Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 15:30
Peaks of Ladakh Trek Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
-
Activity Level:
7 out of 7 - Tough
- 17 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 16 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: TGV
- Carbon Footprint: 42kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover one of the best places to experience the unique culture of the High Himalaya
Journey among towering peaks to discover Tibetan culture and fantastic trekking routes, many off the beaten track. Ladakh is also the best place to conquer your first 6,000m (19,685ft) Himalayan peak – and if one summit isn’t enough, try two peaks and seven passes! After acclimatisation time in Leh, we begin trekking from Mankarmo. The trail ascends spectacular gorges and crosses mountain passes to reach a high-altitude plain at Nimaling. This is inhabited by Ladakhi shepherds and their huge flocks. Vatseri Peak is a good warm up before summiting our highest peak, Dzo Jongo East, which offers breath-taking views over the Karakorum and Indian Himalaya. This optional climb is tough but technically easy and a much quieter summit than Stok Kangri. We trek out to the roadhead via a remote pass and beautiful valley with fantastic rock formations.
Our 13 July 2024 and 23 August 2025 departures are led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of Best Tour Leader in the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.
At a Glance
- 10 days of point-to-point walking
- Altitude maximum: 20,305ft (6,189m); average: 14,765ft (4,500m)
- Six nights in hotels, nine nights of full-service camping
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 18
- Golden Triangle extension available
- 13 July 2024 & 23 August 2025 departures led by Valerie Parkinson winner of Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2021
Highlights
- Embark on an off-the-beaten-track Himalaya adventure visiting remote villages
- Discover colourful Buddhist monasteries
- Climb Dzo Jongo East
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 7 (Tough). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
This is a demanding full-service wild camping trek involving 10 days of point-to-point walking at high altitudes. The maximum altitude on the trek is 17,455ft (5,320m), average 14,765ft (4,500m). The optional peaks are Vatseri (18,505ft/5,640m) and Dzo Jongo (20,305ft/6,189m). Most days involve five to eight hours of walking, although there are a few longer days. There are five passes over 16,075ft (4,900m). The two peaks are entirely optional – there are alternative treks offered to those not wishing to climb them. Vatseri Peak is a straightforward, easy-angled walk up a slope requiring no technical skills. The highest peak is Dzo Jongo East (20,305ft/6,189m) and anyone wishing to make the ascent should have experience of using ice axe and crampons, which are sometimes required if snow is encountered. Roping up is not usually necessary but a rope is carried in case of need. Dzo Jongo East is approached via a broad ridge at a comfortable angle; the summit day is about a 12-/14-hour day (waking up around 12:30am and starting the trek at 01:30am) and is made tough by the altitude. The climb is suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable scrambling on loose rock on a ridge.
Most of the trekking trails are well made on sandy paths. There are a few river crossings. Daytime temperatures can be very hot, especially in the middle of the day as the sun is very strong at these altitudes. Nights are cooler and cold at base camp. This trek is for those who are willing to put in the necessary fitness preparation and are confident of their physical fitness. It is not a beginner’s trek and we recommend you have trekked at high altitude before. This is a fully supported camping trek with full porterage (mules and ponies) throughout; you need only carry your backpack.
The transfers at the start and end of the trek are both very short (less than a two-hour drive).
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend three days in Leh (11,485ft/3,500m) to allow you to acclimatise before starting the trek.
Walking distances and hours are given as approximates only. Timings stated include rest and photo stops but not a longer lunch break and vary depending on the group’s pace.
Why trek with Exodus?
- More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Ladakh.
- ‘Ask an expert’ – talk to Exodus office staff who have done the treks themselves.
- Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness.
- All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage.
- Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days.
- Staff carry oxygen and first-aid kit.
- Self-assessment AMS cards used to monitor every client at altitude.
Group
This trip is led by an experienced local English-speaking leader. The leader is supported by local guides, cook crew and ponymen plus as many helpers as the group size dictates. All Exodus leaders are highly experienced, complete Exodus leader training courses, and are trained in wilderness first aid.
The 13 July 2024 & 23 August 2025 departures are led by Valerie Parkinson, who has been leading treks and climbs in Ladakh and the rest of the Himalaya for the last 38 years. Her experience in this area is second to none. She recced this trek and has led it many times. She was the first British women to summit Manaslu (26,781ft/8,163m) without the use of supplementary oxygen. Valerie won Best Tour Leader in the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.
Places on her treks are snapped up quickly, so we advise booking early if you would like to trek with her.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Delhi
- End City: Delhi
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Flights usually depart London in the evening.
Start Delhi
The tour starts at our hotel in Delhi – rooms are usually available from noon. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or you can get out and explore this buzzing city.
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Arrive Delhi
We arrive in Delhi in the morning and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or for individual exploration of Delhi. Rooms in the hotel are usually available from noon. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel during the day.
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Fly to Leh; afternoon orientation walk
We start very early for the flight to Leh. We often have to leave the hotel around 2am and drive to the airport for the very early morning (but highly spectacular) flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If the weather is good and the flight goes on time, we should be in Leh early. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (11,485ft/3,500m). In the morning, we rest and catch up on sleep; in the afternoon, we have a gentle orientation walk around Leh and its bazaars.
Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Sightseeing in and around Leh
Today there is a sightseeing tour to two of the major gompas (Tibetan Buddhist temples) in the area. We first drive to Shey, a former royal palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350-year-old Buddha statue made of copper and gold. From Shey, we walk across fields to Tikse (about 1hr 30min), where we visit a hilltop monastery whose red and white buildings can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. We have lunch at Tikse and return to Leh. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. There is a full trek briefing and gear check today.
Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Acclimatisation walk; optional jeep ride to Khardung Pass
Today we have an acclimatisation walk round the Leh Valley. Set above Leh on the Namgyal Hill are the ruins of the Old Royal Palace. From here, a winding path takes us to Tsemo Monastery, where we can see the whole of Leh and the surrounding villages. We continue the walk via Sankar to the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda. This huge stupa (Buddhist shrine) overlooks Leh and we can see the Stok mountain range across the valley. Today there is an optional jeep safari to the Khardung Pass; at 18,379ft (5,602m), one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The trip to the top and back takes roughly four to five hours and can be booked and paid for locally. Your leader will have details. If you do the jeep safari, this will be in the morning and you can do a walk in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Stok; trek to Mankarmo
We leave Leh this morning and drive to the start point of our trek. The road follows the Indus River for a short while through Choglamsar before crossing the river and then climbing on a side road to Stok. We start trekking at the end of Stok village, taking an easy trail that winds up a spectacular valley. We follow the Stok River most of the way (and may have to cross it once or twice), with multi-coloured rocks towering above us as we ascend. The walking is easy and not steep; it takes five to six hours to reach our first camp at Mankarmo. Look for herds of blue sheep that graze on the hillsides here.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,200m)
Cross the Matho La to Ganpoche
We cross our first pass today. The trail takes us gradually to the top of the pass, the Matho La, at 16,275ft (4,960m). The ascent is long but not too steep and, as we ascend, the views become more and more spectacular with the magnificent rock formations of the Ladakh mountains surrounding us. The dramatic mountains in various shades of purples, greens and browns can be seen for miles in every direction. From the pass, we descend easily to our campsite at Gangpoche, which is located by some shepherd huts, with views up to the Matho mountains.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,400m)
Cross the Shang La to Shang Phu
We leave camp and have a long climb to our second pass, the Shang La (16,240ft/4,950m). The trail climbs out of camp to a low ridge and then contours round and down into the next valley, from where we have a long but gentle climb to the pass. From the top, we are greeted with more fantastic views of the Matho range to the north. We then descend into the valley below and camp near shepherd houses at Shang Phu.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,347ft/4,373m)
Cross the Gyuncho La to Chuskurmo
Another day, another pass! This morning, we turn into a side valley to the right and climb through barren landscape to the Gyuncho La (15,479ft/4,718m). Descending a short way, we cross a stream and then climb up again to a second col at 15,397ft (4,693m). We now descend on a rocky trail into a large barren valley that brings us down to Chokdo village, which is on the Markha Valley trek. We arrive in a spectacular gorge with wonderful, purple-coloured rocks. Our camp tonight is close to the village.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,795ft/3,900m)
Cross the Gongmaru La to Nimaling
We have a tough day as we cross our highest pass yet. The trail follows a small stream as we climb, tracking the riverbed and sometimes climbing above it. Wonderful multi-coloured mountains surround us as we head to the pass. The final ascent zig zags steeply up a barren slope and we finally reach the string of prayer flags that marks the top of the Gongmaru La (17,178ft/5,236m). From the pass, we are rewarded with views down to Nimaling and across to the Indian Himalaya and the Ladakh range. The most prominent peak is Kang Yangtse (20,997ft/6,400m), the highest in the Ladakh mountains, and we can pick out Dzo Jongo across the valley if it’s clear. It’s an easy descent to our camp at Nimaling. During summer, shepherds bring their sheep, goats and dzos to graze on the high-altitude pasture. The shepherds stay in stone shelters close to the grazing area for the whole summer and we can often buy yoghurt or local cheese from them. In the evenings, the animals are brought down from the hills and it is quite usual to have a lot of them wandering through the campsite. Look after your food!
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 15,925ft/4,854m)
Trek to Dzo Jongo Base Camp, ascend Vatseri Peak (5,640m)
Today we ascend our warm-up peak. Vatseri (18,503ft / 5,640m) requires no technical skills and it’s an easily graded trail to the summit. The altitude makes it a tough walk but the views from the top make it all worthwhile. On a clear day, we can see Dzo Jongo East and West across the valley plus many other peaks. The trail is indistinct today and we descend on a rocky trail towards our base camp, home for the next three nights. Please note, Vatseri Peak is optional and we have several choices of hikes depending on weather and ability. Your leader will assess the conditions and discuss with you the best options on the day. The trekking crew walk directly to base camp from Nimaling, which is 1.9mi (3km) and takes two hours.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
Rest and acclimatisation day at base camp
After the exertions of yesterday, we have a day of acclimatisation at base camp. In the morning, we can have a short walk up the valley to see tomorrow’s trail and admire the scenery or we can walk to a glacial lake at the end of the valley. In the afternoon, we get the climbing gear out, check everything and prepare our backpacks for tomorrow.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
Climb Dzo Jongo East
Today is summit day and starts with a very early wake-up (around 12:30am). After a quick breakfast, we set off with our headtorches (head lamps). We walk a short way up the main valley before turning into a steep gully to the right. We climb very steeply up the gully, passing a glacier on our right, and emerge onto an easy-angled slope, which leads us to a fine ridge that we follow to the top. Sometimes there is snow and, depending on conditions, we may need to use our ice axe and crampons. We should not have to rope up, but we carry a rope just in case. The summit ridge is long but technically easy. It is rocky; good balance and a head for heights are needed. There is no path and you need to have experience of scrambling on rough rocks. A small group of prayer flags marks the top with views of the Zanskar mountains and north to the Karakorum and the mountains in Tibet. We then descend slowly to base camp for a celebration.
The climb is entirely optional. There is a great alternative walk further up the valley to a small glacial lake for anyone not wanting to attempt it.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
Cross the Lalung La and Chaksang La to Riyul Sumdo
We leave base camp this morning and head towards the Manali to Leh highway through a remote valley, where we are unlikely to meet other trekkers. The trail climbs away from the base camp to the Lalung La (17,455ft/5,320m), where we get wonderful views looking back to Dzo Jongo and Kang Yangste peaks. From the top we contour round the valley to the Chaksang La (17,060ft/ 5,200m). Descending from the pass the path contours gently round and down the valley before turning right into a side valley where we soon reach our camp at Riyal Sumdo.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,765ft/4,500m)
Trek to Lato; drive to Leh
The last two hours of our trek take us further down this beautiful valley with a few river crossings, before we emerge at the green fields of Lato village and the main Manali to Leh road. We say goodbye to our ponymen and camp crew before driving back to Leh. The drive follows the Kyamur River until it meets the Indus River at Upshi. We follow the main road back into Leh and the comforts of a hot shower at our hotel. We should get to Leh for lunch and the rest of the day is free for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars.
Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel/Hotel Chubi (or similar)
Fly to Delhi
We fly from Leh to Delhi and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing and your leader can advise on what to do.
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
End Delhi
The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more adventure, consider joining our five-day Golden Triangle extension. Encompassing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the trip is a whirlwind of culture, taking in the Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Akbar and much more.
Post-trip Extensions
Golden Triangle extension
A visit to the incredible Taj Mahal and other great Moghul cities close to Delhi is an excellent way to begin or end a visit to northern India. The five-day Golden Triangle extension may be booked before or after your main itinerary or both options might be available depending on the trip start and end location. The Taj Mahal in Agra was built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, and is one of the most beautiful sights on earth. Close by is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar with its beautiful courtyards and palaces and let’s not forget the deserted royal city of Fatehpur Sikri. The extension also visits the pink city of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, which is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. The detailed itinerary and if pre or post tour is available can be found here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Price per person
£ 549
Mandatory Single Supplement
£ 190
Altitude warning
This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.
On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).
Accommodation
Hotels and full-service camping
We spend six nights in hotels and have nine nights of full-service camping during the trek.
In Delhi, we use a standard hotel, which has air-conditioned rooms. In Leh, we stay in a comfortable hotel, close to the local market and town centre. There is wifi available in Leh; however, there is no mobile coverage for international phones in Ladakh.
The trek itself is on a full-service camping basis, meaning our camp staff put up and dismantle the tents, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack. Most of the camping is wild camping. We stay in two-person tents, which have enough room inside for your kitbags. We also have a dining tent with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two) for use during the evenings. No running water is available while camping. We camp close to a river or stream and the camp staff provide bowls of warm water (to wash with) while trekking.
There are recharging facilities at all the hotels in Delhi and Leh. In Leh, the electricity supply is not 100 percent reliable but it is usually only off for short periods of time. On trek, there are no charging facilities and you need to bring spare batteries, a solar charger or power bank if you wish to recharge anything.
Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking.
Single supplement from £ 480
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners are included.
India is famous for food and there is ample chance to try various Ladakhi favourites, which are often influenced by the cuisines of Tibet and China thanks to the passing Silk Road traders of yesteryear. Momos (filled dumplings) and yaks cheese are popular. Other favourites (but there are plenty more) are: thukpa, a clear vegetable soup with noodles and often mutton, chicken or yak meat; tingmo (pronounced tee-mo), a steamed bread eaten with dal; and chutagi, a thick soup of local vegetables with bow tie-shaped pieces of dough cooked in broth (also served with meat).
Allow at least 1,000-2,000 rupees (US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner, where it is not included. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A large bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (US$4).
While camping, staff bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam, eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dal and paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner, a dessert such as tinned fruit and custard, fritters or cake is also served.
Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100 floz to 135 floz (3-4 litres) per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Ladakh. In Leh, there is a shop called Dzomsa which sells safe drinking water. Your leader will show you where this is on your first day in Leh. During the trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment too.
Transport
For transfers in Delhi, we use either taxis or private buses (during busy times, such as morning rush hour, taxis are preferable to negotiate the busy narrow streets). For transfers and sightseeing around Leh, we use taxis, jeeps or private minibus.
The flights to and from Leh are on one of the internal airlines operating in India. Please note, flights to and from Leh operate subject to weather. Flights can be cancelled and you should be aware of this.
Weather & Seasonality
Generally, the weather is good in Ladakh during summer, with warm to very hot sunny days (temperatures can reach up to 35C/95F or more), and cool to cold nights depending on the altitude (it can be just below freezing at the highest camps in late August). There is, however, always the possibility of rain and snow at higher altitudes. Please note, the sun is very strong at these altitudes and it can be very hot in the daytime. For the climb of Dzo Jongo, we set off before dawn and it can be very cold that day and snow may be encountered.
Ladakh, though technically part of the Tibetan plateau and classified as a high-altitude desert, occasionally experiences the effects of the Indian monsoon. Although the departures are timed to coincide with when the weather is normally good, the weather is never wholly predictable in any mountain area and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Delhi in summer is very hot and humid.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Deventure, Bp -11, Opposite Metro Pillar No 221, New Delhi 110002, India
Phone: +91 99961 17770
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Leh flight delays
Leh Airport can sometimes experience adverse weather conditions and fog, which can occasionally cause flights to be delayed or cancelled. If booking your own flights, we advise you to book your international flight home from Delhi departing no sooner than mid‐ afternoon/evening on the last day of the itinerary. Please also be aware that, should you miss your international flight as a result of delays from Leh, your insurance may not cover you for any additional expenses incurred.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Please note that the checked in luggage allowance on the flight to and from Leh is 33lb (15kg) and 16lb (7/8 kg) hand baggage.
For a full trip-specific kit list please see: https://assets.exodus.co.uk/travelink/TGV_Kitlist.pdf
- Four-season sleeping bag (liner optional)
- Sleeping mattress/Therm-a-Rest
- Three-/four-season down jacket
- Walking boots (waterproof, with ankle support, and worn in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Gaiters
- Trainers (sneakers)/sandals for the evening (and any river crossings)
- Warm hat
- Warm gloves
- Several pairs of walking socks (take some thinner ones for trekking days)
- Thermal underwear
- Mid layer (fleece)
- T-shirts, shirts, thin base layers
- Lightweight trousers (pants)
- Shorts or skirt for women
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
- Backpack (at least 25 litres) with ice axe holder if climbing
- Headtorch (head lamp)
- Trekking pole(s)
- Two or three water bottles (33 floz/1 litre bottles)
- Plastic bags (bin liners) to line backpack and for packing clothing in the kitbag
- Toilet paper
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Refillable water bottle/water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak, which are useful for rehydrating on the go)
If attempting Dzo Jongo East, you need:
- Climber’s helmet
- Walking ice axe
- Crampons to fit your boots (please make sure you fit your crampons to your boots and test them before you travel)
- Stiff-soled waterproof four-season boot with ankle support (strong, sturdy B1 or B2 boots), which are suitable for, and fit, crampons (soft trekking boots are not suitable for the climb)
- Harness and one screw lock karabiner
- Large backpack (at least 25 litres) with strap for carrying ice axe
- Warm gloves
- Energy snack for summit days
Ice axes and crampons can be hired cheaply in Leh but we cannot guarantee the availability or quality of locally hired equipment. The crampons hired in Leh are very old and we recommend you bring your own. (Please note it is dangerous to attach crampons to soft trekking boots and we do not recommend you do this). Please remember, experience using an ice axe and crampons is necessary for this climb.
If you have them, you may like to take a separate pair of heavier boots for the climb. These will be carried separately with the rest of the climbing equipment, thus allowing you to walk in normal walking boots during the trekking section. The climbing gear will stay in Leh and be brought to us at base camp by our climbing guide.
You are restricted to 26lb (12kg) of luggage on trek for porterage. Please also see the ‘internal flights weight limit’ section below.
Please note, many Indians are still traditional in the way they dress. Out of respect for the country, we ask you to dress conservatively – no sleeveless tops or tight leggings. Although shorts are acceptable on trek, they should be modest and reach to just above the knee; for women, a skirt or trousers (pants) are preferable (shorts are not acceptable in the monasteries).
Please note: The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
Equipment Hire
Duvet jackets and sleeping bags are available for hire from Trek Hire UK. Trek Hire UK can also provide a range of trekking essentials and accessories, from rucksacks to trekking poles. Please note that supplies are limited, and it is advisable to reserve any equipment as early as possible. For trips to Kilimanjaro, Nepal and Peru, certain items such as duvet jackets, sleeping bags and thick mattresses (mattresses not available in Nepal) can be hired through our local agents. For Kilimanjaro and Nepal trips these must be pre-booked through the Exodus office to ensure availability. For trips to Peru there is no need to pre-book these as they can be arranged locally through your tour leader in Cuzco. Please call for details.
Environmental considerations
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Optional Equipment
- Hand washing gel
- Water purification treatment
- Biodegradable soap/shampoo
Exodus kitbag
If you book this trip, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your free bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
Practical Information
Visa
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US,CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
Please Note: If your trip visits Ladakh, in the very north of India, or Sikkim in the northeast, do not mention this on your Indian visa application. This can sometimes slow down or even cause the embassy to reject your visa.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
Vaccinations and Health
India
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Delhi. There are a few ATMs in Leh but please do not rely on these. We recommend you change most of the money you need for the trip before leaving Delhi. Credit cards are accepted in larger shops in Delhi and in Leh.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Bring most of your money in cash (US dollars or British pounds) as you can’t change travellers cheques in India. You can change your money on arrival at Delhi airport but the rates tend to be very poor at the airport so we recommend changing cash either in the hotel in Delhi or at the money change kiosks in Leh.
Apart from the extra food, allow 500 rupees (US$7) a day for drinks and incidentals, more if you enjoy a few beers, which are comparatively expensive in India. Most monasteries in Ladakh charge a small entrance fee that goes towards the upkeep of the building. These may add up to about 800 rupees (approximately US$10) in total.
On trek, there is not much to spend your money on, but in Leh and Delhi there is a wealth of souvenirs, trinkets etc.
India has very good shopping opportunities, especially for locally made goods, and local guides in Delhi may offer to take you to emporiums and workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewellery and carpets. Guides often assume visitors want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture; however, if you do not wish to go, please make this clear to your local guide at the time.
Optional excursion
The half-day trip to the Khardung La costs about 2,500 rupees (US$30) per person with four people sharing a jeep. Please note, the Indian government no longer issues the Khardung La permit to the following passport holders: Chinese, Korean or Taiwanese.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but is customary in India. Tipping can be an awkward affair especially when you are not familiar with the country. Your leader will help with tipping and provide a list of suggested tips. This includes tips for drivers, hotel porters and other hotel staff, local sightseeing guides, and includes camp staff such as guide, assistants, cooks and ponymen. Sometimes your leader will collect a kitty during the trip and sometimes they will collect the tips towards the end of the trip (occasionally for very small groups the leader may need to collect a little more than the suggested amount). We suggest you allow 7,000 rupees (approximately US$85) total per person for this trip.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a tip of around 2,500-3,500 rupees (US$30-US$40) per person would be appreciated. By definition, gratuities are not something that can be included in the tour price.
Please try to tip in local currency.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
There are many community projects in Ladakh that Exodus has set up or supported over the years. Some examples include helping to rebuild houses and schools and providing materials to build a flood barrier following devastating flooding in 2007 and setting up a flood relief appeal following mudslides in 2010. In 2021, we launched our Covid Emergency Relief Appeal to raise funds to provide support to our trekking staff in Ladakh.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
- The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this benefits the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
- In 2021, the Exodus Covid Emergency Relief appeal was launched and provided food and health essentials for guides, cooks, ponymen and other trekking staff for a number of months.
- Our Himalayan Community Project is undertaking a wide range of initiatives to support local development.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Where possible on this trip, paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.
- Through Exodus Kickstart Project funding, fruit trees are being planted in villages in Ladakh to provide income and protect biodiversity.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water is provided in Leh at the hotel. On trek, safe boiled water is provided.
Cultural respect
- Sometimes local people may object to being photographed so please ask first.
- It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
- Dress modestly to be polite and avoid stares. Do not wear tight or sheer clothing and it is preferable to have shoulders covered and skirts or shorts below the knee.
- When visiting a sacred site, sleeveless tops and shorts are not acceptable for women or men and you need to remove your shoes. You are permitted to wear socks in most places of worship. Take your hat off before entering temples.
- Religious etiquette also includes not touching anyone on the head or directing the soles of your feet at a person, religious shrine or deity. You should also not touch a carving of a deity.
- It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering someone’s home and you should tuck feet under if sitting on the floor.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in Ladakh.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.