Mountains and Monasteries Expedition, August 2007 In Search of Shangri-La with Dr. Jeff Salz
Join Jeff Salz and an intrepid band of adventurers on an exploration of one of the last frontiers of ancient Tibetan culture: the high plateaus of Spiti and Lahaul. For centuries - even while Chinese-occupied Tibet was being wracked and ravaged - the traditional culture of this remote area of snow capped peaks, deep blue-water lakes, has remained peaceful and intact. Ours will be dramatic journey combining elements of an expedition in Jeeps (travel down back roads by day, camping by night) and moderate trekking along the high mountainous Tibetan plateau of northern India. While the journey includes altitude and primitive conditions, this trip is rated ‘moderately rigorous” and should be within the
physical capabilities of anyone in reasonable physical shape. For centuries the Tibetan plateau has been the spiritual ‘roof of the world’. While the West invented wheels for chariots of war, the lamas of Tibet were creating the ‘Wheel of Life’, a strategy for finding truth, happiness and, ultimately enlightenment. The myth of Shangri-la is based on accounts of this ancient and timeless way of life. Ours is a true pilgrimage: an expedition of seekers journeying to one of the most magical and unspoiled regions of the planet while discovering more about life, spirit and self along the way. Responsible Ecotourism: Unlike other tour operators (many of whom are not locally based and often exploit the local population), Sunshine Himalayan Adventures has a unique and exclusive relationship with the regional Spiti Valley organization, MUSE. MUSE is a non-governmental society (NGO) of locally organized Spitian Valley villagers who work towards sustainable tourism development of this fragile land.
GRADE OF TREK:
Moderate to strenuous. MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
4883 meters - at Baralachala on the Manali-Ladakh Road PERMITS :
US Citizens must arrive with Indian Tourist Visa Inner line permit from the Government of India required and will be arranged by SHA.
Date: Duration of Expedition: Number of Persons:
18th August to 2nd September 16 Days Minimum 8 Maximum 15
The Trek: Traversing three distinct valleys and passes, this dramatic Himalayan traverse is meant for persons fit in mind and body. We cover an average distance of 15 km with a basic altitude of 4000 meters, two river crossings and thrilling scenery. Ponies carry our gear and an experienced and cheerful team of staff, guides, cooks, helpers sees to our safety and comfort. Described as one of the world’s most unforgettable treks by veteran mountaineers Chandertaal to Surajtaal is one of the great remaining true adventures! The Jeep Expedition: •
• • •
Spiti, the Himalayan cold semi-desert, is one of the highest, remotest and most inhospitable places on this planet. You are forgiven for never having heard of it! It lies in Indian Tibet, just below Ladakh, a Buddhist valley that has preserved the traditional Tibetan lifestyle. We take the western approach, from the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum La — which is blocked by snow from November to June. Getting there is an epic journey at the best of times! An insight into the age old traditions of the Kullu and Spiti valley Local Dance parties by the members of SAHARA. Stay in the Ancient Naggar Castle. Visit to Nicholas Roerich’s Historic Home and Museum
Detailed Tour Program Aug18 Sat August 19 Sunday August 20 Monday
Day 01
Arrival at New Delhi Airport. Escorted to Hyatt Hotel
Day 02
Morning Guided Sightseeing tour of Delhi including Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Lotus temple and a tour to Old Delhi. Dinner and overnight at Hyatt
Day 03 Morning flight to Kullu by Deccan Airlines. Transfer to Manali Sightseeing enroute visit to Roerich Historic Home and Manali. Afternoon visit Hadimba Temple and a Tibetan Monastery. Evening welcome bonfire dinner hosted by the Sunshine Team where you will be introduced to the staff accompanying you on the trek. We have a night’s relaxation prior to the adventurous crossing of two fast flowing rivers and the 16,000' pass itself. Overnight stay at Banon Resort
August Day 04 21 Tuesday
Jeep Safari Begins* Manali (2050 mts.) to Losar ( 4079 mts) : Driving Time 6 hrs Km 140 Morning we would depart for the highest moterable road in the world after an early breakfast. After crossing the Rohtang we would enter the Spiti valley and move onwards to Spiti.. After lunch at Chattru Rest House we would move overnight at a high altitude Spitian Village called Losar after crossing the Kunzum Pass. o/n Halt at Losar *A Jeep Expedition is a mix of culture and adventure. These trips involve visiting remote villages, monasteries etc. to feel the culture while exploring the rugged train of the Himalayas. It allows us to directly experience remote cultures the people. Our AC, Toyota Qualis jeeps are powered by 3200 cc engines and time-tested in the Spiti terrain traveling on one of the highest roads in the world.
August 22 Wednes day
Day 05
Losar ( 4079 mts) to Tabo 3050 meters : Driving Time 6 hours Km 112 This monastery is over 1000 year old and is called the Ajanta of the Himalayas . Here we will spend the day experiencing first hand the daily life of the lamas. The temples within the monastery complex in Tabo have a plethora of wall paintings and mud statues. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) attempted to restore some paintings that were ravaged by time, but were not very successful. Photography, however, is not permitted inside the monastery. o/n Camp at Tabo
August 23 Thur
Day 06
Tabo ( 3050 meters)- Dhankar (3890 Mts)- Tabo (3050 meters) -31 km Dhankhar originally called Dhakkhar (Dhak- Cliff, KharPalace), literally means ‘Palace on a cliff’. Dhankhar was the earlier capital of Spiti and was adorned by a stunningly unique and precariously balanced fort. Nature walk to Dhankhar Lake (4517 mts) Dhankhar lake, a 1 hour 30 minutes steep climb from the village, has a spectacular setting with its turquoise blue waters in the backdrop of the Spitian mountains. o/n Camp at Tabo
August 24 Friday
Day 07
Tabo ( 3050 meters) –Lanjha 4200 mt. ( 70 Km) Driving Time 4 hours Travel to Langza involves a journey on one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The road traverses along the mountain side above Kaza where we get a spectacular view of the meandering Spiti River, its tributaries and villages between Kewling and Hull. Opposite this mountain is the Kwang range. Views include the Nakedh Mountain. The route gradually snakes into the Shila Valley, where the we get the first view of the Chocho Khang Namo mountain (5964mts) and Chuling (4073mts) where blue sheep (bharal or tora) graze frequently. The road enters the grazing lands of the Langza village at Kitzi lungpa (4226mts) At the top of Langza Gogma is the Lang (village temple), a 600 year old Buddhist temple. Overnight:: Home-stay at Langza – enjoy a clean and comfortable sojourn in a Spitian house, with the opportunity to savor the local cuisine!
August 25 Satur
Day 08
Langjha - Ki- Kunzum – Chandertaal (4270 meters) Driving Time 7 hours 120 km Ki Gompa is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors and at one time acted as a fort. It houses many valuable Thankas We base ourselves in the famous Ki Gompa to spend time with the Lamas of the monastery. Then we begin our journey back on this moonscape to the most beautiful lakes of the Himalaya. The first sight of this wondrous lake takes ones breaths away, with its shores ringed with meadows carpeted with hundreds of varieties of alpine flowers. An excellent campsite and a relaxed evening after the rewarding walk form Batal.o/n Chandertaal Camp.
August 26 Sunday
Day 09
Chandertaal Rest Day ( Reserve Day/Reserve Day) Chandertaal (4270 meters) is one of the most beautiful lakes of the Spiti Valley and is a trekker’s delight. Views of Mulkila and Chandra Bhaga range makes ones mind refreshed. A walk along the Chandra River which arises from the lake itself is named after the Moon God. This rest day makes you refreshed for the second, more challenging half of the trek. Chandertaal Lake is a jewel set in meadows of edelweiss.
August 27 Monday
Day 10
Chandertaal –Topkogongma (4320 mts) 12 Km 5 hours TREK BEGINS : We start early morning uphill doing a full Parikrama of the lake and march onwards to Topkogongma - A walk through similar terrain as the day before, after leaving this jewel of a lake, brings one to Topkogongma where a river crossing is made that leads on to the campsite. This river crossing needs to be done before noon.o/n Camp
August Day 11 28 Tuesday
Topkogongma – Topkoyongma (4640 mts) 12 km 5 hours Today again, another river crossing is involved, so an early start is advisable. The scenery is quite barren in a beautiful kind of way and by evening the campsite is reached. Topko Gongma, which means "a big river". This day involves an adventurous river crossing which has to be done early in the morning when the water level is lower. This challenging river crossing is the highlight of the day.
August 29 Wed
Toprkogoungma to Baralachala ((4883 meters). 10 km 5 hours - Drive to Darcha (3400 meter) Today we make an early start for our trek to the Baralacahala A five hours climb leads up to the Baralacha –La. The name of pass literally means a summit with crossroads meeting on the top. Roads from Zanskar – Ladakh –
Day 12
Spiti meet here. From atop the pass superb views of the mighty Western Himalayan peaks are obtained on the way to the campsite. An extremely pleasant walk with gradual ascents and descents through some of the most magnificent mountains cape as here one is exactly in the heart of the Great Himalayas. This 10-km walk from Topka Yongma gives a bird’s eyeview of the Spiti Valley giving you a combined view of three rivers: Chandra , Bhaga and Yunam. We pass through amazing glaciers and reach the Leh Manali highway where our jeeps would pick us up and drive back to Darcha . o/n Darcha. August 30 Thus August 31 Fri
Day 13
Sept 1 Sat Sept 2
Day 15
Day 14
Day 16
Dracha – Naggar : Today we end this Jeep safari by taking the road back to civilization. We would drive all the way crossing Rohtang to reach the Naggar Castle. Evening celebration dinner with crew. o/n at Naggar Castle. Kullu Rest Day …. at Apple Valley Resort. Time for relaxing, shopping. Overnight: Apple Valley Resort. To Delhi on morning flight. Free day in Delhi. Vans available for shopping. Evening flight to US. Arrival US. Sunday
The total price $2900 -
includes:
• • •
All accommodation in the above mentioned properties (5 star + heritage hotels). Flight from the Kullu valley to Delhi and back All trek logistic support: porters, cooks, and personal porter (to carry client’s main clothing and gear pack of each trekker). • All meals during trek/tour. • All ground transport in deluxe a/c Qualis Jeeps. • A fluent English-speaking guide who will be with you from Day 01 to Day 15 • All entrance fees to monuments in Delhi • A list of required and suggested gear needed by trekkers will be provided to participants. The above rates do not include: • International round-trip flight tickets from USA/Abroad to Delhi. • Changes in programs or flight schedules due to reasons like climate and geographical hazards • Indian Visa, Travel and flight insurance, emergency medical repatriation • Expenses of personal nature including: liquor/drinks, telephone calls, shopping, • Tips to porters and trekking staff. (Note: Single supplement: $1000)
Sunshine Himalayan Adventures Arya Samaj Street, A.B Kullu Phone : +91-1902-225182 Fax :+91-1902-222391 Email: info@sunshineadventure.com sunhimalaya@yahoo.com
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