Chang Thang Valley Tour

(Duration - 6 nights / 7 days)

Pangoan Lake, situated at 14,000 feet (4,267 m). A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometers at its widest point and over 130 km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. Spangmik, the farthest point ot which foreigners are permitted, is only some seven km along the southern shore from the head of the lake, but it affords spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range ot the north, their reflections shimmering in the ever-changing blues and greens of the lake's brackish waters. Above Spangmik are the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Pangong range. Spangmik and a scattering of other tiny villages along the lake's southern shore are the summer homes of a scanty population of Chang-pa, the nomadic herdspeople of Tibet and south-east Ladakh. The Pangong Chang-pa cultivate spares crops of barely and peas in summer. It is in winter that they unfold their tents (rebo) and take their flocks of sheep and pashmina goats out to the distant pastures.

Tsomoriri Lake:-

Day 01 : Arrive at Leh. Arrive at Leh airport by morning flight. (There are two flights to Leh operated by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines). You will be met and assisted by hotel representative on arrival. Transfer to hotel. Whole day is free to acclimatize the body to the high altitudes. Overnight at hotel Dewachan Continental. (Welcome drink Tea /Coffee, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 02 : 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 03 : 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 04 : 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 05 : 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 06 : 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 07 :Transfer to airport to catch the flight for Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.Tour Ends.