Overview: Come join us and our friendly staff for one of the ultimate, high–altitude Himalayan adventures! We travel through rugged alpine scenery that you will never forget. Our 2008 trek dates begin Sunday, June 29, 2008 from our meeting point in New Delhi.

For the hardy individual, this classic trip offers the opportunity to enjoy unspoiled Tibetan culture and magnificent, rough–hewn scenery. This trek is strenuous and appropriate for experienced hikers in good health. There is exposure on the trails and on some bridge crossings — places where there are steep drop-offs. Ponies carry gear while our staff erect tents and prepare meals, so you just carry a small day pack with your personal items. But, prepare to "rough it," as conditions are variable. Also be prepared for weather changes, rustic toilet facilities and the possibility of sickness. In addition, landslides or weather conditions may cause detours, delays or turning back. The high altitude combined with the trek length and remoteness of the area make it a true, satisfying challenge. With a positive attitude you will relish this breathtaking trip, create many fond memories and capture many astonishing pictures. It could be the experience of your lifetime!

Leadership: Our Trek Leader is Amber Tamang. Amber was born in a tiny rural village in Nepal's Solu Khumbu region — a hamlet so small it isn't even on most maps! From a humble background, his self–sufficient attitude brought high achievements. For his undergraduate degree in Law, Amber's thesis concerned legal protection for workers in the tourism industry. Soon he also achieved his Masters Degree in Buddhist Culture, Religion and Philosophy. Amber joined with Himalayan High Treks in 1995 as a local-expert guide. Today as an experienced group leader, he has uncovered the hidden wonders of Nepal, Tibet and India for hundreds of inquisitive HHT trekkers. As with all of HHT's group leaders, Amber is trained in Wilderness First Aid principles and has first-hand experience coordinating safe travel as well as emergency rescue. A trekker couldn't be in better hands! When he's not leading treks, Amber researches the cultures and religions of the Himalaya and has published several articles, both in Nepali and English. Those who've traveled with him heap praise for his kind patience, knowledge and boundless enthusiasm. His English is articulate as he energetically describes the local customs and history of the beloved Himalayan mountains and its Buddhist people. Amber, his wife Sushma and daughter Anjali live in the Thamel district of Kathmandu.

Zanskar & Ladakh Day-To-Day Itinerary Detail:

Pre Trip Days: Fly to New Delhi. Remember, people in the Americas 'lose' one day crossing the international date line. Note that you must arrive in New Delhi no later than Sunday, June 29, 2008. If you arrive early we can arrange a transfer and extra hotel nights for you on request We can help with air or land arrangements and custom options before or after your trek! Ask us questions before you plan!

Day 1: Our driver will wait for you outside the secured area of the New Delhi Airport. From the airport it's just a short ride to our comfortable air–conditioned hotel. You will be greeted and briefed on hygiene or other health and safety precautions. No included meals today.

Day 2: A day filled with adventure! We start with an early morning transfer to the domestic airport for our flight from Delhi to Leh (11,496 feet). The flight takes one hour and fifteen minutes and breakfast will be served (you're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy). It is truly a flight spectacular — transporting us over the main Himalayan range and onto the Tibetan plateau. As soon as you land you will know the difference. The air is clear and cool and people are relaxed. You'll hear the friendly all purpose Ladaki greeting, "Julay! Julay!" You'll transfer by car to your comfortable guest house in the Changspa neighborhood, on the outskirts of the city. Leh (population 20,000) was once a main stopping point on the Asian silk route and one of the most exotic bazaars of Asia. Today, with a closed Tibet border, it is an important military base for India as well as a major attraction for tourists.

It is very important that this afternoon be spent resting. It will also aid acclimatization if you drink lots and lots of water. Fortunately the guest house has a well and provides good, clean drinking water in your room and in the dining room. Never drink water from the tap or shower. A short and leisurely welcome walk before dinner would be nice too. The neighborhood around the guest house is fascinating. Farms are surrounded by stone–lined walks that follow small streams that are fun to wander. You will see Mani Walls, made up of hundreds of stones, each inscribed with a mantra such as "om mani padme hum."

Close by are a few small Chortens and a view of Shanti Gompa on the hill. Chortens are the Tibetan equivalent of Indian stupas and are basic symbols of the Buddhist religion. Be sure to always walk around both stupas and mani walls in a clockwise direction if at all possible. This is an important sign of respect. Views are good everywhere at sunset but especially from the rooms — our guest house has a prime vantage point for observing the Leh palace. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: We start by sightseeing in Shey (old capital of Ladakh), and onward to Thiksey Monastery (architecturally impressive), and Stok Palace Museum. Ladakh or "La-Dags" means "land of the high passes". It is one of the last strongholds of Mahayana Buddhism — the principal religion of Ladakh for the last thousand years. Buddhism has been brutally repressed in Tibet for the last forty years by the Chinese. Ladakh became a part of India with independence in 1948, following the first of three wars fought between India and Pakistan. China annexed a large portion of Ladakh in a war fought with India in 1962.

This border zone was so sensitive that it only opened to foreign tourists in 1974. It is the best place to see and experience traditional Tibetan Buddhism. The first independent kingdom was established in the ninth century. Encouraged by royal patronage, the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Buddhism established many of the monasteries in the region around the thirteenth century. Around 1639 a new capital was founded and palace at Leh built as well as another string of monasteries including the well known Hemis. This time allegiance was to the more recently arrived Drugpa (Red Hat) sect.

It's a good idea to take a nap or afternoon rest. Don't underestimate the effects of jet lag combined with altitude. You may not feel it yet, but if you rest and drink as much as you can now, you will save yourself from having problems adjusting to the higher altitudes later on. You can also get sunburned very easily at this altitude! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Today is a free day to explore Leh on your own or relax and adjust from the rigors of travel. (Breakfast)

Day 5: Today we drive to Phanjila, visiting Alchi on the way. It takes an hour or so to reach the Choskhor or "religious enclave" at Alchi. Containing some of the finest examples of Kashmiri–styled Buddhist murals, it is one of the few monasteries of its era to escape destruction. We continue to our camp at Phanjila (10,830 feet) where we will meet our trekking staff. If time allows, we will also visit Lamayuru Monastery enroute. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Trek to Hanupata (12,560 feet). Breathtaking scenery awaits as we trek through a narrow canyon. Camp after we pass Hanupata. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Steep, hard climb over the Sirsir La at 15,750 feet. Descend and trek to Photoksar at 13,550 feet. Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Easy trek across Bumiktse La Pass (13,750 feet). Walk through a broad valley rich with a variety of wild flowers. Camp before Senge La Pass at about 14,500 feet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Cross Senge La Pass (17,060 feet). Known as the Lion Pass this is a hard long ascent. Camp before Kiupa La Pass. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Cross and descend the Kiupa La Pass (14,650 feet). Camp at Skyumpata. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Easy trek over Murgum La Pass (13,500 feet). Visit Lingshed Monastery. Lingshot Gompa has 60 monks and is famous for its school of painting. Hike beyond Lingshed to camp before Hanuma Pass. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Cross the Hanuma La Pass (15,400 feet). Camp near river at base of Parfi La Pass. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13: Cross the Parfi La Pass(12,800 feet). Camp at Hanumil (11,410 feet). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14: Trek to Pishu (11,310 feet), camp before village in grassy area near the river. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15: Trek to Karsha. Karsha is the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar. It is home to about 150 lamas of the Gelupas sect. The chapel of the monastery has places for 35 lamas. Behind the seat of the Dalai Lama's brother (he controls the monastery) is a figure of Lhaso Cho Rimpoche with a golden crown. It was brought to Karsha from Lhasa in the early 1960s. Karsha Village has a Tsampa mill where we can supplement our food supplies with Tsampa flour, good when eaten as a porridge or when stirred into a cup of local Chai. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 16: Trek to Padam (11,640 feet) for lunch. The capital of Zanskar, Padam is situated on what is its largest area of flat tillable land. Padum has a link with the outside world via a jeep track that connects with the Beacon Highway in Northern Kashmir. Our staff will be arranging fresh supplies while we have our chance to explore Padum. We visit Bardon Gompa too. This monastery rests on an impressive outlook above the Lungnak River. Our camp is found near a tranquil pond. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 17: Rest day at Reru is today's reward. Here's a chance to wash, do laundry and simply relax! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 18: Today we trek along the Tsarap Chu to our camp under the stars near Tsetan. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 19: Continue along the Tsarap Chu. We cross a dramatic bridge above a gorge before reaching our camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 20: Half–day hike to Phuktal Gompa (12,500 feet). We follow the Nira Chu East towards its source. Nestled against the mountain and consisting of caves and 500–year–old buildings built into the rock, Phuktal Monastery is a fairy–tale sight. Deep in the main cave's mouth is a pure spring said to have healing properties. About 60 monks of the Gelupa sect live here. The monastery was originally founded by Naropa, the Indian teacher of the Tibetan Buddhist saint Marpa around 1,000 years ago. Return to camp for a hot lunch. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 21: Today our trail leads us along the Kargyak River and past the villages of Yal, Testa, Kuru and Tangzen. We'll pass many chortens and mani walls along the way before we camp near the scenic village of Kargiak at 13,780 feet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 22: We trek past the towering face of Gumburanjon, an imposing mountain whose name means 'Natural Gompa.' Our camp tonight is near Lakong Sumdo located at 15,420 feet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 23: Today we ascend to our final pass — the lofty Shingo La towering at 16,750 feet. Our trail lifts us into spectacular alpine country surrounded by many glaciers as well as impressive views of several peaks reaching over 19,500 feet! Our camp tonight is located at about 14,000 feet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 24: We descend to cross the Barai Nala along a suspension bridge. There will be several stream crossings in store before we finally reach our campsite near Zanskar Sumdo (13,120 feet). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 25: Our final day of trekking. We hike the trail to Darcha (11,150 feet) and travel by road to Manali crossing the stunning Rotang Pass at 13,000 feet. A fine resort stay and group dinner is our reward! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 26: A free day to explore Manali and nearby Vashist with its natural sulphur spring. Lunch and Dinner are on your own today. (Breakfast)

Day 27: Bus to Chandrigar — train to Delhi. We'll spend an enjoyable day watching the sights along our route as we return to New Delhi and our well–deserved air–conditioned hotel. Lunch and Dinner on your own today. (Breakfast)

Day 28: Check out of hotel. Transfer to airport for a late–evening check-in (if possible). Lunch, Dinner or any additional hotel stay are on your own. (Breakfast)

PostTrip Departure: Return travel home. Those in the Americas typically arrive home the same day with the reverse travel across the International Date Line.

Important Note: This is meant only as a general guide to the schedule of our days. Changes may be made as we go along. These depend upon local conditions, our acclimatization and health or other factors. It should be noted that this is a difficult, high–altitude trek. Good health, a high level of fitness, and a positive attitude are a "must" to make it enjoyable. Sturdy vehicles will be provided to and from the road heads. However, this kind of travel is not for those who are prone to car sickness or who are afraid of heights. All of the areas to be visited are remote and there are no reliable sources of medical care outside of Delhi.

Travel Details: We will automatically send you an air itinerary after we receive your application form and passport photo copy. If you arrange your own air travel, note that you must arrive in New Delhi no later than Sunday, June 29, 2008 and you may not depart earlier than the evening of Saturday, July 26, 2008. For most westerners this will mean air travel starting from your home country two days before the meeting date in New Delhi. Crossing the International Date Line will make it seem as if you 'lose' a day flying to India. On your return home you may arrive on the same day, often just hours later than the local time of your departure from Delhi.

You are welcome to travel early or stay for extra days at the end. We can arrange additional nights at any of our hotels or guest houses for you. The cost starts at approximately $35 per night (single) or $25 per night (sharing a double room) with comfortable deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms, telephones, room service, laundry service, a free safety deposit box and ample luggage storage. There are convenient, inexpensive internet cafes within a leisurely walk from our city hotels. There are many sightseeing options in India. These include a sightseeing tour to the Taj Mahal or going to Leh.

Airport pickup for early arrivals is $25 per person. For late departures you can take a cab to the airport or have us arrange an airport transfer for $25 one way ($50 for round trip).

Expenses: Additional travel-related expenses include your flight from home to the trip starting point of New Delhi, India, $40-60 for your India Visa, about $40 for meals on arrival, departure and independent days as well as the cost of your personal expenses. We also recommend that you purchase travel insurance (at an approximate cost of $250, which includes coverage for trip cancellation and emergency evacuation). We offer many other levels of trip insurance starting at $50. Please see our Policy section for complete information on our trip cancellations policies. Payment for additional services may be required at the time the service is received. All prices mentioned in this document are in U. S. Dollars ($USD). Please refer to the booking information section of our application form for more information.




Trip Deposit: $250USD
Trip Price (Land Cost As Described): $2900USD
In-Trip (Round-Trip) Airfare Estimate: $225USD (Delhi – Leh)
Single Supplement (Single accommodation where available): $490USD
Trip Difficulty Rating: Strenuous
Maximum Group Size: 8