The Likir Gompa Trek

This trek takes you to one of the most well maintained monasteries in northwest Ladakh founded in the 12 th century. Standing at the head of the Likir village, the Gompa is reached by a motorable track and the present building dates back to the 18 th century the earlier structure having been destroyed in a fire. It is the seat of an incarnation embodied in the younger brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and belongs to the Gelugs pa sect. Inside this charming Gompa you view superb thangkas and beautiful images and wood carvings displaying excellent workmanship. This short but rewarding trek from Likir also takes you to a few more remote Gompas and ancient villages over low mountain passes.

Day 1: On arrival at Delhi airport we meet you and transfer you to your pre-reserved hotel. The morning is free to relax. In the afternoon we take on a half day old Delhi city tour. See the Red Fort, the mosque known as Jama Masjid both built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan many centuries ago and stroll along the narrow backstreets selling mouthwatering kebabs and pilafs. (Optional as you may want spend the day relaxing in your hotel). Return to your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Leave for the domestic airport to catch your flight to Leh. The flight is an unforgettable experience as you get some of the most fabulous views of the Great Himalayan Ranges from high above. On arrival at Leh you are met and escorted to your pre-reserved hotel. Spend your day relaxing as this sudden arrival at an altitude of 3505 metres can be quite strenuous on your lungs. Take a leisurely stroll around the laid back bazaar in the afternoon after lunch. Acclimatization to this high altitude is essential so just relax. Overnight hotel.

Day 3: After breakfast we take a two hour drive to the Likir village and Monastery on the banks of the Likir Tokpo a tributary of the Indus River. Explore this delightful Gompa and then begin our trek through an oasis of green till we reach the Pobe La pass at 3550m / 11,650ft . The descent takes us through an arid stark moonscape and views of barren brown mountains all around. The trail leads on to the village of Sumdo with its green fields and stately poplars. We skirt this village, cross the Saspol tributary and emerge into a rich green pasture land with a fresh water spring. We continue on the trail now going uphill through another desolate barren valley till we reach the Chartse La at 3650m/11,980ft . From here we sight our destination the neat village of Yangthang . This fine village also has a primary school. We walk on to a green patch just beyond the village and set up camp under the sombre gaze of the towering Zanskar range.

Day 4: Leaving Yangthang village we head south on a narrow track later tapering into a deep gorge at the end of which stands the isolated Ridzong Gompa rising tier upon tier on a ridge of debris blocking any further entry into the gorge. Ridzong literally means ‘mountain fort' and though it was founded relatively later than most other Gompas (100 years ago) its solitary location is quite unusual. Inside this remote monastery live about 30 monks and 12 nuns who all eat from a communal kitchen. Within you get to see attractive murals done in an individualistic style and the delicate work on these murals depicting scenes from Sakyamuni's life are painted in lighter more sombre colours than usual. We return to the picturesque Yangthang village and our camp by evening.

Day 5: After breakfast we head to the Wuleh Valley and then begin a gradual one hour ascent to the 3750m Tsermanchan La pass. You get extensive views of the Ladakh ranges to the north east and the Zanskar mountains to the south. From here we descend to the fertile green Hemis Shukpachen village that surprisingly has a few guesthouses and shops. We head towards the western end of the village through green fields a grove of Cedar beside vast inviting pastures. This is an ideal place for lunch and a brief rest as it has soft green grass and a crystal clear brook flowing through. From here the trail ascends to the 3750m / 12,300ft high Meptek La before descending sharply along a dry stream to the village of Ang. This prosperous village also has a couple of guesthouses and a shop. We set up camp on the banks of the serene Dangdong Tokpo stream.

Day 6: Leaving Ang in the morning we trek for about 6 hours to the Temisgam village at 3200m /10,500ft. The richest village we encounter on this trek Temisgam lies amidst rich green fields and fruit laden orchards of apples, apricots and various nets. Brilliantly white washed houses give this prosperous village a neat well maintained appearance. From here we descend gradually on a gentle slope and after emerging into barren terrain reach the highway. We then walk along the highway to the Khalse village from where a 3 ½ hour drive takes us back to Leh and our hotel.

Day 7 and 8 can be spent exploring the monasteries around Leh – especially those of Thiksey, Shey, Hemis and Stok Palace before catching your onward flight to Delhi. Alternatively you can opt for our Jeep Safari to the hill resort town of Manali in the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh. Manali offers a choice of daily flights, luxury coaches and Taxicabs to Delhi.

Day 7: Alternatively you fly back to Delhi by the morning flight from Leh. However we strongly recommend the Leh Manali Highway to drive to Manali which is well connected to Delhi by Luxury Volvo Coaches, Taxis, Jeeps and daily flights. The Leh Manali highway is 475 Kms and involves an overnight halt at the sprawling tented campsite of Sarchu. Here you are accommodated in double bedded tents with attached baths. You can choose from standard or luxury tents and the tariff includes dinner and breakfast.