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Hemis Festival and Nubra - Ladakh

Founded in the 1630s by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal, Hemis is the largest and the richest of the Ladakh gompas (monasteries). In 2004, the famous silk brocade or ‘Tangkha’ is to be displayed, an important event which only happens once every twelve years. This short trip can stand alone, a chance to see both the famous festival, to visit the other Tibetan Buddhist sites of the Indus valley, and do a short but wonderful trek into Nubra. Or combine the festival and trek with our classic Caravans of the Changtang trek.

Preparation and trekking with us

There is lots of India trek and preparation information on the left. Also take a look at About us and at the photo galleries to see why we rave about Ladakh and Zanskar.

The itinerary

Note that most flights into Delhi arrive late at night/very early in the morning. Plan your arrival time-date carefully and ask if you are not sure.

day 1 - arrive New Delhi

Joel, Kim or a representative from Druk Expeditions will be at the airport to meet you.

Day 2 - fly Leh 3505m

We are up very early for the stunning Jet Air flight over the Himalaya, during which we breakfast and enjoy the views. You will be met at the airport and taken to our quiet guesthouse in the heart of Leh. Today it is very important to drink lots of water and to take it easy, as even walking around Leh will have you breathing heavily as you get used to the altitude. Sengge Namgyals’ capital is a fascinating place, and Joel and/or Kim will take you for a (slow!) walk around town and introduce you to its fascinating history and bazaars. Tonight our Zanskar Spring trekking group arrives in Leh, and we will have dinner with them at the Ibex. Tandoori, anyone?

3 - Leh: Hemis festival

After an early breakfast we leave for the hour-long drive to Hemis, taking a packed lunch. We take plenty of water and our sun hats; we will be sitting in a crowded courtyard for hours as we watch the colourful ceremonies. Both days are equally fascinating, as too is simply watching the range of faces and costumes, as this is not simply a tourist event.

4 - drive Alchi 3200m

We drive along the Indus to one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Asia, thousand year old Alchi gompa. Alchi is a calm, peaceful place surrounded by billowing fields of barley and scenic villages. With our torches, we will see the famous frescos in the gompa, and then relax in the garden of our guesthouse or take a stroll through the village.

5 - trek to Phyang camp 4800m

We leave early for our drive to Phyang, where we meet our crew and trek for three hours in a high alpine valley near the only pass on our trek, The Lasermo La.

6 - trek Lasermo high camp 4600m

Up and away early for an easy climb to the pass at 5400m, from where we have views of the Stok range behind and the Karakoram ahead. Then a descent-possibly on snow- to our high pasture camp.

7 - trek Brok Yogma 4200m

An easy three-hour walk to enjoy this high valley and its wildflowers.

8 trek Hunder Dok 4000m

Again an easy day, strolling through pastures fed by the glacial melt of the Lasermo La.

9 - trek Hunder 3500m

An amazing day: forested valleys, steep hillsides, then we reach the end of a valley guarded by ancient forts. Ahead of us the snow peaks of the Karakoram and below the old silk road oasis of Hunder. We camp in a grove of willows.

10 - drive Panamik 3500m

Nubra is a wonderful tiny kingdom; sand dunes, the meandering Shyok River, wild camels, but above all, some green, lush forest. We drive to Panamik and camp for the night near the Hot Springs.

11 - drive Leh 3505m

We leave early for a spectacular drive over the 5602m Kardung La, the highest road pass in the world, and are in Leh for afternoon tea.

day 12 - fly Delhi, optionally depart

We are up early for our Jet Air (nothing but the best!) flight; goodbye to the stunning 'Kingdom in the Sky'.

Your leader may fly to Delhi but sometimes stays in Leh, and in that case you will be met at Delhi airport by Druk expeditions and driven to the Metropolis Tourist Hotel.

You could fly out of Delhi later in this day; most flights are at night and you should be back in Delhi by lunchtime. If you have successive international flights that are not all part of the same ticket or following domestic flights we suggest planning more cautiously and departing tomorrow. Your hotel room at The Metropolis is included in the cost of the trip for all, whether you leave the same day or stay the night.

Optionally you can take a day or even overnight trip (depending on your flight time) to the Taj Mahal. (Not included in the trip cost.)

 day 13 - depart

If the Leh flight yesterday is delayed then you can still arrive in Delhi this morning and leave tonight.

This is a free day. The hotel is a 20 minute walk from the main shopping and restaurant area in central Delhi. The Metropolis will safely store your bags until it is time to leave for the airport. You will be picked up by Druk Expeditions and transported to the International Airport for your trip back home.

For those who want to book a room past 12 noon, ie for a late flight, the price of the rooms at The Metropolis ranges from $16 - $26 per night, and we will book this for you in advance, although the cost for the extra night is not included in the trip price.

We hope you had a fantastic trek!!

Cost

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