Trip Length: 8 days. Destinations: two turquoises Lake Ladakh Himalaya ( India ) ctivities: Cultural Exploration
A journey from Leh to the village of Korzok, our final destination, on the shores of Lake Moriri is unlike any other in Ladakh. The Leh – Manali road first goes over one of the highest passes in the region, over the awesome Taklang La (5260m). From here we strike off the Manali road east on a rough track across the basin of the twin lakes, Startsapuk-Tso (fresh water) and Tso Kar (salt water), then over a roller-coaster track to the head of Tso Moriri (tso - lake), and on to Korzok, a quarter of the way along the lake's 20-km long shore. Containing the drainage basin of these trans-Himalayan lakes, this is a landscape of wide- open, windswept high-altitude valleys and plains, known as Changthang. Korzok, situated at 15,000 feet (4,572 m) with its dozen or so houses and its gompa appearing like a mirage among the barren hills, is the only permanent settlement in Rupshu. The surrounding vast expanse of open space is home to the Chang-pa, the Tibetan plateau nomadic herdsmen, who converge on Tso Moriri in their endless cycle of wander in search of fodder for their herds of yaks and goats.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Delhi : - Flight: Arrive Delhi . Met on arrival and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2:Delhi/Leh: - IC Flight: Transfer to domestic airport in time to board flight for Leh(3500 m ), the capital of Ladakh and is situated on the banks of the river Indus. Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Day rest for acclimatization. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3:Leh/Chumathang: - Car/Jeep: Morning after breakfast drive to the hot water spring at Chumathang(3965 m) by covering 140 kms in 4 hrs. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 4:Chumathang/Tsomoriri: - Car/Jeep: Morning leave camp by crossing over Maya bridge and drive upto Tsomoriri(4555 m) through Puga Valley by covering 80 kms in 3 hrs. This valley, approx 25 km from Tsomoriri is known for its sulphur and borax deposits. Arrive for overnight stay in tents.
Day 5:Tsomoriri:- Full day excursion around Lake and Karzok monastery which belongs to the yellow sect. Tsomoriri or " Mountain Lake " is situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by 6000 m peaks which completely surrounds the lake. This valley is inhabited by a small scattered population of "Changpas" nomadic shepherds who also engage in trade and work in caravans in Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (wild ass), red fox and the rare, highly endangered, snow leopard. Black necked cranes and geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. Also visit the 350 years old Karzok monastery which has about 33 resident monks. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 6:Tsomoriri/Hemis: - Car/Jeep: Morning drive to Tsokar by covering 120 kms. in 4 hrs. Tsokar Lake is approximately 45 kms northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake at a height of 4485 m. It is also called " White Lake " because of salt deposited around it. Since these are all drainage basins with no outlet their water is brackish. The water of Tsokar is so salty that salt is procured from its banks and sold all over Ladakh and Kashmir by the Rupsu Chang. Tsokar is partly fade by a channel from a smaller fresh water lake. All the lakes are breeding grounds for a variety of birds among them the bar-headed goose, the great crested grebe, the brahmin duck and the brown headed gull. Drive to Hemis via Tanglang La (5224 m), about 75 kms from Tsokar. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 7:Hemis/Leh:- Car/Jeep: Morning visit the Hemis Monastery for sighseeing. After lunch drive to Leh by covering 150 kms in 5-hrs enroute visiting Thiksey and Shey Monasteries. Arrive Leh and check into hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8:Leh/Delhi:- IC Flight: Transfer to domestic airport in time to board flight for Delhi . Arrive and transfer to international airport in time to board flight for onwards destination.
