Whitewashed houses, monasteries, and rocky outcrops – just some of the things you will witness in your journey towards the mysterious heights of the planet’s grandest Shangri-La. Visit a land from ancient lore, surrounded by spectacular sights. As you leave behind the verdant south-western Himalayas, you ascend towards the breathtaking, picturesque regions of Shimla and Leh. While colourful prayer flags flutter in the cold and untainted mountain breeze, you might also want to keep an eye out for the legendary Yeti.
So, join us on this adventure, as we travel to an Eden that is truly Above & Beyond.
Arrive at Theog just ahead of Shimla and check-in to the Taj Theog Resort & Spa, where you can spend your day in luxury and leisure. You can even unwind amongst the cedar forests just before the adventure ahead. Interact with your fellow ‘Journeyers’ over a pre-drive briefing later that evening, followed by dinner.
After breakfast, we begin our 250 km journey to Manali across the Jalori Pass. Once in Manali, take a stroll around Mall Road. Sit on the banks of the Beas, and feel the cold clear water gently wash over your feet. Manali has a lot to offer – traditional handicrafts, ancient and unique temples, quaint villages, monasteries, and many more. Return to the hotel, indulge in a sumptuous dinner, and call it a night.
The 140 km drive to Jispa across the Rohtang Pass is picturesque, and breathtaking. Located at an elevation of 10 500 ft, this riverside village has a population of 332. The locale is peaceful, and almost therapeutic, despite its proximity to the busy Leh-Manali highway. One look up, and your eyes will be treated to the mist-covered, postcard-worthy peaks.
Sarchu might only be 75 km away from Jispa, but the drive there will have you hoping that it never ends. The camp is located between Baralacha La to the south and Lachulung La to the north. We make our way to the Tsarap Chu river, the starting point for trekking in the Zanskar region of Ladakh. Enjoy a well appointed tent experience for the night.
We begin our journey to Leh, bright and early. After a stopover for lunch, we reach this haven in the cold Himalayan desert. The beauty of Leh cannot be expressed in words. From the enigmatic gompas, the majestic palace, the lofty peaks, down to the deliciousness of the local momos – the plethora of attractions and experiences makes a visit to this city truly incomparable.
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to soothe your soul and ease your mind, as you get intoxicated by the wild beauty of your surroundings. Through the day, we visit monasteries and palaces, defy gravity at the magnetic hill, find peace at the Shanti Stupa, and end the day by visiting the Hall of Fame.
Moving 160 km further, we find ourselves by the banks of the Pangong lake. This lake is bereft of aquatic life, and has sparse vegetation. Nestled amongst the high peaks, at an altitude of around 14 270 ft, the lake is 134 km long, and stretches from Eastern Ladakh to Tibet. The crystal-clear brackish waters of Pangong Lake often change shades between blue and green, depending upon the position of the sun. The landscape is rough and dramatic, with the auburn of the land being juxtaposed by the blues and greens of the sky and the lake.
Nubra valley is a three-armed valley located to the North-East of Ladakh valley. Our 165 km journey takes us along the Shyok river. The Nubra Valley, was once on the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass. Nubra is like a trip back in time, into a little known ‘Shangri La’. With breathtaking views, unearthly beauty, and charmingly welcoming inhabitants, it is an unforgettable last stop on our journey.
We return to Leh for the last night of the journey.