Ladakh lies at an altitude from 9000 ft to 25170 feet above the sea level. At these heights, you are on the roof of the world! As the highest inhabited land in the world. Ladakh is a Land of peaceful Buddhist monks, medieval monasteries, Fluttering prayer flags, pretty villages, cold desert, high passes, dramatic mountain scenery & surrounding countryside.
This safari is designed to give you an experience of Riding Horse in Himalayan Land. This Safari is also known as a high altitude Horseback safari & here you ride horse in the high mountain ranges of Changthang located in Eastern Ladakh. While riding you have opportunity to get close look Himalayan birds & mammals.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
On Arrival in Delhi (The Capital City of India), you will be received by our representative with garland welcome and transferred to your hotel & relax. Overnight in Hotel at Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi – Leh By Flight
Early morning board the flight to Leh, perhaps the most fascinating flight over Himalayas. Upon arrival in Leh, traditional welcome by our representative and transfer to a Ladakhi style hotel. Morning free to take a complete rest for acclimatization due to the high altitude of Leh (3505 m).
Day 3: Explore Indus Valley
Morning after breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to the Indus valley, visiting Shey Palace – a the ruined Castle, after that visit the 14th century Thikse monastery, it is an outstanding specimen of Ladakhi architecture. It is a glorious Buddhist monastery & a marvelous Buddha statue in the seated position is adorning the main prayer hall. Later visit the Hemis monastery- the richest monastery in Ladakh. In the last, visit the Royal Stok Palace & museum (Residence of the royal family of Ladakh). Later back to hotel for overnight.
Day 4: Leh- Kharnak Valley
After breakfast drive 4 hours to Kharnak Valley (4500 meters) on the Leh Manali road via Taglang la. Reach there by lunch time and camp by the fresh water Zara stream and beautiful green patch. Post lunch we take a short ridding trip around Kharnak valley. Overnight in Tents.
Day 5: Zara-Punganu
After breakfast we ride for about 45minutes to reach the Leh Manali road and stop over at the roadside cafe for a hot cup of coffee. Then carry on riding for about 3 hours to reach Punganu. The landscape here is flat and soft and perfect to run the horses. The camp is set at Punganu and post lunch ride along the Tsokar wetlands to get a glimpse of the Tibetan Wildass. Overnight in Punganu camp(4600meters).
The area is also known to have a good population of the Tibetan Argali and may also see the Tibetan Wolf occasionally. The local inhabitatants are called the Changpas who are a nomadic pastoralist community that move from pasture to pasture along with their Yaks and Pashmina Goats. Overnight in Tents.
Day 6: Punganu – Tasaphuk
The Tsokar basin being one of the best places in Ladakh for birding we spend another day by the lake. Ride about 4 hours today along the wetlands and enjoy the liberty to come close to the birds as the birds do not really fly away when on a horse. Post lunch visit the Thukje Monastery atop the village -famous for its Buddha statue in between a narrow opening in the mountain. Camp right at the lakeside of this wetland reserve, salt pans bring a variety of birds and animals, nesting ground for birds like the Black Necked Crane, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar Headed Geese and Sand Plowers of different kind. Overnight camp at Tasaphuk
Day 7: Tasaphuk – Polokonka La
Wake up once again by the lake side and enjoy the stunning sunrise and change in colors of the lake. Post breakfast ride for about 3 to 4 hours over green pastures, next to a stream to reach Polokonka La crossing nomadic camps on the way up. Visit these nomadic camps to see their way of life an event to remember. Ride to the reach the pass adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. One can put up prayer flags and partake in local customs. Overnight camp near Polokonka La Pass (5300meters).
Day 8: Polokonka La – Kyamdar
Today we ride along one of the most dramatic nomadic trails and you can sure of meeting absolutely no one on the way. We ride over green pastures, scaling the Nakpokunzin Pass (5700 mtr). The pass is flat high altitude grassland and words will fall short to describe it. On this stretch you may get an opportunity of sighting the Pallas Cat (more rare than a Snow Leopard sighting), plenty of Wolly Hare, Himalayan Marmots, Pikas of different kinds and the Blue Sheep.
Just before the descent to Kyamdar get the first incredible views of the Tsomoriri lake from a distance. This blue emerald lake between the brown and white snow capped mountains shines and stands out from a distance – an image imprinted in your mind. For the last half hour get off the horses and descend to Kyamdar. (4600 metes).
Day 9: Khamdar- Tsomoriri
Post breakfast descend further down and ride along the fast flowing Thasang River, busily emptying itself into the Tsomoriri Lake. Along the way you may get an opportunity to view the Kiang (Tibetian Wild Ass) up real close. Red Starts, Robin Accentors, Wagtails, Horned Larks, Yellow -billed Choughs, Brown -headed Gulls and the Bar headed Geese are commonly found here. Reach the camp or Guest house by noon and enjoy a warm lunch overlooking the stunning Tsomoriri Lake with a sense of accomplishment. Here your Horse Safari in Himalayan land finishes.
Day 10: Drive Back To Leh
Morning drive back to Leh. On arrival, check in Hotel & relax. Overnight at hotel in Leh.
Day 11: Leh – Delhi – Home (By Flight)
Morning assistance transfer to Leh airport to board once again most fascinating flight to Delhi over the heights of the great Himalayas.
| Places | Night( s) | Hotels / Camps |
| Delhi | 01 | Radisson Blu Paschim Vihar |
| Leh | 02 | Spic N Span |
| Kharnak Valley | 01 | Camp |
| Punganu | 01 | Camp |
| Tasaphuk | 01 | Camp |
| Polokonka La | 01 | Camp |
| Kyamdar | 01 | Camp |
| Tso Moriri | 01 | Camp |
| Leh | 01 | Spic N Span |
– 10 nights Hotel accommodation as per the program.
– Tented / Camping Accommodation on Riding days.
– Delhi – Leh – Delhi Flight Ticket in Economy class.
– All arrival / departure transfers sightseeing & overland journey by Good Conditioned SUV Vehicle as per programme.
– 01 Horse to each rider on all riding days.
– All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) on Riding days.
– Breakfast only in Hotels on Non-riding days.
– Mineral water when riding (Per Rider Two Bottles a Day).
– Restricted & wild-life area permits.
– Refreshment during rides like Packed Juice, Fresh Fruits, Biscuits, Chips, Tea, Coffee Etc.
– Monument-Monastery Entrances.
– Back-up Support for your Luggages.
– The services of an English speaking guide on sightseeing days.
– English speaking Horse Guide for whole trip.
– All required Video / Camera fees.
– Assistance by friendly, knowledgeable English speaking ground representatives from the moment you arrive in India until the time you leave.
– All Currently Applicable Taxes.
– International Flights.
– Personal medical insurance, extra drinks, any camera fees.
– Visa fees and items of personal nature such as tips, laundry, liquor, extra drinks etc.
– Anything which is not mentioned in included section.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.