Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari Tour

Thousands of miles above civilization, two states, enchanting mountain passes that are over 4000 meters above the sea level, three UNESCO world heritage sites and many significant high altitude lakes: the Trans-Himalaya tour is a trip on which best of this scenic republic unravels along the way. On this expedition, you are going to enjoy birds-eye-view of the rugged majesty of Himalayan panorama- a limitless chain of gigantic glaciers and jagged ice-capped peaks.

Those who want to experience an adventure like never before should head for a Trans-Himalaya jeep safari expedition, which covers the most rustic regions of Himachal, and Jammu and Kashmir. The Trans Himalayan roads are a prime example of how the mundane business of laying roads has been elevated to high art here. Driving on these far-off mountain slopes can at the same time be an immense liberating and nerve-wracking experience.

This enormous, bountiful yet cosmic expedition begins from Delhi, the capital city of India brimming with antiquated architecture, ancient buildings, and primitive shrines. After spending some time sightseeing in Delhi, you will board a Shatabdi train from New Delhi Railway Station to reach Chandigarh. Following a sightseeing tour in Chandigarh, you will go for a drive to Shimla. It's beyond Shimla roads that roads gain a bit gradient. As the roads slant upwards, the temperature, mixed forest of pine, and deodar lined up alongside. Higher up, more typical forest takes over.

Most enthralling part of the journey commences from Shimla as you will be crossing many high altitude villages like Narkanda (2708 Meters) and Kufri (2,290 m) to reach Sarahan, a picturesque village located at an elevation of 2,313 m. One the next day, you will embark on a journey to Sangla in Kinnaur via Karcham village. Further, you will visit Kalpa, the last village on the Indo-China border, by passing through Rakcham Village and Mastrang. From Kalpa, you can get the unhindered view of stupendous Kinner Kailash range, surely one of the most dramatic vistas anywhere on the earth.

Your eighth day of the jeep safari expedition is going to be scenic as you be passing through high altitude villages to reach Nako, which is believed to be created by Lord Padmasambhava while he was explaining a situation of fairytale to his disciple.

By far, you have experienced the best of Himachal Pradesh, but there is so much which is yet to behold. After exploring the richness of Nako, you will head to the antiquated yet tranquil town called Tabo. In Tabo, you will see colorful mantra-inscribed Buddhist flags fluttering madly in the strong, cold wind, with impressive monasteries in the foreground and peaks towering in the background- a magical slice of mountains and mysticism.

Following a trip to Tabo, you will visit the lush green Pin Valley, which has been the favorite haunt of trekkers for decades. Over the next few days, you will be visiting some of the finest monasteries, picturesque high altitude villages, and mountain passes till you reach Keylong. Also, you will come across a small village called Sarchu, which marks the border between the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

When in Kashmir, you will have to cross a series of picturesque places like Tsokar, and Tsemoriri, to reach Leh, Small in size and colossal in beauty, Leh is known for its small monasteries like Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Namgyal Shemo Gompa and Sindhu Ghat and Pangong Lake. Arrival in Leh marks the end of Trans Himalaya jeep safari expedition.

To know further about this Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari tour, go through the itinerary mentioned below.

Day 01: Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla

In the morning board a New Delhi - Chandigarh Shatabdi Express from New Delhi Railway Station. Upon arrival in Chandigarh, after some sightseeing, you will embark on a drive to Shimla. Overnight stay and dinner at Heritage Hotel in Shimla.

Day 02: Shimla Sightseeing

Today is kept free for leisure. You will go for a tour to Shimla attractions like Jakhu Temple, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Kennedy House, Gorton Castle, Mall Road, Railway Board Building, Scandal Point and Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex. Dinner and Overnight stay at Shimla.

Day 03: Shimla - Sarahan (151 Kms/07 Hrs)

Post breakfast, kick-start for your first day of Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari. The first stopover of the expedition will be Sarahan via Narkanda (2708 Meters) and Kufri (2,290 m). You will reach Narkanda by passing frequent climbs by cars from Kufri of about more than 45 Kms. After having tea, we drive down to Rampur, which is situated on the banks of River Sutlej on the Old Hindustan Tibet Road. Dinner and overnight stay at Sarahan.

Day 04: Sarahan - Sangla (116 Kms/5 Hrs)

Begin your day with a smile and an enigmatic view of the mount Shrikhand Mahadev (5227 M). Early morning, visit the Goddess Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan. According to the legends, Goddess Shakti killed King Bhasmasur at this place. Along with the temple, one can visit a Pheasant Breading Centre and outdoor stadium. After breakfast, start your expedition to reach Sangla in Kinnaur. For initial few kilometers, you will follow the Sutlej till you reach Karcham, a small village which is quite famous for its dam and monasteries. Following a short tour of Karcham village, you will drive towards Baspa valley where Sangla is situated at a distance of about 17kms. In the evening, you are free to explore Sangla including the Kamru Fort. Dinner and overnight stay at Sangla.

Day 05: Sangla - Kalpa (57 Kms/2 Hrs)

Start your day with a beautiful smile and charming view of Sangla. In the first half of the day, we will drive to Chitkul, which is the last village on borders of India and China, via Rakcham Village and Mastrang. Further, embark on a drive to Kalpa via Karcham. Once used to be the favorite spot of Lord Dalhousie, Kalpa houses many people from Hindu and Buddhist communities. From Kalpa, one can see the scenic view of Kinner Kailash range (8,848 m). Overnight dinner and stay at Kalpa camp.

Day 06: Kalpa - Nako (106 Kms/4 Hrs)

Treat yourself with a stunning view of Kinner Kailash Peak early in the morning. Before going for the ride, take blessings of divinity at the Devi Kothi temple, which is quite famous for its antiquated architecture, wood carvings, and silver plated doors. Today, you will be passing through Reckong Peo, Poo and Khab, the junction of river Spiti and Satluj, to reach Nako (3662 m), a high altitude village in Kinnaur district. Nako, known a monastery and lakes, is believed to be created by Lord Padmasambhava while he was explaining a situation of fairytale to his disciple. Overnight stay at Nako.

Day 07: Nako - Tabo (63 Kms/2 Hrs)

After visiting the monastery in Nako region, embark on a drive to Tabo through Maling and Sumdo. During the journey, you will come across a village called Tashigang, which is believed to be the meditation ground of Guru Padmasambhava. Quite close to Tashigang is a small waterfall and cave, which is dubbed as the abode of fairies. Get down at Sumdo as you will have to take a permit to visit further. Due to its closeness to China border, this area remains under the high vigilance of army. After 100 kilometers strenuous drive from Tashigang, you will be reaching Tabo. Upon arrival in Tabo, you will be transferred to a hotel. In the second half of the day, you will visit the group of monasteries, which were believed to be found 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 and also known as Ajanta of Himalayas. Dinner and overnight stay at Tabo hotel.

Day 08: Tabo - Pin Valley with Dhankar Monastery (50 Kms)

In the morning, you will be exploring the caves in Tabo, where once great sages used to pray. After breakfast, set forth on your journey to Pin Valley via Dankhar Monastery. The capital of Spiti Valley Kingdom during the 17th century, Dankhar was the seat of 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. Situated at 3,894 meters (12,774 feet) in the Spiti Valley between Tabo and Kaza, the complex is located on a 300 m long cliff, overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers. After spending some time at Dankhar Monastery, you will be going for a drive to Pin Valley via Kungri, yet another beautiful monastery in Himachal Pradesh. After a 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 Kinnaurcommences to reach Pin Parvati and Bhaba Passes. Later we come back to our Camp at Pin Valley (Gulling) for overnight stay and dinner.

Day 09: Pin Valley - Kaza with Lhalung Monastery Excursion (52 Kms)

First thing in the morning, cross the river at Attargu and then drive 14 km to reach Lhalung Monastery in Lingti Valley. Dubbed as the Golden Temple by the people of the Buddhist community, Lhalung Monastery is 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. After paying a visit to the monastery, get down on the streets to visit Kaza, which is 10 km from Lhalung Monastery. Evening and overnight stay at a hotel in Kaza.

Day 10: Excursion of Kee, Kibber, Langza, Hikkim & Komic and Back Kaza (52 Kms)

Post breakfast, embark on a drive to Kee Gompa, followed by a trip to Kibber Village, Hikkim, Langza and Komic. On this day, you will visit the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley, Kee Gompa, and Hikkim and Komic, highest villages of the world connected with the road. After spending a day with the ancient monasteries of Spiti valley, we get back to Kaza hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Kaza.

Day 11: Kaza - Keylong (185 Kms/8 Hrs)

Dig up in an early morning breakfast and embark on a drive to Keylong via Hansa, Lhosar, and Takche. After few kilometers, we will start driving uphill to Kunzum Pass and after reaching a certain point, start descending to Batal, a place on the riverbed of Chandra. From Batal, start following the river for 36 km till you reach Chatru. Further, you will 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. Dinner and overnight stay at Keylong.

Day 12: Keylong - Sarchu (106 Kms/5 Hrs)

In the morning, you will start driving uphill to reach the Kardang Monastery. After spending some time at the monastery drive downhill to reach Sarchu via Jispa and Darcha. 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 13: Sarchu - Tsokar (135 Kms/7 Hrs)

Post breakfast, start driving towards Tsokar via Nakee-La Pass (4800 m), Lachalung La Pass (5,059 m), Moray Plains, and Whiskey Nallah. Dinner and overnight stay at Tsokar.

Day 14: Tsokar - Tsomoriri (4485 M) 70 Kms/2 Hrs

The Wake up in the morning to the spectacular landscape around Tsokar or 'White Lake', the area is known to be a famous habitat of animals like Tibetan blue sheep, marmots, red foxes and a variety of birds. After some sightseeing, embark on a 2-hour drive to Tsomoriri, which is 70 km from Tsokar. Overnight stay and dinner at Tsomoriri camp.

Day 15: Tsomoriri - Leh (280 Kms/7 Hrs)

Post breakfast, set forth on a 48 km long drive to reach Leh via Sumdo. The highlights along the way are the spectacular mountain pass of Namshang La (4800 m) and the village of Puga. Beyond Sumdo, 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. From Upshi, you will ride a distance of 51 km north along the River Indus to reach Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.

Day 16: Full Day sightseeing of Leh Monasteries

Today, you will be exploring some monasteries of Leh region like Thiksey, Shey, and Hemis. You will also visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Namgyal Shemo Gompa and Sindhu Ghat.

Day 17: 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.Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.