Itinerary Expand allDelhi to Delhi Depart London.The group flight usually departs London Heathrow in the evening. Day 1 Start Delhi.The tour starts at our hotel in Delhi. Passengers travelling on the group flights usually arrive into Delhi in the morning and will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or for individual exploration of Delhi. Rooms in the hotel are usually available from noon. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel during the day.Comfortable Hotel Arrive Delhi.We arrive in Delhi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or for individual exploration of Delhi. Rooms in the hotel are usually available from noon. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel during the day.Comfortable Hotel Day 2 Fly to Leh (3,500m); rest of the day is free.A very early start today for the flight to Leh. We often have to leave the hotel at around 2 am and drive to the airport for the very early morning but highly spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If the weather is good and the flight goes on time we should be in Leh early. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m). In the morning we rest and catch up on some sleep and in the afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh and its bazaars.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Sightseeing in and around LehToday there is a sightseeing tour to two of the major gompas in the area. We first drive to Shey, a former Royal Palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350 year old copper and gold statue of the Buddha. From Shey we walk across the fields to Tikse (about 1.5hrs walking), where we visit the monastery - perched on top of a hill - its red and white buildings can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. We have lunch at Tikse and return to Leh. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Acclimatisation walk Leh Valley; optional jeep ride Khardung La Today we will have an acclimatisation walk round the Leh Valley. Set above Leh on the Namgyal Hill, are the ruins of the Old Royal Palace. From here a winding path takes us to Tsemo Monastery and from here we can see the whole of Leh and its surrounding villages. We continue the walk via Sankar to the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda. This huge stupa overlooks Leh and we can see the Stok range of mountains across the valley. Today there is an optional jeep safari to the Khardung Pass; at 5,602m, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The journey to the top of the pass and back takes roughly 4/5 hours in total and can be booked and paid for locally. Your leader will have details. (If you do the jeep safari this will be in the morning and you can do a walk in the afternoon).Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Drive to Stok; trek to Mankarmo (4,350) This morning we leave Leh and drive to the start point of our trek. The road follows the Indus River for a short while through Choglamsar before crossing the river and then climbs on a side road to Stok. We start trekking at the end of Stok village on an easy trail that winds up a spectacular valley. We follow the Stok River most of the way (and may have to cross it once or twice), with multi-coloured rocks towering above us as we ascend. The walking is easy and not steep; it will take us 4-4.5 hours to reach our first camp at Mankarmo. Look out for herds of Blue sheep that graze on the hillsides around here.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 4,200m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Cross the Matho La to Ganpoche (4,440m) We cross the first of our passes today. The trail takes us gradually to the top of the pass, the Matho La, at 4,960m. The ascent is long but not too steep and as we ascend the views become more and more spectacular with the magnificent rock formations of the Ladakh mountains surrounding us. The dramatic mountains in various shades of purples, greens and browns can be seen for miles in every direction. From the pass we descend easily to our campsite at Gangpoche, which is located by some shepherd huts.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 4,373m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Cross the Shang La to Shang Phu (4,373m) Today we leave camp and have a long climb to our second pass, the Shang La, at 4,950m. The trail climbs out of camp to a low ridge and then contours round the and down into the next valley, from where we have a long but gentle climb to the pass. From the top we are greeted with fantastic views of the Matho Range to the north. We then descend into the valley below and camp near some shepherd houses at Shang Phu.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 4,373m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Cross the Gyuncho La to Chuskurmo (4,150m). Another day, another pass! This morning we turn into a side valley to the right and climb through the barren landscape to the Gyuncho La (4,718m). Descending a short way, we cross a stream and then climb up again to a second col at 4,693m. We now descend on a rocky trail into a large barren valley that brings us down to Chokdo village, which is on the Markha Valley trek. We arrive in a spectacular gorge with wonderful purple-coloured rocks. Our camp tonight is close to the village. There should be time before we reach camp to visit a local house for a well-deserved cup of tea.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 4,150m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Cross the Gongmaru La (5,236m) to Nimaling (4,854m) A tough day today as we cross our highest pass yet. The trail follows a small stream as we climb, following the river bed and sometimes climbing above it. The wonderful multi-coloured mountains surround us as we head to the pass. The final ascent zig zags steeply up a barren slope and we finally reach the string of prayer flags which mark the top of the Gongmaru La (5,236m). From the pass we are rewarded with views down to Nimaling and across to the Indian Himalaya and the Ladakh Range. The most prominent peak is Kang Yangtse, at 6,400m, the highest in the Ladakh Range and if it’s clear we can pick out Dzo Jongo across the valley. It’s an easy descent down to our camp at Nimaling (4,854m). During the summer months the shepherds bring their flocks of sheep, goats and dzos to graze on the high altitude pasture. The shepherds stay in stone shelters close to the grazing area for the whole summer and we can often buy yoghurt or local cheese from them. In the evenings the animals are brought down from the hills and it is quite usual to have a lot of them wandering through the campsite. Look after your edibles!Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 4,854m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Trek to Dzo Jongo Base Camp, ascend Vatseri Peak. Today we ascend our warm up peak. Vatseri Peak requires no technical skills and it’s an easily graded trail to the summit. The altitude makes it a tough walk but the views from the top make it all worthwhile. On a clear day we can see Dzo Jongo East and West across the valley and many other peaks. The trail is indistinct today and we descend on a rocky trail towards our base camp at 5,010m, home for the next three nights. Please note Vatseri Peak is optional. The trekking crew will walk directly to base camp from Nimaling, which is 3km and takes 2hrs.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 5,100m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Rest and acclimatisation day at base camp After the exertions of yesterday we have a well-deserved day of acclimatisation at base camp. In the morning we can have a short walk up the valley to see tomorrow’s trail and admire the scenery or we can walk to a glacial lake at the end of the valley. In the afternoon we will get the climbing gear out, check everything and prepare our rucksacks for tomorrow.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 5,100m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Climb Dzo Jongo East (6,189m).Today is summit day and starts with a very early wakeup call (around 2.30/3am). After a quick breakfast we set off with our headtorches. We walk a short way up the main valley before turning off into a steep gulley to the right. We climb very steeply up the gulley, passing a glacier on our right and emerge onto an easy angled snow slope, which leads us to a fine ridge that we follow to the top. Sometimes there is snow and depending on conditions we may or may not need to use our ice axe and crampons. We should not have to rope up, but we will carry a rope just in case. The summit ridge is long but technically easy. It is rocky and good balance and a head for heights is needed. There is no path and you need to have experience of scrambling on rough rocks. A small group of prayer flags mark the top with views of the Zanskar mountains and north to the Karakorum and the mountains in Tibet. We then descend slowly back to base camp for a well-earned celebration. The climb is entirely optional and for anyone not wanting to attempt it there is a great walk further up the valley to a small glacial lake.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 5,100m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Cross the Lalung La (5,320m) to Riyul Sumdo We leave base camp this morning and head off towards the Manali to Leh highway through a remote valley, where we are unlikely to meet any other trekkers. The trail climbs away from the base camp to the Lalung La (5,320m), from where we get wonderful views looking back to Dzo Jongo and Kang Yangste peaks. From the top we descend steeply into a wonderful gorge with amazing rock formations. We contour round a few valleys before finally dropping down to our camp at Riyul Sumdo.Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 4,500m) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 14 Trek to Lato; drive to Leh The last two hours of our trek take us further down this beautiful valley with a few river crossings, before we emerge at the green fields of Lato village and the main Manali to Leh road. We say goodbye to our pony men and camp crew before driving back to Leh. The drive follows the Kyamur River until it meets the Indus River at Upshi. We follow the main road back into Leh.and the comforts of a hot shower at our hotel. We should get to Leh for lunch and the rest of the day is free for last minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars.Standard hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 Fly to Delhi We fly from Leh to Delhi and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing and your leader will be on hand to advise you on what to do. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 16 End Delhi The tour ends after breakfast today. Meals included: Breakfast
Golden Triangle extension Code: XBS A visit to the incredible Taj Mahal and other great Moghul cities close to Delhi is an excellent way to begin or end a visit to Northern India. The five-day Golden Triangle extension may be booked before or after your main itinerary or both options might be available depending on the trip start and end location. The Taj Mahal in Agra was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, and is one of the most beautiful sights on earth. Close by is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar with its beautiful courtyards and palaces and let's not forget the deserted royal city of Fatehpur Sikri. The extension also visits the Pink City of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, which is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. The detailed itinerary and if pre or post tour is available can be found here.
IndiaAll nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.Currently e-visas for India are not available for many nationalities, including UK passport holders. Visa application is via the Indian Embassy, and it can take several weeks . We recommend you use the services of the visa agency CIBT. Please check their portal on our Travel Hub (scroll to the bottom of the page), with clear instructions on what is needed and prices: https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/visa_sheet_india_2022_-_without_evisa_1.pdf We hope that this situation will change soon and will update our website as soon as it does.
IndiaThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approx. 2000m, there is low to no risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips going to altitudes of over 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the TRIP NOTES for further information.
Hotels & Full-Service Camping 6 nights are spent in en suite hotels and during the trek there are 9 nights full-service camping.In Delhi, we use a comfortable hotel (usually the Hotel Jaypee Siddharth), which has air-conditioned rooms, all en suite. In Leh we stay in a simple hotel but all rooms have en suite facilities. There is intermittent Wi-Fi available in Leh, however, there is no mobile coverage for international phones in Ladakh. The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your day pack. Most of the camping on this trek is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents which have enough room inside for your kitbags. We also have a dining tent complete with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. No running water is available whilst camping. You will be camping close to a river or stream and the camp staff will provide bowls of warm water (to wash with) whilst trekking.Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking.
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Reviewed September 2019 Dave FarmerA Proper Adventure This was a remote trek in a tough mountain environment south west of Leh. After three days acclimatising in Leh, we spent around 10 days climbing high passes, crossing rivers in full flood and seeing few people outside our own little group. Every day was challenging. We experienced a range of weather from blizzard to heat wave, rain to frost and always a cold breeze at the top of every pass. And every day I would lie back in my tent after dinner and know I’d pushed myself and feel really good about it. We experienced unseasonable weather which forced changes to the itinerary, which our crew and leader were more than capable of dealing with. Heavy snow on the mountain prevented us from summiting Dzo Jongo but we reached the top of Konga Ri in brilliant sunshine and pristine white snow. Such was the nature of the trek that I was not left feeling disappointed at not getting the big mountain, as the whole experience was a proper adventure.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most inspirational moment of the trek for me was the realisation that I had got to the top of Konga Ri. I’d had a few days of self doubt and I’d found the climb in deep snow tough. But when I got to the top of the mountain, dropped my pack and just took in the incredible panorama of Beautiful snow capped mountains, none of that mattered. I think the slice of cherry cake Tamchos, our guide, gave me at that point may have helped as well.What did you think of your group leader? Valerie, our group leader, was more than a match for anything the mountains could throw at us. She was able to adjust the route and camp sites to deal with the delays caused by weather and still keep us on track. Her knowledge and experience came across in her confidence, which in turn gave us the confidence that we would complete the trek. Our group provided her with some challenges of her own, but they were all dealt with professionally and without fuss or drama. I certainly benefited from her advice and encouragement. And she has some great after dinner stories that made our experiences pale into insignificance!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The internal flight and trek weight limits mean you have to be ruthless with your packing. If I was going back this time next year I wouldn’t take a heavy down jacket (which I didn’t use) but instead I’d use a midweight one and several fleece and base layers. The river crossings are inevitable and cold and you need to wear some kind of protection for your feet as the riverbed can be sharp and uneven. I took cheap crocs but as there was walking between crossings and it wasn’t practical to keep changing back and forth, I would take a cheap pair of walking sandals next time (as did most of the rest of my group). I ended up walking in my light fabric boots, which was fine, but they took a full day of sunshine to dry out. If, like me, your previous treks have been the likes of Everest Base Camp and/or Kilimanjaro, know that this is physically and mentally much more challenging. I found it hard to accept that although we were climbing passes between 4800m and 5300m most mornings, we would descend again to camp much lower, losing the hard gained altitude. It’s the nature of the terrain and its good acclimatisation but it might sap mental stamina as well as energy. A good group dynamic helped me.Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a fantastic adventure, full of hard challenges and amazing rewards. Leh and its surroundings offer an amazing cultural centre worth exploring. Once in the mountains, for every icy river crossing, there was a Lammergeier Vulture or Golden Eagle. For every muddy path there was a stunning landscape of rugged mountains and for every rainy day there was laughter in the mess tent. If you have doubts after reading my review, perhaps it’s not for you. But if it has fired you up, then sign up. I might see you in the next group!
Reviewed September 2019 Paul RaynerBe prepared for the unexpected It wasn't as expected! I have trekked in Ladakh before and had reviewed my previous photos before this trip. None of us, including Valerie, were expecting to have to face a blizzard, and heavy overnight snow on a couple of nights! The result was that rivers were swollen and crossings became more difficult, and the ascent of Dzo Jongo East was not possible. It was also a remote trek - we only saw other people or groups occasionally, and the sudden return to civilisation was a bit of a shock. Personally I also found that altitude acclimatisation this time took much longer than expected; I am used to high altitude but I think old age is catching up! But overall a great experience, and conditions, particularly the blizzard, led to a close group bonding developing.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Two of them. One was the developing attraction of the mountains. Last time in Ladakh I found myself comparing the Indian Himalaya unfavourably with the Everest region. This time, the terrain seemed more varied and attractive, perhaps in part due to the fresh snowfall. It made me feel I wanted to go back again and see more. The other was, with hindsight, the climb up the river gorge from Chuskurmo and up over the Gongmaru La into the Nimaling valley. The gorge and river crossings were a challenge following the overnight snowfall, I found getting to the top of the pass a real struggle, and we then had to get down to the camp site through a blizzard and sit in the mess tent for a couple of hours (sustained by black tea) while the lost sheep were found and the tents put up. I don't think anyone enjoyed it much at the time - it took me half an hour in a sleeping bag to stop shivering, though we all did the best to keep morale up. But the next day I felt an immense sense of achievement, and I hope others felt the same.What did you think of your group leader? Brilliant as always. Her experience really showed through during the blizzard when she and some others got lost. She had a grip on everything, and a fair bit of illness to deal with, but always had time to chat, and encourage people where necessary.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you are fit and experienced enough for the trek; enjoy yourself; but be prepared for things not going according to plan. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. I think we shall dine out on some of the stories from this trek!Is there anything else you would like to add? Overall and with hindsight, a great experience. But if I go over 5000m again, I shall make sure I have plenty of time for altitude acclimatisation! It was only on the final 5000m pass of the trip that I could trek up it easily.
Reviewed September 2016 Antonios Angelopoulos3 peaks of Ladakh A good opportunity to experience the raw and unspoilt beauty of the Himalayas. A challenging trip with only the basic amenities, taking you to less frequently travelled paths and up some less renowned but no less spellbinding peaks. Also, for those willing to listen and learn, it offers a good exposure to Tibetan Buddhism, its rituals and beliefs. Finally, a good chance to meet very interesting, widely travelled people who appreciate the challenge and don't mind the monastic austerity of the trek.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Without doubt it was the climbing of Jo Jongo, a 6,200m peak. A good, hard climb next to a glacier. We had to cross patches of hard ice and this gave us the opportunity to use our crampons. Obviously there were varying competences in the group but people become very supportive of each other in such circumstances. The feeling of elation at the top is magnificent.What did you think of your group leader? Valerie was excellent. Very familiar with the terrain, cautious, prudent, offering advice but prepared to allow initiative.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Spending the evenings in cramped tents can be uncomfortable and you don't get a restful sleep. Maybe you have done a lot of that and you are used to it. In any case, you should be prepared for an amount of discomfort. You will be compensated by the wild beauty of the surroundings. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus We thank all our customers for posting online reviews of our trips. Please note this and previous reviews relate to our old itinerary 'Three Peaks of Ladahk'. From 2019 on our new itinerary 'Peaks of Ladakh' will be running. We hope you will join us on this adventure soon.
Reviewed August 2016 Hugh Cassthree peaks of Ladakh The Queen of Kashmir does it againWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? topping out on Dzo Jongo East now 6200 metresWhat did you think of your group leader? Valerie met her thirty years ago and 4 years ago still top lady definitely in charge top girlDo you have any advice for potential travellers? its a good tough trip
Reviewed August 2016 Simon GaleThree Paeks of Laddakh An excellent demanding trip which was well organisedWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the highest peak after some 7 hours walking.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you are physically fit for this trek, it is very demanding ]
Reviewed September 2014 Jillian DAVISThree Peaks of Ladakh Very special trek in a remote area of Ladakh with challenging peaks and passes (very!) but worth every bit of effort.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Climbing Dzo Jongo at over 6000m in a blizzard seeing nothing and the following day walking along the ridge across the valley with fantastic clear views of the mountain and the whole journey. Group dynamics - support, encouragement and fun. The amazing variety of landscape and views in every direction.What did you think of your group leader? This is my second trek with Valerie who never fails to inspire, motivate and care. Her knowledge of the people and places are excellent: historically and now. We learned such a lot. The fact that she is deeply involved in environment and community improvement projects is inspirational and humbling. Valerie gets to know her group well, understands when anyone is not feeling 100% and quietly supports everyone's needs without fussing. Valerie also leads her local team very professionally, has high expectations and is highly respected: in addition she recognises talent and gives opportunities for the local team to progress when they can.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Not sure whether this particular trek will be repeated, but if you are passionate about mountains, go to the Himalayas, and the experience of walking with Valerie would always be a bonus.Is there anything else you would like to add? Another excellent Exodus trip: thank you to all involved at the home base and on trek.
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