Kashmir Ladakh Trek
Duration : 14 Night /15 Days
Kashmir is Paradise on Earth, and explore the colourful Buddhist history of Ladakh. In Srinagar you stay on a houseboat on the serene and peaceful Nagin Lake - one of life’s most unforgettable experiences. Water-powered peddlers sell everything from saffron to paper-mache deer to the houseboat door. Ride a Shikara - a Kashmiri gondola - to the watery vegetable markets and see the mountains mirrored in the lakes.
Discover the Kashmir Himalaya and get close to nature in one of the most beautiful regions on earth. An easy-graded, seven-day trek takes us far from civilisation and off into a landscape of glaciers, towering peaks and enchanting mountain lakes.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a dream come true for many travellers. Its ancient Buddhist history, displayed with gompas and monasteries set off in a fluttering of prayer flags at every turn, is set off in a most dramatic way against a backdrop of the world's tallest peaks. Villages untouched by the trappings of modern life dot the surrounding valley.
Day 01 DELHI
You are met on arrival in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.
Day 02 Delhi - Srinagar
In the morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Srinagar, Kashmir, which takes just over an hour. On arrival you are met and taken to your houseboat on the beautiful Nagin Lake.
Day 03 Srinagar
Sightseeing in and around Srinagar takes in the beautiful Hazratbal mosque, where the famous relic of the repository of a single hair of the prophet Mohammed is found, and exhibited on certain days of the year. We explore the old city and visit the beautiful Mughal gardens, a legacy of the Mughals' great love for Kashmir.
Day 04 Srinagar - Pahalgam - Aru
We drive out of Srinagar to commence our trek. Situated 2130m up at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, deliciously cool even in the height of summer, and a wonderful day is spent exploring the natural pine forests and enjoying nature's splendour. We trek steadily along the river to the pretty log-hut village of Aru, 11 kms from Pahalgam. At Aru, the camp is already set up for you beside the Lidder River. We eat a delicious dinner round the fire and rest.
Day 05 Aru - Lidder watt
We trek 11 kms through the lush Lidder Valley to Lidder Watt, where our reward is overnight at the beautiful Lidder Watt campsite, situated by a stream that runs straight from the glacier into the Tarsar Lake.
Day 06 Lidder watt - Kolahoi
A short trek takes us to the base of the Kolahoi Glacier at the head of the Lidder Valley, where our surroundings become noticeably more alpine and dry. The glacier, climbing from 3400m up to 4000m, descends from twin peaks at 5433m that tower majestically overhead, and is a truly magnificent sight. We head back to Lidder Watt for campfire meal and rest.
Day 07 Lidder watt Tarsar Lake
A memorable say as we follow the pure, glacial trail to the shores of Tarsar Lake, a stunning, clear pool hidden deep in between the awesome surrounding peaks. We camp overnight at the lake.
Day 08 Tarsar lake - Sindh valley
Today is another momentous day, as we set off over the Simmus Pass at 2500m, offering superb views of the mountain landscape on all sides of us. We then descend steadily on an easy path into the Sindh Valley, watching as the scenery becomes increasingly green and lush once more. We settle into our camp set up in the near side of the Sindh Valley.
Day 09 Sindh Valley - Sumbal
A pleasant day's walking as we descend further into the beautiful Sindh Valley, enjoying the shady forests groves and gushing brooks that feed this lush landscape of flowers and trees. We arrive at Sumbal, a small village in this stunning land, with the mountain peaks still visible on the horizon. Here we rest and enjoy our last night of the trek.
Day 10 Sumbal - Srinagar
We transfer by road to Srinagar, and settle into your houseboat accommodation on arrival to rest and reflect on our expedition.
Day 11 Srinagar to Leh
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Leh, where you are met and transfer to your hotel.
Day 12 Leh
The day is spent sightseeing in and around Leh, the capital of Ladakh, which is nestled in a valley just north of the Indus. We visit some of the Buddhist gompas here, including the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, which contains a fabulous three-storey-high image of the Buddha, as well as many ancient manuscripts and frescoes. Above lies the ruined fort, from which spectacular views of Leh, blooming amidst a fluttering of brightly coloured prayer flags, can be enjoyed. We visit the former abode of the sixteenth century ruler of Ladakh, Leh Palace, and journey out to Thiksey and Hemis to explore the ancient monasteries.
Day 13 Leh
The day is spent at leisure to explore this ancient Buddhist centre at your own pace. Several nearby villages with fascinating Buddhist history lie within easy walking distance, whilst within Leh a vibrant culture of colourful bazaar shops and stalls thrives
