Most Inspirational Moment
The walk to Nimaling was special as the views really open up as you approach the plateau and the light on the snow topped slopes of Kang Yatse shifted to reveal huge cracks in its cornices. Cows and horses grazed at the camp and huge flocks of sheep and goats (including Kashmir goats) passed by the tents to gather in summer corals on the opposite side of the river. The crossing of the Gongmaru La Pass in perfect weather with vivid blue skies enabling us to see a perfect panorama of mountain tops including a 7000m+ peak belonging to the Karakorum range in Pakistan. It was very special seeing somewhere you would love to visit but are unlikely to be able to. The descent through the gorge was spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lakpa Lama was brilliant as a leader - kind, considerate, patient, good fun, competent. He had a great manner - at ease with everyone and quietly making sure that any problems were attended to and resolved as best as circumstances would permit.
Advice for Potential Travellers
On our trip we had real extremes of temperature almost every day - 35 daytime, below freezing at night- so pack for both extremes. I regretted not bringing a very lightweight windproof long sleeved top - my summer base-layer was too warm. A flannel for the morning basin of water is useful. We found canoe shoes good for river crossing leaving sandals dry for the evening. The dry air can cause throat/chest issues so Strepsils, cough sweets etc useful. Unlike Nepal you can't just pick up things like that at a local teahouse though there are tea parachute tents en route where you can buy soft drinks and some local community handicrafts made from wool. The stuffed snow leopards are best at Rumbak village tent. Mobile phones are blocked in Ladakh though there is erratic wifi at Glacier View Hotel. Safe water shop in Leh is great- try the Apricot or Sea buckthorn juice though I found the latter too bitter.