We discover the Indus Valley with its fantastic monasteries, its rich history and beautiful scenery. We walk through the fields to a small monastery of Sankar (Gelugpa) and stop at the Shanti Stupa, a Japanese built Buddhist stupa.
Early in the morning we leave for the Nubra Valley via Khardong La (5259m), one of the highest paved roads in the world. If we have good weather, take on a fantastic view of the entire southern part of Ladakh, Zanskar and the Indus Valley and the Karakuram range.
The Nubra Valley is an ancient caravan route Leh covenant with Kashgar (now located in Sinkiang China). In the valley we find many Buddhist monasteries such as that of Samsthanling and Disket. Accommodation in a camp near Sumur (325m), it looks like an oasis with plentiful orchard in the bend of a river. In the late afternoon we make a short 30 minute walk to the old monastery Samsthanling which was built in 1842. The monastery consists of seven temples with apartments for the abbot, the head lama and a young reincarnated Tulku, recognized by the Dalai Lama.
Overnight in Fixed camp.
Morning we pass through the valleys of Disket and Hunder. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the snowy peaks of the Karakorum on the horizon. Compared with the Indus Valley, it is warmer here and there is therefore more vegetation. We walk 45 minutes to the monastery of Disket. The gonpa was built by a disciple of Tsonkhapa, founder of the "yellow hat sect". After the visit we go to Hunder (7km) along the desert valley. We visit the closer Chamba Lhakhang high statues of Buddha Maitreya, one carved out of the rocks. We enjoy the flora and fauna. For enthusiasts, there is a walk along the ledge so that we get a nice view over the valley. A real camel safari in the desert is another option. After the safari we continue to Skuru and camp at 3200m. Overnight camp.
We leave in the morning and drive along a difficult path (40 km) at the start of our trek at the bridge of Patsathang. Climb and cross a small mountain pass, the Gang Di La (3850m), where the view is amazing. We reach Yokma Thang (3950m) situated at the river and camp a little further into the village, consisting of about 15 houses. Overnight camp.
A short but challenging hiking spiced with numerous rivers we have to cross (adapted footwear fitted). First, we walk on flatland to Spollu Shuru and after about 1.5 hour, we walk past the river that runs to the village Largyap Gongma, where we again have a fantastic view of the glacier Ombokong. From the village we see two valleys. Our route takes us back to the river. We go back along the right bank, and after 20min we reach our camp (4500m). A nice grassy area near a river. Overnight in tent.
In the morning we have a beautiful view over the glacier Thago. Quiet climb to a beautiful valley that is completely surrounded by colorful rocks. We see grazing yaks, and other animals. These are the pastures of the village Largyap Yokma. The walk takes us to La Tia base camp where we set up camp at 4900m. Overnight in tent.
Today we are aiming the (5420 high) mountain pass about La Tia. The climb begins quietly, but then a little harder as we get closer to the pass. The last part we will be about a 20min walk through the snow. From the pass we get a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. After 1 hour valleys we see four small lakes. We go through the valley to a nice place to camp.Camp at 4700m at Yokmaru. An extraordinarily beautiful, but tough day. Overnight in tent.
Today is a quiet, easy walk with beautiful views over the valley. We follow the path through the valley and enjoy a pleasant picnic in a meadow. Our camp site is located at 4400m in Chutangmo today. Overnight in tent.
In the morning we continue to follow the river through the beautiful valley walking along a modest settlement with some curious and very old houses. After the descent we arrive at the village of Tia. There is a small monastery inhabited by the nuns in Khatsa. On arrival we take a walk in the village Temisgang. The village is very picturesque, built on a rock midst of green fields. We camp at 3550, in an orchard of apricot trees. Overnight in tent.
We leave the valley, crossing a small river (bridge) and continue walking on a stone path to the Temong La 3900m. From the pass we climb calmly to 4040m. From the pass two paths lead to Skyndyang, our goal today. We take the right path until we reach a, the V-valley. Here we see, at 3640m, the remains of Tibetan buildings. We put our camp at the village Skindyang. Overnight in Skindyang.
Today was a long walking several passes on the menu. We start on a small path above the village; stabbing a river, pass a few old houses and zigzagging we go up to the Sedhchan La (3950m). Beautiful view of the snow-capped peaks. The descent is easy; the path turns right and ends at a meadow at 3740m. We continue our walk and arrive at another pass before descending to the fields of Dock Yarmu. We see them on the left below us a 3600m. We have a picnic by the river. In the afternoon we walk first along the river and then there is a zigzag descend to a meadow with a big old tree. Overnight in tent.
Today is another long day. From the camp we take a small, green path along the river. The trail goes up here; we follow the left, then go right and climb zig-zagging up to the Samun La at 3920m. There follows a gentle descent to a small rocky ledge. We descend to meadows and a river, follow the bank. We cross the river and climb away from Dhomkhar. We leave the village behind us and camp near the river at 3920m. Overnight in tent.
Our morning starts with a climb. The trail leads to two passes, one at a height of 4550m and another which is 4720m high. We go around the hill to the right and then descend to Skyurbuchan, the bottom of the valley where we camp. The descent is a litte steep. Overnight in tent.
Today is the last day of our trek and we have to walk for about 3 hours till we reach the village Skurbuchan. After lunch we visit the village and the upper cloister. Our camp is located next to the village school in an orchard with apricots. Overnight in tent.
From the village we take a day trip to the villages in the Dha Hanu, located near Kargil barely 20km from the Pakistan border. The in habitants of this region are Indo-Aryan. The culture here is a little distinct from the rest of Ladakh. There are about 2,000 residents in five villages above the bed of the Indus lie. It is a fertile area with plenty of fruits (apricots) and vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, etc. We explore the villages and meet the people. In the afternoon we will back to Leh.
