Tour 01 : 01 - 20 September 2010
Tour 02 : 21 September - 10 October 2010

ITINERARY


Day 1 Delhi - Leh (3,500 m) -
Arrive Leh airport from Delhi in the morning. This must be one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2 In Leh
Another full day to rest and acclimatize to the rarefied air. You may choose to stroll along the main bazaar. Overnight stay.

Day 3 Leh - Zingchan - By Surface / Approx 1 hr
Drive to Zingchan in the afternoon. This is the entry point to Rumbak Valley - the home of the Snow Leopard. You will have the opportunity to be interacting with the locals of the area and gain a good insight into their culture. Overnight in a tented camp.

Day 4 Zingchan - Rumbak (12,540 ft) - Trek / Approx 5 hrs
Today you trek into the interiors of Snow Leopard country. Overnight stay in a tented camp.

Day 5 - 18 In Rumbak Valley
Explore the area on foot with your guide to try and spot the Snow Leopard. In the process there will also be plenty of opportunity for you to get enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learn about their customs and traditions.

Day 19 Rumbak - Zingchan - Trek / Approx 3 ½ hrs - Leh - By Surface / Approx 1 hr
Today you trek back to Zingchan and drive onward to Leh for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 20 Leh - Delhi
Today you will be transferred to Leh airport to fly back to Delhi in the morning. Tour Ends.

The cost includes the hotel in Leh Camp in Rumbak and hemis (full board), Pick up and drop in Leh and to Rumbak, a guide who would know snow leopard habitat.

Above cost does not include:
• Optional tours/excursions, flight, insurance
• Personal & incidental expenses
• Tips, laundry, phone calls, bottled water, alcohol, camera fee etc.
• Meals unless specified and meals in transit

Trip Highlights
One of the most popular trekking route, adjacent to Indus Valley and southeast of Leh. This trek is regarded as the most rewarding and complete circular trek in the entire Himalayan region. The programme is blended with great range of flora and fauna, Himalayan Nomads, spectacular panoramic views, high passes, open skies, villages and monasteries. The high and spectacular region forms one of the largest protected areas in the Himalayas and many animals like the legendary Snow Leopard find refuge here.

Grade Moderate

MUST BRING:
• Good U/V protected sun goggles.
• Sun Cap
• Sun cream lotions
• Personal Flash torch
• Comfortable clothing / no formals
• At least one warm Jacket & a sweater
• Personal medicines
• Binocular for wildlife viewing
• Prefarbly ankle length trekking shoes
• Personal sleeping bags

USEFUL TIPS :
• Say "JULLEY" while meeting people and receiving favors in Ladakh, it means both "Namaste" and "Shukriya"
• Avoid bringing or using polythene bags as it is strictly banned in Ladakh.
• All personal garbage like pack lunch boxes, wafers, mineral water bottles etc must be brought back to your hotel, as littering is prohibited in Ladakh.
• Always put off your shoes before entering a monastery chapel
• Take permission from the monks before taking photos inside the monasteries.
• Avoid offerings sweets / tips etc to local children.
• Always take clockwise direction while visiting Stupas and Monasteries.
• Smoking / drinking around religious shrines are not welcomed.
• And always wear your smile, you will win many friends.

FIRST DAY FIRST CARE (Acclimatizing to Ladakh Altitude)
If you are arriving by flight to Leh, it is must to take the FIRST DAY for complete rest to acclimatize to the new altitude of Leh which is at 11500 ft above sea level. Your body takes 24-36 hours to adjust itself to this high altitude. "Rest" means complete lying down in your hotel room without reading or watching TV. It is absolutely very crucial to keep yourself properly hydrated, so drink enough water. Ladakh is dry in nature and lacks moisture. You are requested not to indulge in any activity immediately on your arrival in Leh.

REGIONAL FACTS:
Avg. Altitude: 3500 mtr
Avg. Temp: (Summer) Max 25 / Min 15
Avg. Temp: (Winter) Max 5 / Min -25
Area: 95,000 Sq. Kms.
Language Spoken: Ladakhi, Hindi & English
Population: Approx 2,50,000
Regional Capital: Leh
ATMs available: SBI & J&K Bank
Credit Card Facility: Not accepted by most of the shops, restaurants & hotels.
Mobile : BSNL CellOne and Airtel.