Current as of: April 23, 2024 - 18:40
Ladakh: Nubra Valley Trek Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
5 out of 7 - Challenging
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TGD
Trip Overview
Walk the remote Nubra Valley, where rare camels roam a virtually uninhabited landscape
Concealed by the Ladakh and Karakorum mountains, the Nubra Valley in northern India remains unseen and untouched by mass tourism. Here, rare double-humped Bactrian camels share a near-unspoiled terrain with traditional shepherd camps and elusive snow leopards. To reach it, we must take a spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Leh, the largest city in the Ladakh region, before crossing the Khardung La, one of the highest drivable passes in the world and a one-time route for Silk Road traders. It’s then into the wilderness, exploring the virtually uninhabited Nubra Valley on foot while gazing at unnamed peaks and camping wild as we go.
Our 11 August 2024 & 20 July 2025 departures are led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of Best Tour Leader in the prestigious annual Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.
At a Glance
- Seven nights in hotels and eight nights with full-service camping
- Nine days of trekking
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 18
- Altitude maximum: 17,715ft (5,400m); average: 12,795ft (3,900m)
- 11 August 2024 & 20 July 2025 departures led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021
- Full porterage throughout the trek
- Golden Triangle extension available
Highlights
- Survey the tallest mountain range in the world on a sensational flight over the Himalaya
- Travel in a 4x4 over the Khardung La, one of the highest drivable passes in the world
- Visit the Diskit Monastery, home to a colourful Buddha statue that’s taller than a house
- Meet rare double-humped Bactrian camels
- Cross the wild, glaciated Lasermo La pass
Is This Trip for You?
This is a reasonably strenuous trek involving nine days of walking at high altitude.
- Maximum altitude: 17,715ft (5,400m)
- Average: 12,795ft (3,900m)
Therefore, it has been graded Activity Level 5 (Challenging). Please see our Activity Levels guidelines page for more information. Most days involve five to seven hours of walking, although there are a couple of shorter or longer days.
Most of the trails are well made on sandy and rocky paths and there are a few river crossings. There is one high mountain pass to cross, the Lasermo La (17,715ft/5,400m).
This trek is for those who are willing to put in the necessary fitness preparation and like a good walk for around six hours a day. This is a fully supported camping trek with full porterage (mules and ponies) throughout; you need only carry your daypack.
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning under the ‘Practical Information’ section within the Trip Notes. We spend two days in Leh (11,480ft/3,500m) before the trek to allow you to acclimatise.
Daytime temperatures can be very hot, especially in the middle of the day as the sun is very strong at these altitudes. Nights will be cooler and cold at the highest altitudes.
Walking distances and hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include rest and photo stops but not a longer lunch break and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Why trek with Exodus?
- We have more than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Ladakh
- You can talk to Exodus office staff who have done the treks themselves
- We have experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness
- All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage
- We carefully plan ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days
- Staff carry oxygen and first-aid essentials
- We use self-assessment AMS cards to monitor every client at altitude
Group
This trip is led by an experienced English-speaking local leader. They will be supported by local guides, cook crew and pony men and as many helpers as the group size dictates. All Exodus leaders are highly experienced, take Exodus leader training courses and are trained in wilderness first aid.
The 11 August 2024 & 20 July 2025 departures (Land Only start date) will be led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021. Valerie has been leading treks and climbs in Ladakh and the rest of the Himalaya for more than 38 years. Her experience in this area is second to none and she has led the trek many times. Places on her trips go quickly, so we advise booking early if you would like to trek with her.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Delhi
- End City: Delhi
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
The group flight is an overnight flight, scheduled to depart London this evening.
Start Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, a captivating city full of life and cultural intrigue. To make the start of your adventure easy, free arrival transfers are available for all travellers provided you have supplied your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer.
Depending on your arrival time, you may then have time to explore this electric city. A short taxi drive from our hotel is Karol Bagh Market, where colourful stalls are packed with clothing and jewellery, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a magnificent Sikh temple topped with an onion-shaped gold dome. Alternatively, there is a pretty rock garden within a 10-minute walk from the hotel if you need a stretch of the legs after your flight.
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Sensational flight over the Himalaya to Leh
We wake early this morning for a spectacular flight over the Himalaya mountains to Leh, the largest city in the Ladakh region. Reserve a moment or two on your journey to peer out the window and over some of the tallest mountains in the world.
After touching down and arriving at our hotel, we settle into our rooms and freshen up. This afternoon, we take a gentle orientation walk around the city and bazaars. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (11,480ft/3,500m).
Accommodation: Hotel Rafica (or similar)
Leh tour; visiting Thikse and Shey monasteries and Leh Palace
Today we continue our sightseeing in and around Leh, visiting Thikse and Shey monasteries, two of the major gompas (Buddhist temples) in the area, and Leh Palace.
We first drive to Shey, once a 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 drive (or, if we’re feeling energised, walk across the fields) to Tikse, where we visit the monastery. This hilltop complex with red-and-white buildings can be seen for miles and within is a recently built temple with a magnificent image of the Future Buddha.
We return to Leh and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore and try more local dishes, such as thukpa (a noodle soup), momos (steamed dumplings) or skyu (a traditional soup dish).
Accommodation: Hotel Rafica (or similar)
Drive over the Khardung La and onto Hundar
We leave Leh today and set off by 4×4 over the Khardung La, once part of the Silk Road and now one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,635ft (5,375m). The journey to the top of the pass takes us on a winding road high above Leh. From the top, we get great views back to the Leh Valley and the Ladakh mountains and ahead we can see the Karakorum mountain range. The road winds down and down through the North Pollu checkpost and to Khardung village, then on to Khalsar village (10,710ft/3,264m) and the Shyok River. Passing the dunes and monastery at Diskit we arrive at the village of Hundar (approximately six hours’ drive).
Accommodation: Standard hotel (sleeping altitude: 9,910ft/3,020m)
Acclimatisation walk to Diskit Monastery and meet rare Bactrian camels
We spend the day acclimatising to the altitude with a day hike to Diskit Monastery (10,308ft/3,142m). The area between Hundar and Diskit is filled with dunes, an unusual sight between magnificent mountains.
The walk is fairly flat as we head across the valley bottom to Diskit, now the district headquarters. Our walk ends at Diskit Monastery, overlooked by a 105ft (32m) high Buddha statue, it is the oldest and largest in the Nubra Valley, dating from 1420, and belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
We return to Hundar by taxis and after lunch you can visit the dunes to meet rare Bactrian camels. These magnificent two-humped dromedaries were once vital to the traders passing through this region, but when trade decreased around the 1950s, the animals were left in the Nubra Valley. Thankfully, a government programme has ensured these camels continue to survive and we get a chance to meet some of those still living in the area.
Accommodation: Standard hotel (sleeping altitude: 9,910ft/3,020m)
Drive to Hundar Gompa; trek through a spectacular gorge to Wachan
We head into the valleys this morning, driving for about 1.8mi (3km) to Hundar Gompa, where we start our trek. Leaving the main valley, we turn up into a narrow side valley. The walking today is fairly easy as we follow a wide 4×4 track into the gorge. Rocks tower above us as we gain height gradually. Look for grazing Bactrian camels among the multi-coloured rocks of this spectacular gorge.
After approximately 5mi (8km), we come to a small droksa (shepherd camp) with a few trees providing welcome shade from the sun. The valley now widens a little and we camp where the valley splits on the edge of a small village called Wachan.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,795ft/3,900m)
Leaving villages behind; continue ascending the valley to our wild camp at Snia Sumdo
Today is shorter as we begin to gain height. We start by taking the left-hand valley and climb steadily to Sernang, a small collection of houses and fields. This is the last village we see until Phyang.
The trail ascends the valley further and we may have to cross the river several times depending on the water level (we carry a rope for river crossings and we highly recommend you bring river-crossing sandals). The Snia Valley is the first large valley to the right. We cross to the right side of the valley and camp near the valley junction. In the afternoon, there is time to explore the hills and take in the spectacular scenery.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,200m)
Surrounded by unnamed peaks, the trail climbs the Snia Valley; camp at Pullu
We turn into the Snia Valley and follow the river. The trail climbs steadily and again, depending on water levels, we may have to cross the river. We are surrounded by unnamed peaks and passes and only shepherds inhabit this valley in the summer. Before there were roads in Ladakh, people used the passes regularly. Now, apart from the summer shepherds, the valley is inhabited by wildlife only. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, foxes, wolves and, for the very lucky, the elusive snow leopards that hunt here.
We pass several shepherd encampments and set up camp at the valley junction close to the river.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 15,090ft/4,600m)
Through the valleys and onto Jhingmoche
A descending start leads us to the intersection of Sniu Sumdo and Thanglasgo valleys. From here, we ascend gradually crossing the pastures and following streams. A picturesque walk for around four to five hours has us arrive at Jhingmoche (14,795ft/4,510m), a popular location among shepherds who bring their sheep, yak and dzos for grazing. There are some makeshift huts housing a couple of families who come here in summer from Hundar.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,960ft/4,560m)
Trek to the base of the Lasermo La
We walk to the base of our next pass, Lasermo La, today. As we leave the campsite, we follow the river upstream walking amid a valley of pretty meadows with grazing yaks and dzos. We reach the campsite in the afternoon, which is the highest overnight altitude on the trip.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,400ft/5,000m)
Discover the area around camp; explore isolated side valleys
We spend the day exploring the area around camp with various optional walks available. We can take a packed lunch and ascend the valley across from our camp up to a series of lakes. It is about 2.5mi-3mi (4km-5km) to the first small lake. Energetic walkers can continue further up the valley to a second lake, which is a total of 3.7mi-4.3mi (6km-7km). We are now surrounded by peaks yet to be summited. We can either descend back to camp or there is a rocky trail which climbs to a third small glacial lake if you’d like to explore further.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,400ft/5,000m)
Trek the Lasermo La and onto Phyang Sumdo
We have a challenging day as we cross the Lasermo La pass. We need to carry our Yaktrax/Microspikes in case of any snow/ice on the top; your leader will advise in advance about these.
We aim for the highest pass on the trek. Leaving the Nubra Valley with an early start, we begin our climb and after two to three hours we reach the top of the pass at 17,715ft (5,400m). The view takes in the spectacular Karakoram mountains in one direction and the Ladakh ranges on the other. From here, we descend gradually to Morubuk, another area of green pastures before finally onto our campsite at Phyang Sumdo, for our last night on trek.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,125ft/4,000m)
Descend to Phyang; option to visit the monastery; drive to Leh
We descend the valley all morning. It’s about three to four hours’ walk to Phyang, a large village close to Leh. If we have time, we can visit the large and prosperous monastery that towers above the valley.
It is a one-hour drive back to Leh, arriving mid-afternoon to the comforts of a hot shower in our hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxing and reflecting on the last week or last-minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars.
Accommodation: Hotel Rafica (or similar)
Fly to Delhi
We fly from Leh to Delhi. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing in Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
End Delhi
Your journey in India completes after check-out from the hotel. Free departure transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your flight details in advance. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about joining our five-day post-trip extension taking in the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This extension can also be done before the tour.
Post-trip Extensions
Golden Triangle extension
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.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Altitude warning
This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.
On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
Accommodation
Hotels and camping
In Delhi, we use a standard hotel with air-conditioned rooms. In Leh, we stay in a standard hotel, close to the local market and town centre. There is wifi 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 our camp staff will put up and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all the camp chores. 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 kitbags. We also have a dining tent with a table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. No running water is available while camping. You camp close to a river or stream and the camp staff will provide bowls of warm water (to wash with) while trekking.
Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking.
Single supplement from USD 652
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners are included.
Indian food is highly regarded and there is ample chance to try various Ladakhi favourites, which is influenced by Silk Road traders from Tibet and China. Don’t miss the delicious and popular snacks – momos (dumplings) or yak cheese. Also try: thukpa, a clear vegetable soup with noodles and often mutton, chicken or yak meat; tingmo (pronounced tee-mo), steamed bread eaten with dal; and a favourite found in most restaurants, chutagi, a thick soup of local vegetables and bow tie-shaped pieces of dough cooked in the broth (also served with meat).
Allow at least 1,600-2,000 rupees (approximately US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner (where not included). You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (approximately US$4).
While camping, the staff will bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam, eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dal and paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner, a dessert such as tinned fruit and custard, fritters or cake is also served.
Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Ladakh. In Leh, there is a shop called Dzomsa that sells safe drinking water. Your leader will show you where this is on your first day in Leh. The Leh hotel provides safe filtered drinking water.
During the trek, the cooks will collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well.
We suggest you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat any non-boiled water. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions). SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Using a SteriPEN means you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – and you can keep it for future trips.
Transport
Depending on the time of day, for transfers in Delhi we use either taxis or private buses (during busy times, such as morning rush hour, taxis are preferable to negotiate the busy narrow streets).
In and around Leh and for the drive to Hundar and from Phyang we use a private minibus, 4x4s or taxis. For the flights to and from Leh, we use one of the local airlines.
Weather & Seasonality
Generally, the weather is good in Ladakh during summer, with warm to very hot sunny days (up to 30C/86F and sometimes above 35C/95F) with cooler nights depending on the altitude. There is, however, the possibility of rain, and you should be prepared for this. The sun is very strong at these altitudes and some of the days on trek can be extremely hot.
Ladakh, though technically part of the Tibetan plateau and classified as a high-altitude desert, can and does occasionally experience the effects of the Indian monsoon. Although the departures are timed to coincide when the weather is normally good, you should remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Summer in Delhi is very hot and humid.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Deventure, Bp -11, Opposite Metro Pillar No 221, New Delhi 110002, India
Phone: +91 99961 17770
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
Leh flight delays
Leh Airport sometimes experiences adverse weather conditions and fog, which can occasionally cause flights to be delayed or cancelled. If booking your own flights, we advise you to book your international flight home from Delhi departing no sooner than mid‐afternoon/evening on the last day of the itinerary. Please also be aware that should you miss your international flight as a result of delays from Leh, your insurance may not cover you for any additional expenses incurred.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline’s website for the latest information prior to your departure. The usual, standard check-in baggage weight allowance is 20-23kg.
Free Transfers
Exodus offers free airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip. Unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel, and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Three/four-season sleeping bag (liner optional)
- Sleeping mattress/Thermarest
- Three-season jacket
- Walking boots – lightweight and waterproof with ankle support and worn in
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Trainers (sneakers)/sandals for the evening (and river crossings)
- Warm hat, warm gloves
- Several pairs of walking socks (not too thick as it can be very hot in Ladakh in summer)
- Thermal layer
- Mid layer (fleece)
- T-shirts/shirts/base layers
- Lightweight trousers (pants)
- Shorts (or skirt for women)
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
- Daypack (at least 25 litres)
- Head torch (headlamp)
- Large water bottles
- Plastic bags (bin/trashcan liners) to line daypack and for packing clothing in the kitbag
- Toilet paper
- Biodegradable small bags
- Small personal first-aid kit
- SteriPEN/water purification
- Trekking pole(s)
- Hand washing gel
- Biodegradable toiletries (please decant into smaller bottles, don’t carry full-size products)
- Refillable water bottle/water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak, which are useful for rehydrating on the go)
Internal flights weight limit
Internal flights to and from Leh are subject to a weight limit of 33lb (15kg) checked luggage plus 15lb (7kg) hand luggage. We recommend you wear your walking boots on the flights to Leh to help with the weight allowance.
Please note, many Indians are still traditional in the way they dress. Out of respect for the country, we ask you to dress conservatively – no sleeveless tops or tight leggings. they should be modest and reach to just above the knee; for women, a skirt or trousers are preferable (shorts are not acceptable in the monasteries).
Please note: The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
Equipment Hire
Duvet jackets and sleeping bags are available for hire from Trek Hire UK. Trek Hire UK can also provide a range of trekking essentials and accessories, from rucksacks to trekking poles. Please note that supplies are limited, and it is advisable to reserve any equipment as early as possible. For trips to Kilimanjaro, Nepal and Peru, certain items such as duvet jackets, sleeping bags and thick mattresses (mattresses not available in Nepal) can be hired through our local agents. For Kilimanjaro and Nepal trips these must be pre-booked through the Exodus office to ensure availability. For trips to Peru there is no need to pre-book these as they can be arranged locally through your tour leader in Cuzco. Please call for details.
Environmental considerations
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Optional Equipment
- Spare batteries/solar charger/power bank
- Umbrella (for either sun or rain)
Exodus kitbag
If you book this trip, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your free bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
Practical Information
Visa
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
Please note: If your trip visits Ladakh, in the very north of India, or Sikkim in the northeast, do not mention this on your Indian visa application. This can sometimes slow down or even cause the embassy to reject your visa.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
Vaccinations and Health
India
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), 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.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
There are recharging facilities at all the hotels in Delhi and Leh. In Leh, the electricity supply is not 100 percent reliable but it is usually only off for short periods of time. While on trek, there are no charging facilities and you will need to bring spare batteries, a solar charger, or power bank if you wish to recharge anything.
Money
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Delhi and a few in Leh. Please do not rely wholly on ATMs as often they are broken or run out of cash and there is a maximum amount per day that any one machine will dispense. We recommend you change all the money you need for the trip before leaving Delhi. Credit cards are accepted in larger shops in Delhi and Leh.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You are advised to bring most of your money in cash as you cannot change travellers cheques in India. It makes no difference whether you bring British pounds or US dollars. You can change your money on arrival at Delhi airport but the rates tend to be very poor at the airport so we recommend changing cash either in the Delhi hotel or at the money exchange kiosks in Leh.
Apart from the extra food, you should allow approximately 500 rupees (US$7) a day for drinks and incidentals, more if you enjoy a few beers, as these are comparatively expensive in India. Most monasteries in Ladakh charge a small entrance fee that goes towards the upkeep of the building. These may add up to about 800 rupees (approximately US$10) in total.
On trek there is not much to spend your money on, but in Leh and Delhi there is a wealth of souvenirs, trinkets etc.
India has very good opportunities for shopping, especially for locally made goods, and in Delhi local guides may well offer to take you to emporiums and workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides will often assume visitors will want to go shopping, it is part of the culture; however, if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in India, but it can be an awkward affair especially when you are not familiar with the country. Your leader will help with tipping and will provide a list of suggested tips. This will include tips for drivers, hotel porters and other hotel staff, local sightseeing guides, and includes camp staff such as guides, assistants, cooks and pony men. Sometimes your leader will collect a kitty during the trip and sometimes they will collect the tips towards the end of the trip (occasionally for very small groups the leader may need to collect a little more than the suggested amount). We suggest you allow 7,000 rupees total (approximately US$85) per person for this trip.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a total tip around 2,000-3,000 rupees (US$25-US$35) per person would be appreciated. Please try to tip in local currency.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
There are many community projects in Ladakh that Exodus has set up or supported over the years. Some examples include helping to rebuild houses and schools and providing materials to build a flood barrier following devastating flooding in 2007 and setting up a flood relief appeal following mudslides in 2010. In 2021, we launched our Covid Emergency Relief Appeal to raise funds to provide support to our trekking staff in Ladakh.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and supporting other local enterprises.
- The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
- This tour uses a mix of camping and homestays, which provides income for local families and is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their culture and traditions.
- The Exodus Covid Emergency Relief appeal was launched in 2021 and provided food and health essentials for guides, cooks, pony men and other trekking staff for several months.
- Our Himalayan Community Project is undertaking a wide range of initiatives to support local development.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Where possible on this trip paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.
- Through the Exodus Kickstart Project funding, fruit trees are being planted in villages in Ladakh to provide income and protect biodiversity.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided in Leh at the hotel. On trek safe boiled water will be provided.
Cultural respect
- Sometimes local people may object to being photographed, so please ask first.
- It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
- Dress modestly to be polite and avoid stares. Do not wear tight or sheer clothing and it is preferable to have shoulders covered and skirts or shorts below the knee.
- When visiting a sacred site, sleeveless tops and shorts are not acceptable for women or men and you need to remove your shoes. You are permitted to wear socks in most places of worship. Take your hat off before entering temples.
- Religious etiquette also includes not touching anyone on the head or directing the soles of your feet at a person, religious shrine, or deity. You should also not touch a carving of a deity.
- It is common practice to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home and you should tuck feet under if sitting on the floor.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in Ladakh.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.