Trans Himalayan Jeep safari¸ as it sounds from the name is a journey on high Himalayan roads and valleys established on great rivers like Sutlej, Chandra- Bhaga and Indus where an age old tradition still welcomes the visitors in its original colors of identity. The name further reflects connection of this journey with Tibet. The boundaries at several places either simply touch Tibet or fall very close to it, especially the journey is a rediscovery of several trade routes and religious interactions with Tibet of ancient period.
Route detail & general observations
This exciting journey reaches Shimla from Delhi and then goes deep in the Trans Himalayan region of India through Rampur Bushehr (The place of trade fair Lavi), Kinnaur (The place of Sutlej coming from Mansarovar and the place of Shipki La- the mountain pass between India & Tibet), Spiti- the place of Tibetan Buddhism and Sarchu (The end of Lahoul towards Zanskar & Ladakh). The journey further enters into Changthang Region (the place of nomads and Tsemoriri Lake) and reaches to Leh. The excursion of Pangong Tso Lake (It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to Tibet. 60% of the length of the lake lies in China) takes this journey to the heights of excitement and fulfillment.
- All airport/ railway station transfers as per the program with assistance
- All hotels with breakfast and dinner
- All fixed camps/ mobile camps on full board (all meals)
- All sightseeing using Toyota Innova/ Mahindra Scorpio Cars in the Himalaya and AC coach at arriving/ departing cities or extension programs to Agra/ Jaipur/ Khajuraho/ Varanasi etc.
- Supporting vehicles for all safari journeys with overnight camping like Zanskar trips, MTB and Motorcycle Tours.
- Adventure India tour leader with all group tours
- City guides for all sightseeing as per the program
- All monument entrance fees for one time visit
- Train fares wherever applicable
- Buddhist guide in all Trans Himalayan monasteries
- Local staff at every destination
- Inner Line permits in HP and Ladakh Journeys
Cost doesn’t include
- Any international/ domestic air fare
- Personal expenditures including tips
- Insurance and medical claims
- Single room supplement which will be calculated as per the requirement separately.
How to book a tour
You can send the required deposit (booking amount) anytime 30 days prior to the commencement of tours. Balance of the amount will be collected within 15 days of the departure date.
For the last minute bookings, the rates will be separately negotiated as per the calendar of Last Minute Adventure Plan mentioned in our website.
The tour strength is flexible from 02 persons to 14 and above. For single traveler, wherever the cost is not mentioned, you are requested to discuss either on email or phone.
We don’t give guarantee of any departure because in mountains circumstances may change at any hour. But we will refund full amount in case of any cancellation. Only the very nominal bank transfer fees will be deduced.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi, on arrival our office representative will meet and drive you to your hotel from the airport for the overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi full day sightseeing: We wish every foreign traveler must see Delhi- the capital of India to understand this wonderful country. Delhi presents a dialogue between old and new, between the heritage and the modern development, between a glorious history and dreams for the future of India. This day we visit Qutab Minar, India Gate (War Memorial) Lakshmi Narayan Temple, drive past President’s House, Parliament House and Secretariat buildings. We also pay a visit to Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana – the cremations sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawahar Lal Nehru and come across Jama Masjid and visit Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Indian capital is the perfect place for shopping also.
Day 03: Delhi to Chandigarh by train and drive to Shimla: A comfortable and fastest train on this circuit, Shatawdi Express, leaved Delhi around seven o’clock in the morning and takes 3 hours to reach Chandigarh- the beautiful city designed by French Architect Le Corbusier. We spend few hours to visit the government buildings, lake and rock garden here and drive to Shimla after lunch. The journey by road takes about 4 hours till Shimla and evening we check into a nice Heritage Hotel.
Day 04: Full day to explore a combination of nature & heritage in Shimla: Shimla, the queen of hills and the summer capital of British Raj offers so much of things to the visitors. We visit to the Jakhu Temple in the morning which has a 119 feet statue of Lord Hanuman and then drive to Indian Institute of Advanced Studies which used to be the Vice regal Lodge and the residence of British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. The architecture is worth to visit and appreciate. Later we walk to the museum which offers a clean insight to the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh. After lunch, we take a nice walk to the Kennedy House, Gorton Castle, railway board building, State Bank and the telegraph office. We complete our walk at the Scandal Point and visit to Gaiety Theater- the place of first beauty pageant of the world. The theater is on the famous mall road and we move to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05: Shimla to Sarahan- 151 Kms and 07 hours: We start our Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari this morning by driving to Sarahan through Kufri and Narkanda. Situated at an elevation of 2708 Meters, Narkanda offers wonderful slopes for skiing. It has dense pine forests and famous Hatu peak is only 08 km from here. Once we reach Narkanda after frequent climbing by cars from Kufri of about more than 45 Kms, we get a striking panorama of the plains below and spectacular views of snow ranges all around. After having tea, we drive down to Rampur which is situated at the banks of River Sutlej on the Old Hindustan Tibet Road. It was once the capital of the Princely State of Bushahr. The whole area is a maze of lanes, shops and temples. In the month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. From Rampur, it is one hour’s drive to Sarahan- the place of Goddess Bhimakali and our destination of the day.
Day 06: Sarahan to Sangla- 116 Kms and 5 hours: Morning we visit the Goddess Bhimakali Temple. Sarahan mornings also provide a spectacular view of Shrikhand Mahadev (5227 M). The Bhimakali temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Indo-Tibetan architecture. As per legend, this is where goddess Shakti destroyed the mythical demon king Bhasmasur. It is a highly revered place of pilgrimage. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting. The area is a rich bowl of quality apples and other varieties of delicious fruits. After this memorable morning, we continue our journey to the beautiful valley of Sangla in Kinnaur. The drive moves on the banks of Sutlej and through the power projects on this river. The small villages like Chora and Nigulsari come on the way and surely a deep curve at Tranda fills the maximum excitement on this safari. We reach Karcham and leave the main highway and turn right into the fascinating Baspa valley where Sangla lies at 17 Kms distance. On arrival, we check into our hotel, evening is free to explore the valley with short walks including a walk to Kamru Fort. This five storey fort at Kamru is very impressive. It is located high on the hill just outside the village and constructed of stone and wood. Kamru was the capital of Bushahr, before it was shifted to Sarahan.
Day 07: Sangla to Kalpa- 57 Kms and 2 hours: Sangla is the most charming valley in the entire District of Kinnaur. We drive to Chitkul in the morning (24 Kms). Chitkul is the last village on the borders of India and China and on the way; we visit Rakcham Village and Mastrang, two nice and scenic areas. We drive to Kalpa on same road till Karcham and after 41 Kms is the place of our overnight stay- Kalpa. This is a beautiful and main village of Kinnaur. Across the river faces the majestic mountains of the Kinner Kailash range. Kalpa is surrounded by picturesque villages and was once the favorite haunt of Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor General of India. The local inhabitants follow a syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism, and temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both the faiths. Kalpa is a town of with history of ancient temples.
Day 08: Kalpa to Nako- 106 Kms and 4 hours: The morning at Kalpa is mesmerizing if you open your window and see the facing Kinner Kailash Peak. We visit Kinnaur’s most powerful local deity Chandika Devi Temple at Kothi while coming down to the main road for Nako. The temple popularly called Devi Kothi, has beautiful wood carvings and silver plated doors. The deity is depicted as a rich golden image vanquishing a demon. Through Rekang Peo, Pooh and Khab which is the junction of Spiti River & Sutlej, we drive upwards through an adventurous trail to Nako. The village is situated at the altitude of 3662 Meters and cluster of old houses, a huge lake in between and monastery dedicated to Lord Padamsambhava create a situation like explained in a fairy tale.
Day 09: Nako to Tabo- 63 Kms and 2 hours: We visit the monastery in the morning and leave for Tabo through Maling Nalla and Sumdo down at the beds of Spiti River. Some miles away from Nako is a village called TASHIGANG around which are several caves where it is believe that Guru Padmasambhava meditated and gave discourse to followers. A waterfall nearby has snow water falling like a river of milk close to Tashigang. Legend says that it is a heavenly realm of fairies .In one of the cave you can still able to see the live footprints of these fairies or other demigods. Himalaya is the bundle of mysteries. (Tashigang is not in our itinerary). We get down to Sumdo where your inner line permits will be checked again. This is another place from where the Chinese border is just few kilometers. Through the silent roads, we reach Tabo in the afternoon, check into the hotel and evening move out to explore the more than 1000 years old group of monasteries, known as Ajanta of Himalayas. Tabo Monastery was founded in 996AD. With its original decoration and art images intact, it is considered to be the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monastery in India and the Himalayas. The unique beauty of its art and its pivotal historical role in the transmission of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and culture in the 10th and 11th century makes Tabo Monastery an historically significant site. Within the ancient monastery's compound are nine temples built between the late 10th and the 17th century and numerous stupas.
Day 10: Tabo to Pin Valley with Dankhar Monastery- 50 Kms : Morning we can walk to the caves in front of Tabo Monastery where the monks have been meditating for last hundreds years. The view from the caves is excellent. We get down and after breakfast leave for Pin Valley. On the way we see Dankhar Monastery. Dankhar was the traditional capital of the Spiti Valley Kingdom during the 17th century and has some features dating back to the 12th century. It was the seat of the early rulers of Spiti, the Nonos, who had the right to cultivate the government lands nearby and were required to keep the fort in repair. They also dispensed justice to the people and were noted for their harsh penalties until the British replaced them. It is situated at an elevation of 3,894 meters (12,774 feet) in the Spiti Valley between Tabo and Kaza. The complex is built on a 300 meters high spur overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers - one of the world's most spectacular settings for a Gompa. Dankhar means fort on a cliff.
After spending time at Dankhar Monastery, we get down to the main road and drive to another monastery, Kungri at Pin Valley. Pin is the greenest valley in Spiti on the banks of Pin River. Kungri is Spiti's second oldest monastery, built around 1330 and belongs to Niyangma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gompa consists of three detached rectangular blocks facing east. It is noted for its sword dance by the Buzhens of Mud village and we sometimes organize special Buzhens for our visitors. After visit to the monastery, we leave for a small drive to Mud, the last village of Pin Valley and from where trek routes to Kullu and Kinnaur start over Pin Parvati and Bhaba Passes. The entire area is wonderful with the close interface of the life in small villages of the valley. Later we come back to our Camp at Pin Valley (Gulling).
Day 11: Pin Valley to Kaza with Lhalung Monastery excursion- 52 Kms : Morning we cross the river at Attargu and drive 14 Kms on a link road to visit Lhalung Monastery in Lingti Valley. Lhalung Monastery which is known as Golden Temple too was one of the earliest monasteries founded in Spiti by the great Tibetan Buddhist lotswa (translator), Rinchen Zangpo, the king of western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge during the late 10th century CE. This beautiful village is 14 km from the main road and is the largest in the Lingti valley. At some places remains of an ancient wall encircling all the monastery buildings may be found. It is probable that, like Tabo, it was designed as a choshkhor site, a place for learning and debate.
After the monastery visit, we get down to the main road and drive to Kaza for 10 more Kilometers. Kaza is the headquarter of Spiti Valley and the all administrative works are done from here. We reach to the hotel and check in for the day. Evening is the time to check your emails or make important calls.
Day 12: Excursion of Kee, Kibber, Langza, Hikkim & Komic and back Kaza- 48 Kms : Spiti has come to be known as the “Fossil Park of The World” The three villages Kibber, Kaza & Kee fall on the route faovourite among those looking for fossils. Morning we drive to Kee Gompa, then to Kibber Village & Gompa and from there take right to Hikkim, Langza and Komic Monasteries and villages. The Kee (4166 M) is the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley and a religious training centre for Lamas. It reportedly had 100 monks in 1855 and presently there are 80 monks in this monastery. This is the center of all ritual decisions in the valley. Kibber is the village situated at 4200 meters and the gateway to Changthang Valley. Hikkim and Komic are the highest villages of the world connected with road and the monastery of Mahakala at Komic is fascinating. The Komic Lundup Tsemo Gompa is one of the world’s highest at 4587 m. Komic Gompa was earlier located near Hikkim and had to be shifted to its present location after it was destroyed in an earthquake. The drive moves through the fertile top land of the valley facing several mountain peaks and ranges, almost snow covered. After spending a day with the ancient monasteries of Spiti valley, we get back to Kaza hotel.
Day 13: Kaza to Keylong- 185 Kms and 8 hours: Morning we leave Kaza and drive towards Keylong. On the way, we cross through small villages like Hansa and Lhosar and there are plentiful of chances to see the herds of Ibex jumping in the rough mountains across the river. The place Takche offers a panoramic view of the mountains and the different small wild flowers and later we slowly start climbing up to the mighty Kunzam Pass (4590 M). The view of distinct mountain ranges from Kunzam Pass is awe inspiring and then we gradually start descending to Batal, a place on the riverbed of Chandra. From Batal, although the road moves along with the river till Chatru for more than 36 Kms but the route is rough and so takes time. From Chatru, we again climb to Gramphug and then join the Manali- Leh highway to Keylong. We stop at Koksar for the tea and registration of passports and later reach Keylong through the various village of Lahoul Valley and the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi from where these two rivers become Chinab and flow deep in Pakistan. Reach Keylong and check into the hotel.
Day 14: Keylong to Sarchu, 106 Kms and 5 hours: Morning we climb to visit Kardang Monastery close to Keylong, which was once the capital of Lahoul and a monastery of Drukpa Lineage. The monastery is believed to have been built in the 12th century and houses a large library of Buddhist literature. The monastery was in ruins until it was renovated in 1912 CE by Lama Norbu Rimpoche (died 1952), who, with Lama Kunga, turned it into "a proper educational and training establishment." We leave Keylong later and drive towards Sarchu through small villages on the way including Jispa and Darcha, two prominent bases for trekking to Zanskar from ancient times. The trail’s second pass, Baralacha La (4830m) lies some 73 Kms beyond Keylong. Another 33 Kms of relatively rougher road bring you to the busy little hamlet of Sarchu which marks the border between the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Overnight at fixed camps.
Day 15: Sarchu to Tsokar, 135 Kms and 7 hours: From Sarchu, the road flattens into a good straight stretch of 25km known as the Lingti Plains and then climbs through a 10 km stretch of amazingly circuitous hairpin bends known as the Gatta Loops which number all of 21. The road eventually reached the Nakee-La Pass (4800 m) with a fantastic view. Just downhill from this pass is the Whiskey Nallah, beyond which the road begins to climb to the Lachalung la Pass, 54 km from Sarchu, with a panoramic view of snow-clad peaks. Crossing the vast expanse of flat area called the Moray Plains which are a part of the Tibetan Plateau and stretch for almost 40 km, you take the diversion to the salt water lake of Tsokar, which lies 22 km away. Overnight at fixed camps.
Day 16: Tsokar to Tsemoriri (4485 M) – 70 Kms and 2 hours: The Tsemoriri Lake in the Changthang area of Ladakh was declared as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2003. The lake now has the distinction of being the highest Ramsar site in the world surpassing Salar de Tara in Chile. The lake is approximately 19 Kms long and 7 Kms wide and is located at an altitude of 4595 meters above sea level. Wake up in the morning to the spectacular landscape around Tsokar or ‘White Lake’, so called because of the deposits of salt which encrust its shores. The area is known for its herds of Tibetan Wild Asses or Kiangs. Laze for a while before starting the ride to Tsomoriri. The lake is pretty and the entire setting of mountains and shimmering waters amidst them is worth at several photographs and write ups. The area around Tsomoriri is the best place in the entire region to see Ladakh’s wildlife which includes kiangs, Tibetan blue sheep, marmots, red foxes and a variety of birds. Overnight at fixed camp.
Day 17: Tsemoriri to Leh- 280 Kms and 7 hours: After breakfast drive towards Leh via Sumdo, this is 48 Kms from Tsemoriri. The highlights along the way are the spectacular mountain pass of Namshang La (4800 m) and the village of Puga. Beyond Sumdo, you cross from the southern bank of the Indus to the northern bank, across the Mahe Bridge. You drive another 22 km to the village of Chumathang, famed for its hot sulphur springs. Ride 90 km along the River Indus from Chumathang to Upshi, a checkpoint for tolls and permit checks. The road from Chumathang to Upshi curves its way between the towering mountains and gorges of the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges. From Upshi, you ride a distance of 51 km north along the River Indus to reach Leh
Day 18: Full day in Leh to visit monasteries: This will be the full day visit to the Indus Valley monasteries to get a flavor of the history and culture of Ladakh India. With a visit to Thiksey, Shey and Hemis you cover the best known monuments around Leh.
You also pass Sindhu Ghat by the Indus River. In the late afternoon you visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Namgyal Shemo Gompa and then stroll through Leh Bazaar.
Day 19: Pangong Lake excursion: You make an early start and travel east via Chang-la Pass (5,475 M) to Pangong Lake, (4267m) 145 Kms / 5 hours one way. You go up to the Pangong Lake shore and the first village, Lukung. Mesmerizing vistas with the changing hues of the waters of the lovely Pangong lake keep you fascinate for hours. It is 134 Kms (83 mi) long and extends from India to Tibet. 60% of the length of the lake lies in China. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. During winter, the lake freezes completely. In the evening, turn back to Leh.
Day 20: Fly to Delhi (01 hour) and later board your flight back home.
You can turn to Manali on Day 14 and after spending one day there, can reach Delhi on Day 16. If you want to do this, kindly mail us.
Getting there: Your nearest international airport is Delhi where you will meet with our expedition manager. After essential visits to IMF and cargo (if required), you will be escotrted towards the initial point of your adventure as per the program details.
After the expedition/ adventure journey, you arrive back to Delhi. After de briefing (in case of expedition) and farewell ceremony, you will be driven to international airport to board flight back to your home.
Airtickets: We have our partners in almost every foreign countries, so if you need any assistance in your air tickets bookings, you are always welcome to speak to us to know about our partner close to you.
Cargo Management: We have strong tieups with the cargo management companies to get your consignments clear timely in Delhi. In maximum cases, you will only need to spend just 2 hours for getting your consignmwent delivery. Once you send the documents and the boxes details, we start locating them in India.
Insurance : It is a condition of joining our trips that you must be adequately insured. All persons are expected to arrange their own insurance. Polices should cover any potential risks involved in such adventure.
Our hotels and camps: We offer you best economy hotels in cities and towns and till base camp we provide you very comfirtable tents with maximim possible faciltiies in the mountains. For the trekking, Jeep Safaris, MTB and other adventure journeys, we provide the most luxurious camps fitted with dining areas and modren toilet facilities.
Adventure India briefing: We have excelent maps, images and movies of majoriety of our adventure expeditions/ joiurneys and sports. A short briefing in our offices is highly recommended so the team understands logistics, forecarst problems and know where the solutions would be. We stress on planning, planning and planning in any adventure expediton and till now we have remained successful in all of our expeditions just because of our planning. So we need you to be an active part of it.
Rescue and helicopter evacuation: if the expeditons are well planned, rescue operations can be avoided. In the history of 14 years, we didn’t encounter any seviour requireemtn of rescue but still we can tie up with the agencies to provide helicopter evacuation on your request and willingness to pay the charges.
Peak booking formalities: already mentioned in detail in our mountaineering formalities in India link. For necessary applications either you can check the website of IMF or speak to us.
Ground transportation: We provide the ground transportation compriseing of best available cars/ copaches in fine roads and rough trucks in remote areas of the Indian mountains.
Porters and ponies: We provide ponies till base camp and HAP/ LAPs as per the requirement of the expedition.
Fuel and gases: Fuel (aftwer BC) is not a part of cost included section, but we will manage Butane / Butane propane gases for you on your timely request.
Trek & BC food : We offer a mixture of Vegetarian and Non vegetarian food till BC including the several herbs we have individually discovered with the medicinal values and capacity to keep the body warm. We have cooks who make Korean, Japnese and Continental food along with Indian food.
Our guides & instructors: Our guides are basically trained till BC trekking and support to establish BC. But our instructors do have good experience of mountaineering who can join the expeditions to higher levels too.
Ground Support system: We have fantastic ground support system developed in collaboration with the local people of nearest villages, army camps, porters and local guides. We have re discovered the use of traditional communication system also along with the setellite phones to stay in touch with the groups after BC. Our BC staff is trained to keep information of the groups at ABC and between and act as per the situation.
Cost Includes & not: The cost includes all hotels, guest houses, camps till BC, food till BC, ponies, porters, LAP/ HAP, food & tents for the porters, cooks and staff at BC, insurance of our permanenet staff, food for LO, cargo management, all transportation, all sightseeing, liasioning and coordination, trekking guides and BC management. The cost doent include IMF fees and environment levies, State Government fees and environment levies, porters insurance, clients air fares, helicopter evacuation, extra porters requirement from the BC, extra days at or above BC and any expenditure on personal level including clients insurance/ visa etc.
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