Hidden Monasteries Tour for 7 Days
Morning arrive at Leh airport, On arrival met at the airport and transfer to the hotel.Day free for acclimatization, O/N stay at Hotel.
Morning free at leisure, In the afternoon you will drive to SABOO - 8 km from Leh, standing majestically on top of a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley. It is a less frequented gompa in Leh. On your drive back to Leh, you visit SOS Village (Choglamsar). Choglamsar is an important center for the study of Tibetan Culture and History. There is the "Central Institute of Buddhist Studies", a Tibetan library, medical center, shops selling handicrafts, books and plenty of restaurants. It abounds in greenery with Poplar and Willow trees dotting the landscape. There is a golf course, horticulture nurseries and a polo ground as well.
The days' tour of monasteries begins with a visit to TAKTHOK GOMPA in the morning. In the 8th century, the great propagator of Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava set out from India to journey across many lands en route to Tibet. Along the way, legends speak of numerous halts one of which was at a cave at Takthok ("a ceiling made of rock") where he meditated. Takthok monastery developed around this cave. Returning from Takthok, the CHEMREY GOMPA rises majestically on a hill with the residences of the lamas spilling along its contours. Though most of the books, including the Ladakh Chronicle, tell us that the great lama Stag-tsang-ras-pa, under the patronage of Sengge Namgyal, founded it, but Professor Luciano Petech has shown that it was actually founded after Sengge's death as a funeral act of merit for him. The building was started in March 1644 A.D. and completed in 1645 / 1646 A.D. Overlooking fields and houses, the monastery is perched picturesquely atop a small hill, down one side of which spill the monks' dwellings. Continue your drive to HEMIS GOMPA, crossing over the Indus River at the village of Karu. The most famous of Ladakh's monasteries, Hemis or Changchub Samstanling (The love palace of the compassionate person), dates back to the 17th century and was built over a period of 40 years (1602 - 1642 A.D.). Today Hemis is well known for its festival or Hemis Tsechu commemorating the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava. By the evening drive back to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast you will be driving to ALCHI. En-route you would be taking a short diversion to visit PHYANG GOMPA, which is located on the right of the main highway to Alchi. Built on a large mound, with the village below, the setting is one of the prettiest in Ladakh with groves of Popular trees along the road leading up to the monastery . After visiting Phyang you come to BASGO, which lies astride the road to Alchi. The jagged skyline of the ruins of the 15th century capital of Ladakh dominates the village of Basgo. It was an important center in the old days, having been the capital of lower Ladakh when the kingdom was divided in the 15th & 16th centuries, and the seat of that branch of the dynasty, which eventually unified Ladakh and took the surname Namgyal. In the afternoon visit the ALCHI GOMPA. The complex of temples located within the village is the most celebrated of Ladakh's monasteries and dates back to the 11th century. The complex consists of a group of five temples as well as a number of chortens scattered around the complex. The Dukhang and the three-tiered Sumstek are the most significant. It is the seat of the Ngri Rimpoche, an incarnation at present embodied in the younger brother of the Dalai Lama. Alchi Gompa is the only monastery, built on flat ground. It is very famous for its paintings and architecture, which has an Indian and Kashmiri influence in them. O/N stay at hotel.
After setting out from Alchi en-route to Lamayuru, you take a diversion to visit the RIDZONG GOMPA, which is one of the less frequented monasteries of Ladakh. Hidden at the end of a steep valley, the first view of the gompa is dramatic. Relatively new (1840), it is beautifully set in a valley, deep inside a gorge and is the most isolated monastery in Ladakh. Lama Tsultim Nima founded this Gompa and a monastic community was introduced with strict rules and regulations. After this visit you proceed to the 11th century LAMAYURU MONASTERY, which is spectacularly located along the valley plain and surrounded by mountains on all sides. According to legend, the arhat Madhyantika, a disciple of Buddha offered "torma' (sacred food) and water to the spirits inhabiting the site to satisfy the O/N stay at night.
Finally, you drive back to Leh in time for lunch at the hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the town on your own. O/N stay at hotel.
Transfer to the airport to fly to Delhi. Tour Ends.
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Region: Ladakh Himalayas
Grade: Strenuous
Altitude: 4470 Mtrs
Walking on Frozen river of Zanskar is an ultimate experience for adventure lover. The traditional name of the trek is "Chadar trek" the frozen sheet, which was only way in and out for Zanskaris in winter when all other ways are closed due to heavy snow fall at high passes. Therefore, it had been trade route for centuries for Zanskari People. Now the route is also famous as winter trekking among adventure lovers. For last several years, we have been organizing this winter trek in three different options with trained local Zanskari potters and our well-experienced guide and staff. The most isolated and made inaccessible for nearly eight months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access passes, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and thus one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. This geographical isolation together with the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here has enabled its some ten thousand inhabitants to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity. This Chadar trek allows you to penetrate this isolation and to examine some of the villages along the Zanskar River in the midst of winter and thus catch a glimpse of the lifecycle during this unique time of the year. A visit to the ancient monastic establishments of Karsha and Zangla promises to heighten your insight into the mysteries of this Shangri-la, a land and culture frozen in time behind the ramparts of the Zanskar mountains. Chilling and Lingshed are the only sizeable villages on this trek until Hanamur and Pidmo before Pishu and Zangla in Zanskar, all the rest are names of places and caves along the route. Area: Zanskar (Ladakh)
Altitude: 3850 mts/12628 ft
Grade: Moderate to tough
Duration: 13 days
Season: Mid Jan to End Feb
Hidden Monasteries Tour for 7 Days
The name of India itself is a corruption of the word Sindhu. Arabians pronounced ‘s’ as ‘h’ and called India Hindustan, the land of Hindus. Greeks pronounced Sindhu as Indus, and so the name India. Sindhu is the oldest name in Indian history as well in Indian geography. When Shiva carried the immolated body of his divine consort Sati over all the land, her skull-top with its hingula (sindur) fell at what has been Hinglaj ever since. It is near Karachi on the Sindh–Baluchistan border. To this holy spot—sanctified by the visit of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana—went the great Sindhi Sufi poet-saint Shah Abdul Latif in the company of yogis.Through the Indus valley a nd the ancient kingdom of Sham, we will discover the main Ladakhi monasteries and the wonderful sites surrounding them: Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spitok, Phyang, Lamayuru and Alchi are all accessible by road, and Temisgang, Ridzong and Likir line the trekking route. This itinerary is of moderate difficulty and the path does not rise above 4500m. The trail crosses numerous villages where the people have kept their Tibetan ways and customs.
Indus Valley Trek Information:
Region: Ladakh Himalayas
Grade : Moderate
Altitude: 3,750 Mtrs
Tour Durations: 04 Nights & 05 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi -Leh - Alchi - Lamayuru - Leh
Ladakh Monastery Trekking for 17 Days
Duration: 21 Nights / 22 Days
Best Time: Mid June / July / Aug / Sep
Lamayuru Chilling Trekking for 10 Days
This outstanding trek begins with a drive down the Indus River from Leh to visit the ancient and spectacularly sited Lamayuru monastery. We then trek through villages and nomadic settlements in the beautiful and little known Ripcher Valley. The trail crosses several passes with excellent views of the Karakorum and Zanskar Mountains before descending to and crossing the Zanskar River. From here we enter the transcendent wonderland of the Markha and Nimaling Valleys before arriving back on the Indus at Martselang. The highest trek elevation is the 16,900 foot Kongmaru La above Nimaling meadows.
North of the Great Himalayan range, amongst a tangled knot of jagged mountains, lies a rugged and fascinating land, the once independent kingdom of Zanskar. Sandwiched between the Indus Valley and the main crest of the Indian Himalaya, this remote and inaccessible setting, well guarded by snowy mountain passes, has kept alive an archaic form of Tibetan Buddhism which flourishes in chain of far-flung monasteries, most of which occupy spectacular fortified locations, high on rocky ridges in isolated valleys. Lovely high meadow camp sites and dry desert land, high passes and snow-capped peaks stunning scenery, Buddhist monasteries and picturesque villages with their irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, and fascinating encounters with the Zanskari people turn a trek in this area into an unforgettable experience.
Leh is very Tibetan in many respects; the national dress, 'stove-pipe' hats and felt boots with turned-up toes are much in evidence. The Royal Palace which dominates the town is very reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, large chortens, prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs are a dramatic culture change from the hot, teeming frenetic rush of Delhi.
Highest Altitude: 4,725 metres
Duration: 22 Nights and 23 Days . The land which can be described only in Speculative Expanse - Geographical, historical and human factors have endowed this region, known earlier as Manyul “the land of men” with its unique character and place in the World. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Ladakh range & the Zanskar range. Is located in the rain - shade of the Himalaya, is arctic, high altitude, mountainous desert. It has beautiful wild flowers, a wide range of mountain animals, hundred of species of resident and migratory birds, and hospitable, hardy, cheerful and courteous people. The people are an amalgam of the Tibetan, Balti, Dard and Aryan ethnic strains. Isolated regions of Zanskar foster the non-Mongoloid Drogpa tribe in the Indus valley between Khalsi and Battalik, and the Changpa nomadic shepherds of the Eastern plains are some of the most attractive and fruitful subjects of study & Travel.Within striking distance of several major trailheads, Manali is the most popular place and end treks. The road journey from Manali to Leh, offers a hikes over some of the world's highest passes and the most stunning mountain desert landscapes, promises to stir up the appetite of those seeking a truly Himalayan adventurer.
The 472 km overland journey is open for just three months in a year i.e. from June to end of September. The jeep safari trip from Manali to Leh can be extended to Nubra valley across Khardung La pass, the highest motorable road in the world or to Srinagar after crossing Zojila Pass. The Manali to Leh drive can be completed in two days with an overnight stay at Sarchu or Darcha. Another option is to drive to Leh via Tsokar and Tsomoriri Lake. For undertaking this tour you will have to arrange your tour through tour operator from Leh, who can send you a permit to enter Tsomoriri Lake with a local taxi. The journey starts from Manali driving through the lush green and foggy hills offering a splendid view of Manali on the way.
Duration: 21 Nights / 22 Days
Trekking Peak Fees only payable $ 300.00 (total price to IMF UPTO 12 PAX)
Best time: Mid June / July / August / September
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Best Time: June till Last Week of Sep
Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. This itinerary between Ladakh and Zanskar offers a large diversity of landscapes, from the jagged Kongmaru La pass (5000m) to the green oasis of the Markha valley with breath-taking views of the Korakoram snow-capped peaks. Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment, and provide the chance to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha will be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.Trekking Information on Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh:
Region: Ladakh Himalaya
Grade : Strenuous
Altitude: 5030 mtrs
Trekking Routes: Delhi - Leh - Marteslang - Chokdo - Latza Kongmaru - Kongmaur La - Nimaling - Hankar - Markha Valley - Chalok - Shingo -Ganda La - Rumbak - Namlung La - Stok - Leh - Delh
Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. This itinerary between Ladakh and Zanskar offers a large diversity of landscapes, from the jagged Kongmaru La pass (5000m) to the green oasis of the Markha valley with breath-taking views of the Korakoram snow-capped peaks. Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment, and provide the chance to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha will be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.Trekking Information on Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh:
Region: Ladakh Himalaya
Grade : Strenuous
Altitude: 5030 mtrs
Trekking Routes: Delhi - Leh - Marteslang - Chokdo - Latza Kongmaru - Kongmaur La - Nimaling - Hankar - Markha Valley - Chalok - Shingo -Ganda La - Rumbak - Namlung La - Stok - Leh - Delh
Through the Indus valley and the ancient kingdom of Sham, we will discover the main Ladakhi monasteries and the wonderful sites surrounding them: Shey, Thikse, Hemis, Spituk, Phyang, Lamayuru and Alchi are all accessible by road, and Temisgang, Ridzong and Likir line the trekking route. This itinerary is of moderate difficulty and the path does not rise above 4500m. The trail crosses numerous villages where the people have kept their Tibetan ways and customs.
Highest Altitude: 5,577 m
Duration: 23 Nights and 24 Days
If one has come to the Himalaya to hike across high passes and vast tree-covered mountainsides, one will be spoiled for choice in Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. The old trade route to Ladakh and Tibet may have been tarmacked, but most of this remote and spectacular region is still only accessible on foot. Its trails, though well frequented in high season, are long, hard and high, punctuated by few settlements, so be ready for this unending exploration journey!
This is one of the most remote and challenging treks, crossing passes as high as 18,300 ft. We follow ancient trade routes still used by the nomadic herdsmen of Changtang. Spiti has only been opened to foreigners since 1993, Travel with the experts!
The Nubra is a tributary of the Shyok River which flows parallel to the Indus on the northern side of the Ladakh range. Because of its lower altitude the valley has a mild climate and is therefore richer in vegetation. It is often referred to as the "Orchard of Ladakh".
In ancient times, the valley was part of the Caravan Route, today it offers unparalleled trekking opportunities and scenic landscapes. It is also the natural habitat of the double backed Bactrian Camel.
Buddhist monasteries flourished in the valley among which the famous Diskit Gompa. This monastery, over 350 years old, is the oldest in the Nubra region. It is also one of the largest.The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Sect. The Nubra valley is accessible from Leh via a number of high passes. One of them is the Khardong-la, the highest motorable pass at 5600 m.
Recently opened to foreigners due to the proximity of the Chinese boarder, the Changthang is a land of wilderness and magnificent landscapes. This region is characterized by high arid plains, remote villages, snow-capped peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes, the largest being Tsomoriri at 4,500 m. Truly remote, this area is only accessible for a few months every summer and is inhabited by Changpas - nomadic yak and pashmina goat herders of Tibetan origin, who wander this area crossing over high altitude mountain passes. Our trek will take us across these passes to their summer settlements to witness a unique human culture, far away from the reaches of the modern world. The itinerary then goes south towards Spiti, following the western bank of the lake. The scenery is wild and vast with snow-capped peaks lining the far horizon. The trek ends at Tabo, famous for its monastery.
Kargil (2740m), 204 km from Srinagar, is the second largest town of Ladakh. It is also the headquarters of our destination, the district of Kargil. A quiet town today Kargil was once witness to the most hectic bartering among traders of different faiths and nationalities. Hundreds of caravans carrying silks, ivory, carpets and precious stones to and from China, Turkey, Yarkand, Afghanistan and India, passed through the town. Several caravanserais, now rendered dangerous due to years of disuse, can be seen in and around Kargil. Substitute travellers for traders and Kargil's position as a resting place remains unaltered. Tourists to Leh by road make a night halt at Kargil before starting on the second leg of the journey.
Kargil town lies in the lower Suru basin. Two other rivers that meet here are Drass and Wakha Chu. Visible all around are lush green fields of barley and wheat, vegetable beds and rows of poplars and willows. Kargil is famous for its apricots and mulberries. June presents a rare sight of fragrant white apricot blossoms while in August, the ripening fruit lends the countryside an orange hue.
In Kargil, one can see some of the finest examples of Turkish architecture. Day--long excursions can be taken to Mulbekh or to the Suru valley to observe the grandeur of the Himalayan range from close quarters. The evening can be spent profitably by walking along the river. The ancient fort bridge across it gives a splendid view of the tiered and terraced township sweeping down the hillside.
A stroll in the ancient bazaar might lead to a shop selling attractive flint and tobacco pouches, travelling hookahs and brass kettles - handcrafted items of everyday use which find their way into the mart as curios. Pashmina shawls, cloth paintings using Buddhist themes and symbols, and turquoise can be bought here at bargain prices. And who knows, perchance, you may brush shoulders with one of the Minaros (or Brokpas), a tribe that claims descent from the army of Alexander of Macedonia.
Situated 45 km east of Kargil on the road to Leh, Mulbekh (3230m) is a typical Buddhist village. The village and the surrounding valley take their name from a small watercourse which originates in the Zanskar range and meets the Suru river at Kargil. Many monuments of the early Buddhist era dot the landscape and are accessible from the village.
Mulbekh Chamba
The chief attraction of Mulbekh is a 9-metre rock sculpture in deep relief of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. Its execution combines esoteric Shaivite symbolism and early Buddhist art. Situated bang on the highway, it dates back to the period when Kashmiri Buddhist missionaries came travelling east of the Himalaya.
Mulbekh Gompa
Perched atop a rocky cliff, the Mulbekh gompa (monastery) dominates the valley. It is easy to see why in bygone times this site served as an outpost to guard the caravan route. Like all monasteries it is adorned by frescoes and statues.
Shergole
This is a small village (5 km short of Mulbekh) right of the Wakha brook on the Kargil-Leh road. Visible from afar as a white speck against the brown granite, the monastery here literally hangs out of a cliff.
Urgyan Rzong
his is a meditational retreat tucked away behind an amazing natural mountain fortress. Concealed inside is a green circular valley with a monastic establishment at its centre. The hillsides reveal caves where high ranking Buddhist saints perform penance in isolation. The only approach is a footpath laid through a narrow gap in the rocky ramparts
Dearest
Mingma! Julay!namestey! hope you are in good health. Sorry to write you lately. Our trip to Thiland made us busy so we were unable to write you back. Mingma the trekking was well organised and I had a wonderful time with you.. . Ladhak is a wonderful place and your guiding made it much much better. We all are very happy and eager to visit your country sikkim next time.
The way you describe sikkim, it really seems to be a nice place. We will promote for you wherever we go. Thanks for your support when the chips were down..
Convey our regards to Jigmee,Arun and Horse man. Hope we will meet then again.
Harry,Dorris Michael and Gracy
Switzerland 2009
Hello
Max, hope you are doing fine business. We are thankful for your warm guidance and wonderful trekking arrangements in a short time. Mingma the food was excellent. We will return to sikkim with friends and family someday. We would no doubt recommend your company mountain tours and treks to all of our friends who want to visit India and specially sikkim and Darjeeling.
Adam and wanda
Netherland. 2010
Hi
Mingma, thanks for your mail. We are still in kerela and doing familiarization trip. Its very hot out here.
Mingma your trekking arrangements was good and we had no hesitation in recommending your company. Your guide and cook was very good. We had more than enough varieties of food everyday. We surely hope that you will do well.
Well take care and best of luck
Andrew, Roben and David
Switzerland 2011 feb
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Yuksam , west sikkim
P.O Yuksam, Dist – Geyzing, Sikkim, INDIA
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