Journey to Himalayas

Tour Overview

This tour will take you on an epic journey to the regions of Ladakh & Spiti in the Indian Himalayas. Situated next to Tibet, these regions at an altitude above 3500 meters are often referred to as the “Roof of the World.”. Highlight of this tour will be the hike across Parang La (5,580 m or 18,308 ft). This hike over seven days is along the ancient trade routes between India and Tibet. There are no settlements or villages along this trail. All of our gear will be carried on ponies, all that you will need to carry will be your day pack with water and snacks.

You will also visit Hanle and Tso Moriri in Ladakh, as well as Ki Monastery and Chandra Tal in Spiti. There will also be an option to visit Taj Mahal for the people wanting to extend their trip by two days.

Tour Highlights

• You will fly from Delhi to Leh – capital of the Ladakh region in the Himalayas
• Hike from Karzok (Tso Moriri) in Changthang region of Ladakh to Kibber in Spiti – 7 day hike, weather/conditions permitting
  Parang La (Pass) at an altitude of 5580 m (or 18,300 ft) is the highest point on this trip/hike.
• Hanle, 4300 m – home to the highest observatory in the world, a star gazer’s paradise.
• Tso Moriri, 4522 m – a pristine high altitude Lake, which is also a breeding ground for the black necked cranes.
• Ki Monastery, 4166 m – perched on a hilltop, a picturesque Buddhist monastery from the 11th century.
• Chandra Tal, 4250 m – Chandra Tal (also called Moon Lake)
• … and above all, to stay fit, there will be Yoga and breathwork every day with Janie Pelletier.

Features

• Small Group (max 15 Clients) – ensures a container of safety and personalized care for your journey.
• Yoga Everyday – Opportunity to do Yoga and breathwork and connect with your inner-self.
• For the hike, there will be ponies to carry your luggage. – all you will need to do is walk with a light backpack and enjoy the views. We will take care of the rest.
• Comfortable Camping – top of the line inflatable mattress with memory foam, among many other comforts that awaits you on this adventure.
• Meals by professional local chefs. – all the meals in the hotels as well as on the hike will be at least three course. Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary and personal needs.
• High Quality Amenities – top class accommodation, vehicles for traveling.
• Experienced local guides – fluent in English and Hindi.
• Exciting and Safe travel – taking the “hassle” out of being in India so you can relax and soak up the experience.
• The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure & Cultural Experience – connections with local people open doors to remarkable experiences and encounters

HIGH ALTITUDE & ACCLIMATIZATION

Please be advised that High Altitude is not a joke, and can have serious consequences. This tour will take you to locations at an extremely high altitude. Acclimatization is crucial for enjoying a safe and comfortable high-altitude experience. Your body needs time to adjust to reduced oxygen levels (atmospheric pressure). Please consult with a medical professional before your trip.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a common reaction to rapid altitude gain. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Prevention is key: ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and rest. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Severe AMS can progress to life-threatening conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

ROAD CONDITIONS in the HIMALAYAS

Please be advised that traveling by roads in the areas that we will be going to in the Himalayas is not for the faint of the heart. You can consider them to be combination of logging roads and extreme mountain roads in western Canada and USA. We go great lengths to make sure that the best drivers are hired for this fabulous journey. It is an adventure. The tentative itinerary cannot always be guaranteed as these roads can be temporarily closed due to weather or construction related issues.

Detailed Overview

This trip will take you to the regions of Ladakh and Spiti in the north of Indian Himalayas. Situated next to Tibet/China, this area was briefly a part of the kingdom of Guge in Western Tibet. These regions are inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. With density of population at 4.6/sqkm, it is one of the most sparsely populated regions of India and its culture and history are closely related to that of Tibet. Ladakh is aptly named “land of high passes” & Spiti means “the middle land” in the local language.

High Altitude Hike over Parang La (5580 m)
The biggest highlight of this trip is the seven day hike from Ladakh to Spiti over the Parang La (Pass). At an altitude of 5580 m, you will be just 62 meters lower than the tallest mountain in Europe (Mount Elbrus, 5642 m), and only 215 m shy of Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m) in Africa.

This hike will take you along the ancient trade routes between India and Tibet. Strategic location of Spiti between India and Tibet made it a vital link for commerce and cultural exchange. The rugged terrain and high passes, while challenging, were traversed by hardy traders who carried precious goods across the region. Tibetan yaks, known for their endurance, were essential for transporting goods over the treacherous mountain passes. The trade routes also facilitated the spread of Buddhism, with monks and pilgrims traveling between the two regions. Remnants of this rich history can still be seen in the ancient monasteries of the region.

Leh, 3500 m
Leh, with its captivating blend of ancient culture and breathtaking landscape, is is the capital of the Himalayan region of Ladakh. Situated in the west of Tibet at 3,500 meters, this “Little Tibet” has a rich Buddhist heritage. Flag-draped Leh Palace reigns on a hilltop. Friendly locals greet you with “Julley”. Leh offers adventure and cultural immersion amidst breathtaking beauty.

Hanle, 4300 m
Hanle is one of the highest inhabited places in India. Its stark, desert-like landscape, dotted with snowy mountains, is a photographer’s dream. The vast expanse of the sky, far removed from light pollution, provides an unparalleled opportunity to stargaze. This pristine environment led to the establishment of an observatory by Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), making Hanle a hub for astronomical research.

Tso Moriri, 4522 m
Located in the Changthang area of the Ladakh region, Tso Moriri is the largest lake in the Trans-Himalayas located within India. There are few settlements along the lake, with Kurzok being the prominent one. Tso Moriri is a brackish water lake with maximum length of about 19 kilometres and a maximum width of about 3 kilometres. Tso Moriri Wetlands is an excellent place to spot Kiangs (Tibetan wild ass) and several migratory birds including black necked Cranes.

Ki Monastery, 4166 m
Perched on a hilltop, this monastery with its picturesque settings, is the biggest monastery in the region of Spiti. With its origin dating back to the 11th century, the monastery is dedicated to Lochen Tulku, the 24th reincarnation of the great translator Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. Home to a community of monks dedicated to preserving Tibetan Buddhism, Ki offers visitors a glimpse into the rich spiritual heritage of the region.

Chandra Tal, 4250 m
This lake derives its name from its shape that resembles a crescent shaped moon. Chandra means “Moon” in Hindi. This lake is located on the Samudra Tapu, overlooking the Chandra River (a tributary of Chenab). Chandra Tal, or Moon Lake, is a pristine high-altitude lake nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. Its tranquil waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a mesmerizing mirror-like effect. The lake’s ethereal beauty offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

ROUTE MAP

Delhi – Leh – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Parang La – Kaza – Chandra Tal – Kullu – Delhi (21 Days)

Add On: Taj Mahal (2 Days)

PLEASE NOTE that this is a tentative itinerary. We do try to follow the original plan as close as possible. But the exact dates might differ depending on the road condition and other factors that can’t be controlled or predicted. The Pick-up and Drop-off date will not change. Please read TOS for details.

ROUTE MAP

DAY 1: NEW DELHI

Pick Up at International Airport New Delhi (anytime after 1 PM).
Check-in to a hotel.
Please make sure that you reach Delhi by the midnight of Day 1. (Aug 12/13, 2025)

Day 2-5: Acclimatizing to 3500 m.
LEH, SPITUK, THIKSEY

Day 2: Leh, 3520 m.
Delhi to Leh: Flight, 1h 30m.
Morning flight over the Himalayas from Delhi to Leh. Situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters, Leh is the capital of the Himalayan region of Ladakh. Situated in the west of Tibet at 3,500 meters, this “Little Tibet” has a rich Buddhist heritage. Flag-draped Leh Palace reigns on a hilltop. Friendly locals greet you with “Julley. Leh offers adventure and cultural immersion amidst breathtaking beauty. Settle in, rest and acclimatise. Stroll along the river Indus in the evenings.

Day 3-4: Leh, 3520 m.
Acclimatization, Yoga, and excursions around Leh Town. Visit local monasteries of Thiksey and Spituk. Hike up to Shanti Stupa and Leh Fort.

Day 5: Leh, 3520 m.
Go for a 5-6 hour full day hike in the Ladakh range that that will involve an altitude ascent of 750 meters.

Day 6-8: Acclimatizing to 4500 m.
HANLE, TSO MORIRI

Day 6: Hanle, 4300 m.
Leh to Hanle: 250 km, 5-7 hr.
Nestled in Ladakh at a staggering 4,300 meters, Hanle is a remote village known for its stark beauty and scientific significance. Home to India’s highest astronomical observatory, the High Altitude Gamma Ray Telescope (HAGRT), Hanle peers deep into the cosmos, studying celestial wonders. Government of Ladakh is developing this place as a “Dark Sanctuary” for the star gazers, by trying to keep the light pollution in the area to minimal

Day 7: Tso Moriri, 4522 m.
Hanle to Tso Moriri: 150 km, 4 hr.
Tso Moriri, Ladakh’s crown jewel, is a high-altitude lake cradled by snow-capped peaks. This “Mountain Lake” is India’s largest high-altitude lake, known for its crystal-clear blue waters, diverse birdlife, and serene atmosphere. Tso Moriri (lake) is located in Changthang plateau at surface elevation of 4522 m, and has the maximum length and width of 19 and 3 km respectively.

Day 8: Tso Moriri, 4522 m.
Gentle Exercises/Yoga and breath work to acclimatize your body to an altitude of 4500 m. You will also go for some gentle walk along the Tso Moriri Lake, and visit a couple of view points.

Day 9-16: HIKE
Seven Day Hike from KARZOK (TSO MORIRI) to DUMLA (SPITI)

Day 9: Karzok, Tso Moriri (4522 m) to Kiangdom (4550m), 6 h
We venture on this epic hike to Spiti, walking along the west bank of lake Tso Moriri. After a long day of hike (6-7 hours), we will finally reach the meadows of Kiangdom at the south end of the lake. Along the way you will see the brilliant colours of this majestic lake in all their glory, and numerous Marmots peeking from their burrows, Kiangs galloping on marshes, and maybe some Wolves also. Kiangdom derives its name from Kiang(Tibetan Wild Ass), which can be spotted in plenty here (on most of the days).

Day 10: Kiangdom to Norbu Sumdo (4500 m), 5 h
The day will start with a fairly flat trail along the meadows, that will continue along the banks of Parang Chu river. On the way we will come across the fresh water springs of Chumik Charte, which is a good place to take a break and
refill your water bottles. Finally, we will reach our campsite at Norbu Sumdo, which is a junction of 3 trails – one from Spiti, second from Chumur, and the third from Ladakh. This will be our goodbye to the Changthang region of Ladakh. Norbu Sumdo is a good place to spot the Marmots peeking up at you from their holes.

Day 11: Norbu Sumdo to Kiponasa / Dokpo Phirse (4600 m), 7 h
We will begin our day with crossing the river early in the morning when the water level is low. At the crossing point the river breaks up into several small streams, making it easy for us to cross. After crossing the river we will continue to walk along its left bank till we reach the campsite.

Day 12: Kiponasa / Dokpo Phirse to Datang Yongma (4650 m), 6 h
Another day of trek where you walk in the wide valley of Parang chu. Walking on dry river beds and crossing several glacial streams in this region is one thing you’ll remember avidly from this trek. The trek continues till you reach a lush green meadow, the campsite of Datang Yongma.

Day 13:Datang Yongma to Dak Karzong (4800 m), 5 h
We will continue our hike along the upstream of Parang chu river till the valley splits in two. From here we take a right turn towards the Parang La glacier, visible from distance. We camp close to the snout of the glacier at Dak Karzong, the basecamp for the climb tomorrow.

Day 14: Dak Karzong to Thalthak (4600 m) via Parang La (5580 m), 8 h
This is the day you were dreaming about since you heard about Parang La. After an early breakfast, we will start our ascent towards Parang La by 5 AM. Our first part of the hike will be along the lateral moraine, and will continue the trail along the glacier till reaching Parang La. At 5680 m (18,800 ft), this is the highest elevation that you will reach on this hike. At the pass we will tie Buddhist prayer flags and perform short Buddhist ceremony to carry our chants/prayers to the Gods. We will descend all the way down to the stream and then climb up till the campsite of Thalthak. This is a good place to spot blue sheep

Day 15: Thalthak to Dumla (4300 m), 3 h + 1 h by road to Langza (4400)
This will be the last and easiest day of our hike. We will descend down to the campsite of Dumla and continue to roadhead to end the trek. Here, the vehicles will come to pick us up and take us for our homestay at the beautiful scenic village of Langza. Today, you will sleep on the bed. Welcome back to civilization at an altitude of 4400 m.

Day 16-17: SPITI
LANGZA, KI, KAZA

Day 16: Kaza, 3800 m.
Langza to Kaza: 15 km, 1 h.
Along the way, you can also visit Tangyud Monastery at Komic (alt 4520 m), and World’s highest Post office at Hikim (4440 m). You can post letters and post cards over here.

Day 17: Kaza – Excursion to Ki Gompa (4166 m.)
Situated on the hilltop, Ki Gompa (Monastery), is set in very picturesque settings. For the adventurous ones, there will be an option of a 2-3 hour hike.

Day 18-19 Kaza to Kullu
CHANDRA TAL

Day 18: Kaza – Chandra Tal Campsite (4500 m.)
Chandra Tal Lake

Day 19: Chandra Tal to Kullu (1500 m.)
151 km, 5 hours

Day 20-21: DELHI

Day 20: Kullu to Delhi
475 km, 10 h.
*Dinner for this day is not included in the cost of tour package

Day 21: Delhi
The tour package covers your stay till the morning of Day 21

Au Revoir!!

DATES

Main Tour: Aug 12 to Sep 01, 2025 (21 Days)
Add On: Taj Mahal (Price not included)

Price of your tour package covers your stay from the evening of Day 1 to morning of Day 21
Pick Up and Drop Off: New Delhi International Airport (DEL)
Please make sure that you reach Delhi by midnight of Day 1 (Aug 12/13, 2025)

COST

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: Each person has an individual room

To register/book (confirm your spot) for this tour, you are requested to make a deposit of booking amount for tour package.

PLEASE NOTE: This will be a non-refundable deposit.

Price inclusive of:

• Accommodation while in India
• Cost of all meals, except where otherwise specified.
• All Transportation costs within India
• Permits and other fees incurred while traveling in India
• Entrance to Museums and Monuments
• Cost of special events like Cooking Evening or a Culture Show

Price does not include:

• International flight to India
• Visa Fees
• Room Charges at hotels for snacks, drinks, laundry etc.
• Any medical Insurance, trip cancelation or coverage
• Tips and Gratuities to the local staff in India
• Religious Offerings and Donations

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To book this tour, please deposit the booking amount (non-refundable) or the full amount, into the bank account of “Journey to Himalayas”. You will be required to deposit the full amount 90 days before the tour starts. Please read TOS for details.