2008 Dates:

Apr 05- Apr 17
Apr 12- Apr 24
Apr 19- May 01
Apr 26- May 08
May 03- May 15
May 10- May 22
May 17- May 29
May 24- Jun 05
May 31- Jun 12
Jun 07- Jun 19
Jun 14- Jun 26
Jun 21- Jul 03
Jun 28- Jul 10
Jul 05- Jul 17
Jul 12- Jul 24
Jul 19- Jul 31
Jul 26- Aug 07
Aug 02- Aug 14
Aug 09- Aug 21
Aug 16- Aug 28
Aug 23- Sep 04
Aug 30- Sep 11
Sep 06- Sep 18
Sep 13- Sep 25
Sep 20- Oct 02
Sep 27- Oct 09
Oct 04- Oct 16
Oct 11- Oct 23
Oct 18- Oct 30
Oct 25- Nov 06

2008 Prices:

Deluxe Services

$2195 (8-10 members)
$2695 (5-7 members)
$3395 (3-4 members)

Single Supplement $300
Forced Single Supplement $150
R/T Airfare Delhi-Leh $415

Budget Services

$1395 (8-10 members)
$1495 (5-7 members)
$1595 (3-4 members)

Single Supplement $150
R/T Airfare Delhi-Leh $415

4% Discount for Cash Payments

 

Monasteries and Apricot Valley Trek

13 Days- Weekly departures April-October, 2008

Custom departures and prices available
Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Ladakh, the jewel of Northern India, lies sandwiched between the Great Himalayan Range to the south and the Karakoram to the north. It is referred to as "the land of high passes," as it forms a barrier between the great Tibetan plateau and the western Himalaya. It is also known as "Little Tibet" for its language, culture, religion, and topography. Despite the prevalence of Buddhist culture and religion, Ladakh, and the capital city Leh, is a melting pot of religions and cultures coexisting peacefully. The sight of monks in saffron robes, and the daily muezzin's call to prayer from the central mosque, only enhance the sense of unity and peace in this region.

Ladakh also offers world-class trekking and hiking. Lying in the rain shadow of the main Himalayan chain, it is a high, dry region with high mountain passes, deep narrow valleys, and wide-open expanses.

The Apricot Valley Trek is designed for first-time travelers to the Himalaya, those with limited time, or individuals seeking a solid mix of religious, cultural, and trekking opportunities. Our adventure begins in the capital city of Leh (11,600 feet/3,515 meters), where we will spend a few days visiting important Buddhist monasteries, exploring the ruins of former royal residences, and acclimatizing with light hiking to stunning vistas. The trek travels through traditional Ladakhi villages, where subsistence agriculture and cooperative living reign. We will camp in or near villages each night. Our trail travels near stunning monasteries where, if we are lucky, we will have the opportunity to sit in on a puja, or prayer ritual, in which monks chant prayers and play traditional religious instruments.
Travel to Ladakh is both an exploration into the culture and religion of the local people and a journey of Himalayan proportions.

Trip Summary:

• Explore Ladakhi culture and religion; visit several Buddhist monasteries
• Four days of moderate hiking with daypacks through traditional Ladakhi villages at elevations up to 12,300 feet/3,750 meters
• Five nights camping, seven nights hotels
  

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1- Depart home country
Day 2- Arrive Delhi, India
Day 3- Fly from Delhi to Leh, Ladakh
Day 4- Monastery Tours Near Leh
Day 5- Travel from Leh to Likir
Day 6- Begin Trek to Yangthang
Day 7- Trek to Hemis Shukpachan
Day 8- Trek to Tingmosgam
Day 9- End Trek in Khaltse, Drive to Lamayuru
Day 10- Return to Leh
Day 11- Early Flight to Delhi, Free Afternoon in Delhi
Day 12- Sightseeing in Delhi, Late Departure for Home Country
Day 13- Arrive home

Additional Information:

What is Included in Deluxe Services?
What is Included in Budget Services?
Download Detailed Apricot Valley Itinerary (PDF)
Download Reservation Packet (PDF)
View Ladakh Slideshow