Liker to Khaltse

Short description: This classic trek is also called the "Baby Trek" because of the easy and mild hiking conditions. Starting from Likir, one passes through several villages among the richest in Ladakh and worth visiting are the monasteries of Likir, Ridzong and Tingmosgam on the way. The trek ends at Khaltse. This is the only trek that can be done throughout the year, as the passes are not very high and don't get snow-blocked during winter.

Day 01 : Early morning flight from Delhi to Leh, transfer to hotel and rest.

Day 02 : Morning sightseeing - Shanti Stupa, and Sangkar Gompa; lunch at hotel, afternoon rest.

Day 03 : Day trip to visit Shey and Thikse monasteries.

Day 04 : Leh to Likir to Yangthang 4-5 hours. Drive to Liker, around 65 kms from Leh, on the Kargil road. Visit Likir monastery and then start trekking, reaching Yangthang following a route through Saspotse village and couple of small passes, Phobe La, 3600m and Chagatse La, 3650m. Overnight in camp.

Day 05 : Yangthang to Ridzong Gompa and back to Yangthang, 5 hours. After the breakfast proceed towards Ridzong. Path follows a stream and plantation of apricot and apple. Past a nunnery, the Ridzong monastery lies hidden in a small isolated valley bounded by mountains. After lunch walk back to Yangthang, overnight in camp.

Day 06 : Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan, 2-3 hours. Leave Yangthang for Hemis via Tsermangchen La, 3750m, a short and pleasant walk, arriving in Hemis Shukpachan by afternoon. For the rest of the day explore the village. Overnight in camp.

Day 07 : Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam, 3 hours. Leave village and proceed towards Temisgam via Maptek La, 3750m. Crossing the pass, fine view of Ang village opens up, trail follows down to Temisgam. Visit a ruined fort and a small monastery up on the hill. Overnight in camp.

Day 08 : Temisgam to Khalsay, 4-5 hours. Walk down to Khalsay via Bongbongchan La, 3650m, reaching Khalsay, a popular stop for vehicles traveling between Leh and Kargil, then continue up to Lamaryuru Gompa by jeep.

Day 09 : After visit of the Lamayuru gompa return to Leh by road.

Day 10 : Full day of rest in Leh, or sightseeing on your own - Leh Palace, Tsemo Gompa.

Day 11 : Day trip to Matho and Hemis monasteries.

Day 12 : Day trip to Stok and Stakna.

Day 13 : Day trip to Kardung La, the highest road in the world at 18,372 ft./5600m above sea level with views of the Saser Spur, the easternmost outcrop of the Karakoram.

Day 14 : Day at your leisure.

Day 15 : Return flight to Delhi and departure.