ZANSKAR EXPEDITION

AREA: Zanskar, Ladakh
DURATION : 15 days
GRADE : Demanding
SEASON : Mid-July - Mid September.

A trip that takes you through some of the least trodden and remotest parts of Ladakh. It's a challenging, amazing, soul searing experience in the worlds' highest mountains.

North of the Great Himalayan Range among the jagged Zanskar Mountains lies the once independent Kingdom of Zanskar. In magnificent isolation and guarded by some of the highest mountain passes of the world, flourishes an archaic form of Tibetan Buddhism, kept alive in remote fortress-monasteries. Along the paths to monasteries and Cliffside villages, there are exquisitely carved Mani walls and white washed chortens, evidence of this region's total immersion in Tibetan Buddhist culture.

A spectacular flight over the western Indian Himalayas ( on a clear day ) is the start of your trip. Arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, India's largest and highest district. Leh town is at 11,000 feet above sea level, we spend a few days acclimatizing and visiting the ancient monasteries, palaces and villages around Leh. We then drive west and south, past the town of Kargil, into the valley of Zanskar. Starting the trip on the Doda River, we begin our self-contained multi-day river adventure down the majestic Zanskar river gorge that cuts right through the Zanskar Range of mountains. Sheer size, colours and isolated desolation - a close, but infinitely less accessible rival to the Grand Canyon. The run culminates on the mighty Indus River at the little village of Nimu and a drive back to Leh.

From the perspective of the Buddhist farmers and herders who call this land their home, you would be part of a centuries-old tradition of travelers who have crossed their high passes and been quietly welcomed into the rhythm of their lives.

A classic trip to the last truly lost horizons of our shrinking planet.

>> click here for the Itinerary

Note: Costs depend on season and final itinerary