All Girls Trip to Leh Ladakh

Details

We will start our travel in Delhi where our group will unite to have one night bus running to Manali. Everything about the specific location and time of the meeting (probably 7:00 PM) will be sent through email to you early enough.

On the road we will use frequent stops to take meal breaks, washroom visits and stretch our legs. After settling down everyone will warm up through fun games and introductions. Trek leaders will also prepare the group on the impending adventure to take place and they will motivate you to be thrilled, ready and prepared to take all the advantage of making this trip one to remember.

Here we are off with you on the trail of Spiti valley, - Time to leave the city lights behind to watch the Himalayas instead!

Details

The girl gang freshens up, then they are back on the road to Jispa and the journey through one of the most picturesque drives of the Himalayas has begun. Our journey to Heer Peak starts with the crossing of the historic Atal Tunnel, which is an example of marvelous modern engineering, named after a former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is this tunnel, which lies underneath the awesome Rohtang Pass, which leads the way to the heavenly terrains of Lahaul Valley.

At the other end of the tunnel, we set foot in Sissu, a surreal village out of a postcard; Chenab River on one side and mountains crowned with snow on the other, and the freshness that you will feel like taking a bottle of it home. An Ideal pitstop to nature lovers!

The route passes through Keylong which is the administrative center of the Lahaul and Spiti district and we reach Jispa. Framed with rugged mountains and situated next to Bhaga river, Jispa is serenely welcoming us.

We will relax and relax a little after checking into our comfortable camps along the river and absorb some alpine likes. When the nighttime falls we will sit down to a sumptuous meal, and then there will be the games and groovy dancing and perhaps even a little buttery gossiping under the stars.

It is your turn to unleash, giggle nonstop and bond like a sisterhood with the mountains of the Himalayas.

Details

Once we have an early breakfast at Jispa, we will be ready to have one of the most scenic road escapades of the journey i.e. a high-altitude road trip through one of the most unreal landscapes of the Himalayas to reach Leh, the heart of Ladakh.

The magnificent Deepak Tal (3,749 m) with its sparkling lake encapsulating sapphire skies and the mind-blowing Baralacha La Pass which presents a door between Lahaul and Ladakh, are some of the pleasantest highlights that we come across in our first leg. Make sure to take those mirror reflection lake photographs worthy of being published into Instagram!

At the furthermost stretch, we will drive past Zing Zing Bar, a high altitude BRO (Border Roads Organisation) camp which battles harsh weather and rough terrain. Shortly after, we will be amazed by one of the highest lakes in India, Suraj Tal which is usually sparkling under the icy winds.

Climbing higher, we will pass three legendary passes:

• Nakee La (15,547 ft)
• Pass Lachung La (16,600 ft)
• Tanglang La (17,480 ft one of the highest motorable passes of the world)

We will have a stop at Pang(to rest and have refreshments), and then get ready to ride the famous Gata Loops, 21 tight hairpin bends that challenge nerves and thrill the heart.

The next is the surreal More Plains (Kiang Chu Thang) a 40 km waste land that is flat as an ocean at an altitude of 15,500 ft! Its name is so pretty: A plain where even the wild kiang (Tibetan wild ass) cannot get water; but the scenery has no comparison.

Our last leg takes us through Upshi, a sleepy Ladakhi village, then we roll into Leh by evening.

Meal It is a warm dinner after check-in. Worn out but thrilled after such a trek we will recuperate and be ready to explore some more in the Land of Lamas.

Details

Witnessing the magical confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river.

Pathar Gurudwara Sahib is the most revered place for both followers of Buddhism and Sikhism. According to legend, Guru Nanak Ji conquered a demon here, who threw a big rock on him while he was meditating. The rock turned to soft wax, and Guru Nanak Ji was rendered unaffected. Seeing this, the demon turned into a good man and accepted the nobility of Guru Nanak Ji.

Magnetic hill is mainly compared to an enigma, and some say it is an optical illusion. It is a gravity hill that looks like such because of its area. In truth, the mountain is a downhill road, but it appears as if the vehicles are climbing up. Along with this phenomenon, it is a beautiful drive with dozens of cars trying to defy gravity and finally coming out amazed. 

If you are a history lover, you would like to visit the Hall of Fame. It was built in 1986 to showcase the valour of the Indian Army. It portrays weapons, accounts of the courageous soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation and exhibits about the Indian Army. The Hall of Fame museum also displays a 30-minute film that comprises the 1999 ‘Kargil War’. 

As the name reveals, Shanti Stupa, or World Peace Pagoda, symbolises peace. It was built by the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Japan near Chanspa village. A full dramatic view of Leh Ladakh opens up at its top. A Buddhist white-dome Chorten (stupa) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh, at 11,841 ft. This is known for its intricate carvings. 

Details

So today we abandon the primaeval town of Leh, and travel north again towards Nubra Valley, an unusual high altitude cold desert that is to totally transform the landscape of our expedition.

Our ride will be starting early in the morning which will take us slowly towards one of the highest motorable roads in the world, the famous Khardung La Pass which sits at 5,359 m. Here we will make a stop to stretch ourselves, take some tea, do some clicks and rest (phew).

Hunder- Sand Dunes & 2 humped camel

On the way down to Nubra, we will pass through the surrealistic village of Hunder with its sand dunes, old monasteries and the elusive Bactrian double humped camels. These camels were indigenous Central Asians that contribute to the extra-terrestrial atmosphere of the area. Though most people decide to ride these animals, we promote conscious traveling.

Rather than sitting on them, feeding or witnessing them as they roll around happily in the sand, all you need is to do just that and it is also magical, more than that, it is more caring.

Other people who may help Jerusalem Ultra Marathon North Korea Odyssey or history enthusiasts may also find traces of the ancient Langchen Khar (Elephant Palace), Gula fort and other ruins that dot the valley as it is located in the town of Hunder.

Nubra- The Secret Orchard of Ladakh

Nobly nicknamed the Orchard of Kashmir, the face of Nubra to its deprived environment is amazing. As soon as we get to our stay; we shall check-in and clean-up ourselves before proceeding to venture into some self-sponsored activities such as:

• Ride atv over sand dunes
• Dealing with the Bactrian camels
• Experiencing to the peaceful beauty of Hunder village

We will then have dinner and rest under the starlit sky in our homestay at Hunder with Nubra already making a place in our hearts as the day winds down.

Details

Distance between Nubra Valley and Turtuk: 170 km

Time taken: 6 hours

Turtuk is a tiny hamlet circumscribed by Nubra valley, nestled in the Karakoram mountain range. It is one of the remotest reaches for tourists in India; nevertheless, the friendly habitants fill one up with juicy conversations, just like the fruits found here. The village was under POK till 1971, but as the history peeps, the villagers don’t mind being ruled by either Pakistan or India. They live peacefully and happily. 

Upon our arrival in Turtuk, we’ll spend some time exploring the beautiful village.

We'll head back to Nubra by the evening, where we'll have dinner followed by an overnight stay.

Details

After breakfast in a peaceful setting of Nubra valley, we visit Diskit Monastery, the largest and oldest monastery in the valley. The giant Maitreya Buddha statue is situated at the top of the desert where visitors can enjoy spectacular views and have some time of calm contemplation.

And after relaxing here a bit, we continue our journey to the top attraction in Ladakh, called Pangong Tso.

Pangong Tso -The Colour Changing Lake

The route that will take one to Nubra to Pangong is a magical one. Pangong Tso gradually comes out of a box as we transit across high altitude passes and barren hills.

This imaginary endorheic lake extends 134km linking eastern Ladakh and western Tibet and is separated into five smaller lakes:

• Pangong Tso
• Tso Nyak
• Twin Lakes (Rum Tso)
• Nyak Tso

Pangong only includes Indian territory by 40 percent, the remaining is a border zone between India and China which has existed even before. The color of the lake changes every time between blue and green, and at best red at sunset makes it look like a painting worth watching- it is one of the best pieces of nature.

As soon as we arrive at Pangong, we shall be able to check in the campsite or homestay, have a shower, and rest our nerves by the tranquility of the lake. Once you have enjoyed a hearty dinner you can sit at the water side, gaze at the stars or just have the chilly air of the mountains put you to peaceful sleep at night.

Sleeping in Pangong under a billion stars? An experience that you would not forget in your dream.

Details

Following an early breakfast on the lovely shores of the Pangong Tso we amble on our way again to Leh. We pass through one of the highest motorable mountain passes (the mighty Chang La Pass 5,360 m) in the world. It is an experience of adventure and spiritual nourishment as this pass is decorated with snow-capped scenery and prayer flags that wave in the air.

Shey Palace: This palace witness the summer capital of Ladakh and is the one popular with its tallest Buddha statue made of gold. It is a tranquil sort of a hike that is rewarded by a wide panorama of the valley.

Thiksey Monastery: This 12-storey monastery resembles Potala Palace of Tibet and is filled with sacred stupas, thangkas and the well-known statue of Maitreya Buddha. It is one of the biggest gompa located in the region of central Ladakh and a very spiritual one.

After arriving at Leh, we will then check-in and have an easy evening. It will be a warm dinner served as we unwind the day of the long trip and adventure.

The silence of Leh caresses your soul as we are approaching the final stages of an incredible journey.

Details

In the morning, after breakfast, we start our backward way to Sarchu and pass along the same fantastic and incredible way through the high Himalayan mountains. We have a long, dramatic and quite emotional drive, which gives us a last epic view of the rough and rugged beauty of Ladakh.

Once again we will cross the famous Atal Tunnel, one of the largest wonders of modern engineering that cuts through the Pir Panjal range. We will meet with two great passes on this course:

Baralacha La (16,500 ft): The snow-filled paradise that juts the three mountain systems together namely, Zanskar, Pir Panjal and the Great Himalayas.

Rohtang Pass (13,060 ft): The well-known entrance to the lush Kullu Valley to the barren Lahaul-Spiti terrain.

Sarchu evening

After reaching Sarchu, we will register at our camping ground in one of the high altitude desert plains. The wind tells tales, and these stars shine a bit more brightly.

We will have a warm dinner at the end of the day in the comprehension of the wonderful experience. Sarchu stayed overnight in tents.

Night-time tonight, a million stars in the very centre of the mountains.

Details

The drive back to Manali will commence after breakfast, after we wake up in the fresh air of the Himalayas. It is the day of basking in the final part of very surreal scenery, where most of the time will be devoted to the road. The road curls into the high mountains, river valleys, and forests which are a great way to end an amazing journey.

As soon as we reach Manali, we will get a wash and we will re-group for the last leg of the trip. With time permitting, some of us might have a chance to do some local Austria tourism on the fly, using the instructions of your trek leader at that time as a guideline to time and groupings.

Overnight Train ride to Delhi

In the evening we will depart by bus to Delhi, where we will spend the night. The way back home might take long but the mind will be filled with the story, and friendship and the spirit of the Himalayas embedded in our hearts.

Mountains do not say goodbye, they say - come again.

Details

Goodbye is not easy, particularly when you have to leave after 11 memorable days of absorbing magnificent landscapes, amazing culture, and touching souls. However, following this exuberantly colorful adventure, it is appropriate to go back with full hearts and spirits raised.

This road trip was not just a road trip in destinations, but in stories, laughter, sisterhood and development. We went into the wild and made friends that do not have boundaries or date ranges.

Well, there is a saying at Plan The Unplanned that traveling is about exploring destinations and finding yourself again, and we hope this journey provided you with the latter.

We did not know each other when we joined but today we leave as family. Hundreds of memories, phone stacked with pictures, and a bit of joyful crying perhaps, it is not goodbye. It is simply see you later.