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THE TRIP - LADAKH - Mountain Cycling, Roads & Photography ... The trip to Ladakh is on everybody's m...ind this year. We bring to you our version of the land, looking forward to share our experience with your curiosity and wide eyed excitement, as we set out on a road which is termed classic. Again as we always maintain, its your personal experience which counts, your expressions and your outlook. We look forward to connecting with you on this special trip, and share our tale with yours as it unfolds on the Ladakh trail. We will cycle past some of the highest passes, enjoy a walk along some pristine high altitude lakes, walk in silence till the chants in the monasteries lift us higher and possibly unleash a bit of adrenalin, rafting down the Indus. Some unexplored places have recently been opened up to us mere mortals, so we will dig a chance to be amongst the first to pay our respects and gaze away in awe. Making it an active trip, we will muse and try to find ours and yours creative expression through the lenses, and what else we would do? Remember "The important thing is to go"; quoting "Versace". Connect with us if you are keen to join us this july for this trip, and are seeking more information. Experience awaits once we get going.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• The 3 Highest Road passes in the world. The Khardungla, Tanglangla, Wari La.
• The Classic Manali – Leh Highway
• Pangong Lake
• Nubra Valley, The last bastion on the Silk Road.
• Tsomoriri Lake
• Spectacular Opportunity to cycle, photograph and experience the road journey.
Introduction
Sandwiched between the Western Himalayas, the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, or “Little Tibet”. Once a major halting post on the caravan route through Asia, this Buddhist land is more culturally akin to Tibet than the lowlands further south. The beautiful multi colored desert landscapes are arid and awesome and dotted with small villages inhabited by rugged-looking people of Tibetan stock. It is literally ‘a land of high passes’, characterized by tiny whitewashed villages and Buddhist monasteries set beneath a dramatic Trans Himalayan mountainscape.
There is a timeless quality about life here - ancient Lamaist monasteries, built high on sheer rock faces, the barren, almost haunting landscape of this fascinating kingdom and a way of life and culture preserved for thousands of years.
Ever since 1974 when Ladakh first became accessible to visitors, this high and arid region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. Geographically, Ladakh is a western extension of the Tibetan Plateau and, as recently as the beginning of the nineteenth century, this mountainous country was a part of Tibet. Buddhism was brought to Ladakh by Guru Rimpoche who was born in Pakistan’s Swat Valley and this colorful religion is still practiced throughout Ladakh and neighboring Zanskar. Large numbers of monasteries, many of them occupying impressive hill-top sites, are active in the region to this day. The Muslim religion is also important in Ladakh, thanks in part to the influence of Kashmir to the west. A mixture of cultures and religions is an important element in the attraction of Ladakh as a destination for adventure travel. Perhaps more important, however, is the remarkable landscape of the area, which is particularly well-suited to the needs of trekking and trekking peak expeditions. A number of parallel mountain ranges, including the Great Himalaya Range, and then north of that the Zanskar and then Ladakh ranges, divide this territory, offering a wealth of 6000 meter peaks, and a maze of excellent trekking routes, which usually involve high pass crossings. Scattered high villages, each with its irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Our trip starts on August 3rd from Delhi, where we board the bus to Manali, a 14 hour overnight journey, into Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. After spending a day there on the morning of August 5th, We drive through the legendary Leh-Manali highway across the Great Himalayan Range, the world’s second highest road, only tackled by a few adventurous travellers. But the mountain scenery and high passes are incredibly beautiful. This is not for the faint hearted, but those who take advantage of the opportunity to travel this spectacular route will not be disappointed. We reach Leh on August 6th, after an overnight stay at Sarchu.
Our acclimatization period will be spent sightseeing and exploring in and around the fascinating bazaar town of Leh and we will include visits to the area’s main Buddhist monasteries; Hemis, Shey, Thikse and Stok Palace - all incorporated into superb downhill routes for the cyclists and a verdant road trip for the non cyclists. Then we will take a superb route to Pangong Lake, crossing the Chang La, another of the highest passes in our journey. The bikers can look for some fantastic riding as they descend from the pass to the lake a ride of 56 kms. We camp by the lake in the night and the next day we are ready to cross the Wari La, The third highest motorable pass in the world, into the Nubra Valley, staying at Hunder, famous for its Bactrian camels. The scenery is spectacular with the snow-capped Karakorums providing a splendid backdrop to the lush valleys of the Shyok River. The excitement prevails as the next day we are ready to descend from the Khardungla Pass into Leh. We spend a Day in Leh experiencing the bustling mountain town and then backtrack towards Manali, making way to Tsomoriri Lake for a night. If you are looking for the excitement of pure downhill, day after day through ever changing scenery, the Leh to Manali traverse is hard to beat. Group members will have the option of ascending a total of 3800 meters to cross the four main passes on the route, (although you can use the vehicle support and not cycle any uphill if you wish). Nobody will want the jeeps for the downhill though, as there is the unforgettable experience of descending through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Unquestionably one of the greatest of mountain roads, the Leh to Manali highway crosses the main Himalaya Range by a series of very high passes, including the Tanglang La at 5280 meters, the second highest road pass in the world. In addition, this classic route offers exposure to a tremendous variety of landscape and culture, linking the strongly Tibetan influenced high plateau of Ladakh with the semi arid plains of Lahaul and the lush greenery of the Kullu-Manali Valley. Once on the main route we will have the constant back up of our support jeeps and any of the group who feel the need to hitch a lift for any section of the journey will be able to do so. Given the steep and sustained nature of some of the passes, it is likely that the jeeps will be used by most of the group at some stage of the trip. From the crests of the passes, there are superb views of the major peaks of the Ladakh, Zanskar and Chandra-Bhaga ranges. We are not in a race; there will always be time to rest, take photographs and to cool hot brakes before the next amazing hairpin descent! The trip finishes with a day celebrating and relaxing in Manali and our journey back to Delhi on the evening of august 15th, 2010.
THE ITINERARY
August 3rd, 2011
Board the evening Volvo Bus to Manali. Reach Manali on the morning of August 4th.
August 4th
Upon arrival in Manali, transfer to Hotel. Spend the day exploring the Manali Bazaar and attend the small orientation session by the dinner. Stay @ Hotel
August 5th, 2011
Depart early morning after breakfast. Cross the Rohtang Pass in the morning and enter Lahaul valley. Lunch stop at Keylong. Carry on further on the Manali Leh highway, stopping briefly at Baralacha Pass and continue towards Sarchu. O/N Fixed camps.
August 6th, 2011
Depart after breakfast, and continue your classic journey through the Great Himalayan Landscape towards Leh, crossing the Gata Loops, lachalang La, Tanglang La and finally reaching Leh by early evening. Check into Hotel.
August 7th, 2011
The day is spent exploring around Leh. We’ll take a 30-minute drive to Stok Monastery on the other side of the Indus Valley. There are impressive views back across to Leh and beyond to the Khardung La itself. The monastery also has an interesting museum to look around. Now we can try out our biking legs with a short climb around Stok village before dropping back to the Indus and contouring along on a jeep track to Stakpa Monastery. Here, we will cross the Indus again and ride back along a tarmac road to Thiksey Monastery. We will have a guided tour of this impressive Buddhist monastery, commanding an imposing position atop a small hill. From here we will probably load up our bikes and drive back to our hotel. If time allows we’ll stop to visit the Lingshed Hostel. The hostel is a relatively new venture and is being supported by KE and The Juniper Trust. Initially set up by a local monk the hostel provides home from home care for children aged between 5 - 15 years old who come to Leh from the remote Lingshed area of Zanskar. O/N Hotel
August 8th. 2011
Depart Early morning after breakfast, towards Pangong Lake. Reach The Changla Pass By early afternoon, and the cyclists descend towards Pangong Lake, a distance of 56 kms. We have the support jeeps at bay, so if you don’t wanna ride any further just Hop in. O/n Camp Pangong.
August 9th, 2011
Depart the lake after breakfast and a wonderful session of Photography, towards the village Tuktak and continue your Journey towards Wari La Pass. Descend towards Khalsar in the Nubra Valley and continue towards Hunder. O/N Organic Camp.
August 10th, 2011
Early morning photography sessions, and we continue our journey towards Khardungla Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. This is our 3rd pass whilst riding, and we descend the pass towards Leh. O/N Hotel
August 11th, 2011
Start Your wonderful journey, cycling and tripping towards Tsomoriri lake. O/N Camps
August 12th, 2011
What a ride! From Tsomoriri lake towards Sarchu. Altitude at camp: 4400 metres (14,436 feet). Ride distance approx. 88 km / 55 miles - ascent 1372 metres (4500 feet) and descent 1450 metres O/N Camp.
August 13th, 2011
A 2-3 hour climb, gradually gaining height, up to the saddle of the Bara Lacha La (4880m / 16011ft) is rewarded by close-up views of the peaks of the Chandra-Bhaga Range. The Bara Lacha La stands at the crossroads of the Spiti, Zanskar, Lahaul and Rupshu areas of the inner Himalaya. We now have a long descent of 45 km / 28 miles to Jespa, which is situated next to the Bhaga River in the Lahaul Valley. From the high desert we then enter an alpine climate with green hillsides and forested slopes - a welcome change from the dry, desert scenery of Ladakh. We stay in a small hotel at Jespa, it has good basic showers and extra strong beer. Altitude 3400 metres (11,155ft). Ride distance. 71 km / 44 miles - ascent 710 metres (2330 feet) and descent 1806 metres From here it is another 25 kms to keylong our stay for the night. O/N Hotel
August 14th, 2011
The land becomes increasingly greener as we get closer to the watershed of the Himalaya and we could easily imagine ourselves to be in Switzerland such is the beauty of the alpine scenery. Now fit and full of confidence we start our last climb to the Rohtang La, which is at the relatively modest altitude of 3990 metres (13,091 feet). The semi-arid Lahauli valleys give way to lush green slopes, and from the top of the Rohtang (if the weather is clear) we glimpse the green, forested slopes of the Kulu-Manali Valley. The monsoon rains that are deposited on the southern slopes of the Rohtang completely transform the scenery. A mind-blowing 52 km / 32 miles and 2000 metres (6562 feet) of descent to Manali (and our comfortable hotel) completes the main part of our trip.
August 15th, 2011
Celebrate the Independence Day. Explore the Manali bazaar by the day, and board the evening bus back to Delhi. End of trip and our services.
(Important: This day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. Although we update our dossiers on a regular basis, to take into account such things as changes to biking routes and changes in the routing or availability of local transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any of our trips will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary. )
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) When does HIGHER GROUND- LADAKH PHOTOGRAPHY, CYCLING & ROAD TRIP take place?
The LADAKH PHOTOGRAPHY, CYCLING & ROAD TRIP takes place from the August 3rd - 15th. 2011
2) Where does the trip start from and where does it end.
The Trip begins and finishes in Delhi while Manali, Sarchu, Leh, pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardungla Pass, Wari La, Changla, Pangong Lake, Tanglangla etc, amongst highlights.
3) Who are the organizers?
The Trip is organized by Travel with dj who have come together to put a exhilarating and unforgettable adventure for the participants. Coupled with the passion of Photography and Years of expertise in organizing outdoor events of international stature in the Himalayas. Travel with dj presents an opportunity for you to trek and capture the uncharted untouched beauty of the Himalayas and take back a cherished memoir. We welcome you to enjoy our hospitality as we promise you an experience that will remain etched in your mind and association to meet and be with likeminded individuals among some of the most pristine Himalayan ranges.
4) How does in register for the trip?
We would request you to visit our Facebook page or Blog and send us a query through email and we would provide you all details required for registration.
5) What is the entry fee and what it includes?
The entry fee for the trip is Rs. 28,000/- (Twenty Eight Thousand Indian Rupees) the fees includes travel from Delhi to Delhi, accommodation and food.
6) Are there any entry fee waivers?
Yes, incase you are a group of 10 members or above we will give you a 5% waiver on the fees.
7) How to deposit the participation fee ?
The fee can be deposited via Cheque/Demand Draft/or deposit cash in favor of Travel with dj.
Bank/Account Details would be provided upon request by email to info.travelwithdj@gmail.co
8) Would the organizers provide accidental insurance for the participants?
No, as there are no insurance companies providing this for a large group we would request you to please have your own insurances incase of any untoward incident.
9) Is it mandatory to sign an Indemnity Bond?
Yes it is absolutely mandatory for all participants to sign a Indemnity bond before embarking on this trip failing which we would unable to accept your participation.
10) What kind of fitness level should the participants have?
If your exercise regularly and maintain good fitness regime and are healthy you well do fine on the trip. But a word of caution for people who suffer from high Blood Pressure and Cardiac problems we would request you to please submit a fitness certificate from your doctor and after which you are most welcome to join the trip.
11) Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Yes we would like to limit the group to max 30 people. So that we are able to divide them in to groups and have them shoot at different locations in the same area so that all participants do not end up with similar pictures.
12) Is LADAKH PHOTOGRAPHY, CYCLING & ROAD TRIP for professional photographer & cyclists alone?
The LADAKH PHOTOGRAPHY, CYCLING & ROAD TRIP is for anyone who has the love for nature, cycling and photography we believe in having a mix of people from different levels and genres of photography and different walks of life who share the passion and are likeminded so we all can learn from each others experiences.
13) What kind of camera should I carry, I only have movie camera?
Since photography and adventure are the essence behind this trip we would urge you to come with any sort of camera that you have form a Compact Digital Camera/SLR/DSLR all are fine as long as you are happy with what you capture. However, there will be few techniques discussed during the trip that can be only achieved through SLR & DSLR cameras but we believe knowledge gained as you graduate to a new level in photography. People with movie cameras can also participate.
14) How much distance would we be covering in these 15 days?
The trip would start from Delhi and culminate in Delhi the total distance that we would be covering is approx 3000kms.
15) What is a typical day at the LADAKH PHOTOGRAPHY, CYCLING & ROAD TRIP?
A typical day would start as early as 4-5am in the morning so that we can capture the landscapes and scenery in the soft morning light and may be a great sunrise in certain places. Through the day we would be trekking and travelling by car and stopping where ever you find a good spot to click. It will be our endeavor to reach our destination hotel/campsite for the day before sunset so you can make use of the evening light and hues to photograph. We would have evening session where we would urge you to share your work and all can enjoy your talent through a slide show every evening. We would try to end the day by 9 so you can retire to your rooms/camps as we need to recharge ourselves for the next day. For the cyclists, you are free to plan your ride with the trip leader and the rest remains the same.
16) What is the food menu?
The food menu would depend on our stay. At hotels you would be provided with Indian/English breakfast
Lunch would be packed or would be on way at a Dhaba. Dinner would be as per the hotel menu.
17) What happens to the luggage?
The Participants are requested to take care of their equipment and baggage the organizers will not be responsible for any breakage or theft and urge you to only carry bags that can be locked. We request each participant to carry not more than 2 bags one for Camera equipment and the other for clothes etc. The camera bag can be kept inside the car and the other baggage would be either carried on the roof or inside the vehicle you are travelling in.
18) What is the trip gets extended due to natural causes or borders/passes being sealed?
In the event of the trip being extended due to Natural causes or passes being sealed the cost of the extra day/s would be borne by the participants as these are events that cannot be foreseen and planned for hence the organizers would not be able to include this in the participation fee. We would request to hold the organizing committee responsible for such unforeseen circumstances and bear with us.
19) Where do we sleep?
This would depend on the course of the trip as accommodation will be mixed bag we would be using Hotels/ Country Inns and Campsites. We would be staying in good, neat and clean Hotels in Manali and Leh. Our Campsites at Sarchu, pangong and Nubra would also provide A grade accommodation, in terms beds and Toilets which are attached. All accommodation is on twin Sharing.
20) Are the tents water proof incase it rains as we would be carrying photographic equipment?
The tents are waterproof and excellent arrangements are made to keep the moisture out.
21) What kind of toilets is available at campsite and is there a provision of hot water?
At the campsites we would provide you with dry pit lavatories and Bathing tents. Yes, hot water will be provided where ever possible.
22) Will there be a provision for charging camera/mobile/laptop at the campsite?
Yes we would be providing electrical points for the same at all campsites.
23) Can I bring my family along for the trip.
Yes you are most welcome to bring your parents/wife /children along however we would request you to bear in mind that it's a long trip via road and if you think your family members would be able to endure it you are most welcome.
26) Do we need to carry medicines/ first aid/Oxygen?
We would be carrying Oxygen cylinder(s) first aid and medicines or nausea/headaches/sprains etc. However, if you have been prescribed a certain medication or a medicine that you take on a daily basis we would request you to carry the same and enough to last you the entire trip as you may not find the same medicine during the journey.
27) I need to know more or I have a special request?
Please write to us at info.travelwithdj@gmail.co
ESSENTIALS & OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS
Cancellation:
1. You can, at any moment before the commencement of the tour, cancel your registration. It is, however, important that we receive the information about your travel cancellation in writing.
2. Standard Cancellation Fees:
From 30 to 15 days before commencement of the tour 25%
From 14 to 05 days before commencement of the tour 50%
Below 5 days or not traveling 100%
3. You may, however, recommend a substitute, in case you are unable to join the tour.
1. First aid services will be provided by us,Travel with Dj will be not liable for expenses occurred on major illness or mishaps in between the tour.
2. It is important that a person with medical problems informs us well before departure. The Tour Leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any point of time during the trip if it is felt that the tour member is incapable of completing the trip safely. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
3. If you cancel your reservation, your deposit will be returned as applicable in the section related to “Cancellation”.
4. In case a tour cannot be started or must be interrupted or ended for reasons outside the control of Travel with Dj, as in the case of but not limited to civil unrest, riots, strike, Government restrictions, earth quake, floods, or other forces of nature, this contract becomes invalid.
5. Travel with Dj reserves the right to accept, decline or retain any tour member from any tour at any time, and to cancel any contract on grounds of a tour member not complying with local traffic laws or for the violation of any of our requirements for group travel.
DISCLAIMER
Travel with Dj takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps,Travel with dj. will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Himachal Pradesh only.
Cheers and Regards,
Dhananjay
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