Himalayas - Umling La 5 883m highest pass in the world

Welcome on arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Today free for acclimatization. Evening free to stroll through the Leh market, visit Leh Palace or admire the sunset from the Shanti Stupa. Night at hotel (3500m altitude)

After breakfast, we head for the Sham Valley. We witness the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus valleys at Nimmu and continue to the Alchi monastery, over 1000 years old and one of the most important in Ladakh. We continue on to Lamayuru, passing the awe-inspiring white rocks of Mooland. Night in hotel (3510m altitude)

After breakfast, we head down the valley on a road that climbs into the mountains towards the Sirsir La. We pass through the villages of Wanla and Hanupattta to reach the Sirsir La (4760 m). From the pass, we enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and valley. We descend to the village of Photoksar, from where we make our way to the other pass, the Monkey La, via numerous winding roads and hairpin bends. Today, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of the region's most stunning scenery. We cross the mountains and valleys of the Zanskar region to arrive in Padum in the evening. Overnight at the hotel (3670m altitude).

Today we take a break to explore the small town of Padum. We set off to discover the Karsha monastery and the Sani monastery. The afternoon is free to relax. Overnight at the hotel (3670m altitude)

A long day's drive through the Zanskar valley. We start riding in the morning through Bardan Gompa to reach Purne. We continue to enjoy our journey through the valley with towering mountains at both ends and views of the sacred mountain of Gombo Rangjan. After crossing the sacred mountain, we begin to climb to Shinku La 5091 m, which we cross to enter the Lahaul valley and descend to Darcha, from where we drive to Jispa. Arrival and overnight at the hotel (3200m altitude)

We cycle from Jispa to Sarchu, crossing Darcha and crossing the Baralachala pass (4800 m). We cross the plains of Sarchu and begin to climb Gatta Loops, a series of 18 hairpin bends to Naki La, from where we cross another pass, Lachung La, and cross the Moore plains to reach Lake Tsokar. On arrival, we settle into camp. The evening is free for a stroll around the lake. You may be lucky enough to spot a black-necked crane or a Tibetan donkey, two rare species on the verge of extinction. Night in camp (4530m altitude)

After breakfast, we set off for the village of Karsok, crossing the Polokong La 4985m. We arrive at the village of Karzok, situated on the shores of Lake Tsomoriri at 4,522m. The lake and its surroundings are protected as the Tso Moriri wetland conservation reserve, the highest Ramsar site in the world. We settle into camp. Later, we walk to the Karzok monastery and spend some time on the shores of the lake to appreciate its beauty. Overnight in camp (4530m altitude)

We spend the morning walking and enjoying the pristine beauty of Lake Tsomoriri. Later, we make our way to the Mahé Bridge, where we cross the Indus River and drive to Hanle. Overnight at the hotel (4230m altitude)

From Hanle, considered the best place for astronomical observation and home to an ISRO observatory, we follow a dirt road for 30 km, crossing a vast Tibetan plateau before climbing a mountain pass. We then descend to Chisumle, where the ascent of Umling La begins. We reach the summit of the Umling La, which has the distinction of being the highest motorised pass in the world, at 5,798m. We take lots of photos and spend some time at the summit, then descend to Chisumle and return to Nyoma for the night (4230m altitude).

**** The Chisumle region is very sensitive and lies right next to the Chinese border.

After breakfast, we begin our journey to Lake Pangong, following the Indus for just over an hour, then passing through remote areas and the villages of Tsaga and Chushul. It's an enchanting journey, especially as we follow the Indus and finish at the breathtaking Pangong Lake. Arrive at Pangong, which is the highest saltwater lake in the world, shared by two countries, India and China. Enjoy the beauty of the lake. Overnight in camp (4230m altitude)

We set off early from Pangong for Shyaok, from where we follow the course of the Shyok River, offering excellent views of the magnificent Nubra Valley. We arrive at Deskit and visit the monastery, before continuing on to the village of Hundur. At Hundur, we set up camp and visit the sand dunes. We visit the sand dunes and take a ride on a two-humped camel. Overnight in camp (3100m altitude)

We set off in the morning towards North Pullu, from where we begin our ascent to cross the Khardung La, which was once known as the highest motorised pass in the world. We descend to Leh with views of the Ladakh range and town along the way. Check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel (3500m altitude)

Day at leisure to explore the city or visit cultural sites such as the Stok Palace and Hemis Monastery. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfert à l'aéroport de Leh pour prendre un vol à destination de Delhi. Fin de l'excursion.