Trans Himalayan Expedition
₹136000 per person
Join Us, Today for an Adventure Self Drive Expedition to Trans Himalayas (Ladakh, Zanskar & More) and experience the most offbeat Terrains with 5 Star Luxury.
Get your own SUV or rent one.
Specially crafted Overlanding Expeditions, where Adventure Meets Luxury. Perfect for Families, Friends & Kids
Places being Covered: Leh | Padum | Shinkula | Khardungla | Nubra Valley | Pangong Tso | Tso Moriri | Jispa | Manali.
Highlights:
✔️ Curated Trips where special attention is given to luxury even in the most offbeat terrains
✔️ Experience of Driving in a Convoy
✔️ Try your hand on OffRoading and driving on the most Adventurous Trails
✔️ Travel under Expert Guidance
✔️ Glamping at the most serene locations
✔️ Lead & Backup Vehicle
✔️ Bonfire & Dancing to the local tunes
✔️ Radio Communication on the Go
Upcoming Expeditions
11th Sep 2024 – 23rd Sep 2024 |
Book Now |
12 Nights 13 Days
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Included
All Stays in luxury Hotels/ Resorts/ Campsites on double/triple sharing basis.Bonfire, Music & the company of like-minded people.Guided Tour with the Travel ExpertsLead & Backup Vehicles and Adequate DrivingRadio Communication on the GoWould include all meals starting -
Not Included
Any Requirement for personal use, liquor, water etc.Any tolls/road taxesAnything extra being ordered in the hotelsChargeable entries if any at some placesGSTTravel or medical InsuranceTravel/Transport cost in terms of fuel, Self Drive Cars/Taxis
From Our Gallery
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Day 1: Reach Manali
We all intend to reach Manali by Late afternoon and then check into a luxurious property soaking in the beauty of wide landscapes and hustle-bustle of the beautiful town of Manali. In the evening, the convoy meets for the first ice-breaking session over a barbeque and sumptuous dinner.
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Day 2: Manali to Jispa, Atal Tunnel Sissu
This is the day when we leave the greens and enter the Golden beauty of Trans Himalayas. After a filling breakfast, we will have a detailed briefing with a round of introduction. Post prepping up our vehicles, we leave towards the gorgeous Solang Valley and then the Fabled Atal Tunnel which is the gateway to enter the
magnificent Lahaul & Spiti Valley. As we exit the tunnel, the whole landscape takes a 360-degree shift at Sissu. Thereafter, we cross through the vast landscapes of Lahaul valley to reach Tandi. Tandi is known for the confluence of rivers Chandra and Bhaga which meet at Tandi to form the mighty Chenab. From there we head to Keylong (ht. ~30380mts), the headquarter of Lahaul Valley and finally, we reach Jispa. Jispa which is perched at an elevation of ~3,200 m or 10,500 and is known for its natural beauty remains untouched in its most pristine form. Finally, we end the day at a premium hotel/resort with a bonfire and barbeque where we dance to the local Himachali tunes
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Day 3: Jispa to Padum, Shinku-La Gonbo Rangjon Peak
This day is going to get the best of you. Full of Adrenaline rush, it is going to test our driving skills to the fullest. After breakfast, we continue on Manali-Leh highway for a few kms to reach Darcha which is an important checkpost while going to Ladakh. A few kms after crossing Darcha, we leave the main Leh highway and divert towards the route going through Shinkula and Zanskar Valley. Climbing towards Shnkula is driving like a breeze with freshly tarred roads and the views get better with every turn. It is a steep climb towards Shinkula and a few kms short of Shinkula, the drive starts getting interesting as we get the first taste of offroading. The last few kms are full of tricky turns, water crossings, and mesmerizing views. As we reach Shinkula, we can witness the grandeur and 360 degrees of Trans Himalayan ranges on Lahaul as well as the Zanskar side. Shinku La. Shinkula is a high mountain pass situated at ~5091mts and is known asthe highest mountain pass of Himachal which opened for vehicular traffic and connectivity between Zanskar and Lahaul Valley in 2017. After offering our prayers to mountain gods at the pass and filling our eyes with the beauty around us, we proceed further. towards Zanskar. As we descend the pass, we will drive on the most treacherous switchbacks where driving with care is of utmost importance. As we end the switchbacks, we may have to cross a couple of River/Water crossings and then we get into a plain vast gorgeous offroad trails of Zanskar value with the Stunning view of the famous Gombo Ranjan peak on one side and the river on the left. Soon we enter the first village of Zanskar Kargyak from this side where the only way possible to reach till a few years back was on foot. Then we proceed towards other villages to finally reach Padum by evening. We check in an ethnic Hotel/Homestay at Padum over snacks and drinks as we discuss our adventures of the day.
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Day 4: Padum & Around, Stongdey Zangla Karsha
After a long journey on the previous day, we do a relaxed start after our breakfast, where we set out to explore the beauty of Zanskar around Padum. As there are many places that one can visit, we may select a few or may do all, depending upon the time. The places that can be explored are Karsha monastery, Stongdey Monastery, Zangla Fort, the primitive villages of Zanskar Valley. We
may even spend some time on the river bed absorbing the vastness and serenity of the Zanskar valley. Finally, we end the day at the same hotel/homestay at Padum.
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Day 5: Padum to Leh, Lingshed Sirsi-La Singe-La
As it is going to be a long day, we start early. After out breakfast, we hit the road. This is again going to be another adventurous drives of our trip. The path has been recently cut and we take the same route towards Zangla till which the road is well built. Post that, we will be on off-road trails towards Lingshed and up ahead. Signature views of Zanskar, synonymous with the Zanskar valley stay alongside us for a good part of the day. Post-Zangla on the route towards Lingshed, the journey will take us through several loops similar to the gata Loops. The roads are almost non-existent and it is complete offroading with a gorgeous river flowing by your side. From Lingshed, we start the climb towards Singela pass. This route ahead will take you through small settlements of Fotoksar, after which we climb another mighty pass Sirsila. Post this we’ll reach Hanupatta from where we come back on tarmac roads towards Wanla (not to be mistaken as a mountain pass). We can take a small diversion towards Lamayuru if the time permits and then head towards Leh through Khaltse. After an arduous journey, we check into one of the most luxurious resorts in Leh. After settling in and freshening up we meet for evening snacks followed by a sumptuous dinner.
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Day 6: Leh & Around
As last day would have been tough for us, we take it easy on this day, as we explore places around Leh and chill in Leh market soaking in a very unique Ladakhi vibe. After waking to a beautiful morning and having a hearty breakfast, we leave for the day. As there is a lot that one can cover around Leh, we pick our spots after discussion with the group., we may to choose to visit places out of the following:
- Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, a popular Buddhist shrine in Leh, which offers a mesmerizing view of the town and surrounding mountains from the hillock.
- Shanti Stupa also known as the Japanese peace pagoda. This popular place is located at a hilltop offers a bird’s eye view of the entire town.
- Leh Palace, Also known as Lachen Palkar Palace, it is a former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh. The palace was constructed by Singay Namgyal at the beginning of 17th Century A.D and is one of the central attractions in Leh.
- Thiksey Monastery located at an altitude of 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) in the Indus Valley., which is a twelve-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords.
- Stakna Monastery or Stakna Gompa founded in the late 16th century by a Bhutanese scholar and saint, Chosje Modzin. The name, literally meaning 'tiger's nose' was given because it was built on a hill shaped like a tiger's nosen
- Druk Padma Karpo School, the fabled 3 Idiots school.
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Day 7: Leh to Nubra Valley, Khardung-La Diskit Hunder
After an early breakfast, we start your travel towards Khardungla pass which is 39 kms away from Leh city and is situated at ~ 5359 mts/18390 feet is the
Khardungla Pass, which also happens to be the highest point of our trip. After halting for a while on Khardungla we enter into Nubra Valley which is known for its wide landscapes, white sand dunes, and double hump camel rides. First, we reach Diskit village, the headquarter village of Nubra Valley. It has a 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop from where we get a gigantic view of the valley. Then we head to Hunder which is a beautiful green village that houses a small monastery and a ruined fort. We can also enjoy a walk or a Camel Safari along the sand dunes. Night stay at a luxury resort at Hunder where we enjoy bonfire and barbeque as we dance to the local Ladakhi tunes.
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Day 8: Nubra Rest Day
After a relaxed breakfast, we head towards Turtuk which is a border village that was recaptured by the Indian Army in 197. This village is inhabited by Balti Muslims and depends mainly on farming vegetables, and apricot besides providing mules and porters. This is One of the most fascinating drives in Ladakh. We may also explore the other side of Nubra Valley towards Panamik if time permits. Night stay at a luxury resort at Hunder where we enjoy a bonfire followed by dinner
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Day 9: Nubra to Pangong Tso Via Shyok
After breakfast at camp/resort, we start for our next destination Pangong Lake (situated at ~4224mts/14, 500 ft above sea level) via Shayok and on to Tang Tse and Spangmik(Pangong). This route is a shortcut alternative to the long route for which one has to first go to Leh and then head to Pangong via Changla. This is a beautiful route that follows the Shyok river and then climbs up a mountain before finally descending into Shyok village. We tend to reach Pangong by afternoon where we enjoy the rest of the day by the shore of the lake and then check in to our luxury campsite at Spangmik.
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Day 10: Pangong (Spangmik) to Hanle
We wake to a beautiful morning to sun shimmering over the gorgeous Pangong lake. After having our breakfast, we leave for Hanle via Chushul village and Merak village. This is a beautiful drive alongside beautiful Pangong lake where we have an opportunity to witness wild ass (Kyang ) and a few birds like Black neck crane, Brahminy dark and seagull. Then we reach Chushul which is one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) points between Indian Army and People Liberation Army of China for regular consultations and interactions between the two armies, which helps in defusing face-offs. We can view the army post from a long distance and hence this place is of high strategic importance to the army. Then we cross through Tsaga -La (Pass) and Loma and further towards Maha, the main checking point to enter this new area. From where we take a left and head towards Hanle through Nyoma. The drive to Hanle is like driving in a dreamland with beautiful desert mountain landscapes.
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Day 11: Hanle to Umlingla to Tso Moriri/Leh
After breakfast today, we set towards riding the highest motorable pass of the world called Umlingla at an elevation of ~5650 ASL. First half of it is driving on no man's land and is a total offroad. And then the next half is a totally tarred rod to the Umlingla Top. After spending sometime at the top, we come back to Hanle and then proceed our onwards journey to Korzok if we intend to visit and Tso Moriri or we head towards Leh. The route we take is same till Mahe which we took while coming from Pangong towards Hanle on Day 10. and then if we have to Korzok, we take a diversion from Mahe bridge or head straight to Leh along side Indus river via Upshi Stakna.
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Day 12: Tso Moriri/Leh to Manali
As this is going to be a long day and as we cross through the fabled Leh-Manali highway where we would require a lot of photography breaks, we start our day early. From Korzok we come back the same way till Mahe Bridge and from there take the diversion to reach Tso Kar. Road from Mahe Bridge is in bad condition, but a bliss for offroad enthusiasts
After Tso Kar we head to meet the main Leh – Manali highway. We cross through Moore Plains – Pang – Gata Loops Sarchu and Darcha (from where took the diversion for Zanskar on Day 3). We also cross through 3 high mountain passes on this day like, Nakeela Lachulung La and Baralachala (from where we get to see the Famous Suraj Tal which is the origin of Bhaga river).. We also get to witness another small but a gorgeous lake called Deepak Tal enroute. If we start from Leh, we also get to see another high mountain pass Taglangla. Finally, we reach our luxury stay at Manali where we end the day with barbeque and dinner.
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Day 13: Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful views and mountains. Wish you a safe and pleasant journey back home.
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Q. What do I need for this trip?
- Passion for Adventure and Love for the Himalayas
- An SUV Vehicle in good condition serviced before the trip
- In case you don’t have an SUV vehicle, we can help you arrange one.
- Although we would promote this as a self-drive trip, still if you are not comfortable driving on your own, we can help you find a chauffer driven vehicle too.
- A Valid Driving License in case you are driving yourself
- To avoid any problems at the time of the trip, we strongly recommend to have your vaccination done at least till a week before the commencement of the trip
Q. How do we plan these itineraries?
Our itineraries are reflective of a broader route plan and on these Self-Drive Expeditions, we improvise while on the trips, for the best experience. That is what the real fun of Road Trips is and hence, this itinerary is subject to change. Also, these are the best possible plans, and we will try our best to keep them in-tact, however there me be a change in the timing or day for visiting a place from what has been mentioned in the plan above or we may omit a few places as some routes may be totally inaccessible due to route closure, bad weather. etc. At the same time, we may even add new places which are not a part of the itinerary. Ensuring the best travel experience and hospitality.Q. Can I bring my families and kids along?
We specialise in the most premium trips where we strive to provide the best luxury possible in even the remotest of areas and we promote having families. In-fact all our trips have families and kids even in winters.Q. What if I don't want to get my own Car
No problems, we can help you rent a vehicle as per your convenience. You are even free to rent a car yourself if you wish to. However, please be informed that booking through us would only mean getting access to the best vendors and enjoying the best of pricing, but the client would deal with the vendors separately and all transactions need to be done directly. Himalayan Talkies won’t have any role to play on the contracts being signed between the 2 parties (the Car Vendors & the Clients)Q. Do I need any COVID-19 test?
Not currently. However we will keep you posted if there is any change in the guidelines. We will still urge the travellers to travel after they are vaccinated and if not, they may go for a test just for precaution.Itinerary
Our itineraries are reflective of a broader route plan and on these Overlanding Expeditions, we improvise while on the trips, for the best experience. That is what the real fun of Road Trips is and hence, this itinerary is subject to change. Also, these are the best possible plans which we try to keep in-tact, however there me be changes in the timings or day for visiting a place from what has been mentioned in the detailed itinerary. We may even omit a few places especially those lying on very high altitudes as some routes may be totally inaccessible due to route closure, bad weather. etc. At the same time, we may even add new places which are not a part of the itinerary. Ensuring the best travel experience and hospitality.Cancellation
- We Retain 10% and refund the rest - If cancelled with more than 12 Weeks to go for the trip. - We Retain 20% and refund the rest – If cancelled with less than 12 Weeks and more than 4 weeks to go for the trip. - We Retain 50% and refund the rest – If Cancelled with less than 4 Weeks and more than 1 Week to Go for the Trip - No Refund if Cancelled with less than 1 Week to go for the trip. In case we cancel the trip due to any unforeseen circumstances, we will refund the full amount. But if a traveler cancels the trip, the policy mentioned above would be applicable. Policy related to COVID-19 will vary time to time and will be communicated separately. Please reach out to the team for more queries.Stays
Although we specialize in organizing expeditions to these offbeat and remote regions with the best of Luxury which makes It suitable for Families, Friends, Females & Children but you may have to be ready to live in basic setups due to any unforeseen circumstances as these regions lack resources and sometimes things aren’t in our hands. However, we will still ensure to keep everyone warm and comfortable.Self Drive/Taxi Bookings
Those who would want Self Drives/ Taxis for their travel, can book them on their own or you can get in touch with us. We can help you with the same, but the transaction and the contract would happen directly between the client and the car Vendor. The travelers are also requested to note that in case you are taking a selfdrive rented vehicle, there may be few days that you ma have to station the car at a place and take a chauffeur driven taxi. However, we will help you book the same, but the cost will have to be borne by the clients as per actuals.COVID-19 Guidelines
- To avoid any problems at the time of the trip, we strongly recommend to have your vaccination done at least till a week before the commencement of the trip
- All travelers are advised to carry Masks, Sanitizers and Gloves
- Travellers may have to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines prevailing at the time of travel