Ladakh Apricot Blossom Spring

Coming up our first Ladakh Spring Tour when the Air is still Cold and there is a lot of Snow on the Mountains. And the Apricots Blossoms are in Bloom. Its one of the best times to be in Ladakh. You can know more about Ladakh in our Ladakh Travel Guide.

Day 1 - Arrival at Leh. We move straight to Village Homestay at Basgo around an Hour from Leh. Basgo is 200 m lower in altitude than Leh hence it helps to acclimatize better. Reach Homestay and Rest. Day should be spent relaxing with minimal exertion. Maybe a walk in the Evening around the Village.

The massive Nun Kun Peaks as seen from Panikhar

\Day 2 - Local Sightseeing around Basgo. You visit the Basgo Fort and the Basgo Monastery. After Lunch do some cycling around the Trails. Or spend time learning some Archery. We will dedicate a person who takes you around the Village with packed Brunch, Sandwiches and other stuff. You could have a picnic by the Stream though it will be quite cold.

Apricot Orchards in full Bloom near Kargil

Day 3 - We move Kargil in the Morning and along the way Pass through the Fotu La and Nakeel La tops. Will Pass the beautiful Village of Lamaryu and also the Chamba Maitreya Buddha at Bodhkharbu. Visit Hundarman on the LOC in the afternoon after Lunch. If you so want you can also see the Hundarman Museum of Memories which is in the old Hundarman Village. On the way to Hundarman Village you can clearly look across the LOC and see and abandoned Village on the Pakistani side as well. We would catch Apricot in Bloom as well. we spend the night Camping in the middle of an Apricot Orchard.

The Village of Hundarman near the LOC

Day 4 : Post breakfast, drive to the apricot villages of Hardass and Karkitchu. These villages are settled by the Balti tribe who have from the Baltistan region which is now in Kargil. Spend your day exploring the landscape and culture and enjoy a packed lunch by the Shingoo river. Post lunch visit the Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum that has preserved the Silk Route trade history of Kargil. Explore Kargil bazaar in the evening. Stay at Apricot Orchard.

Apricot Trees near Hardass

Day 5- Morning we drive through the beautiful Suru Valley and see the beautiful Nun Kun as per the whims and fancies of the Weather Gods. Also visit the Chamba Maitreya Buddha at Kartse Khar. The drive through Suru Valley should rate as one of the finest anywhere in the Mountains. The Road is straight along the River and you can enjoy the views of the Snow covered Mountains on both sides. Afterwards drive upto the Drang Drung Glacier on the Pensi La and return to Panikhar for the night.

The Suru River in the Suru Valley

Day 6 - Panikhar to Garkone (Brokpa Village) : From Panikhar you would go to the “Aryan” Village of Garkone. The inhabitants of this Village are Dards called Brokpas and follow a distinct culture.Intermingle with the Residents of the Village. See the Women with their Flower decorated head Gear.

A Brokpa couple

Day 7 - From Garchik transfer to Leh. Roam the Leh Bazaar. Visit the Central Asian Museum. Your day in Leh. Visit the Main Market. The Shanti Stupa. The Hall of Fame. Also one can visit the Stok Palace. And the Shey Palace as well. Evening chill in the Bazaar and enjoy the night experience in the Pedestrians only Bazaar. Its like the Mall Road of Leh.

Polo Ground in Leh under the shadow of the Stok Kangri

Day 8 - Leh to Turtuk and Thang via Hundar over Khardung La. Roam the Sand-dunes and see the Bactrian Camels. Today you drive over one of the highest Passes in the World, the Khardung La. From the Pass you get a fantastic view of the Karakorams upnorth and the Zanskar Range to the South. And then you descend to the beautiful Nubra Valley along the Shyok River. Experience the Sand Dunes in Hunder and catch the Bactrian Camels in action. And then proceed towards Turtuk which is a part of Baltistan and see and experience the Balti Culture over there.

The Village of Turtuk

Day 9 : Head towards Siachen Base Camp : Hopefully the Siachen Glacier would be open and we will try and secure permissions for going there. But till now there are no definites on the same. We will spend the night at Panamik.

Day 10 : Extra day / Reserve Day

The Shyok River and the Nubra Valley

Day 11 : Return to Leh and fly back

Cost : Rs.49,500 / - plus 5 % GST (Per Person On Twin Sharing Basis). Booking Advance is Rs.15000.

Inclusions: Transport – Airport transfers and local travel throughout the journey / Accommodation: on Twin sharing basis / Meals: Breakfast and Dinner in the hotel, all meals at camp / Inner Line Permit / Camping gear (tents, sleeping bag, mattress) /Guide and support staff / First aid and oxygen cylinder

Exclusions: Air fare / Hot meals while on road / Personal gear like shoes, jacket, gloves etc / Personal expenses like mineral water, snacks etc / Travel/Medical Insurance / Emergency evacuation /Cost incurred due to change in itinerary on account of any unforeseen event such as road blocks, vehicle breakdown, change in weather etc

Accommodation (Subject to Availability at the time of booking):

Basgo – Homestay

Kargil – Private camping

Panikhar – Magpie’s Nest

Turtuk – Homestay

Hunder – Homestay

Garkone – Payupa

Leh - TBA

What to carry? : Valid ID proof (Passport/Voter ID/Drivers Licence) / Comfortable walking shoes / A small daybag for walks /One down jacket or warmer for chilly nights / Rain poncho or jacket/windcheater (a must!) /Sun block / Hat / Sun goggles / Flashlight with extra batteries (preferably wearable) / Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed, with at least one litre capacity / Personal toiletries / Power bank (if you want to use phone camera) / That book you’ve been meaning to read

Fine Print & Trip Specific Important Information: By signing up for a trip with us, you acknowledge that you have voluntarily applied to participate in this trip and that you have read the description of the trip as it appears on the website and the information below:

Homestay uses only dry pit Ladakhi toilets and water for washing will be provided in buckets.

We discourage using plastic bottles and encourage you to use water bottles which can be refilled.

We encourage you to prefer and purchase locally made products and produce that support community livelihood.

You are expected to carry your own luggage. If you need a porter/mule during treks please inform us in advance.

Delays are expected on account of roadblock & weather conditions. Our effort will be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make you as comfortable as possible. But in such situations we may have to compromise on the campsite & adjust to these situations then & there. The final call will be taken by our Lead Guide on location.

The itinerary should be viewed as ideal & we may have to make some spot changes due various unavoidable reasons.

The distances & altitude mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information; marginal variance in the actual distances & altitudes is possible.

You are expected to be in reasonable shape and fitness, being able to walk for several hours at a normal pace

All outdoor related activities involve a certain level of risk. You are expected to sign an Indemnity Form in agreement to the risks involved through part taking in such outdoor activities.

We reserve the right and permission to use photographs of individuals and photographs submitted by them on tour for use in promotional and publicity purposes