The White Ghost of the Land of Lamas

The White Ghost of the Land of Lamas

Ladakh, India s crowning glory is a region that is distinct in its identity. Far from the Indian Ocean and rising above the fertile central Indian plains this remote land nestled in the lofty Himalayas, Ladakh has a distinct identity that sets it apart from the rest of the Indian Diaspora. Home to the Tibetan school of Buddhism the valleys of Ladakh resound with the chanting of the monks that reside in its hilltop monasteries. This high desert may seem desolate from afar but it is home to one of the most elusive predators. Shan, as the Ladakhis call this creature, is a master of camouflage. The rocky terrain and snow in Ladakh make it almost impossible to spot these regal cats. The journey - though arduous feels like a pilgrimage and the reward is a life changing experience.

Day 01: Arrival Delhi Upon your arrival at the Delhi airport you will be met with an Equinox representative who welcomes you with a garland of flowers. In India a guest is considered to be almost divine and thus must be treated with due respect Transfer to Hotel Lemon Tree Aerocity Overnight at hotel. If you arrive in the morning we could also include a sightseeing visit of Delhi. One could choose from the classic sightseeing like the Humayun s Tomb and Qutub Minar. For the ones seeking a more authentic experience a visit to old Delhi with its bustling markets alive certainly let you have a look of a culture that hasn t changed much in centuries. Delhi is a foodie s delight with a host of restaurants serving food from across the world. Our personal favorites are Latitude in Khan Market or Diva Italia in the. We can also organise a cooking demo in an Indian home. Day 02: Delhi / Leh (By Flight) Early morning tea in your room Transfer to Delhi Airport to board flight 9W 2345 (0630 / 0750 Hrs) to Leh. The advantage of an early morning flight are the stunning views over the mountains that shout out JULLEY, that s Ladakhi for hello. You are presented with a Kata,Tibetan white scarf which is presented as a blessing and to wish you safe journey. Transfer to Hotel for check in at Grand Dragon for 2 nights Breakfast at the hotel. The first half of the day should be used to acclimatize as you have gained about 2700m in less than 2 hours and your body needs to adjust its functions as per the available oxygen levels. Lunch at hotel Late afternoon visit Sankar Gompa & walk in the bazaar. Leh s Bazar or market is quite an animated place with vendors selling all kinds of local and not so local produce. This is also a hub for all the people living in the region of Ladakh who make their bimonthly trips

to pickup essentials that aren t available in small the more remote valleys. You end up spotting people in very elaborate attire which is significant of each region of Ladakh. Leh also has a host of cafes and little restaurants where you can tuck in and enjoy a cup of hot butter tea. You could also enjoy the cake of the day at café Lala s. A walk into the moti market could tempt you into buying some ethnic jewelry or some of the antiques. Dinner & Overnight at hotel Day 03: Leh Breakfast at hotel Depart to explore the Indus Valley. Today you would visit the monasteries just south of the town of Leh. Buddhisim is not a religion but a way of life that is practiced in Ladakh and we at equinox always try to help you experience something authentic and orginal. We propose you take part in a small prayer ceremony in the Shey Village with the local monks. This ought to be an experience that you will remember for years to come. Serene valleys and the chants of the monks will remain in your memory for years to come.

Perched up on a hill, the Thikse Gompa or Thikse Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect and it is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh. It is a 12-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. One of the main points of interest is the Maitreya (future Buddha) Temple which is installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in 1970. After the visit drive to the Stok and another experience awaits you. A Lunch with a local Ladakhi family. The cuisine of Ladakh is quite different from the rest of the country. There is certainly a lot of influence from Tibet and China. The Ladakhis have created their own fusion using local ingredients and produce drawing inspiration from the neighbors. The humble noodle soup becomes a Thukpa and the delicate dim sums turn into hearty momos. If you plan in advance we could even plan your travel around the time of a festival. Buddhist festivals are celebrated with great fervor in monasteries. The entire town participates in the festivities that are accompanied by the famous masked dances. Dinner & Overnight at hotel

Day 04: Leh / Latho / Zinchen (Approx 1 hour drive) Trek from Zinchen to Husing (Approx 1.5 hours trek) Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Latho which lies 6kms across the bridge on Indus in Spituk. Commence trek along the trail that zigzags along the Indus River for 1 hour till the trail enters into the gorge coming from the south. Trek down to the confluence of the stream coming out of the Rumbak gorge to where it joins the Indus and you will see the first signs of snow leopard scrapes and ancient petrocliffs snowing snow leopards hunting Ibex. The trek up to Husing nallah takes you through a narrow gorge where you may spot your first blue sheep which are the main source of prey for the elusive cats. You will also witness fresh signs of snow leopard rock scents along this trail. The camp is located at a distance of 50 minutes from Zingchen at a junction where two side valleys meet and is surrounded by rugged broken slopes. It is a good place for sighting snow leopards. After lunch (Packed lunch from Leh) trek up Tarbung looking for snow leopard signs and possible sightings. (Note: Hemis National Park has no boundaries) Hemis is one of Ind s few high altitude national parks. It is named after its namesake monastery. Located on the west bank of the Indus River, it comprises the catchments of Markha, Rumbak and Sumdah nalas Pitch Camp for 2 nights at Husing / Tarbung Junction at an altitude of 3700 mts. Dinner & Overnight at Mobile Camps (All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) (Note: Pitching camp will depend on the site where the Snow Leopard has been frequenting)

Day 05: Husing Full day explore the area for Snow Leopard spotting Dinner & Overnight at Mobile Camps (All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Day 06: Husing Full day explore the area for Snow Leopard spotting Dinner & Overnight at Mobile Camps (All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Day 07: Husing / Rumbak Village Trek from Huising to Rumbak Village, a walk of about 1.5 hours. The route takes you through the valley, along the river. Reach Rumbak and settle in the Home stay. Evening interaction with the villagers, and discussions on the clean up drive in the area. We may ask for the villagers to join the clean up drive over the next two days. Overnight at Mobile Camps or Home stay (All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) About Home stay accommodation: * A clean, comfortable room, lit by candles or solar light and furnished in traditional Ladakhi Style * Traditional Ladakhi meals, cooked hygienically using ecofriendly methods * Boiled spring water to drink * A clean, traditional dry-composting toilet

Day 08: Rumbak Village Snow Leopard spotting Overnight at Mobile Camps or Home stay (All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Day 09: Trek Upper Rumbak Valley Trek to Yurutse which lies at the base of Gandala pass to the West past Sumdo. This area serves as a ideal habitat for the Tibetan Argali/ Great, Tibetan sheep and also known for sightings of Tibetan wolf. (Again depending on cat movement) Return to Husing for overnight. Overnight at Mobile Camps (All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Day 10: Husing Snow Leopard spotting Overnight at Mobile Camps or Home stay (All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 11: Husing / Zincheng / Leh Breakfast at Mobile Camp Trek Husing to Zingchen. Pick up at Zingchen and drive to Leh and remainder of evening is free. Upon arrival, check in at Grand Dragon and lunch Rest of the day is at leisure Optional: Witness Ladhaki Cultural Folk Dance at the hotel Dinner & Overnight at hotel Day 12: Leh / Delhi (By Flight) (Note: Flights are subject to operation) Early breakfast at hotel Later transfer to Leh Airport to board flight 9W 2346 (0830 / 0950 Hrs) for Delhi Upon arrival in Delhi, assisted transfer to Hotel Lemon Tree Aerocity (Rooms available from 1400 Hrs, early check in subject to availability) Late morning Sightseeing of New Delhi (Qutub Minar & Humayun s Tomb) Lunch at DIVA The Italian Restaurant Diva Italian Restaurant: Delhi s search for the perfect Italian cuisine and wine ended in 2000 with Diva - a cozy and charming restaurant opened by Gita and Ritu with fine dining and a choice of 450 wines. Celebrity master chef Ritu Dalmia needs little introduction. With her insatiable appetite for constant innovation in the kitchen and the finest collection of wines in her cellar, she has warmed many a hungry soul. She has

The adventure can continue... For wild life enthusiasts we can create an itinerary with tiger and leopard spotting options. We can also create an option with classic tour of Rajasthan reliving the life of the Maharajas. Stay at opulent palaces or forgotten hill top forts in little hamlets. Get hosted by aristocracy and dine with kings. Learn secrest recipes that were documented for generations by families. Relive an Indian wedding. Visit a local school teach a class and take home some learning. After the freezing temperatures of Ladakh visit the sunkissed beaches of the south. Live the languid pace of life on the backwaters.