Northern Indian Adventure

1. 1

   Day 1

   Depart UK

   Meal included: breakfast

   Today we depart the UK for our Indian adventure.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Arrive India Fly to Leh, Rest at leisure

   On arrival in Delhi, we catch our connecting flight to Leh enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. We will be met by our STC Leader and transferred directly to our hotel. We will take it easy for the day and allow acclimatisation to the altitude of the mountains. This is a vitally important part of the trip to ensure we have the best chance of completing the trek.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Day in Leh

   Today we take a walking tour of Leh to explore the town’s markets, local streets, and daily life. The day ends at a scenic viewpoint.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Visit Thiksey monastery, Shey.

   This morning we have an early start, leaving the hotel at 5.30am to attend the Thiksey morning prayers at 6am. All the monks gather in the main hall every morning. We join them in meditation as they chant their prayers. From here we return to Leh stopping at cultural sites en route. Afternoon at leisure to visit the market square.

5. 5

   Day 5

   White Water Rafting

   All meals included

   We fuel up on a hearty breakfast before heading to one of the many rivers in the region. After a safety briefing and practice session we'll head downstream under the watchful gaze of our raft guides and safety kayaks. After a day of adrenaline, we head back to Leh for dinner and an early night.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Visits to NGOs in the local area.

   All meals included

   We have an interesting day ahead as we gain an insight into everyday life in Ladakh. We will learn about how people adapt to and work within this challenging environment, exploring themes such as agriculture, traditional skills and social enterprise. There will be opportunities to meet local students and community members, take part in shared activities, and engage in discussions around culture, sustainability and development, offering a meaningful cultural exchange.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Hemis, Chogdo and acclimatisation walk

   All meals included

   Today we put on our walking boots and travel deeper into the mountainous region, with visits en route to places of cultural interest. In the afternoon, we undertake a gentle acclimatisation walk in the surrounding landscape before settling in for the night.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Chogdo (4021m) to Gyuncho La (4600m) and on to Shang Po (4350m)

   All meals included

   We have our first challenging day of trekking today. From Chogdo we turn towards a tributary valley with a long and gradual ascent to Gyuncho La at 4600 metres. Descending from the pass, we make camp at Shang Po at an altitude of 4350 metres. (Est 6 hours walking.)

9. 9

   Day 9

   Shang La (4800m) to Tokpo River (4000m)

   All meals included

   Today’s route traverses an area which involves the crossing of many spurs and minor passes. We are treated to occasional views northwards towards the Indus Valley and the peaks beyond. We climb to cross the Shang La (4800m) and then descend to the Tokpo River for lunch and where we will be setting up camp for the evening. 4000m. (Est 4 hours walking).

10. 10

    Day 10

    To Gangpoche (4350m)

    All meals included

    Today we trek to our campsite at Gangpoche. Surrounded by shepherds' huts, we get to enjoy views of the beautiful Matho mountains. (Est 4 hours walking)

11. 11

    Day 11

    Gangpoche (4350m) to Matho La (4820m) to Smankarmo

    All meals included

    We have a steady climb this morning for about 2 ½ hrs. to the Matho La (4820m). We then descend into the valley to the north of Stok Village. This lovely valley is a high and wild area which is visited only by climbing groups and by the local people who spend some of the summer months in picturesque villages. We camp for the night at Smankarmo. (Est 5 hours walking).

12. 12

    Day 12

    Smankarmo to Stokla Pass (4850m)

    All meals included

    On the penultimate day of our trek, we climb gradually to Stokla pass (4850m) where we have views of Matho Kangri. From here it is a quick descent onto the switchback trail to Rumbak, which will be the final campsite of our trek.

13. 13

    Day 13

    Rumbak to Zingchen

    All meals included

    Today we complete the final part of our trek as we hike to the roadhead at Zingchen. From here we jump in vehicles and drive back to Leh to celebrate our achievement over the last few days of trekking.

14. 14

    Day 14

    Delhi to Agra, Visit Agra Fort

    All meals included

    This morning we say goodbye to Ladakh and the mountains and head to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, the journey continues to Agra, home of one of the most famous buildings in the world. This afternoon we will visit the impressive Agra Fort. A large 16th-century fortress of red sandstone located on the Yamuna River. It was established by the Mughal emperor Akbar as both a military base and a royal residence.

15. 15

    Day 15

    Taj Mahal and return to Delhi

    All meals included

    This morning we are up early to visit the amazing Taj Mahal. This was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen, Mumtaz Mahal, to enshrine her mortal remains. Truly a trip highlight! We will soak up this wonder of the world before heading back to Delhi. We celebrate our adventures this evening with a final dinner in India.

16. 16

    Day 16

    Transfer to the airport for flight to UK

    Meal included: breakfast

    On our final day in India, we transfer back to the airport in time for our return flight to the UK.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.