Explore the hidden mysteries of Ladakh with LungtaTravel
Scheduled itineraries:

Proposed itineraries:


TRANS-ZANSKAR EXPEDITION (15 July – 6 August)

This trek is designed for people passionate about the natural world, including the abundant diversity of Ladakh’s high-altitude plants, as well as its unique wildlife and culture. A key focus of the trek is medicinal plants, and their use in traditional medicine, and Kanji, Rangdum, and many other areas of the trail are gifted with medicinal plants in full bloom this time of year. The trail also goes through high-altitude summer grazing pastures and to remote villages, each with a distinct lifestyle, culture, and dialect, with the opportunity to meet traditional health practitioners (amchis) in Kanji, Rangdum, Hamiling and Lingshed.

D-1:          15 July 07        LEH -KANJI: Leave Leh by taxi at 6 a.m.
D-2:          16 July 07        KANJI – NORTH BASE LA: 8hour
D-3:          17 July 07        NORTH BASE LA – SOUTH BASE LA: 8hour, 5,150 meter
D-4:          18 July 07        SOUTH BASE LA – RANGDUM: 7hour
D-5:          19 July 07        AROUND RANGDUM
D-6:          20 July 07        RANGDUM – PENTSE LARTSA: 6hour
D-7:          21 July 07        PENTSE LARTSA – BOKS: 7hour
D-8:          22 July 07        BOKS – SRINMOI NUMA: 5hour
D-9:          23 July 07        SRINMOI NUMA – HAMILING: 6hour
D-10:        24 July 07        HAMILING – RANTHAGSHA: 5hour
D-11:        25 July 07        RANTHAGSHA – SANI: 5hour
D-12:        26 July 07        SANI – PADUM: 4hour
D-13:        27 July 07        PADUM KARSHA: 3hour
D-14:        28 July 07        KARSHA – PISHU: 5hour
D-15:        29 July 07        PISHU – HANAMUR: 4hour
D-16:        30 July 07        HANAMUR – NERTSE: 5hour
D-17:        31 July 07        NERTSE – LANANG: 5hour
D-18:        01 Aug 07       LANANG – LINGSHED: 3hour
D-19:        02 Aug 07       LINGSHED – STYANGS: 6hour
D-20:        03 Aug 07       STYANGS – PHOTOKSAR: 7hour
D-21:        04 Aug 07       PHOTOKSAR – HANUPATA: 6hour
D-22:        05 Aug 07       HANUPATA – WANLA: 6hour
D-23:        06 Aug 07       WANLA – HOTEL IN LEH
Cost
Above 4 members: 50 Euro/ Day/Person
Below 4 Members: 60 Euro/ Day/Person

CHANGTANG WILD EXPLORATORY (1 July – 22 July)

Following ancient caravan trails, this treks offers the best of Ladakh, with open grasslands, jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, picturesque villages, Buddhist monasteries, high passes, and Tibetan nomads grazing livestock across high plateaus. Few tour operators are aware of this thrilling trail, and clients rate this trek as a superior experience.
The trek is challenging and demanding, with long days and high passes. LungtaTravel’s guides and accompanying horsemen have the logistic expertise to handle unexpected hardships that occur due to fluctuations in the weather.

Day 1:  Leave Leh at 7 a.m, drive to Shang Sumdo; begin trekking by 9 a.m. Camp at Larsta.
Day 2:  Lartsa-Nimaling, via Kongmaru-la , 5,130 meter.
Day 3:   Nimaling – Thachungtse, visit Hankar village.
Day 4:   Thachungtse – Tamachan.
Day 5:   Tamachan – Yakrupal.
Day 6:   Yakrupal – Tsogra.
Day 7:   Rest day at Tsogra.
Day 8:   Tsogra –Dat –Dango, via Yar-la, 4,950 meter.
Day 9:   Dango – Lungmoche.
Day 10: Lungmoche – Spangmur.
Day 11: Spangmor – Numah, via Spangmor-la, 4,905 meter.
Day 12: Numah – Tagstago.
Day 13: Tagstago – Lanyar, via Thelakung-la, 4,980 meter.
Day 14: Lanyar – Lato, via Manechan-la, 4,765 meter.
Day 15: Lato – Kyangdam.
Day 16: Kyangdam – Korzok.
Day 17: Rest day at Korzok, in the exotic heartland of the Ladakhi nomads. Camp on the shores of Lake Tsomori. Explore the area, visit nomad encampments, and watch for the rare black-neck cranes. Celebrate the end of the trek with a sumptous feast, with provisions brought by taxi from Leh.
Day 18:  Drive to Leh, stay in a cozy guesthouse; explore the town or shop.
Day 19: Flight to Delhi.
Cost
Above 4 members: 50 Euro/ Day/Person
Below 4 Members: 60 Euro/ Day/Person

 

THE ULTIMATE ECO -TREK (15 July – 15 August),
with an emphasis on medicinal plants, wildflowers, and Tibetan Medicine (Sowa Rigpa)

DAY 1: FLY TO LEH. This is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, flying over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Ladakh and Kashmir with spectacular views of the distant Karakorams, to land at the small military airport in Leh. You will be met by LungtaTravel staff at the airport and driven to a Ladakhi-style Guesthouse. We recommend that the remainder of the day be spent resting to insure acclimatization.
DAY 2: AT LEISURE IN LEH. Enjoy a tour of the town and the bazaars as you adjust to the altitude. Visit the Royal Palace, reminiscent of the Potala in Lhasa, and the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The large chortens, prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs and slow pace of life are a dramatic change from the frenetic rush of Delhi. 
DAY 3: SIGHTSEEING IN THE INDUS VALLEY.Visit some of the largest monasteries and palaces in the Indus Valley, including:  SHEY PALACE, 15 km from Leh, was built by the first King of Ladakh,  550 years ago, and houses Ladakh’s largest statue of the Buddha.The statue, of gold and gilded copper, stands 12 meter high and has blue hair.  THIKSE GONPA, 17 km from Leh, perched on a hill high above the Indus, has the largest population of Gelupa monks in Ladakh. The 500 year old monastery has a new chapel with a 15-meter-high seated Buddha. HEMIS GONPA , 45 km from Leh, is famous for its annual masked dances, held from the 9th to 11th day of the fifth Tibetan month. The 350 year old monastery has one of the largest thangkas in the world, displayed to the public every 12 years at the Hemis Festival. 
DAY 4:  DRIVE TO SAPI. Begin driving at 6:30 a.m. west of Leh for three hour, breakfast at Khaltsi. Drive four hour to Mulbek, through a sparse and dramatic landscape, to lunch at Mulbek, site of a tall Maitreya Buddha carved in rock. After an exciting three hour drive reach Sapi, a region gifted with diverse medicinal and aromatic high altitude plants. Camp in tents at Chhangyul, with astonishing views of sharp mountains, crystal clear glaciers, and glacier melt streams.
DAY 5:  TREK TO SUMDHO THANG. The botanical trek begins today, crossing Shagaran bridge, and walk to Spanglung and Rdzamlung viewing countless flowers and medicinal herbs, following a stream with traditional water-run grinding mills. Camp at Sumdhothang, in a sanctuary surrounded by medicinal and aromatic plants. Today’s trek may extend to six hour or more as we stop to photograph wildflowers.

DAY 6: SUM DHOTHANG TO SAPI LAKE. There is no defined trail yet to the lake. Different rare and unusual flowers and medicinal herbs, their characteristics changing with the altitude, cover the landscape. Close to the north edge of Rtabresthang and the glacier lies Sapi Lake, 50 meter down a steep and slippery trail. The lake appears as a ’paradise on earth’, surrounded by a carpet of wildflowers and medicinal plants. Villagers say the lake changes color; sometimes it is milky white, other times it is turquoise blue. Camp at a lower altitude.
DAY 7:  SAPI LAKE TO CHANGYUL. Cross through the Dentsang and Kapachan valleys and follow a small stream on a beautiful zigzag trail, bordered by abundant botanical diversity, for two hour before reaching Pharka village opposite Chhangyul.
DAY 8:  DRIVE TO LEH. Drive to Leh starting at 6:30 a.m, breakfasting at Mulbek (or picnic enroute). Lunch at Khaltsi and return to the hotel in Leh for a comfortable rest.
DAY 9:  FLY TO DELHI
Cost
Quotation on Demand

 

CHADAR ICE TREK - an exclusive winter trek

This expedition is possible only in the coldest part of the Ladakhi winter and involves walking on the frozen Zanskar river, accompanied by Zanskari guides and porters experienced in this adventurous route. The trek enters some of the most isolated yet inhabited regions of the Zanskar Mountains, commencing from the village of Chiling located not far from the confluence of Indus and the Zanskar rivers, and follows the river gorge through a spectacular landscape, a photographer’s paradise offering an occasional sighting of wildlife. We average five to seven hour daily walking at an easy pace on the frozen river; however a reasonable degree of physical fitness is needed to sustain a nine day trek in winter conditions.

It is possible that this unusual itinerary will not available in ten years, as the Indian government is planning to build a road from Manali to the remote regions of Zanskar.

Day 1: Arrival Delhi.
Day 2: Early morning flight to Leh, transfer to hotel and rest.
Day 3: Morning sightseeing, including Shanti Stupa and Sangkar Gonpa; lunch at hotel; afternoon visit to traditional medicine centers in Leh to witness the tradition of Sowa Rigpa and the preparation of Tibetan medicinal formulas.
Day 4: Sightseeing around Sham, west of Leh, visiting Likir and Alchi monasteries. Alchi is known worldwide for its paintings.
Day 5: Leh to Chiling (by private bus or jeep) accompanied by our Zanskari porters , 5 hour driving; visit artisans of Chilling famous for their copper containers.
Day 6: The Chadar, the walk on the frozen Zanskar River, commences from Chiling with a 5 hour walk to Zaribago, and a 4 hour walk to camp at Dipyokma.
Day 7: Dipyokma to Nyaraks Pulu, a  4 to 5 hour walk; walk 10 minutes to camp below Nyaraks village.
Day 8: Nyaraks Pulu to Lingshed,  a one hour walk on the Chadar, and 5 hour steep walk uphill to Lingshed village; stay in a private, well-heated house.
Day 9: Rest day in Lingshed, one of the most remote villages in Ladakh; visit the monastery, school for monks, and traditional medicine center.
Day 10: Lingshed to Nyaraks Pulu, a 5 hour walk.
Day 11: Nyaraks Pulu to Tsomopaldar, a 4 hour walk.
Day 12: Tsomopaldar to Tilatdo, a 5 hour walk..
Day 13: Tilatdo to Chiling, returning by jeep to Leh, 5 hour driving.
Day 14: Rest day in Leh.
Day 15: Return flight to Delhi.
Cost
Above 4 members: 50 Euro/ Day/Person
Below 4 Members: 60 Euro/ Day/Person


THE ZANSKAR EXPLORATIVE

The Zanskar River cuts across flatlands and through deep canyons in some of the most spectacular and remote regions of western Ladakh. 10th century monasteries cling to the sides of sheer cliffs; remote villages and a surreal landscape add to the enjoyment of the trip.

Day 01: FLIGHT DELHI TO LEH. This is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, flying over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Ladakh and Kashmir with spectacular views of the distant Karakorams, to land at the small military airport in Leh. You will be met by LungtaTravel staff at the airport and driven to a Ladakhi-style Guesthouse. We recommend that the remainder of the day be spent resting to insure acclimatization.
Day 02: SIGHTSEEING IN LEH: Take the first few days easy; tour Leh city, including the 17th century Palace and the many Buddhist monasteries.
Day 03: SIGHTSEEING IN THE INDUS RIVER VALLY. Tour of Thikse, Shey and Hemis Gonpa, the spiritual heart of Ladakh. Drive to Thikse at 6:30 to observe morning prayers; drive to Hemis Gonpa for a picnic lunch; return to Leh via Shey Palace.
 Day 04: SIGHTSEEING IN LEH. Visit Shanti Stupa, Tisuru and Samkar Gonpa; free time after lunch to explore the city and its fascinating bazaar.
Day 05: DRIVE TO LAMAYURU. Visit Basgo and Alchi on the way to Lamayuru, the starting point of the trek. Camp in tents at Lamayuru.
Day 06: LAMAYURU TO WANLA. A 5 hour walk through a silent, narrow gorge; cross Prinkiti-la (3725 meter). Camp in tents.
Day 07: WANLA TO HANUPATA. A 7 hour walk on steep rock trails along the river, crossing the river three times in this narrow gorge. It is a difficult route for people and pack animals, but the beauty of the gorge’s rock patterns will give you much pleasure. Camp in tents.
Day 08: HANUPATA TO PHOTOKSAR. A 6 hour trek beginning with the steep climb before crossing Sirsir-la, with its breath-taking views of snow-clad peaks and glaciers. Cross the Hanupata and Photoksar streams on wooden bridges; camp in tents.
Day 9: PHOTOKSAR TO SINGELA. An 8 hour walk, passing herds of yaks, with the occasional sight of a wild marmot. Cross snow-melt streams on rock stepping-stones, and camp at Ga-zho.
Day 10: SINGELA TO LINGSHED (via Skumpata). A 7 to 8 hour walk, the landscape becoming open and panoramic close to the Zanskar river, with views of Nyaraks and Yulchung villages. There’s the potential for seeing wild animals today. Camp at Lingshed.
Day 11: REST DAY AT LINGSHED. Visit the Lingshed monastery, foreign-assisted community schools, and traditional (Sowa Rigpa) health center, meet local amchi; camp in tents.
Day 12: LINGSHED TO NYERTSE. A 7 to 8 hour walk, crossing Haluma-la with a view Lingshed village, and continuing through a narrow gorge following a crystal clear stream until camp at Nyertse.
Day 13: NYERTSE TO HANAMUR. A 5 - 6 hour walk, descending to the Oma-Chu River near Zhing-Chen, the last village in Leh District bordering Zanskar. If you are attentive you could see Ibex today. Camp at Hanamur.
Day 14: HANAMUR TO PISHU (via Pitmo). A 4 to5 hour walk, with a views of the historic Zankari village of Zangla.
Day 15: PISHU TO KARSHA. A 5 to 6 hour walk, passing through Rinam to Karsha, the center of the Zanskar region; visit Karsha Gonpa, and overnight in tents.
Day 16: KARSHA TO PADUM. Trek for 3 to 4 hour to Padum. After lunch drive to Rangdum. Overnight in Rangdum, making the journey to Leh shorter and less tiring.
Day 17: DRIVE TO LEH.  Early morning visit to Rangdum Monastery; drive to Leh, arriving late in the evening.
Day 18: LEH. Free day, and farewell party in the evening with LungtaTravel staff.
Day  19:FLIGHT TO DELHI.
Cost
Above 4 members: 50 Euro/ Day/Person
Below 4 Members: 60 Euro/ Day/Person


SHAM CULTURAL TREK
Likir –Balukhar in  7 Days
The route from Likir to Balukhar seldom goes above 4,000 meter, and passes through several isolated villages. The trek offers the opportunity for observation and interaction with traditional Ladakhi culture, and the possibility to stay with local families and observe everyday life.

Day 1: LEH TO LIKIR. Drive to Likir in the late morning for little more than two hour including a few photo stops, visit the monastery including a walk around the village to observe traditional farming and other daily activities of a typical Ladakhi village life, camp overnight.
Day 2: LIKIR TO YANGTHANG.  A 4 to 5 hour walk, crossing Chagatse La at 3,550 meter; tour Yangthang village having unique farming activities and interesting socio –economic history, and overnight in camps.
Day 3: YANGTHANG TO HEMIS. A 4 to 5 hour walk to Hemis, with its interesting monastery and cultural sites; Hemis is one of the model villages where you could experience a complete set of traditional and cultural values in an intact form, without much negative influence of modern changes.
Day 4: REST DAY AT HEMIS. A 3 hour round-trip to a meditation cave called Dakmar: an extremely elevated cave used by a sage. And free time to explore the Hemis village environment.
Day 5: HEMIS TO ANG. A 3 hour hike to Ang village in the Tingmosgang region across Meptak La, knowing as ’burning hot pass’, if crossed on a sunny day.
 Day 6: ANG TO TIA. A 3 to 4 hour scenic and interesting walk to Tia village.
Day 7: TIA TO BALUKHAR AND CHULICHAN.  A 5 hour walk to the road at Balukhar, between Nurla and Khalsi villages, and a one hour drive to camp at Chulichan Nunnery. This nunnery hosts about 30 nuns of both young and aged nuns.
Day 8: CHULICHAN TO ALCHI. Visit Chulichan Nunnery and Rizong Monastery in the early morning; drive an hour to a guesthouse in Alchi.
Day  9: ALCHI TO MANGYUE TO LEH. Visit Alchi Monastery in the early morning and drive to Mangyue, visit Mangyue Gonpa; return to Leh, stopping at Basgo Castle. Wallpaintings at Alchi are famous in the world and Mangyue has similar artifacts to Alchi. Stone paintings at Basgo is again one of the wonders like at Alchi.
Cost
Above 4 members: 50 Euro/ Day/Person
Below 4 Members: 60 Euro/ Day/Person

 

A PILGRIMAGE IN LADAKH

Day 1: FLIGHT DELHI TO LEH. This is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, flying over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Ladakh and Kashmir with spectacular views of the distant Karakorams, to land at the small military airport in Leh. You will be met by LungtaTravel staff at the airport and driven to a Ladakhi-style Guesthouse. We recommend that the remainder of the day be spent resting to insure acclimatization.
Day 2: SIGHTSEEING IN LEH. Drive to Shanti Stupa and Sankar Gonpa via Tisuru Chorten, a monument of historical importance. After lunch explore Leh’s ancient bazaar.
Day 3: SIGHTSEEING IN LEH. Drive to Namgyal Tsemo, and walk to Leh Palace passing through the older part of  Leh; visit Gonpa Soma in the afternoon, located in the heart of the town.
Day 4:  THIKSE MONASTERY AND SHEY PALACE.  Drive to Thikse Monastery in the early morning to attend a religious ceremony in the main assembly hall, tour the monastery; vist Shey Palace and the chapel.
Day 5:  LEH AND CHOGLAMSAR. Attend a talk on Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Ladakhi system of healing, also known as Amchi medicine, originating in Tibetan Buddhism. After lunch tour the Tibetan community of Choglamsar, visiting the summer palace of H.H. the Dalai Lama, and Zhiwai Tsal, the grand teaching ground for Buddhists.
Day 6:  VISIT CHEMREY GONPA AND TAKTOK MONASTERY.  A 3 hour drive including both ways; Chemrey Gonpa is situated on a rocky slope having magnificient view of Sakti and Cherey villages and Taktok is the only monastery in Ladakh of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in a nearby cave. Both Chemre and Hemis monasteries are built by Lama Stagtsang raspa.
Day 7:   VISIT STAKNA GONPA AND MATHO MONASTERY. A 2 hour drive including both ways, and at least 1 and a half hour tour of the monasteries leaves the afternoon free for exploring Leh.
Day 8:   LIKIR TO LAMAYURU.  Drive to Likir in the morning, visit Likir Gonpa; continue driving to Lamayuru,  and visit