Note: This tour can be adapted to mountain bikes and motorcycles

Transcription

1 A Journey in Indian Himalayas Where nothing is cleaner than mind Where nothing is deeper than faith Where silence is the most powerful word Where calm is the strongest expression Where nothing is purest than life text and pictures by Kapil Negi BWIHE-THT2011/12 Region: Kangra, Dharmshala, Manali, Spiti, Keylong, Leh Season: July To September Duration: 18 Days Altitude: Min Altitude: Dharmshala (1387m) Max Altitude: Lachlung-la (5019m) Note: This tour can be adapted to mountain bikes and motorcycles Dharmshala (1387m): To the north, the Kangra Valley is flanked by the snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas, to the side, is Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj (also called Upper Dharmshala) founded in Dharamsala is the principal township of Kangra commanding splendid view of the surrounding country. Surrounded by deodar forests, it is set against a backdrop of massive snow capped peaks on three sides. Kangra Valley: Kangra Valley is one of the Himachal s beautiful valleys. It rolls down the southern edge of magnificent Dhauladhar Range. While the snow line remains close enough at all times and during winter month, the northern part is swaddled in a blanket of freshly fallen snow allowing the magic of Kangra to take on yet another hue. Numerous ancient temples like Bajreshwari, Rock cut Temples of Masroor and Norbulingka Institute, lie on the plains below Dhauladhar. One can spend whole day, visiting these temples and Institute. Astronomical Medical Centre: The Tibetan medicine is made from herbs gathered from the high altitude of the Himalayas. This herbal medicine can cure many different diseases and are famous all over the world. Mcleod Ganj (1770m): If you think about Lahsa (Tibet), the only other name comes in mind is, McLeod Ganj. The name has almost become synonymous to Lahsa. This is where His Holiness Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan s, resides and also this is where the head quarters of the Tibetan Government in exile are located. Here one gets amazed to see that how the Tibetan peoples in exile, have kept their culture resonant and going. Here there are many Gompas to visit and some of them house treasures of ancient and priceless Thankas and scrolls. Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. Dharmshala - Naggar (230km): The route is through the small Villages of Himachal Pradesh with an extensive view of the lush green Kangra Valley on the way. We pass through Tibetan settlement village at Bir, ancient Shiva temple at Baijnath. One passes famous tea gardens of Palampur on the way. Page 1

2 Naggar (1760m): At Naggar there is an old castle, which once belonged to the ruling dynasty of Kullu, but now has been renovated and converted into a heritage hotel. One can also visit some ancient hallowed temples that are located all around the village and possess a definite mystical quality. There is also an art gallery, which houses beautiful oil and vegetable colour paintings of the famous Russian painter, writer and philosopher, Sir Nicholas Roerich. The area offers some of the most magnificent views in the region as here the upper Kullu Valley at its widest and one can see the whole mountain panorama from Rohtang to the southern edge of the valley, as well as the long serpentine Beas river making its way down. This area also offers some interesting walks and day picnics through old villages and coniferous forests and vast paddy fields, which are a delight to the eye. Travel along the left bank of the Beas River through pine forests and vast paddy fields dotted by the traditional houses. Though over the years this has changed considerably but still the old charm remains. Penelope Chetwoode, in her famous book about Kullu Valley (The End Of The Inhabitable World), describes the drive between Manali to Naggar as one of the most beautiful drives in the World. Naggar - Manali (27km): Around 27 minutes drive through beautiful landscape comprising of vast cultivation fields dotted with old Kulluvi style wooden chalets takes one to Nagger, the ancient capital of Kullu. En-route, one comes across the quaint mountain village of Dashal. This village is famous for its ancient Shiva temple, which is classic example of the old Shikhara Style stone temple architecture that has been prevalent in northern India since days of yore. Manali (2050m): The Sylvan Hill Resort of Manali is located at the foot of the 3978m high Rohtang Pass This is the gateway through Himalayan Range of Pir Panjal, providing accessibility to secluded Himalayan region of Lahaul & Spiti and further into Ladakh and Zanskar. Situated in the laps of the snow clad mighty Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges, Manali is located like a crowns jewel. Majestic mountain scenery and the areas seemingly limitless supply of inexpensive charm makes the place very popular among the tourists. Manali offers not only a unique starting point for treks and Jeep safari s but also superb scope for the ski touring (in winters). Mountaineering and some of the most beautiful walks in the surrounding alpine areas, shooting the rapids in the fast flowing rivers, trout fishing, birding and wildlife tours into the Himalayan national Park. What one must do in Manali: Take a sightseeing trip to: Hadimba Temple: Resting on the stone platform in a dense stand of Old Deodar, Hadimba Temple is Manali s oldest shrine. Dating back to 1553, it is a fine example of Pagoda architecture. Old Manali and Vashisht. Though the area has gone a very fast change in last 10 years but still the authentic charm does remain in the nearby villages of Vashisht and Old Manali, the village from which the modern town takes its name, unlike its off spring, here the settlement retains as unhurried and has a traditional feel. There is a Temple of Sage Manu (Hindu Mythological Hero) in the Village. The Village of Vashisht offers hot sulphur water springs and an ancient Temples of Rama. Shopping in Manali: Manali s days as an authentic Pahar bazaar ended when the mule trains were superseded by Tata trucks, but it is still an excellent place for souvenir shopping. Woollen goods are the towns real forte, particularly the brilliant patterned shawls and caps for which the Kullu Valley is famous. Page 2

3 Manali - Kaza (3600m) (202km - 75km unpaved road): As we start our journey, leaving the lush green countryside of Manali towards Rohtang Pass (3978m) Rohtang Pass few places on the earth can mark so dramatic a change in landscape as the Rohtang Pass. To one side, the lush green head of Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, chocolate coloured mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that shine in the dazzlingly crisp light. As we cross to the other side and at place called Gramphu we leave the main Leh-Manali Highway and enter into another Valley (Chandra Valley) and continue driving on a non-mettled road, all alongside the Chandra River. Slowly the valley opens and we get introduced to magnificent Himalayan Ranges of Chandra & Bhaga, famously called CB Range. This area in particular is very popular for Mountain Expeditions. The route veers to the left of the base of the immense Bara Shigri Glacier - nearly 28km and several kilometres wide at it s widest. The Bara Shigri is the largest glacier of the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It opens out onto the Chandra Valley and adds its waters to the river. It is located in a cirque on the middle slopes of the main Himalayan Range. Small tributary glaciers feed the main glacier. The entire track is devoid of a vegetative cover. High mountains surround this glacier on three sides. All around are the great peaks of Parvati headwaters - White Sail, Indrasan, further up the range, Kullu Makalu, and Parvati Peak itself. Travelling on we reach Batal, the base of the Kunzum Pass (4551m) a nice place for a cup of tea. Then 12km of uphill drive gets us to the top of the Pass. There is a small temple with lot of prayer flags, dedicated to Kunzum Lahmo (local deity) that is how the pass got its name. This Pass is the origin of Spiti River. Now the Spiti Valley begins and the landscape slowly embodies the desert look. We descend down the pass and reach the first Village of Spiti (Losar), the architecture of the houses surrounded by the fields of barley, peas and potato, and other vegetation has uncanny resemblance with Ladakh and Tibet. Here we spent night in camp or continue to Kaza. We keep driving along the Spiti River and a series of other villages follow - Kyoto, Hansa, Morang, and Rangrik etc. We finally reach Kaza - The main town and headquarters of Spiti. Note: Though it is always possible to drive to Spiti in one day (10hrs). It is also possible to break the journey by camping at Dadar Phu 84km from Manali. Spiti - The Forbidden Valley On Indo Tibetan Frontier: For centuries a mystic aura surrounding the trans-himalayan tracts of Tibet, Spiti, Lahaul and Ladakh, in practical isolation for centuries. In Spiti, where faith is as deep as the rivers swift, it has an introversive culture of life focused around its several monasteries - Dhankar, Kye, Tabo, Mud, Gungri, Lidang, Hikim, Sagnam, Mane Gongma and Giu to name a few. Spiti has a haunting and unforgettable beauty. Here nature in company with the infinite blue of the sky and the unbroken silence has brought an unearthly panorama of eerie beauty, incredible and indescribable land of Gods; for no human being can live here probably Rudyard Kipling came most close to grasping the Spirit of the land. The Spiti Valley may be one of such rare pockets where one can trace a continuous course of the development of Lamaism from its very primitive form of the days of the Padmasambhava, when it had more of the Bon Pa (Shamanistic) overtone, to its latest version, the Ge-lug-pa (Philosophical). Abundance of fossils, comprising of Shells, mollusc etc. takes one 50 million years back when Indian subcontinent drifting northwards across the Ocean of Tethys on its tectonic plate slammed into the stationary mass of Asia and gave birth to the mighty Himalayas. This area is a heaven for the geologists. Highlights of Spiti Valley Tour: Spiti (Himalayan Geological Park) Kaza - Komic (25km) To the East, from Kibber towards Tabo, Spiti Valley is surrounded by towering rock formations, which on the top turns into a flat tableland divided by massive gorges at a few places. This area includes the famous Lingthi Valley at the head of which stands like a sentinel the huge massif of Mount Gya, the highest mountain in Himachal. This region houses many picturesque high altitude Villages like Hikkim, Langza and Page 3

4 Komik, situated above the height of 4000m. Abundance of fossils, comprising of mollusc and invertebrate shells and the extraordinary terrain of this region, including the massive gorges and plateau formations. Monasteries : Tangyud Monastery at Komic Village is the renowned Tangyud Gompa, built around the early decades of the 14th century, the Gompa belongs to the Sa-kya-pa sect and is of historical importance. It is recorded that a team of Buddhist scholars of the Gompa accomplished the task of revision of Tang-rGyud-the Tantra treatises which are in 87 volumes to form one class of Tibetan scriptures. The lamas of this Gompa are supposed to be proficient in Tantra. This Gompa was earlier near Hilkkim Village, which was brought down in the earthquake of The villagers then shifted this Gompa to its present site. Some remains of the monastery can still be seen near Hikkim Kaza to Langza by road is about 9km. From Langza one has to walk to Hikkim - Tangyut Comic, which is another 8km. From Comic to Kaza is a trek of about 6km. It is a circular trek, which can be adjusted according to one's own convenience. Kye Monastery 13km from Kaza is situated Kye Monastery at an elevation of (3969m). The Monastery consists of large irregular heap of low ceiling rooms and narrow corridors, interconnected by dark passages and tortuous staircases, built on a elevated hump with commanding view of Valley. This is one of the biggest and the oldest monasteries belonging to the Ge- Lug Pa sect in Spiti. It dates back to around 11 th Century and said to have been constructed by Dromton (the famous disciple of great master Atisha) and is famous for its murals, valuable books and fabulous collection of Thankas. The instrument here deserves mention. There are two trumpets, two or three small brass instruments, a pair of large cymbals, a big deep voiced drum, and a pair of smaller ones. The trumpet, which is about three meters in length, rests on a triangular block of wood, placed on the ground, and rises in a long sweeping curve to the mouth of the player, who remains standing and blows into it with all his might. The sound produced by this magnificent instrument is surprisingly feeble. The Temple Complex: The Temple of the Enlightened Gods (gtsug Lha-khang): This is also known as the Assembly Hall (du-khang) and forms the core of the complex. It houses a vestibule, an assembly hall and a sanctum. The central figure in the assembly hall is the four fold Vairocana. In Vajrayana Buddhism, he is regarded as one of the five spiritual sons of the Adibuddha, who was the self-creative primordial Buddha. He is portrayed here in a posture "turning the wheel of law". On brackets arrayed along the walls and with stylised flaming circles around them, are life size stucco images of what are commonly known as the Vajradhatu Mandala. These images number thirty-three in all, and are the other deities of the pantheon. With five Bodhisattvas of the Good Age placed within, the sanctum is immediately behind the assembly hall. The walls around the stuccoes are elaborately adorned with wall paintings that depict the life of the Buddha. The Golden Temple (gser-khang): Once believed to have been layered with gold, Senge Namgyal, ruler of Ladakh, exhaustively renovated this shrine in the 16th century. The walls and ceiling are covered with murals. The Mystic Mandala Temple or Initiation Temple (dkyil-hkhor-khang): The wall facing the door is embellished by a massive painting of Vairocana, who is surrounded by the eight Bodhisattvas. Mystic mandalas cover the other areas. It is here, that the initiation to monkhood takes place. The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple (Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-khang): This shrine houses the image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya that is more than six meters high. The temple has a hall, vestibule and sanctum. The array of murals within, also depict the monastery of Tashi-Chunpo and Lhasa's Potala palace. The Temple of Dromton (Brom-ston Lha-khang): The temple lies on the northern edge of the complex and is said to have been founded by Dromton ( AD), an important disciple of Atisha. The doorway is intricately carved and the inner walls are covered by murals. The above shrines are said to be the earliest in the Tabo complex and the following are later additions. The Chamber of Picture Treasures (Z'al-ma): This is an anteroom of sorts attached to 'the temple of enlightened gods'. It too is covered with paintings, which are in the Tibetan style. The Large Temple of Drom ton (Brom-ston Lha-khang): The second largest temple in the complex, this has a floor area of over seventy square meters, while the portico and niche add another forty two square meters. The front wall sports the figure of the Sakyamuni, flanked by Sariputra and Maha Page 4

5 Maugdalayana. The other walls depict the eight Medicine Buddha s and Guardian Kings. The wooden planks of the ceiling are also painted. The Mahakala Vajra-bhairava Temple (Gon-Khang): This temple enshrines the protective deity of the Geluk-pa sect. Fierce deities people the room and it is only entered after protective meditation. Often it is also called known as 'the temple of horror'. The White Temple (dkar-abyum Lha-khang): The walls of this shrine are also intricately adorned leaving a low dado for the monks and nuns to lean against. Caves: To the left of the main Monastery on a small hill there are some caves, which are worth visiting. Note: It is always interesting to attend the Morning Prayer at the new Monastery, which takes place around 6 am. Some of the Stupa s (Chortans) as said to be of same age as the Old Monastery. The cave Temples to the right in a hill are worth visiting. Itinerary: Day 01: Arrival New Delhi transfer & overnight at hotel. Day 02: Visit around Delhi (Historical sights). Overnight journey to Pathankote by express train (Jammu Mail) (10hrs) Day 03: Pick up from the railway station at 7:30hrs appox in the morning and drive to Dharmshala - McLeod Ganj (1770m) (3hrs appox). Arrival at the hotel, after lunch explore the town of McLeod Ganj. (Overnight in hotel) Day 04: Dharamshala (sightseeing, Norbilingka Iinstitute, Tibetan Astronomical and Medical Centre, rock cut Temples of Masroor, Brijeshwari Temple). Lunch during the trip (130 kms appox). (Overnight in hotel) Day 05: Dharmshala - Naggar (1760m) (230km): Lunch on the way. also, visit to Shiva Temple at Baijnath and Sherabling Monastery at Bir (Battu). (Overnight in hotel at Naggar) DAY 06: Naggar Sightseeing (Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, Krishna Temple (15 mins walk), then Drive to Manali (27 Kms). Heritage walk through the traditional villages, after lunch explore the town. (Overnight in hotel at Manali) Day 07: Manali sightseeing to Hadimba Devi temple, Old Manali Village, Vashish Village and hot springs (Overnight in hotel at Manali) Day 08: Manali - Kaza (3600m): Over Rohtang Pass (3978m) and Kunzum Pass (4551m) (194km) (10hrs) with a packed lunch on the way. (Overnight at hotel Kaza/Rangrik (near Kaza). DAY 09: Kaza - Tabo via Lahlung and Dankar, Pin Valley. (140km) with a packed lunch on the way. Dhankar (3890m) About 32km from Kaza on the way to Tabo, taking 7km of side road through a steep hillside the road slowly winds its way up to the village Dhankar, located at a height of 3890m. There is situated a 6 th Century Gompa, though not well preserved but still has some magnificent original Thankas tucked away in dark. There are some beautiful murals. Unfortunately a part of monastery was destroyed during severe winter of The location of the monastery is strikingly beautiful. Just with the Monastery there is also a small place dedicated to the local deity. Nestles the citadel of Dhankar, the official capital of Spiti. The citadel is built on a spur which projects into the main valley and ends in a precipice. The location of this fort is strategic as Spiti always had to suffer innumerable aggressions by its neighbours. The location allowed the Spitians to keep vigil on the approaches and to send messages to surrounding inhabitations in case of danger. Whenever the Spitians were attacked, they built huge fires to signal meeting in the safe sanctuary of rocks, i.e., Dhankars. In the meeting all men and women decided the course of action to be taken against the aggressors. According to the State Gazetteer, (The Fort) became notorious for housing a cavernous dungeon which the Nono used as a prison. It contained a cell without doors having only a small opening at the top through which the condemned person was lowered and received his meals. The fort of Page 5

6 Dhankar now lies in ruins, but still is a place worthy of visit. From the remnants of the fort one can see vast expanses of the Spiti Valley. Dhankar is also of art historical importance. Founded between 7th and the 9th centuries, Dhankar's old temple complex occupies the southern part of the steep mountain slope of the village. It is known by the name of Lha-O-pa Gompa (Monastery of the followers of Lha - O). The monastery consists of a number of multi-storeyed buildings perched together, giving a fortress like impression. There are five different halls including Kanjur, Lhakhang, and Dukhang where a life size silver statue of Vajradhara, the Diamond Being, is placed in a glass altar embellished with scarves and flowers. Most interesting at the Lha-O-pa Gompa is the small chapel on the uppermost peak above the main monastery - Lhakhang Gongma. The building is decorated with depictions of Shakyamuni, Tsongkhapa and Lama Chodrag on the central wall Dhankar's main attraction, although least publicised, is a fresh water lake about 2.5km from the village at a height of 13500ft. Set amidst lush green pastures, the lake offers a perfect idyllic camping site. Some boating facilities are proposed to be introduced in the near future. Under the Desert Development Project of Spiti the common carp variety of fish has been introduced in this lake. No angling is however, allowed in the lake. (Overnight at Tabo - Guest House) Pin Valley (The Striking Landscape) Lhalung (From Dankarit it is approx 12km on unpaved road): From the small hamlet of Attargu the track leads through deserted and rugged terrain over heights of around 3800 metres into the Lingti Valley. Lingti is the third biggest river, after the Pin, which pours its great waters out into the Spiti. The road into the Lingti Valley leads along the slopes of the Lingti's right Banking serpentine curves from which one has a giddy view of the few medieval settlements along the river. After an hour-long drive, the valley opens up a little for the rich pastures of Lhalung town, consisting of barley and the yellow rape that adds another beautiful colour to the reduced palette of Spiti. A few of the Chhortens lead up to the monastic site from the outskirts of the village. The compound consists of five buildings. At some spots fragmentary remains of a wall encircling all the buildings are to be found. The local tradition that the site once consisted of nine temples, together with the rich interior of the main chapel and the fact the building is also attributed to Rinchen Zangpo, may suggest that the temple like that of Tabo was designed as a Chokhor site, a place of learning and debate as opposed to a simple chapel for worship by local people. The paintings on the walls are of recent date. Serkhang, the golden hall is completely overwhelmed by the number of deities present. The small chapel has a total of 51 deities, either mounted against the walls or placed on the central altar, of which the most are painted in gold. Kaza - Mud (58km) (After 22km of drive towards Tabo, 36km off a side road to Mud the last Village of Pin Valley connected by road): Cross the Spiti River by a solid concrete bridge and following the Pin River, one of the major tributaries of Spiti River. The Valley has a unique beautiful terrain and colours. There is also a monastery called Kungri Monastery, believed to have been founded by Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery must have remained an ancient monastic site of the Padmasambhava days. Generally the Tibetan monasteries are built in a compact layout with all temples and apartments put together. But the Kungri Monastery is formed of three detached rectangular blocks facing due east. The Lhakhang being on the higher terrace on the north followed by Sampup - Chos - Ling in the middle and compact structure Tangyur and Gokhang. This belongs to the Nigma Pa sect. Buddhist Tantra called Bhusang is performed on the special ceremonies. Most of the outer shells of the monastery are constructed new but the interiors are worth seeing. Day 10: Tabo Full Day At Tabo (4078m) (47km From Kaza): Explore the monastery and relax. This monastery is the seat of Buddhist learning, the Gompa is regarded as next in significance to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. The Tabo monastery was established about 1000 years ago and was a part of Western Tibet School, which originally designed different Mandalas in the form of the statues hanging on the walls of the monasteries. However in Tibet and with the instructions of his new sect, old philosophy of Western Tibet School was lost and their unique philosophical practices almost died. Now Tabo is only living monastery outside Tibet, depicting similar Mandalas on the walls of the Dukhang (prayer chamber). Driving through the Spiti valley and its little villages. Here we spend the day visiting the villages, meeting the local folks and their way of life. One of the most beautiful landscapes. (Overnight at Tabo - guesthouse Tabo) Day 11: Drive to Kye Monastery: Exploring the high altitude villages (4300m) in Himalayan geological area - drive back to Rangrik. (137km) (Overnight at hotel) Page 6

7 Day 12: Kaza - Keylong (3350m): Same route back till Gramphu (135km) then 45km on Manali - Leh Highway till Keylong (180km) (9-10hrs). Have a packed lunch on the way. On the Valley floor, we drive through the field of potato and peas, dotted by Lahauli Villages, and we encounter the local inhabitants working in the fields. After crossing a bridge at Tandi the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers, which then later becomes Chenab. These rivers originate from Baralacha Pass, and flow all the way into the plains of Punjab. From Tandi, the road goes north along the Bhaga Valley on the left flank to Keylong - the district head quarter of Lahaul and Spiti. Keylong is quite a busy town, as it is the only big market in Lahaul Region. Lahauli s are a mixture of Buddhists and Hindus. Using glacial water channelled down the mountains through ancient irrigation ducts, Lahauli farmers manage to coax bumper crops of seed potatoes and peas. The region is also sole supplier of hops to India's breweries. Lahaul is generally used as a transit point to Ladakh and is a very interesting destination for tourists. (Overnight at hotel at Keylong) Day 13: Keylong - Tsokar (4400m) (240km) (9hrs): Drive over the high pass of Baralacha-la (4800m) over (Naki-la (4740m) Lachlung-la (5019m). Have a packed lunch on the way. The journey takes you to Darcha, the commencing point for trekking in Zanskar, the road now climbs up to Patseo, leaving behind the greenery. The landscape now turns more alpine with snow capped mountains all around up to Baralacha-la (4800m), a high pass that stands as a barrier between the great Himalayas and the middle Himalayas. From here we enter into a totally different landscape that is almost barren. Chocolate coloured mountains surround you through the way. This is one of the most amazing journeys in the world as we traverse through the high mountain desert of western Himalayas. We pass through many unique rock formations, which are a result of centuries of erosion. Different shades of brown mixed with infinite blue of the sky are visible all the way. Tsokar is about 130 Kms. from Sarchu. This journey will be through the high Passes such as Namki La, Lachlang La. Tsokar - Located at East and North within the area of 20,000ha. This area is famous for the important fauna, such as Brahaminy duck, brown headed gull, great-crested Grebe, black necked Grebe, Bar headed Geese, black necked Crane, yellow headed Wagtail, Pled Wagtail, Desert Wheatears, Raven, Horned Lark etc. Flora comprises of - in the fresher parts of the basin the pools have aquatic vegetation composed of Potamogeton species and Hydrilla species. These plants die back in winter to form floating mats of weed in spring. The arid steppe vegetation of surrounding area is dominated by species of Astragalus and Caragana. (Overnight at deluxe camp - Swiss cottage tents with attached toilet and bathroom) Day 14: Tsokar - Tso-moriri (4650m) (100km) (5hrs): Korzok Village, have a packed lunch on the way. From Tsokar we further Drive through the open valleys of Rupshu to Karzok. The whole region, which is known as Chang- Thang, (which literally means Northern plains) is an extension of the Northern plateau land Chang -Thang of Tibet. Changpas, the up country pastoral community, sparsely inhabits the vast grassland of Chang Thang. The Changpas have retained their nomadic glory, in spite of the continuing hardships and harsh weather. They live at the higher regions of Changthang at heights above 4,500m. Their means of livelihood are their herds of yak, sheep, goats and horse with which they migrate from one pastoral land to another. The only permanent settlement is Karzok Village, by the shores of Tso-moriri Lake. The settlements in Changthang they can be spotted from a distance, by their Ribose (black Yak hair tents). The wild life around this region comprises of Kiangs (wild ass), rabbits, marmot, Bharal (blue sheep), and the rarely seen snow leopard. (Overnight at deluxe camp Swiss cottage tents with attached toilet and bathroom) Day 15: Tso-moriri Korzok Village: This is a rest day to explore the beautiful surroundings around Tsomoriri and the monastery. (Overnight at deluxe camp Swiss cottage tents with attached toilet and bathroom) Day 16: Tso-moriri - Leh (3500m) (240km) (10hrs): Visit Hemis Monastery on the way. (Overnight in hotel) Page 7

8 Day 17: Leh is a rest day and explore the surroundings: (Overnight at Hotel) Day 18: Flight for Delhi, have the option of sight seeing in Agra. Day 19: Flight to onward destination. SAFARI LOGISTICS: WHAT WE PROVIDE DURING THE TRIP: An experienced guide is provided. Throughout the trip depending upon the location, nice accommodation is possible in hotels and Guest Houses and camps with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Accommodation is also in 2 person camping tents (Best Canadian tents) with heavy ground foam pad mattresses, sleeping bags, all the camping equipment including, kitchen/dining tent (camping stools and table), utensils and crockery, with the services of an experienced cook. Food would be vegetarian & non-vegetarian (Indian, Chinese and continental). Water used on the camp will be processed bottle water. Dry toilet tents would be erected. Mules or porters and transportation during the trek. TRANSPORT: Transportation by Toyota Qalis/ Innova, Mahendra, Scorpio/ Sumo, Vitara. Vehicles would be changed at Tsokar. BACK UP TEAM: The team accompanying the clients during the trip would be assisted by, a guide or a coordinator (with good knowledge of the terrain and its people), kitchen team would be - a cook and two assistants. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: EMERGENCY BACK UP COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL KIT Will BE CARRIED. OXYGEN CANISTERS Will BE CARRIED. PORTABLE ALTITUDE CHAMBER (PAC) WILL BE CARRIED What to bring: Good Warm internal clothing (woollen and fleece, thermals), waterproof and wind proof clothing, comfortable hiking boots with a good grip, sandals (for stream crossing) walking sticks (optional). Woollen/tennis socks (quite a few pairs) stockings, gloves, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, day sack, camera and binoculars (for bird watching or wild life), water bottle, torch and batteries. Though the water is very clean and pure and we do provide boiled water once you are on the trek, still in order to be extra careful you can get few chlorine pills as mountain water is supposed to be hard. Climate: Day temperature in the sun is pleasant but windy but nights are cold. At night and if rain and snowfalls in the high altitude alpine areas, the temperature can go below zero especially in Sept and October. So one has to be well prepared. Note: Though all the itineraries of the trek are carefully designed, keeping in mind the altitude and the related problems, still one must be physically well and fit to take up this kind of a trek, if anyone is suffering from any heart ailment or any heart related problem then he or she must consult their doctor before taking this trek. NOTE: IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT A ROUTE CHANGE MAY BECOME NECESSARY DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, INACCESSIBILITY THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN PASSES DUE TO HEAVY SNOW, CONDITION OF THE TRAIL AND PHYSICAL FITNESS OF THE CLIENTS, POLITICAL RESTRICTIONS AND OTHER CAUSE BEYOND HUMAN CONTROL. Page 8

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