SHAM & INDUS VALLEY TREK

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.

DAY 1)Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, where you will be met and transfered to your hotel.

DAY 2)Delhi - Leh (3500m) by plane
Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk to the colorful bazaar.

DAY 3) Visit of the high Indus valley monasteries
Shey houses the old summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. Its gompa shelters an amazing Buddha, 12m high. The picturesque Thikse monastery is perched on top of the hill overhanging the Indus. The Hemis gompa is one of the largest in Ladakh.

DAY 4) Leh Sightseeing
Visit Stok royal palace, Spituk monastery and the Tibetan Camp of Choglamsar.

DAY 5) Leh - Phyang (3600m) by bus (1h) and walk towards Taru (3700m)
We visit the Phyang monastery and continue onwards with a pleasant walk. A short day necessary for our acclimatization.

DAY 6) Taru - Taru La (4200m) - Nyemo (3700m)
The trail climbs steeply towards the first pass of the trek, and descends to the Nyemo village.

DAY 7) Nyemo - Nie (3800m)
The route traverses Basgo, dominated by impressive ruined fortresses. A quite stricking succession of shortens, sanctuaries and a palace line the path.

DAY 8) Nie - Likir (3600m)
We enter an arid and bare landscape. Visit of the Likir monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh.

DAY 9) Likir - Yangthang (3600m)
The route goes through two low passes, the Phobe La (3700m) and the Charatse La (3800m), opening to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

DAY 10) Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan (3600m)
En route, visit of the Ridzong monastery, which is set in stunning surroundings and hidden amongst the hills. After a tiny pass, we descend towards Hemis Shukpachan.

DAY 11) Hemis Shukpachan - Temisgang (3700m)
This part of the trail has been carved out from the ochre rocks into a balcony. We climb towards two passes at 4000m and arrive at Ang. Then on to Temisgang, ancient capital of the Syham Kingdom, and its monastery.

DAY 12) Temisgang - Lamayuru - Leh by bus.
En route, visit of the Lamayuru and Alchi monasteries

Day 13) Leh – Delhi by plane - Drive to Agra
Morning transfer to the Airport to catch the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, Drive straight to Agra. Arrive Agra and check into the hotel. We visit the incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal, built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort. Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort.

Day 14) Agra - Delhi
Morning free in Agra. In the afternoon drive to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the International airport to catch the flight to onward destination