In summary
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Sports
-
Duration16 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / India
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions38.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
A complete exploration of Ladakh, including a short trek in the Sham Valley, visits to the most beautiful monasteries of the Indus Valley, and the discovery of the stunning Changtang Lakes. From Delhi, we fly over the Himalayas to land in Leh, the capital of "Little Tibet." We begin our journey gently by visiting the villages and monasteries of the Indus Valley, before exploring on foot the villages of the Sham Valley, some of the most beautiful in the region. This is also an opportunity to immerse ourselves in local life, away from the main tourist routes. We then visit Lamayuru and admire the peaks of Zanskar before heading for the Tibetan Plateau. The landscape changes, the steep mountains giving way to vast, wild spaces. We now find ourselves on the Tibetan border, on the shores of two of the most beautiful lakes in the world: Tso Kar and Tso Moriri, which bring this Ladakh adventure to a magnificent close! To conclude this trip, we visit the Indian capital, and, as an option, visit the Taj Majal...
The highlights
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A concentrated dose of Ladakh's most beautiful landscapes in a single trip
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Discover the Tso Kar and Tso Moriri lakes, turquoise jewels of the Changtang plateau
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Option to conclude the trip with a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 275 m
- Average daily descent: 315 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
French-speaking tour guide, knowledgeable about the environment and local populations.
Program
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Paris - Delhi
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Paris in the morning. Arrival in Delhi during the night. We go through visa formalities and collect our luggage before meeting our assistant at the exit: he accompanies us to the counter for our domestic flight to Leh, scheduled for early in the morning.Day 1 -
Delhi - Leh (3500 m)
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival in Leh, transfer to our hotel and rest. Due to the altitude of Ladakh's capital, it is essential to take care of ourselves as much as possible to optimize our adaptation to this specific environment: avoid all physical exertion, dress warmly, and drink plenty of water! In the afternoon, if we wish, we can gently explore the city: the Maitreya and Avalokiteshvara temples, the Tibetan market, the mosque, and finally, the view of Leh Fort, perched atop a rocky spur. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon for dinner. Note: the Delhi-Leh flight is subject to weather conditions and may therefore be subject to delays and cancellations.Day 2 -
Indus Valley Monasteries (Shey, Thiksey, Matho)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Our first day exploring the upper Indus Valley and its most beautiful monasteries, symbols of the region. From Leh, we travel by vehicle up the valley to visit the main monasteries. We begin with Shey, the former royal capital of the kingdom, whose palace houses an 8-meter-high golden Buddha. A few kilometers further on, we visit Thiksey Monastery. This architectural marvel, a miniature version of the famous Potala Palace, is probably the most photogenic monastery. It boasts some truly beautiful works of art: paintings, masks, thangkas, and more. We then cross the Indus River to reach its west bank and visit the small Matho Monastery, perched on a ridge above the village. The view over the valley is magnificent! We return to Leh at the end of the day.Day 3 -
SHAM VALLEY: NIMMU - NEY (3650 m)
- Transportation 01h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for Nimo, the starting point of our trek in the Sham region. After meeting our local team (cook and assistants), we leave Nimo on foot along a small path lined with poplar and apricot trees. The greenery suddenly disappears, giving way to the stark, mineral landscape of Ladakh. Numerous fairy chimneys adorn the path. After a few ascents and descents, we arrive in the verdant Ney Valley, where we will spend the night. In the late afternoon, those who wish can take a walk in the area around Ney.Day 4 -
SHAM VALLEY: NEY - LIKIR (3550 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An easy morning walk through a desert landscape leads us to the village of Likir, dominated by its magnificent monastery, which we visit after lunch. The original buildings, constructed in the 12th century, were destroyed by fire, and everything was rebuilt approximately 200 years ago. Today, the Likir gompa houses about a hundred monks of the Gelugpa order, headed by the Dalai Lama's brother. This monastery is particularly renowned for its very large Buddha statue, which stands 21 meters tall.Day 5 -
SHAM VALLEY: LIKIR - YANGTHANG (3430 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 420 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A lovely day's hike starting from Likir. After passing through a small village with its many stupas lining the path, we begin a very gradual climb to the Pobe La pass, which reaches an altitude of 3650 m. We then descend via a trail that winds through an arid valley, framed by mountains in shades of ochre and pink. We arrive at the village of Sumdo and find a bit of greenery once again. After resting, we set off again to reach the Charatse La pass (3750 m), which opens onto the beautiful village of Yangthang, surrounded by its barley fields, facing the peaks of the Zanskar massif...Day 6 -
SHAM VALLEY: YANGTHANG - HEMISHUKPACHAN - ANG (3300 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Yangthang, we trek through cultivated fields to the river, then climb to the Sarmathang La pass (3874 m), visible from Yangthang. At the summit, we admire the panoramic view for a while before reaching the charming village of Hemishukpachan, arguably the most beautiful village in Ladakh. We continue our trek, crossing a second pass, the Mebtak La (3820 m), before descending to the village of Ang, marking the end of this trek in the Sham Valley.Day 7 -
ANG - LAMAYURU - WANLA (3160 m)
- Transportation 01h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The vehicle now takes us back to the vast Indus Valley, which we leave once again, turning towards the Zanskar Mountains. We drive along a magnificent winding road and soon pass through the extraordinary landscapes of "Moonland," mountains sculpted by erosion offering an incredible palette of colors, before reaching Lamayuru. Lamayuru is a small, famous village, nestled in the Zanskar Mountains. It was built around its 11th-century monastery, perched on a rocky spur. We visit the monastery, then set off on a short hike. We leave Lamayuru on foot, heading towards the first slopes of Zanskar. We ascend a narrow valley and gradually reach the Prinkiti La, a 3,700-meter pass. From the summit, we admire a panoramic view encompassing all the mountains of North Zanskar. We then descend into a narrow canyon whose mouth is near the village of Wanla. Before settling into the guesthouse, the more adventurous can climb up to the monastery. From its promontory, it offers a splendid view of the valley, particularly at the end of the day.Day 8 -
WANLA - ALCHI - SASPOL - HEMIS MONASTERY - SAKTI (3700 m)
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We travel to Alchi, a village in the Indus Valley renowned for its monastic complex, the oldest in Ladakh (founded between 958 and 1055 AD). It boasts magnificent murals, jewels of Indo-Tibetan art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the site, we head to Saspol, the neighboring village. We embark on a short walk to explore several artificial caves, where we can admire superb murals painted in the 12th century. We then continue our journey up the Indus Valley. We visit Hemis Monastery, one of the most important in the region. Built in 1605, it houses nearly 500 monks and a unique collection of small paintings depicting the lives of the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism. We end the day with a final drive to the village of Sakti.Day 9 -
SAKTI - THAKTOK - CHUMATHANG (4000 m)
- Transportation 04h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin the day with a visit to Thaktok Monastery, built in the 16th century at the foot of a cave. It is known for having been the meditation retreat of the great Nyingma master. We then continue our journey along the Indus River, gradually entering the Changtang region, covered by the high Tibetan plateau. We stop in the village of Chumathang. We'll visit the village and settle into a homestay for the night.Day 10 -
CHANGTANG: CHUMATHANG - TSO MORIRI (4550 m)
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We're traveling through one of the wildest regions of the Indian Himalayas, in a stunning setting... We're here, a stone's throw from Tibet, in an area that only Changpa nomads roam during the summer months. We arrive at the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, Tso Moriri. The waters of this large lake offer incredible shades of blue, reminiscent of the famous Nam Tso and Yamdrok Tso lakes in central Tibet. We enjoy the surroundings with a pleasant walk along the lake's shores and admire the sunset...Day 11 -
CHANGTANG: TSO MORIRI - TSO KAR (4500 m)
- Transportation 04h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start to visit the nomads who usually reside in a nearby valley (presence not guaranteed). We then set off on a short hike towards the lake. We ascend through a meadow to reach higher ground and a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Tso Moriri. A brief pause to fully appreciate the serenity of the place before beginning the descent towards the lake. We walk to the village of Korzok, where our campsite is located. Lunch, then we drive to Tso Kar Lake, the "white lake" in Ladakhi, due to the high salt content of its waters. It is an important stopover for many migratory birds and a well-known breeding ground for amateur ornithologists. A stroll along the lake's shores, and the rest of the day is free for everyone to soak up the magic of the place in their own way...Day 12 -
CHANGTANG: TSO KAR - LEH (3500 m)
- Transportation 03h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning we're taking a short hike along the shores of Tso Kar Lake, through landscapes of contrasting colors, from the ochre of the mountains to the turquoise blue of the lake, passing through the brown, yellow, and white of the salt crystals. After savoring our last moments in the solitude of the Changtang highlands, we're heading back to Leh. Our last evening is free in the capital.Day 13 -
LEH - DELHI (ROAD TO AGRA OPTIONAL)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We head to Leh airport for our return flight to the Indian capital, Delhi. A day of exploring Delhi awaits, offering a completely different atmosphere! We begin with Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 13th century a few kilometers south of the city, it is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic art. Next, we arrive in the heart of the city, at the Old Delhi market, for a stroll through the winding alleyways of the old city. This is also an opportunity to sample local specialties for a complete Old Delhi experience. Here, traditional buildings and the history of the Mughal Empire blend with the religious and cultural diversity of modern India. We then visit Jama Masjid, Delhi's grand mosque, and finally, the alleyways of Chandni Chowk, the heart of the old city, whose vibrant energy will captivate you. The evening is free, and we spend the night in Delhi. Note: Road transfers within the capital can be made by metro or tuk-tuk, which is often more convenient and faster than driving (due to difficult traffic conditions). - Optional: If you have opted for the Agra and Taj Mahal tour (optional when registering (€110 per person, including transfers, accommodation, and a French-speaking guide. More details in the 'Price' section), you will travel to Agra at the end of the Old Delhi tour. Overnight in Agra.Day 14 -
DELHI - FLIGHT TO PARIS (OR AGRA - FLIGHT TO PARIS)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last day in Delhi, and a radical change of atmosphere: we now visit New Delhi, the modern part of the city, whose recent architecture was directly inspired by the British. A stroll through the heart of the capital, passing by India Gate, the immense President's House and Secretariat Building (South Block), and finally Connaught Place. Free afternoon. On the guide's advice, we can enjoy our last moments in India at our own pace; most cultural sites are easily accessible by metro or tuk-tuk: Humayun's Tomb, Gandhi's house, Akshardham Temple, Gurudwara Temple... In the late afternoon, we are taken to the airport for our international flight back to France. - Agra Option: we take advantage of the dawn light to visit the Taj Mahal, the perfect time to appreciate this world-renowned masterpiece. We then explore Agra Fort, built entirely of red sandstone by the Mughal emperors. Drive to Delhi airport, and return flight to France.Day 15 -
ARRIVAL IN PARIS
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived in Paris during the day.Day 16
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary, for your safety and that of the group.
Domestic flights between Leh and Delhi operate only in the morning, when the weather is most stable (flying over the Indian Himalayas requires good weather conditions). Delays and cancellations are possible. Therefore, we have included a day trip to Delhi at the end of the itinerary, which will serve as a "buffer" day before your return international flight.
Accommodation
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 2 to 3
This trip is geared towards meeting people and immersing yourself in local life: for this reason, nights are spent as much as possible with local families, or in small guesthouses representative of local life. Comfort is often simple, sometimes even very basic, but the experience is unique!
Access
Departure
Delhi, Inde
Day 1
End of stay
Delhi, Inde
Day 16
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isAéroport de Delhi
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Price details
The price includes
- International flights and domestic flights
- Guided by a French-speaking local guide
- The services of a local team during the trek
- Land transport
- Entrances to monasteries in Ladakh
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board, except for meals listed as "free" in the daily itinerary
The price does not include
- Visa fees (see 'Formalities' section)
- Drinks and mineral water (see section "Food/Water")
- Meals listed as "free" in the daily itinerary. (Expect to pay around €3 to €8 per meal)
- Tips for local teams (see "Tips" section)
- Paid entrance fees to sites in Delhi
Options
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF45.74 / person
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF100.63 / person
- Additional night after stay - Double room : CHF45.74 / person
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF100.63 / person
- Extension to Agra and the Taj Mahal - Based on 1 person : CHF292.74 / person
- Single room supplement for the entire duration of your stay : CHF196.68 / person
- Extension to Agra and the Taj Mahal - Based on 2 people : CHF164.66 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Group camping equipment
- First aid kit
Please note: we cannot bring satellite phones with us: they are prohibited in the region (proximity to militarized zones).
Equipment to bring
- Telescopic walking sticks
- Toiletries. Whenever possible, choose biodegradable products (Marseille soap and shampoo).
- Hand sanitizer
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Water bottle or hydration pack of 1.5 or 2 liters
- Water filter or tablet for treating water
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Waterproof plastic bags to keep your belongings dry in case of rain
- Card game, book...
Please note: only local telephone networks operate in Ladakh (restrictions due to militarized zones). Therefore, you will not be able to use your French phone. Internet access, via hotel Wi-Fi networks, remains the best way to communicate with France (when the connection is working...).
Clothing to bring
Please bring light and comfortable clothing for the trip, as well as appropriate equipment for the days of hiking in the mountains (significant temperature difference between the heat during the day and the cold at night):
- Cap
- Cap or hat
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Gloves
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket
- Compact down jacket for the evening
- Warm fleece jacket
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- T-shirt made of synthetic material (quick-drying)
- Shorts (short shorts are forbidden in monasteries)
- Comfortable walking pants
- Walking socks
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with a grippy sole
- Light shoes for the evening
They traveled with us
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For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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