Extreme adventure holiday in Ladakh
| country: | India |
| location: | Indian Himalayas, Ladakh |
| trip type: | High altitude trekking/climbing holidays Challenging/hard core mountain biking holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 8 Aug |
| price: | From £1989 (21 days) excluding flights |
| more info: | Price based on twin sharing. Single supplement of £59. Minimum age 18 |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
The Tri-Adventure Expedition is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It is a demanding expedition ideal for those with a good level of fitness who enjoy a challenge. The expedition is divided into three sections, mountain biking, rafting or kayaking and trekking, covering a total distance of 460km.
Located in Ladakh on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau this entire trip is at high attitude and acclimatisation adds an extra element to this expedition. With a low point of 2940m and a high point of 6153m we cross 5 passes (4200m, 3700m, 4400m, 4950m & 4850m) along this epic journey. With over 90% of Ladakh's population practicing Buddhism it is more like Tibet than India in many ways. The expedition gives a great insight into local culture with visits to monasteries, palaces, villages and markets all included.
Bike
The 5 day bike section covers a distance of 276km on mixed surface of tarmac, gravel, sand and large stones. We follow the road from Kargil to Padum, only passable in the summer months and completely snowed out in winter. The route takes us past many remote villages and monasteries as we follow the Suru and then Stod rivers to reach Karsha, the starting point of the river section. The highlights of this section are the views of the Nun and Kun Massifs, both over 7000m, the sunset and sunrise at the Rangdum plains, the Drung Durung Glacier (source of the Zanskar River) and crossing the Pensi La pass at 4400m.
Raft or Kayak
We paddle 95km over two days on the Zanskar River, considered by many as one of the best rivers in the world. After an extensive safety brief we put on the water and enjoy a nice introductory section of class II whitewater. After 25km we enter the Grand Canyon of Asia and with good class III/IV whitewater and incredible scenery. Once in the canyon we are committed to reach its end. With canyon walls over 1000m deep and no road access this the most remote section of the expedition. No experience is required for rafters but kayakers need to have class 4 experience.
Trek
We leave the trekking section until last to maximize altitude acclimatisation. Each day is different as we pass through a range of spectacular landscapes along valleys and crossing high passes, a total distance of 89km. Starting at 3190m we cross two passes just under 5000m to reach Stok Kangri base camp at 4900m. From there we climb to 6153m, the summit of Stok Kangri and the climax of our expedition. The views from the top are breathtaking as we have a bird's eye view of the entire route and great views of the Karakoram, Stok, Zanskar & Ladakh ranges as well as views far into Pakistan and Tibet. No technical mountaineering experience is required to climb Stok Kangri.
Located in Ladakh on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau this entire trip is at high attitude and acclimatisation adds an extra element to this expedition. With a low point of 2940m and a high point of 6153m we cross 5 passes (4200m, 3700m, 4400m, 4950m & 4850m) along this epic journey. With over 90% of Ladakh's population practicing Buddhism it is more like Tibet than India in many ways. The expedition gives a great insight into local culture with visits to monasteries, palaces, villages and markets all included.
Bike
The 5 day bike section covers a distance of 276km on mixed surface of tarmac, gravel, sand and large stones. We follow the road from Kargil to Padum, only passable in the summer months and completely snowed out in winter. The route takes us past many remote villages and monasteries as we follow the Suru and then Stod rivers to reach Karsha, the starting point of the river section. The highlights of this section are the views of the Nun and Kun Massifs, both over 7000m, the sunset and sunrise at the Rangdum plains, the Drung Durung Glacier (source of the Zanskar River) and crossing the Pensi La pass at 4400m.
Raft or Kayak
We paddle 95km over two days on the Zanskar River, considered by many as one of the best rivers in the world. After an extensive safety brief we put on the water and enjoy a nice introductory section of class II whitewater. After 25km we enter the Grand Canyon of Asia and with good class III/IV whitewater and incredible scenery. Once in the canyon we are committed to reach its end. With canyon walls over 1000m deep and no road access this the most remote section of the expedition. No experience is required for rafters but kayakers need to have class 4 experience.
Trek
We leave the trekking section until last to maximize altitude acclimatisation. Each day is different as we pass through a range of spectacular landscapes along valleys and crossing high passes, a total distance of 89km. Starting at 3190m we cross two passes just under 5000m to reach Stok Kangri base camp at 4900m. From there we climb to 6153m, the summit of Stok Kangri and the climax of our expedition. The views from the top are breathtaking as we have a bird's eye view of the entire route and great views of the Karakoram, Stok, Zanskar & Ladakh ranges as well as views far into Pakistan and Tibet. No technical mountaineering experience is required to climb Stok Kangri.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival in Delhi (239m). You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Aamantran Guest House. Spend the remainder of day relaxing, shopping or sightseeing. Overnight Guest House. |
| Day 2: | Fly Delhi to Leh (3505m). Take the one hour flight to Leh, capital of Ladakh. This is an incredible flight over the greater Himalaya with spectacular views of K2 (8611 m) among other peaks. Its a morning flight so one has almost a full day in Leh for acclimatisation. Relax at the hotel, go for short walks and generally take it easy. Overnight hotel. |
| Day 3: | Acclimatisation and Sightseeing. Spend the day in and around Leh to acclimatise. Enjoy a guided tour of Shey, Thikse and Hemis Buddhist monasteries. The tour involves a short amount of walking to each monastery which helps with acclimatisation. In the afternoon there is an extensive brief and gear check for the expedition. Enjoy our last meal in a hotel for 2 weeks. Overnight hotel. |
| Day 4: | Drive Leh to Mulbeck (3289m): 8 hrs – 180km. We start early for the long drive to Mulbeck with great views of the Ladakhi moonscape and Lamayuru monastery. After 5 hours we reach the Fotu La Pass (4200m) the high point of the day with great views towards Pakistan and Kashmir. From there it is another 3 hours to Mulbeck crossing the Namika La pass en route. Overnight camp. |
| Day 5: | Bike Mulbeck to Sanko (3200m): 6 hrs – 79km. This is our first day of mountain biking and real exertion at altitude. The first two hours are a great warm up as we travel 39km all down hill to Kargil (2940 m). From Kargil we take 4 hours to bike 40km along the Suro river to reach Sanko. We camp at a beautiful meadow beside the Suru river with amazing views of the Nun (7135 m) and Kun (7075 m) Massifs. Overnight camp. |
| Day 6: | Bike Sanko to Parkatchik (3700m): 5 hrs – 45km. From Sanko we move off tarmac and onto a mixture of dirt track, sand and stones. With an overall altitude gain of 500m it is a tough day. We pass many beautiful villages and there is great scenery throughout the day. Once we reach Parkatchik, one can rest or go on a short hike along the river or to the village. Overnight camp. |
| Day 7: | Bike Parkatchik to Rangdum (4000m): 6 hrs – 43km. Another day of climbing on mixed terrain with more amazing scenery. We leave the Suru Valley behind and climb up to the Rangdum Plains. We set up camp at an ideal location near Rangdum monastery, a photographer's dream. In the evening go for a short acclimatisation hike. Overnight camp. |
| Day 8: | Bike Rangdum to Remala (3665m): 6 hrs – 44km. Today is the toughest day on the bikes as we cross the Pensi La Pass (4400m). We bike for 20 minutes to visit Rangdum monastery before climbing for 4 hours to reach the pass. The difficult climb to the pass is rewarded by great views into the Zanskar region and the Drung Durung glacier. The Drung Durung Glacier is the source of the Stod (Doda) which feeds the Zanskar River. From the Pass we cycle for 2 hours to reach Remala and set up camp beside the Stod River. Overnight camp. |
| Day 9: | Bike Remala to Karsha (3600m): 5 hrs – 65km. Our last day on the bikes is relatively flat as we follow the Stod river and set up camp just above the confluence of the Stod and Tsarap Chu Rivers. The meeting point of these two rivers forms the start of the Zanskar River. In the afternoon we pack up the bikes and go for a hike to Karsha Gompa which is perched high above the valley. Overnight camp. |
| Day 10: | Raft/Kayak Karsha to Nyerak (3470m): 6 hrs – 55km. We have an extensive safety and river brief before starting the river section of the expedition. The first 25km is fast flowing class II whitewater, a perfect warm up section. Once we enter the Canyon the whitewater picks up with several big volume class III rapids. We set up camp below Nyerak village, where we enjoy the shade of some trees, very rare in Ladakh! Overnight camp. |
| Day 11: | Raft/Kayak Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190m): 5 hrs – 40km. Bigger whitewater today as we pass through the deepest part of the Canyon. We run two big class III/IV rapids, '18 Down' and 'Constriction', where the river rushes through a 6 meter gap. As the canyon walls become less steep we reach Lamaguru and the Markha river. Overnight camp. |
| Day 12: | Trek Lamaguru to Shingo (4150m): 5 hrs – 15km. Our first day of trekking. It's not a long walk but we gain over 1000 meters so it is important to move slowly to acclimatise. We start by walking along the Markha River until reach Skaya, a small hamlet. From there we turn north and walk up to Shingo village. Overnight camp. |
| Day 13: | Trek Shingo to Rumbak (4000m): 6 hrs – 16km. We make an early start to avoid the hot part of the day. The first 3 hours are all up hill to reach the the Ganda La pass (4950m), where we have great views of the Zanskar, Stok and Ladakh Ranges. From the Ganda La Pass we descend down towards Rumbak village, where we cross a small stream and pass the local monastery. We set up camp just east of the village. Overnight camp. |
| Day 14: | Trek Rumbak to Mankarmo (4200m): 7 hrs – 14km. We start early walking towards the Stok La Pass (4850m). After 2 hours the trail becomes steep and we climb steadily to reach the pass, where we are greeted by impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Then we walk for a further 3 hours descending and ascending to reach our campsite at Mankarmo beside the Stok river. Overnight camp. |
| Day 15: | Trek Mankarmo to Base Camp (4900m): 3 hrs – 7km. A short distance to cover today, but again important to take it slowly as we are gaining 700m. We follow the Stok river all the way to the Base Camp. In the afternoon we go for an acclimatisation hike up to nearby ridge which offers us our first view of the Karakoram Range. Overnight camp. |
| Day 16: | Rest day at Base Camp. Have a full day of rest at the base camp to maximise our chances of a successful summit attempt. There is an option to go for a hike in the morning but we advise complete rest. Overnight camp. |
| Day 17: | Trek Base Camp to Stok Kangri (6153m) to Base Camp: 10 hrs – 16km. This is the most difficult day of the expedition and takes a lot of physical and mental strength. We rise very early (just after midnight) and walk for 2 hours to reach the Stok Glacier. Crossing the glacier takes an hour and is relatively flat and easy. From there we climb for another 2 hours on a long scree slope stopping to put on crampons where there is some snow. At the end of the scree slope we reach a ridge which we follow for a further 2 hours to reach the summit. From the summit we are greeted by amazing views of the Himalaya and Karakoram, as well as a birds eye view of our entire route. The Zanskar, Stok, and Ladakh ranges form an outstanding vista of snow-capped peaks. The walk from the summit back to base camp takes 3 hours with everyone enjoying a well earned rest upon arrival. Overnight camp. |
| Day 18: | Spare Summit Day. This day is included for possible bad weather or further acclimatisation if needed. In the event that we summit Stok Kangri on Day 17, we will walk to Stok Village on Day 18 and return to Leh on the morning of Day 19. |
| Day 19: | Base Camp to Stok Village (3480m) to Leh: 6 hrs – 21km. We walk for 5 hours all down hill, along the Stok River to reach Stok village. From Stok village it takes 1 hour to reach Leh where you have a nice warm shower! Relax or go shopping for the afternoon. In the evening enjoy a celebratory dinner and some well earned beers. Overnight hotel. |
| Day 20: | Fly Leh to Delhi. Take the 1 hour flight back to Delhi in the early morning. Airport pick up and transfer to the Aamantran Guest House. The rest of the day is free for relaxing, shopping or sightseeing. Overnight hotel. |
| Day 21: | Depart India. Morning after breakfast transfer to the International airport in time for your flight home. Trip ends. |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment:
We have teamed up with an environmental organisation, Climate Care, that funds sustainable energy and forest restoration projects in India and all over the world. Climate Care facilitates us to offset or neutralise the harmful CO2 emissions caused by your flight. We offset your emissions on your internal flights, and we encourage you to offset the emissions on your international flights to India. We have a strong environmental policy, carrying all non-biodegradable produce off this trip with us and disposing of it in a responsible manner. We bury all organic matter deep in the ground, and this breaks it down over a short period of time. We use eco-friendly toilets or pit toilets on this trip. This is essentially a pit dug in the ground where all waste is covered with a mixture of soil and lime, and no water is used. Furthermore, we source almost all of our drinking and cooking water from fresh water springs. If this is not possible, water from the river is filtered. Community: Ladakh is now the only true remaining Buddhist mountain culture in the world. While in Leh, you have the opportunity to visit the Shey, Thikse and Hemis monasteries. At the monasteries, you can meet monks from the age of six to sixty and learn about their way of live and religion. It is the highest honour to be selected to become a monk and some boys leave their homes as young as four years old. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |