Changthang & Hemis Adventure

Changthang & Hemis Adventure

Days:	14 Days / 13 Nights
Day 01:	New Delhi
	Your adventure begins on arrival at Delhi airport, where our representative will help you get to your hotel. After check-in at the hotel you can relax or you might want to explore the Indian capital city. Delhi, the capital city of India, is one of the largest cities of the world. The political capital of the country, it has a vibrant history dating back to the Mughals. It has exquisite architecture belonging to different periods right from Qutub Minar, Parliament building, India Gate, Lotus temple and many more. Experience culture in the old city of “Dilli” and shop in the dazzling shopping malls of Connaught Place. It is quite a contrast to the calm and beauty of the jungles but a different slice of the Indian experience!! We suggest you to get adequate rest as the next few days are going to be packed with activities and adventure! • Meals: Breakfast • Accommodation: Hotel Radisson • Optional Activities : City Tour of New Delhi

Day 02:	New Delhi to Leh
	Today we head for the airport to board a flight to Leh, where we will be based for the next three days. The beautiful town of Leh is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters. It was once the capital of the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. The town is dominated by the Leh Palace, whose architecture is similar to that of the Dalai Lama’s former Tibetan residence- Potala Palace. Also located in Leh is the Shanthi Stupa and the Leh Mosque. We spend the day getting acclimatized to the high altitude. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Hotel Singge palace

Day 03:	Leh
	After breakfast, we set out on a guided tour of Leh. We will be visiting Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery. The tour will give us a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist culture, which has existed in the region for centuries. In the evening, we shall watch an interesting documentary on Snow Leopard conservation, which has been produced by Snow Leopard Conservancy. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Hotel Singge palace

Day 04:	Leh
	After breakfast, we drive to Spituk across the Indus and hike down along the marshes for a birdwatching session. Spituk is famous as the site of the Spituk Monastery. It also hosts the annual Gustor Festival. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: : Hotel Singge palace

Day 05:	Leh to Tsokar
	We start out early in the morning, driving for about 5 hours to reach the Tsokar Wetlands, which lie southeast of Leh at an altitude of 4,600 m. We spend the night in a tented camp. The Tsokar Basin area is known for its population of Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass) and is also one of the few known breeding grounds of waterfowl such as the Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose and the Black Necked Crane. This region also has a healthy population of Tibetan Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep). We might see the Tibetan Wolf as well! The local inhabitants here are known as Changpas. They are a nomadic pastoral community who move from pasture to pasture with their Yaks and Pashmina Goats. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 06:	Tsokar to Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve
	We drive for about four hours today to Tsomoriri Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4,550 meters. This emerald blue lake is home to a variety of wetland birds and is also well known for its scenic beauty. Tsomoriri Lake, also known as Lake Moriri (officially named Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve) lies in the Changthang area and is a high altitude lake. It is the largest High Altitude Lake in the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region. The afternoon is spent exploring the lake and the village of Korzok. The ancient village of Korzok is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery belonging to the Drukpa Lineage. It is situated at an altitude of 4,595 metres and houses a Shakyamuni Buddha, and other statues as well. We spend the night at a campsite. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Tented Camp
Day 07:	Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve
	Today, we spend the day birdwatching in the Tsomoriri region. In the evening, we go on a short hike to the pasture above the village. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Tented Camp • Category of hike: Moderate to strenuous
Day 08:	Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve to Leh
	We drive for about seven hours to reach Leh via Mahe Bridge. We spend the evening exploring Leh Palace and the town’s lovely market. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Hotel Singge palace • Route: Tsomoriri to Leh • Travel time: Approx 7 hours
Day 09:	Leh to Hemis National Park
	Today we leave Leh and drive for about an hour to Zinchen, the entrance to Hemis National Park. We then trek for three hours to reach Rumbak Sumdo, which is located at an altitude of about 4,000 meters. En route, do look out for the elusive Snow Leopard and the Blue Sheep! Our camp for today is above the Rumbak village, at an altitude of approximately 4,100 meters. Hemis National Park (also known as Hemis High Altitude National Park) is the largest notified protected area in India. It is also the only park in the country that lies to the north of the Himalayas. Hemis is famous for its population of Snow Leopards, especially in the Rumbak region. The wildlife here also includes the Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), Tibetan Wolf and Eurasian Brown Bear. The park is a good place to study Himalayan and trans-Himalayan birds of prey. The noted birds of prey here are the Golden Eagle, Lammergeier Vulture and Himalayan Griffon Vulture. The Rumbak valley presents ample birdwatching opportunities, especially for several Tibetan species that are not common in other parts of India. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Tented Camp • Route: Leh to Hemis Park area • Travel time: Approx 1 hr drive + Approx 3 hours trek • Category of hike: Moderate to strenuous
Day 10:	Rumbak to Mankarmo
	After breakfast, we begin our seven hour trek from Rumbak to Mankarmo. Our route will take us across Stok La, which is located at an altitude of 4,800 meters. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Tented Camp • Route: Rumbak - Stok La - Mankarmo • Travel time: Approx 7 hours trek • Category of hike: Moderate to strenuous
Day 11:	Mankarmo to Matho
	Today after breakfast, we set out on a six hour trek from Mankarmo to Matho Phu. We will be crossing over the Matho Pass (4,800 m). • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Tented Camp • Route: Mankarmo to Matho Phu • Travel time: Approx 6 hours trek • Category of hike: Moderate to strenuous
Day 12:	Matho to Leh
	We trek for about five hours today, to reach Matho village. We then drive for about forty five minutes to reach Leh. • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation: Tented Camp • Route: Matho to Leh • Travel time: Approx 5 hours trek + 1 hour drive • Category of hike: Moderate to strenuous
Day 13:	Leh to New Delhi
	Today you will be driven to the airport for your flight to Delhi. You will be welcomed by our representative upon arrival at Delhi airport, who will help you get to your hotel.
Day 14:	New Delhi
	The tour ends today. You have the day to yourself until it is time to head for the airport for your flight back home.