GHT: High Passes of Miyar *exploratory

An adventurous trek in the remote Miyar valley, optional peak ascents, and a spectacular finish through cultural Zanskar

Chris Bonington dubbed this valley the "Yosemite of the Himalaya" with its beautiful polished granite towers and spires. We begin in classic Zanskar Sumdo (literally - Zanskar junction), but instead of heading directly into Zanskar we orient our compass west and into wild country where few have travelled. Roping up, we cross the rarely visited Tarsalamu La and descend into the wildflower painted Miyar Valley. Moving up valley, we gain the ice of the Miyar Glacier and begin our exploration of the area.

We'll have a day of rest after our climb, and then journey on over the Kang La and into cultural Zanskar. Visiting ancient gompas, we'll also resupply fresh fruit and vegetables and continue our adventure through upper Zanskar, finishing over the Shingo La, and perhaps another 6000m peak! An excellent season to be in this area, with very few other trekkers. Not a journey for the faint of heart. This is not a holiday, but a well run adventure with all the amenities to keep you at your best while travelling through wild country.

Outline Itinerary

Day 0 - Saturday 9 June 2012 - arrive Delhi

Please see the separate Delhi arrival package (that I am going to make!)

1 - Sunday 10 June - arrive Manali

It's best to fly from Delhi to Manali, but you can come by bus. Contact us for details. You are responsible for getting yourself to Manali, but we are more than happy to provide you the logistics to make this transition flow.

2 - Manali - 2000m

3 - drive Keylong 3100m

We start early, breakfast at 6:30am and leave before 8am for the drive over the Rohtang to Keylong to start the acclimatization process.

4 - drive Zanskar Sumdo 4100m

5 - Zanskar Sumdo 4100m

6 - trek 4500m camp 4500m

7 - rest 4500m camp 4500m

8 - trek 4800m camp 4800m

We trek higher into the valley and spend a night before a predawn start over the pass!

9 - trek Tharang (via Tarsalamu La 5250m) 3950m

10 - trek Gonpa camp 4000m

11 - trek Many Lake Camp 4100m

12 - trek Ice Camp 1 4300m

13 - trek Ice Camp 2 4700m

14 - climb trekking peak 6150m (optional)

We'll try a sneak route up the back. Expect 35 degree snow climbing, perhaps we'll fix a rope if needed. Not a climber? Go glacier hiking instead! Two options.

15 - rest day 4950m

16 - cross Kang La and trek Base camp 4300m

We enter Zanskar!

17 - trek Raru 3770m

18 - rest day Padum, visit Zanskar monasteries 3600m

19 - trek Tsetang 3850m

20 - trek Purne 3850m

21 - trek Kargyak 4200m

22 - trek Gyambal High Camp 4850m

We explore the Gyambal valley, making a high camp for a peak attempt the following morning.

23 - climb peak 6010 (optional)

Not a climber? Then go for an exploration up the valley, or rest and read a book next to the river.

24 - trek Kargyak 4180m

25 - trek Lakong 4400m

26 - trek Zanskar Sumdo (via Shingo La) 4390m

27 - drive Manali

28 - Manali

A day for the unexpected, and to have laundry done and get cleaned up for the trip home.

29 - Saturday 7 July 2012- depart

You are free to travel today, fly from Kullu to Delhi, and leave Delhi later today.

Shorter itinerary

17 - trek Raru, drive Padum

18 - drive Kargil

19 - drive Leh

20 - Leh

A day for sightseeing or for shopping for gifts for loved ones.

21 - Saturday 30 June - depart Leh

Highlights

+ Cross the main Himalayan range

+ Traditional Zanskari & Lahauli villages

+ Buddhist monasteries & ancient forts

+ new 6000 meter peak ascents (optional)

+ Challenging route over glaciated passes and through remote gorges

+ Beautiful camps in remote locations

2012 Dates

10 June-7 July, 29 days

Start in Manali, finish in Manali

Short version: 10-28 June, 21 days

Start in Manali, finish in Leh

Cost - US$3180

* US$2980 if booked by 2 April 2012

Max 9 bookings

Domestic flights NOT included, meet in Manali

Short version - US$2860

*US$2600 if booked by 2 April 2012

10-30 June, 21 days

Start in Manali, finish in Leh

Leader

Luke Smithwick

Nepal mobile: +977 98131 16610

Ladakh Mobile : +91 99063 08861

Hotel Manali

Johnsons Lodge

The Mall, Manali, HP

+(91 0) 1902 253 023

Our service includes

Hotels and guesthouses

group transportation

lightweight expedition-style trek:

all meals and hot drinks on trek

All porterage on trek by porters fully equipped with good gear (insulated jacket, rain pants, hat, gloves, boots and sunglasses)

roomy single / double tent (couples)

Our service excludes

insurance, Indian visa

Domestic flights/transport to Manali

meals in cities and towns

international flights, equipment rental, alcohol and soft drinks, laundry, tipping and other items of a personal nature