Kargil Multi Adventure Trip

Experience the thrill of high altitude trekking, mountain biking, and white water rafting, all in one power-packed trip to one of the least explored landscapes in the Himalayas - Kargil.

Participants visit a 12th century cave monastery in Shargole and a hidden glacial lake in Sapi, traverse valleys filled with alpine flowers in full bloom, and witness spectacular panoramic views of the Karakoram range and the Nun Kun Massif atop Rusi La.

This trail is also famed for the myriad mountain wildlife like marmots, fox, and the Himalayan ibex or brown bear.

The village guides are experts in getting you acquainted with not just the landscape but with the local people and their culture.

This is a challenging trek and is suited for seasoned trekkers and fit adventure enthusiasts.

Destination

This adventure-packed trail takes participants from Kargil to Sapi, Rusi La, Kartse Khar and Panikhar, and then returns to Kargil. These fairly unexplored areas, are a haven for nature lovers owing to the spectacular changing landscape and the abundant wildlife on offer.

Participants camp by lakes, trek alongside glaciers, cycle through green meadows and winding mountain roads, and enjoy an adrenalin-pumping rafting session.

Destination highlights

Trek through rocky patches, meadows bursting with alpine flowers, and along streams and glaciers | Cycle through lush, green meadows and along the Suru river | Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped mountains | Explore a 12th-century cave monastery in Shargole | Visit an ancient rock-carved Buddha statue | Interact with the locals and learn more about their culture | Cruise through grade 3 and 4 rapids while rafting on the Suru river

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16

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Kargil

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Kargil

SUV or similar

Sapi

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08:00

08:00

Participants arrive in Kargil and check into the hotel. The rest of the day is spent resting and acclimatizing.

Overnight at a hotel

Stay in clean, comfortable rooms.

Food

Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 1 Milestone

Srinagar

Kargil

05:30 AM

After an early breakfast, participants visit a museum and then take a walk in the old caravan bazaar which allows them to get a rare glimpse into Kargil's Silk Route trade history.

After lunch, participants ride to the abandoned village of Hundurman Broq, and then head to the basecamp in Shargole, a beautiful hamlet along the Waka chu river. The evening is spent relaxing by the bonfire and exploring the surroundings.

Campsite

Camp in tents, under the stars in the lap of nature.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 2 Milestone

Kargil

Shargole

05:30 AM

After an early breakfast, participants set off from camp at 7 a.m. to for a short day trek to the Urgyen Dzong caves up in the rocks, further up Shargole village. Participants visit the Shargole Monastery, en route to the start point of the trek.

The trek is around 3 hours long, and participants negotiate small water streams through narrow gorges and green pastures and to reach an ancient Buddhist site, Urgyen Dzong Caves. This is an ideal trek to aid acclimatization.

Participants need to carry a day pack for today. Overnight at camp in Shargole

Campsite

Camp in tents, under the stars in the lap of nature.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 3 Milestone

Shargole

Shargole

05:30 AM

The day starts early as participants drive to Sapi, the last village before the road ends. It is an hour's walk to the village, and participants deposit luggage at a homestay. The evening is used to get acclimatized to the 14000 feet altitude and prepare for the trek the next day.

Overnight at a homestay

Stay in charming homestays.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 4 Milestone

Shargole

Sapi

05:30 AM

Participants wake up early and begin their trek to Sapi lake. This is a 3-4 hour gradual uphill trek (for 8 kms) from Changyul to Sapi lake, and the descent is around 2-3 hours. Participants enjoy a packed lunch by the lake at the snout of the glacier. The trail is carpeted with wild flowers in a myriad hues.

Return to the next camping location in Spanglung by nightfall, and spend the night at a homestay.

Overnight at a homestay

Stay in charming homestays.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 5 Milestone

Changyul

Spanglung

05:30 AM

Today's trek is a challenging on, as participants slowly start ascending towards Rusi La pass. This uphill trek takes them to an altitude of 16360 feet, with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from the top. Towards the east, as far as the eye can see, are the Karakoram peaks, to the north are the peaks of Balistan, and to the west are the mountains of Nun and Kun. You can also spot Pannicle and Bobang with the source glaciers of Phulungma tributaries in the immediate background. The descent is an easy one, and leads to a greener area of Ldumburtse at 14560 feet, where participants camp by a stream. The evening is spent exploring the surroundings over a steaming cup of tea.

Overnight in tents.

Overnight in tents

Camp in tents, under the stars in the lap of nature.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 6 Milestone

Spanglung

Ldumburtse

05:30 AM

The day begins with a steep uphill trek to Snag La and then through a small valley called Khalogtse to the base of Chakdo La. Another steep climb, and participants reach Chakdo La at 14396 feet. From Chakdo La, the village of Pangbor Broq can be spotted down in the valley, which is the next pit stop for the night. A 2-hour descent brings participants to Pangbor Broq.

Overnight at homestay.

Overnight at a homestay

Stay in charming homestays.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 7 Milestone

Ldumburtse

Pangbar Brog

05:30 AM

Today is the last stretch of the trekking trail, as participants begin their entry into Suru valley. A 2-3 hour easy trek downwards through the streets of Pangbor and further down, takes them to the village of Bartu. The trek begins early in the day so that participants can reach Bartu by 9 a.m. After a quick stopover and snack, they drive towards the historical village of Kartse Khar. The 15 km stretch of road is partly smooth and partly rough with a few gradual slopes and descends. Suru valley in July and August offers lush, green landscapes.

Enroute, participants stopover to admire a 16th century mosque in Stiankung village. After a couple of kilometres, they reach Kartse Khar village by late afternoon. The evening is spent exploring the ancient village along with a local guide, to see the ancient Buddha rock statue, 12th century castle ruins and the tomb of the legendary Queen of Ladakh - Rgyal Khatoon. Participants then get a good amount of rest in preparation for cycling the next day.

Overnight at a local homestay.

Overnight at a homestay

Stay in charming homestays.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 8 Milestone

Pangbar

Kartsekhar

05:30 AM

Today participants switch gears from trekking to cycling, and leave in a jeep for the starting point 15 minutes away in Sankoo. The stretch of road in Suru valley is ideal for a leisure ride through the lush green meadows. The almost straight road follows the Suru river upstream without any ascends or descends. Cycling through these roads is the best way to experience and explore the beautiful villages in Suru valley. Participants cover a distance of 20 kms to reach the camping spot in Damsna, Panikhar.

As they move further upstream, the view of the Nun Kun Massif gets better and better. Tonight they set up camp here and enjoy an evening by the bonfire under the stars with Nun Kun in the backdrop.

Packed lunch will be carried and a late snack will be served once at the campsite.

Overnight in tents

Camp in tents, under the stars in the lap of nature.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 9 Milestone

Kartsekhar

Panikhar

05:30 AM

The adventure ends with a thrilling rafting session, riding on the rapids of the Suru river.

Participants begin their day early and drive further up the Suru river to the rafting start point in Kochik. They are then instructed and briefed, and are provided with a wet suit and other safety gear. They ride grade 2 to 4 rapids back to their campsite in Damsna, and are greeted on arrival with a delicious lunch.

Post lunch they pack up their gear and head back to Kargil. This is a 2-hour drive, post which they reach our hotel and rest.

Overnight at a hotel

Stay in clean, comfortable rooms.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks | Dinner

Veg | Non veg

Day 10 Milestone

Panikhar

Kargil

05:30 AM

Participants check out of the hotel. Trip ends here.

Trip ends before nightfall.

Food

No meals are provided today.

Veg | Non veg

Day 11 Milestone

Kargil

Kargil

05:30 AM

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • Accommodation: Hotel/guesthouse/homestays in Kargil on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Transport: Transfers from trek points and campsites to hotel in Kargil
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner at guest house/hotel in Kargil. While on the trip all meal and snacks will be provided. Meals will be freshly prepared on camps. Non-veg will be served twice during the whole trip.
  • Professional trekking guides and kitchen staff
  • Trekking permit
  • Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, gaiters, mattresses, MTBs, cycling gear, rafts, wet suits and other safety gear, oxygen cylinders.

Excludes

  • Accommodation and food in Srinagar/Leh
  • Taxi from Leh/Srinagar to Kargil
  • International and domestic flight fares or visa charges
  • Medical emergency and evacuation charges
  • Monument/monastery and museum visit fees
  • Personal equipment such as walking sticks, rain coats, gloves etc.
  • Any expenses of a personal nature such as mineral water, laundry
  • Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, travel, medical, evacuation etc.
  • Mules and porters (you can request for one in advance while booking at an extra cost)
  • Additional porter/mule
  • Tips to porters, camping team, driver, guide etc.
  • Cost incurred due to change/extension in the itinerary due to roadblocks, bad weather conditions, flight delays, vehicle breakdowns, etc.

What to Wear

What to Wear

  • Waterproof trekking shoes
  • Rain poncho or jacket or windcheater
  • Thermal inner (not advisable to wear it while trekking)
  • One warmer (jacket or equivalent with hood)
  • Down jacket or warmer for chilly nights
  • One wool shirt or sweater
  • Cotton shirts or t-shirts -2
  • Cotton trousers or shorts
  • Shorts or calf-length skirt for women
  • Trekking pants (one spare)
  • Not to wear - Thermal inners while trekking
  • Do not carry suitcases.

What not to Wear

  • Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
  • Restrictive clothing
  • Flip-flops

Equipment / Gear

We Provide

  • Trekking gear
  • Sleeping bags
  • Walking sticks
  • Tents
  • Gaiters
  • Mattresses
  • MTBs (mountain bikes)
  • Cycling gear
  • Rafts
  • Wet suits
  • Safety gear
  • Oxygen cylinders

You need to get

  • Valid ID proof (Passport/Voter ID/Driver's License)
  • Backpack (70-90 litres)
  • Water bottle (preferably wide-mouthed, with at least 1 litre capacity)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Power bank
  • Pocket knife
  • Camera
  • Notebook, pens and pencils
  • Plastic bags (small size for books, film etc. and a larger bad for clothes)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Trekking pole
  • Spare under garments and socks (three pairs max)

Medical Kit

  • Specific personal or prescribed medication (including medication for common ailments), personal first-aid kit.

Cancellation policy

No refund will be granted on cancellations done within one week of the date of the journey.

No refund will be granted for portion/portions of the journey not performed by the traveller.

No refund will be granted in case of non-performance of journey due to external and natural events.

In the event of any dispute, the matter shall be resolved under the jurisdiction of the district court, Kargil.

Rules on trip

There is a zero trash tolerance policy. Participants are expected to clean up after themselves on all hikes and trips.

Respect the local traditions and customs. The operator will always brief you regarding these, each time you travel to a different location.

Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions

This is an immersive experience, so you can expect some local food, close interaction with locals and more time out in nature.

This will be a mixed trip-a little bit of history and a little bit of adventure. Prepare to rough it out a little bit in the mountains.

The camp locations are temporary and there are no permanent fixtures at the location. Portable Quechua T3 tents and portable toilets and wash basins are used at the campsite, which are cleared and wrapped up at the end of each journey.

There are only good quality sleeping bags and bedding used inside tents.

There is no electricity at most of the campsites as they are at remote locations (solar/battery powered tent lamps are used).

The trips demand at least a moderate level of fitness.

Rafting is subject to water levels and weather conditions. The final call will be taken by the lead raft guide on location.

Cycling is subject to weather conditions.

Delays are expected on account of roadblock and weather conditions. The effort will be to continue with the trip as per schedule and make participants as comfortable as possible. But in such situations, participants may have to compromise on the campsite/hotels and adjust as per the need.

The itinerary should be viewed as ideal and there may be some spot changes due to various reasons.

The distance and altitude mentioned in the itinerary are subject to change; marginal variance in the actual distance and altitudes is possible.

All outdoor related activities involve a certain level of risk. Guests are expected to sign an indemnity form in agreement to the risks involved through part-taking in such outdoor activities.

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