Rumbak Valley in Ladakh

Early this morning, as the sun rises over the Thiksey Monastery, embark on a soft walking tour along the River Indus, in close proximity to the Chamba Thiksey Camp. In the company of a naturalist, you will enjoy spotting a variety of migrant birds. You will see sea buckthorn shrubs teeming with White-Winged Redstarts and Black- Throated Thrushes. You may just catch a glimpse of the Rosefinch, Yellow Citrin and Magpie. End the peaceful morning with a hamper breakfast on the banks of the River Indus.

Inclusions

• AC Innova with accompanying guide.

Buddhists are firm believers in the influence of the spirits on the material world. This is taken into consideration when any new venture or major activity is to be initiated. The lamas associated with the monasteries play the key role of a mediator between the world of the humans and the spirits. Not only do they perform the rites necessary to propitiate the gods, but they also take on the role of astrologers and oracles who can predict an auspicious time for starting any work, whether ploughing the fields, or taking in the harvest, arranging a marriage or going on a journey. Today you have the opportunity to drive to the village of the Oracle for a séance session [Note: This excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]

Inclusions

• AC Innova with accompanying guide and tea / coffee with cookies.

Enjoy a gentle rafting trip on the River Indus.
The River Indus originates from Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, flowing towards India entering her borders through the region of Skardu in Baltistan. Embark on a soft white water rafting adventure on the Indus, rowing past some of the most scenic sights along the river. The breathtaking views take you through the canyons in the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges dotted with various monasteries and gompas along the river bank. Feel the cold icy water splash against your face as you embrace the gentle grade I and II rapids.. The rafting tour is complete with a sumptuous hot picnic lunch in a picturesque setting on the banks of the Indus.

Inclusions

• Accompanying guide; exclusive raft; helmet + life jacket + water bottle and picnic lunch.

After an early morning breakfast you will be driven to one of the most scenic passes in Ladakh – the Wari La, which is also the world’s fourth-highest motorable road. This pass connects the two most exotic and most travelled valleys in this Trans-Himalayan region. You get a breathtaking view of the Nubra valley, which lies beyond the pass, as well as the many villages dotting the Indus valley. This route opened up only in 2008 as an alternative route into the Nubra valley. After a short safety briefing at the top you will cycle down the best track the Ladakh Himalayas have to offer. The road criss crosses its way on the mountain side into the green oasis of Shakti village, where we will end our trip and then drive back to camp for a late lunch.

Inclusions

• AC Innova with accompanying guide and mountain bikes with biking gear.