Phugtal
- Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Overview
A new route is opened to approach Zanskar Valley more quickly than the present approach through Kargil. This new route will take one to Zanskar from Manali just in few hours from Lahaul valley crossing Shingo La Pass which divides Jammu Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. This route remained one of the best trekking routes of Indian Himalaya for several decades. Chikka is the last village on this side of pass and the Kargyak is the first village after crossing the pass in Zanskar Valley.
Presently Border Road Organization is making this road from Darcha (30 Kms after Keylong on Manali- Leh highway) to Padum. This year BRO has crossed over Shingo La pass and reached further to Purne Village. The distance from Darcha to Zanskar Sumdo (meeting point of two rivers) is 22 Kms, Zanskar Sumdo is the base of Shingo La pass, the pass is further 20 Kms and another 19 Kms down stretch takes us to Kargyak village. The last required bridge on CHA village is also made this year in 2017, September that connects Purne with Padum.
Reference of a local monk is necessary whenever we talk about this road, he belongs to Kargyak and sold all his land to purchase machinery used in road construction. This is a story of pre BRO involvement; he started constructing road from his own expenses so the local inhabitants can communicate with rest of the world. His efforts were sincere but not sufficient even though the traces are being followed by BRO to connect Lahul with Zanskar.
No need to mention, Zanskar is fabulous and awe-inspiring because of its dramatic landscape, ancient monasteries, rich cultural heritage and rarely visited surroundings. Phugtal Monastery in a rough rocky mountain creates a Shangri La effect and the river flowing below it increases the sensation. Similarly the Karsha Monastery and Zangla Fort allure the visitors. When we leave Padum to Kargil, we see the glaciers and mighty peaks like Nun and Kun, which are challenging summits for the climbers of the world. If you are interested to visit age old unique festivals like Naro Nasjal of Sani Monastery, this can also be done while you are on this itinerary.
Package Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Delhi, on arrival we will receive you and take you to your hotel.
Delhi
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Day 2Delhi to Manali overnight journey by Volvo or flight in the morning.
Himachal Pradesh
You have option to reach Manali from Delhi either by surface or flight. Volvo Coach journey is overnight journey to Manali in comfortable luxury coach which reaches Manali next morning. From Delhi to Manali you can opt for air travel too which takes one hour to reach Kullu (nearest airport from Manali at 52 Kms distance). Once you process booking this your, we will discuss about both the options, the cost includes Volvo transfer and for the air travel you need to pay extra for air tickets or book directly.
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Day 3Manali full day sightseeing
Manali is a popular tourist center of India which has old temples, old architecture, village life style and urge to get modern in the community though development of tourism. The surroundings are beautiful to spend a day for sightseeing and small purchases for your onward journey.
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Day 4Manali to Jispa drive
We cross Rohtang Pass this morning, the drive is absolutely scenic and after the pass we start getting down in a tribal valley of Lahul Spiti. The valley is surrounded by high peaks, hanging glaciers and hardworking people are visible in fields of peas, cabbage and potato. Manali to Jispa is 135 Kms and it is not tiring at all.
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Day 5Jispa to TRANGZE over Shingo La pass
Ladakh Himalaya
2019 will be the first year when people will traverse Shingo La pass by vehicles first time and reach Padum. The pass was closed earlier and once Darcha- Padum was one of the most popular trek route in western Himalayas. We drive to Zanskar Sumdo from Jispa crossing Darcha and Chikka Rarik villages. From Zanskar Sumdo we cross the bridge and start climbing to the top of Shingo La (Shinkun La), from there we get down to other side and reach first village Kargyak. Later we reach Trangze and camp in its wide grounds.
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Day 6TRANGZE to Purne and then to PHUKTAL Monastery excursion.
The morning is spectacular for all reasons, we further drive to Purne and establish our camp there. The crew will stay to prepare dinner and other arrangements and we walk to Phuktal Gompa with our guide.
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Day 7Purne to Padum drive
This day we cross the bridge at Cha village and reach Padum
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Day 8Padum to Karsha, Zangla excursion
Karsha Monastery and Zangla Fort are ancient Buddhist architecture with a fond history, we visit these places and if you are interested to visit Naro Nasjal festival in this monastery in August, you can plan your holidays accordingly with our experts.
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Day 9Padum to Kargil drive
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Day 10Kargil to Alchi drive
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Day 11Alchi to Leh drive
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Day 12Leh full day sightseeing of monasteries and market
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Day 13Leh to Delhi morning flight, full day in Delhi to visit places and evening we transfer you to the airport.
Delhi
If you wish to stay in Delhi this day, the room will be booked on request.
• Administrative coordination with local authorities wherever necessary
• Airport transfers on arrival & departure
• All transportation as per the itinerary (4 WD cars)
• Hotels from Delhi to Delhi with breakfast
• Camps with all meals (if included in the itinerary)
• Experienced guide / escorts
• Supporting vehicles wherever necessary
• Any kind of government fees, visa fee
• Air travel
• Insurance
• Personal gears, clothing & tips
• Monument entrances
• Sleeping bags
Insurance – click here to get yourself insured
What can you book on additional cost/ rent?
• Insurance for your expedition.
• Oxygen cylinders and masks
• Solar battery chargers
Payment can be made through cards/ online and wire transfer to our bank.We charge 25% of the total tour cost at the time of booking and rest 45 days prior to your arrival in India.
If cancellation is made before 60 days, full amount will be returned after deduction of applicable taxes and 5% processing charges. If cancellation is made before 45 days, we refund you 50% of your deposit and if the cancellation is made before/during 30 day prior to arrival, the whole payment deposit will forfeit.
No refund, cancellation or compensation will be paid back to the client in case of any reason caused by natural disaster, war, terrorism, weather etc.
Change in the itinerary
If you make any changes in the itinerary after booking of the tour, additional cost will be charged wherever and however necessary. This will imply even the itinerary is changed because of bad weather, cancellation of connecting flights, road blocks or any other natural / man- made situation.
Medical, rescue and evacuation
You must get your insurance done well in advance. In case of any land/ air rescue/ evacuation services provided by us will be charged from you. It may include hotels, transportation, food, doctors, helicopters, porters, hospital service etc. We don’t take any responsibility of your baggage and other belongings.
Your fitness and health
It is your responsibility to undertake our adventure services after examining your fitness at required level.
Your details are highly secure with us
We don’t share your contact details with anyone so whenever you communicate with us through query forms or while making online payments, rest assured about your data security.
Liability form
Before leaving for the adventure, we require your consent and signature on duly filled liability and responsibility form which declares that you book the adventure for your own leisure and experience and take all responsibility of your health and your belongings. ax