tsomoriri – Chumathang – Hemis - Leh drive Early morning is time to say farewell to your horses and drive back to Leh (seven-eight hours), visiting Chumathang Hot spring enroute. Most of the picturesque drive is along the Indus River in a beautiful, narrow valley with spectacular rock formations. En route you pass small villages with willow, poplar trees and crops growing in the fields. Herds of sheep, goats, cows and yak may also be seen. You arrive back in Leh where you will be transferred to your hotel. During the evening before dinner there is a cultural show in your hotel given by the local Ladakhi people. The show represents their culture, dresses, dance & folk songs from various part of Ladakh. Dinner and overnight in a hotel at Leh. Day 14. Leh – Delhi Flight: Following an early breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be transferred to a hotel for day use only. In the afternoon, half a day is spent sightseeing with a visit to New Delhi and see India gate, Presidents palace and beautiful Humayuns Tomb. There will be an evening transfer to the International airport for your flight back home. |
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| Accommodation: | Various hotels, then comfortable Alpine tents during the ride. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Strong intermediate to experienced. You need to be fit, healthy and have a good seat, comfortable in all paces and capable of spending long hours in the saddle. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Six days riding, average of five to seven hours. (22 - 38 kms). |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 10 - 23 July; 13 - 26 August; 3 - 16 September. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |