Ladakh: Nubra Valley Trek

The group flight is an overnight flight, scheduled to depart London this
evening.

Day 2

The group flight is scheduled to arrive into Delhi this morning. Free arrival
transfers are available for any flight provided you have supplied Exodus with
your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. If making your
own travel arrangements you may arrive at any time throughout the day as
there are no excursions planned; the hotel rooms are usually ready after
midday. Upon arrival to the hotel please check the noticeboard in the
reception for details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be
held today.

*Hotel Jaypee Siddharth* (or similar)

Day 3

We often have to leave the hotel at around 2am for the very early but highly
spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If the weather is good and the
flight goes on time we should be in Leh in good time. The rest of the day is
free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m). In the morning we
rest and catch up on some sleep and in the afternoon there will be a gentle
orientation walk around Leh and its bazaars.

*Standard Hotel *

Day 4

Today there is a sightseeing tour to two of the major gompas in the area. We
first drive to Shey, a former Royal Palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a
small temple containing a 350-year-old copper and gold statue of the Buddha.
From Shey we drive (or we can walk across the fields) to Tikse, where we
visit the monastery - perched on top of a hill - its red and white buildings
can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image
of the Future Buddha. We return to Leh and the rest of the afternoon is free
to explore.

*Standard Hotel *

Day 5

Today we leave Leh and set off by jeep over the Khardung Pass, which at
5,375m, is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The journey to
the top of the pass takes us on a winding road high above Leh. From the top
we get great views looking back to the Leh Valley and the Ladakh mountains
and ahead we can see the Karakorum. The road winds down and down through
North Pollu check post and down to Khardung village, then on to Khalsar
(3,264m) and the Shyok River. At Khalsar we turn left and continue down the
valley. Passing the monastery at Diskit we pass the sand dunes and finally
arrive at Hundar. Approx. 6hrs driving / sleeping altitude 3,020m

*Standard Hotel *

Day 6

We spend the day acclimatising to the altitude with a day hike to Diskit
Monastery (3,142m). The area between Hundar and Diskit is filled with sand
dunes. An unusual sight sandwiched between magnificent mountains. The walk is
fairly flat as we head across the valley bottom to Diskit, now the district
headquarters. We end our walk at Diskit Monastery, overlooked by a 32m high
Buddha statue. The monastery (gompa) is the oldest and largest in the Nubra
Valley, dating from 1420, and belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of
Tibetan Buddhism. We can take taxis back to Hundar and in the afternoon,
there is the chance to go and see the rare double humped Bactrian camels.
These magnificent animals were previously used by traders to carry goods
across the high passes. As there is no longer any trade across these borders
the animals became endangered. A government breeding programme has now
ensured that these animals will not become extinct. Sleeping altitude 3,020m

*Standard Hotel*

Day 7

We drive for about 3km to Hundar Gompa, from where we start our trek. Leaving
the main valley, we turn up into a narrow side valley. The walking today is
fairly easy as we follow a wide jeep track into the gorge. The rocks tower
above us as we gain height gradually. Look out for grazing Bactrian camels
amongst the multi-coloured rocks of this spectacular gorge. After 8km we come
to a small droksa (shepherd camp) with a few trees providing welcome shade
from the sun. The valley now widens a little and we camp near a couple of
houses where the valley splits. Sleeping altitude 3,900m

*Full-service Camping *

Day 8

A shorter day as we begin to gain height. From Wachan we take the left-hand
valley and climb steadily to the main part of Wachan. Further up the valley
is Sernang, a small collection of houses and fields. This is the last village
we will see till Phyang. The trail ascends the valley further and we may have
to cross the river several times depending on the water level (we carry a
rope for river crossings and we highly recommend you bring river crossing
sandals). The Snia Valley is the first large valley to the right. We cross to
the right side of the valley and camp somewhere near the valley junction. In
the afternoon, there will be time to explore the surrounding hills. Sleeping
altitude 4,200m

*Full-service Camping *

Day 9

We turn into the Snia Valley and follow the river. The trail climbs steadily
and again, depending on water levels, we may have to cross the river. We are
surrounded by unnamed peaks and passes and only shepherds inhabit this valley
in the summer. Before there were roads in Ladakh people used the passes
regularly. Now, apart from the shepherds in summer the valley is inhabited by
wildlife only. Marmots abound in summer and foxes, wolves, and Snow leopards
use the valley to hunt for prey. We pass several shepherd encampments and
camp at the valley junction close to the river. Sleeping altitude 4,600m

*Full-service Camping *

Day 10

We have the chance to explore the Upper Snia Valley. Taking a packed lunch we
continue up the main valley gaining height gradually. About 7km from camp
there is a glacial lake at 4,800m. We get a sense of the remoteness of where
we are as we are surrounded by un-named and unclimbed peaks and passes.
Depending on the time and energy level of the group we can explore further.
Sleeping altitude 4,600m

*Full-service Camping *

Day 11

We retrace our steps down the valley to the junction and turn right into the
main Thanglasso Valley. Which side of the valley we walk on depends on the
water level in the river. The climb up the valley is on a rocky glacial
moraine trail. Finally, the valley opens out and we come to a wide grazing
area. There are plenty of good campsites in this area. Sleeping altitude
4,560m

*Full-service Camping *

Day 12

Quite a tough day as we walk to 5,000m. We continue gradually climbing the
valley. It’s about 4km to the large shepherd camp at Thanglasso at 4,570m.
We are now surrounded by a fantastic landscape of peaks and passes leading
off into many unexplored side valleys. We eventually reach our Base Camp at
5,000m where we spend 2 nights. Sleeping altitude 5,000m

*Full-service Camping *

Day 13

We spend the day exploring the area around Base Camp. There is the chance to
ascend easy peaks and passes as we are surrounded by unclimbed summits. Where
we go will depend on the weather and energy level of the group. Sleeping
altitude 5,000m

*Full-service Camping*

Day 14

A tough day as we cross the Lasermo La. We need to carry our
yaktrax/microspikes in case of any snow/ice on the top. The trail continues
up the valley. The trail is rocky and uneven and as we come to the top of the
pass we cross the glacial moraine. It will take 3-4hrs to the top, where we
are rewarded with magnificent views back to the Karakorum and ahead to the
Ladakh Range. We descend into the long Phyang Valley and camp at about 4,510m
at Phyang Sumdo. Sleeping altitude 4,510m

*Full-service Camping *

Day 15

Our last day’s walking as we descend the valley all morning. It’s about
3-4hrs walk to Phyang, which is a large village close to Leh. If we have time
we can visit the large and prosperous monastery that towers above the valley.
It is a short 1hr drive back to Leh and the comforts of a hot shower in our
hotel. We should get to Leh by mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free
for last minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars. Sleeping altitude
3,500m

*Standard Hotel *

Day 16

We fly from Leh to Delhi. The rest of the day is free for individual
sightseeing in Delhi.

*Hotel Jaypee Siddharth* (or similar)

Day 17

Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport this morning
for your daytime flight back to London.