Overland Himalayas Spiti Zanskar & Ladakh

Over the years a lot of new roads have been developed in the Himalayas and lots of new passes have opened up for motorable vehicles, areas which earlier could only be reached by trekking in the mountains. This trip Overland Umling La takes us through Zanskar and to the Worlds Highest Motorable pass at 19300 Feet and crosses over 12 Mountain passes all above 4800 meters in altitude in the Himalayas On this trip you can expect new tracks, passes and highlights never before offered on an organized tour. This is the first tour to take on 10 extremely high Himalayan passes – you’ll be hitting altitudes of over 5,000 meters multiple  times and travelling over some the highest passes in the world! The route covers all of the highlights of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh, as well as the Four most beautiful Himalayan lakes in the border region to Tibet – all at altitudes of more than 4,500 meters.

The Best Road trip to Ladakh

Day 1 : Chandigarh to Rampur ( 236 Kms )
We start the drive from Chandigarh to Rampur, the route takes us through the Hindustan Tibet highway from Parwanoo – Dharampur – Solan – Shimla – Theog – Narkanda to reach Rampur.

Day 2 : Rampur to Tabo ( 246 Kms )
After breakfast drive to Tabo (3200 m) en-route visit the Lake at Nako Village, situated at an height of 3662 meters the lake at Nako is completely frozen during the winter months, continue with the drive to tabo and cross the check post at Sumdo. Tabo is famous for its thousand year old monastery which is an ordinary mud structure from outside but on the inside it has frescoes which earned Tabo the epithet of “Ajanta of Himalayas”. Overnight at Tabo.

Day 3 : Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza ( 65 Kms / 2 Hrs )
After the breakfast drive to Kaza (3450 m), via Dankar ( 3894 meters ) Dhankar is known for its Monastery and an abandoned fort which is at the highest point in the Village and has commanding views of the Spiti valley. The monastery is also famous as it has been the home of the Dalai Lama for a short duration in the past. visit every place and enjoy the relaxing drive . Overnight in stay at Small town Kaza.

Day 4 : Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal ( Chatru ) ( 119 Kms / 4 Hrs )
After early breakfast drive towards Kunzum pass (4551 m) the pass separates the areas of Spiti & Lahaul and is covered in snow for nearly 7 months in an year. Continue with the drive and take an diversion to visit the Chandratal Lake (4270 m). This blue water lake is situated about nine kms from Kunzum pass. The lake is placed between a low ridge and the main Kunzum range with an outlet into the Chandra River. The lake lies in a broad grassy plain, cranes and ducks abound in the lake. You will have to take a 30 Mins hike till the lake as vehicles are not allowed in its vicinity. Post visit continue with drive to Chatru where you will stay overnight.
Overnight at Camp

Day 5 : Chatru – Sissu – Jispa ( 151 Kms / 5 Hrs ) Post breakfast drive down to Lahaul valley and visit Sissu, see the majestic water from across the river Chandra Bhaga and visit the lake at Sissu. Lahaul valley is famous for its many glaciers some of which you will be able to see from a distance. Later drive to Udaipur and visit the Trilokinath Temple.
Overnight at Jispa.

Day 6 : Jispa to Padum ( 183 Kms / 8 Hrs )
Post breakfast we check out and drive to Padum, en-route we cross Darcha, Deepak Tal from where we go up towards Shinkula Pass ( 5091 Meters ) and then cross Gombo Rangjon Mountain on our way to Padum Overnight at Padum.

Day 7 : Padum to Lamayuru ( 210Kms / 8Hrs)
After early breakfast we start our drive towards Lamayuru this is the new route to Lamayuru from Padum and the journey takes us through some new roads ( unmetalled ) over Zang la, Singe La, Fotoksar Hanupata to reach Lamayuru.
Overnight at Lamayuru

Day 8 : Lamayuru to Leh ( 115 Kms / 3 Hrs )
Morning visit the monastery in Lamayuru, later drive to Leh, enroute visit Magnetic hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, places of interest. Evening in Leh for leisure. Overnight at Leh.

Day 9 : Leh to Pangong ( 156 kms / 4.5 hours )
After breakfast drive to Pangong, en-route cross Chang la Pass & Durbuk to reach Pangong.
Overnight stay at Pangong.

Day 10 : Pangong Lake to Hanle ( 160 km / 7 hours)
After breakfast, we drive towards Hanle depending upon permission our first priority is the road through Neyoma which is an dirt track for most of the time or the road through Chumathng which is a bit longer but metalled. Reach Hanle by evening. Spend the evening star gazing in Hanle. Hanle is one of the best places for star gazing in the world and even has an ISRO Observatory. Overnight at Hanle.

Day 11 : Hanle – Umling La – Hanle – Tso Moriri
There are two routes to reach Umling La from Hanle – the tougher one is from Photi La pass which is an dirt trail and gravel road. The other option is to go through Ukdungle which is an easier route. The area around Umling La is an high altitude area so the road up to the pass is an gentle trail and their are no deep gorges / valleys or narrow mountain roads to be taken. Post visit return back to Hanle and then drive on to Tso Moriri.
Overnight at Tso Moriri.

Day 12 : Karzok – Jispa ( 322 Kms )
After breakfast drive towards Tso Kar, on the way we cross Punga Hot spring , Sumdo and Tso Kar Salt Lake. Stop for some pictures at Nakeela, Lachung La, Gataloops and then on to Sarchu and Baralanha La. Reach Jispa by evening.
Overnight stay at Jispa

Day 13 : Jispa to Manali ( 94 Kms / 3 Hrs )
After breakfast drive towards Manali, en-route cross Keylong, Sissu and finally cross the Atal Tunnel to Reach Manali. End of tour in Manali.

Meals Included in the Tour – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast – Our daily breakfast will be at the hotels where we stay.

Lunch – Daily lunch will be at small midway joints or it will be an picnic Lunch at some places where our team will cook food for you and serve it hot.

Dinner – Our daily dinner will be at the hotels / Camps / Guesthouse where we stay. Dinner in Manali & Leh is not included in the package as there are lots of good local restaurants in both cities where you can go out and enjoy a meal.

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer is method delicious, unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the bottled standard water that we will carry for you.

• Rampur –  Hotel
• Tabo – Hotel
• Kaza – Hotel
• Chandratal – Camp
• Jispa – Hotel / Camp
• Padum – Hotel / Guesthouse
• Lamayuru – Hotel
• Leh – Hotel
• Pangong – Wooden Cottage / Camp
• Hanle – Guesthouse Best Available
• Tso Moriri – Guesthouse Best Available
• Jispa – Hotel / Camp.

STARTS AND END POINT OF TOUR
Chandigarh  is starting point of the tour, the team will meat you at the predefined time at the chosen venue.
For those coming from far away cities, we can make additional arrangements for accommodation / flight for you. ( charges applicable )

The drive ends when we reach Manali.

All 4×4 or all wheel drive vehicles can participate in this road trip.

Costing
Cost with Own SUV	Contact for details
Single room Supplement	Contact for details
Extra Bed	Contact for details
Extra – GST 5%

Including the package cost

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1. 1. Accommodation for 12 Nights on Twin / Double sharing basis om good 3* – 4* Hotels / best home stays in sector.
   2. All meals Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner for duration of trip, as per above mentioned itinerary. Except meals at Manali & Leh (Lunch and Dinner not Covered) as there are many eating in both cities.
   3. Guidance to best places for Meals at Pay N Eat ( if any).
   4. Accompanying Professional & Experienced Guide throughout the tour.
   5. Border entry fee with all Inner line permits to restricted/protected areas.
   6. First Aid Oxygen and AMS kit for each vehicle as per needs
   7. Things to carry list with Map.
   8. Walkie-Talkie sets for communication between cars
   9. Lead vehicle and backup vehicle with mechanical Support throughout the trip.
   10. P.W.R goody Bag & car stickers

Not including the cost

1.Stay for extra days if any ( we can make bookings for you make bookings for you )
2.Flights to the destination.
3.Extra food Like Starters /Lunch /Dinner all over Pay & Eat ( if Any outside the venue) .
4.Any vehicle Damage /fine/ Insurance
5.Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals, starters (Alcoholic, Mineral, Soft Drinks, Aerated) etc.
6.Extra guide fee, Camera & Video fee ,Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone
7.Any activity apart from mentioned ones.
8.Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
9.Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance
10.Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
11.GST on billing.

Checklist 4×4 tour

Use this checklist to help you pack for your 4×4 trip!

Backpacking / Clothing 

1. 1. 1 / 2 Jeans
   2. 1 / 2 Cargo pant
   3. 2 / 4 Full sleeve shirt
   4. 3 / 4 T- Shirts
   5. 1 / 2  Sweatshirt / Sweater / Fleece
   6. 1 Warm Jacket
   7. Slippers / Sandals
   8. Night suit.( if u use )
   9. Raincoat / Poncho
   10. Cap / Hat / Warm Cap
   11. Warm Gloves
   12. Warm Muffler
   13. 2 / 3 Cotton Socks and Warm Socks
   14. Towel  ( lightweight )

 

Other items

1. 1. Sunscreen Lotion
   2. Lip Guard / Care
   3. Body Lotion
   4. Paper Soap
   5. Face Wash / Soap / Shampoo / Oil / Deo / Comb etc.
   6. Sunglasses
   7. Toothpaste / Toothbrush

For Your 4X4 / SUV / MUV

Before riding check your 4X4/suv/muv  ( Very Important ) (engine oil, all cables, all nut and bolts,  tire-tube, Coolant, Brake, Belts,Headlights, complete services  if you need etc.)

1. 1. Extra  Tire’s Tube
   2. Extra Bulb
   3. Jerry Cans 20 ltr  For Fuel
   4. Complete Tool Kit
   5. Fevi quick / M-Seal
   6. Air Pump
   7. Jack
   8. Tow Strap / Tow Rope
   9. Fuel Siphon / Pipe
   10. Battery Jumper Cables
   11. Tire Patch Kit
   12. Duct tape
   13. Trapal ( Use to make various shelters as needed to protect your camp from sun or rain )
   14. Vehicle Papers ( Registration /  Insurance  / Pollution )

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Please note: This list does not include everything, and you should check your own needs to make sure you pack everything for your personal health and well being while camping.

Offbeat Holidays What to expect PDF