Trek in Nubra Valley

Early morning transfer to Delhi airport where our flight to Leh awaits us. We fly over the Himalayan range offering an incredible aerial view of the entire mountain chain with its gigantic glaciers and soaring peaks. We arrive in Leh, a fertile valley just north of the mighty Indus river (this flight is subject to appropriate weather conditions and perfect flying conditions). We are directly transferred to the hotel.

Free day to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (3,500m). In the late afternoon, stroll through the streets of Leh and its bazaars. Once, the city was an important commercial hub on the Silk Road, from China.

Standing at 9 stories high, the Nyamgal Palace towers over the city, making it a mini-version of the Potala Palace in Lhassa.

After breakfast, we leave Leh for Alchi. On the way, we stop to visit the famous Rizong Monastery and Alchi. Built by Lama Tsultim Nima in 1831. Rizong is a Yellow Hat sect Gompa, and is situated on a cliff overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery holds particular significance for Tibetan Buddhists due to its belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Next, we head towards the Alchi Monastery, which is the largest and most famous of the four hamlets. Its massive Buddha statues and sumptuous wood carvings have earned it its reputation. The monastery's construction was led by the Tibetan translator Rinchen Zangpo during the 12th century. This religious edifice is essentially composed of three structures: Duhang, Sum-Tsek and the Manjushri Temple.

We continue our journey towards the village of Likir. Located in the Indus Valley, it is considered one of the oldest villages in India, and according to some, its monastery was built in the 11th century under the orders of the Yellow Hat sect. The latter is also known for its 23m statue representing Buddha. After visiting the monastery, we proceed to our camp.

From there, we begin our trek with a gentle ascent through fields. Beyond, we climb a small pass at 4150m altitude, while enjoying the magnificent view overlooking the Indus Valley. From there, a small steep descent takes us to the village of Taru. We set up camp there, in the heart of the fields.

Walking Time: 6 Hrs
Distance: 11 Kms

After breakfast we start with a short climb. The trail is however quite steep in some places before reaching the Bong-Bong Pass (4200m). At the summit, a magnificent view of the Stok mountain range awaits us. From there, we can see the path that leads to the Phyang monastery. After a steep descent from the pass, we arrive at Phyang, where we visit the Gompa, considered one of the most important in the "red hat" sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is notably famous for its magnificent murals. The complex also includes a 900-year-old museum, housing a rich collection of Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian objects.

After the visit, we continue our trek to a small village named Murbruk, magnificent for its agricultural fields.

Walking Time: 6 Hrs
Distance: 14 Kms

This morning, we walk towards Pulu. We take a path to the right of a torrent, on a gentle slope. We continue gradually for 3-4 hours until we reach a stream, which we may need to cross before heading into a gorge. We walk for another 2 hours before reaching Pulu. Around our campsite we can observe a few yaks wandering about.

Walking Time: 6 Hrs
Distance: 14 Kms

In preparation for crossing the Lasirmo La pass, our hike starts very early. The trail climbs gently toward the pass, over rocky terrain. This hike lasts about one hour, followed by a steep ascent of 2 hours to the summit of Lasirmo La. We will enjoy an unobstructed view of the Karakorum range. We descend toward our campsite, with a passage over a glacier and moraine for 45 minutes.

Hiking Time: 6 Hrs
Distance: 12 Kms

After breakfast, we continue our trek on the gentle slope moraine until we reach a gorge. On the way to our next camp, we spot shepherd houses called Doks, with their herds of Yaks and sheep. We may have the opportunity to visit the shepherd houses and drink a cup of Gur-Gur (Salted butter tea). We then continue our trek with ups and downs for another two hours before reaching Hundar Dok. Our camp for the day is located in a magnificent pasture next to a stream.

Trekking Time: 5 Hrs
Distance: 12 Kms

After breakfast, we leave our camp to head towards the village of Hundar with some climbs and descents. We enjoy a magnificent view of the Hundar Dok. After crossing a wooden bridge, the trail leads us into an impressive gorge, followed by 2 hours of descent. At Skarchan, located on the left bank of the river, we will have our lunch.

Our trek continues for approximately two hours through the gorge before reaching the village of Hundar, which offers fantastic views of the sand dunes.

Walking Time: 6 Hrs
Distance: 14 Kms

Today, we explore the Nubra Valley, with an easy short trek allowing us to enjoy several attractions. Leaving the village of Hundar, we walk through a magnificent expanse of sand dunes in a high-altitude desert that contrasts with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. The main attraction of the region is the Bactrian camel. Here, we can go on a camel ride (optional). We pass along a sand trail leading us to the village of Diskit which is one of the largest villages in the region.

We then visit the famous Diskit monastery located atop a cliff. It is equipped with a dome decorated with a fresco depicting the Tashihunpo gompa of Tibet. The roof offers magnificent views over the Nubra Valley, the village of Diskit and the meeting point of the Shyok River and the Siachen Glacier.

Walking time: 5 Hrs
Distance: 9 Kms

We continue our route towards Leh via the highest road in the world, Khardung La. Built in 1976, it was opened to motorized vehicles in 1988 and has since seen numerous automobile, motorcycle and mountain bike expeditions. We reach Leh in the afternoon, the rest of the day is free to explore the town and go shopping.

Very early morning flight to Delhi.

After breakfast, we visit the fortified city of Old Delhi, with its crowded streets, buzzing with activity and still under the influence of the Mughal civilization that once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort . We visit Jama Masjid Delhi - the largest 17th century mosque in India -, Chandni Chowk - the typical Indian market always full of activity -, and Rajghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi (also called the "Father of the Nation"). We notably visit New Delhi, and pass by the Presidential Palace, the Administrative Buildings and up to the impressive India Gate.