Delhi - Leh - Rumbak Valley - Leh - Delhi

No of Days 14 Nights / 15 Days
Best Season Mid May - Mid May
Grade Strenuous

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Day 2 Delhi - Leh (3,500 m) - By Flight 9W - Depart at 0630 hrs / Arrive at 0745 hrs

After an early breakfast you are transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Ladakh. This must be one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Mahabodhi Eco Resorts. You would take a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to allow you to get oriented to this fascinating city. Overnight in Mahabodhi Eco Resorts.

Day 3 In Leh - Visit to Leh Palace & Shankar Gompa

The morning is at leisure to acclimatize to the rarefied air. You may choose to stroll along the main bazaar - observing the varied crowds. Looking into curio shops is an engaging experience. A particularly attractive sight is the line of women from nearby villages sitting along the edge of the footpath with baskets of fresh vegetables brought for sale. Behind the main bazaar, Chang Gali is less bustling but has interesting little shops selling curios and jewellery. Further on are the labyrinthine alleyways and piled-up houses of the old town, clustering around the foot of the Palace Hill. In the other direction, down the bazaar, are the Tibetan markets where one can bargain for pearls, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli and many other kinds of semi-precious stones and jewellery, as well as carved yak-horn boxes, quaint brass locks, china or metal bowls, or any of a whole array of curios. When tired of strolling, one can step into any of the several restaurants; some of them located in gardens or on the sidewalks and serve local Tibetan, Indian and Continental cuisine.

Also walk to the Leh Palace & Shankar Gompa, which belongs to Gelukspa school of Tibetan Buddhism. This small Gompa is a branch of Spituk Gompa, founded by the first incarnation of Skyabje Bakula (head monk of Spituk monastery). Return to Mahabodhi Eco Resorts for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4 Leh - Zingchan - By Surface / Approx 1 hr

Drive to Zingchan in the afternoon. This is the entry point to Rumbak Valley - the home of the Snow Leopard. You will have the opportunity to be interacting with the locals of the area and gain a good insight into their culture. Overnight in a tented camp.

Day 5 Zingchan - Rumbak (12,540 ft) - Trek / Approx 5 hrs

Today you trek into the interiors of Snow Leopard country. Overnight stay in a tented camp.

Day 6 - 12 In Rumbak Valley

Explore the area on foot with your guide to try and spot the Snow Leopard. In the process there will also be plenty of opportunity for you to get enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learn about their customs and traditions.

Day 13 Rumbak - Zingchan - Trek / Approx 3 ½ hrs - Leh - By Surface / Approx 1 hr

Today you trek back to Zingchan and drive onward to Leh for an overnight stay at Mahabodhi Eco Resorts.

Day 14 Leh - Delhi - By Flight 9W - Depart at 0735 hrs / Arrive at 0850 hrs

Day 15 Departure Delhi

TOUR COST (on per person basis)
Valid till September 2006

Paying persons US ($)
2 to 3 persons 2250
4 to 8 persons 1800

The Above Cost Includes
Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the itinerary
Meals as above
Birding guide for entire tour
All airport transfers in Delhi & Leh
All surface transfers in Ladakh
Permits and excursions

Above cost does not include
Optional tours/excursions
Personal and incidental expenses
Tips, laundry, phone calls, alcohol, camera fee etc.
Meals unless specified

In case of bad weather the flights may get cancelled, the guests will have to bear additional expenses of boarding and lodging in Leh or Delhi.