India's Peaks of Ladakh Trek & Camp 16D15N, Fully Guided

- The departure and finish point is Delhi

- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Delhi. The closest airport to Delhi is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and is about 15–20 km from central Delhi.

- Airport transfers are included. The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes drive from Delhi Airport.

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.

This trip is rated 7 out of 7, Tough.

Level 1 Easy: Ideal for those new to walking trips. The pace will be easy, and the itinerary often includes some half-day walks to allow for visits or free time. Expect two to four hours of walking per day on easy paths, with some minor ascent or descent.
Average distance per day: 2.5mi-4mi (4km-6km)
Maximum distance per day: 5mi (8km)
Average elevation gain per day: 165ft-985ft (50m-300m)
Maximum elevation gain per day: 1,640ft (500m)

Level 2 Easy & Moderate: Expect generally easy trails, but with some ascent and descent on most days. Some walks may meet the criteria for Activity Level 3 (Moderate). Therefore, you should be comfortable with three to five hours of walking per day and enjoy reasonably regular walks at home. The paths will be non-technical but could involve some short uneven sections. Maximum ascents will be no more than 2,295ft (700m), while longer days with less ascent could cover up to 8.5mi (14km).
Average distance per day: 4.5mi-7mi (7km-11km)
Maximum distance per day: 8.5mi (14km)
Average elevation gain per day: 655ft-1,970ft (200m-600m)
Maximum elevation gain per day: 2,295ft (700m)

Level 3 Moderate: The inclusion of more hilly or even mountainous terrain makes this grade suitable for fit and frequent hikers. Underfoot conditions could be rocky or with some loose gravel; on wider trails, we may encounter some steep drops to one side. The maximum ascent could be up to 3,600ft (1,100m) in one day. We typically walk for four to seven hours per day.
Average distance per day: 5mi-9mi (8km-15km)
Maximum distance per day: 11mi (18km)
Average elevation gain per day: 985ft-2,625ft (300m-800m)
Maximum elevation gain per day: 3,600ft (1,100m)

Level 4 Moderate & Challenging: An adventure made for experienced hikers and hill walkers with good fitness, normally in mountainous terrain and sometimes at altitude with varied and occasionally challenging conditions underfoot. Walks on some days may meet the criteria for Activity Level 5 (Challenging). Expect five to seven hours of walking per day.
Average distance per day: 5.5mi-10.5mi (9km-17km)
Maximum distance per day: 12.5mi (20km)
Average elevation gain per day: 1,640ft-2,955ft (500m-900m)
Maximum elevation gain per day: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Level 5 Challenging: Ideal for experienced mountain hikers and trekkers with very good fitness. You could be walking longer distances (maximum 15.5mi/25km) for consecutive days. In the mountains, the maximum ascent would be 4,920ft (1,500m) in a day. You should feel comfortable walking six to eight hours per day, with sections of technical terrain (uneven ground with some loose rock, some narrow paths). Most itineraries include some days walking at altitude.
Average distance per day: 6mi-12.5mi (10km-20km)
Maximum distance per day: 15.5mi (25km)
Average elevation gain per day: 2,955ft-3,280ft (900m-1,000m)
Maximum elevation gain per day: 4,920ft (1,500m)

Level 6 Challenging & Tough: For experienced mountain hikers and trekkers only. Expect high mountain terrain, remote areas and probably consecutive days at high altitude. Excellent fitness and mobility levels are essential. Expect technical terrain on some days and walks of seven to nine hours per day.
Average distance per day: 6mi-12.5mi (10km-20km)
Maximum distance per day: 15.5mi (25km)
Average elevation gain per day: 2,955ft-3,940ft (900m-1,200m)
Maximum elevation gain per day: 5,580ft (1,700m)

Level 7 Tough: Our toughest Walking & Trekking trips normally involve the ascent of a summit, usually above the snowline and at high altitude. Expect technical terrain on most days, often using crampons and ice axes. Average daily hikes are between eight and 10 hours. Previous experience and excellent fitness and mobility are essential.
Average distance per day: 6mi-12.5mi (10km-20km)
Maximum distance per day: 15.5mi (25km)
Average elevation gain per day: 2,955ft-4,265ft (900m-1,300m)
Maximum elevation gain per day: 6,230ft (1,900m)

Trek essentials: This is a demanding full-service wild camping trek with 10 days of point-to-point hiking at high altitudes – it is not a beginner’s trek and we recommend you have trekked at high altitude before. Most days involve five to eight hours of hiking, although there are a few longer days and there are five passes over 16,075ft (4,900m). The adventure is designed for those willing to put in the necessary fitness preparation and are confident of their physical fitness; however, it is a fully supported camping trek with full porterage (mules and ponies) throughout − you need only carry your backpack.

Altitude: This trip spends time above 9,842ft (3,000m); please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for more information and advice on how to limit the effects of altitude sickness. We spend three days in Leh (11,485ft/3,500m) to allow you to acclimatise before starting the trek. Maximum altitude: 20,322ft (6,189m). Maximum sleeping altitude: 16,732ft (5,100m)

Optional peaks: There are two optional peaks: Vatseri (18,505ft/5,640m) and Dzo Jongo (20,305ft/6,189m) – alternative treks are offered to those not wishing to climb them. Vatseri is a straightforward, easy-angled hike 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 1.30am) and is made tough by the altitude. The climb is suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable scrambling on loose rock on a ridge.

Terrain: Most of the trekking trails are well made on sandy paths. There are a few river crossings.

Climate: 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.

Timings: 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.

Connecting to the internet: Ladakh is ideal if you want to be present and enjoy a digital detox, as there is no coverage across the region. Therefore, we do not recommend that you purchase e-sims or local sims for use during the trek.

Tour Leader: This trip is led by an experienced local English-speaking tour leader. They are supported by local guides, cook crew and ponymen, plus as many helpers as the group size dictates. All our tour leaders are highly experienced, complete our tour leader training courses, and are trained in wilderness first aid.

Departures led by Valerie Parkinson: Certain departures are led by Valerie Parkinson, who has been guiding treks and climbs in Ladakh and the rest of the Himalaya for four decades. 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, please contact us.

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.

We spend six nights in hotels and have nine nights of full-service camping during the trek.

Hotels: we use a hotel with air-conditioned rooms. In Leh, we stay in a 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.

Camping: 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.

Charging Facilities: 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 Supplement: Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking.

Food

- 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.

Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.

Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.

A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.

Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.

General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance

Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.

Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.

Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.

Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.

Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.

Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.

Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.

Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.

Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.

For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.

Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.