SUMMITS OF THE NUBRA VALLEY - Exped … · Explore the Himalayas, far away from the crowds Trek through the Nubra valley, only ... the summary of an interesting point

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Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd The Old Studio, Main Street Staveley, Cumbria LA8 9LW

A truly remote trek including two summits just shy of 6,000m

Explore the Himalayas, far away from the crowds

Trek through the Nubra valley, only recently opened to the public

Spend two weeks under the stars in mountain tents

Enjoy spectacular views of the Karakoram mountains and the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges

Follow a stunning river gorge for 3 days

Explore the beautiful meadow-land of the Thanglasgo valley

Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the 7 wonders of the world

Benefit from the support of porters and cooks throughout the trip

Training course is included

SUMMITS OF THE NUBRA

VALLEY

COUNTRY: INDIA ALTITUDE: 5,890m PRICE: £4,995 DURATION: 19 DAYS



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INTRODUCTION

Tucked between Pakistan and Tibet in the northeast of the Himalayan Range, Ladakh is one of the most remote areas of India. We enter this region through the Nubra Valley (the valley of flowers), which lies high between the Ladakh Mountains and the Karakorams, at 3,048m. Our expedition leads you to the rarely-climbed peaks of the Nubra valley, deep and narrow gorges and the beautiful meadow-land of the Thanglasgo valley. All the while we are surrounded by towering 6,000m peaks of the Indian Himalayas.







ITINERARY DAY 1 Depart UK and arrive in India (Delhi).

DAY 2 A flight out of Delhi in the mornings takes us far into the mountains, north of the river Indus to the ancient town of Leh (3,524m altitude). Located some 3,500m above the valley, Leh is surrounded by the impressive Himalayan peaks we will be exploring in the coming days. Transfer to hotel and rest for acclimatisation.

DAY 3 Acclimatisation day in Leh and plenty of time to explore the town. With its typical mud-brick houses, alleyways and markets, and the ruin of Leh Palace, it is the perfect setting from where to begin our journey.



ITINERARY DAY 4 Depart Leh, heading north via the Khardungla Pass (5,596m), the highest motorised road in India. As the 4x4s edge their way down the pass, incredible views of the entire Indus Valley and numerous peaks lie before us. Along the way we have the opportunity to see some of the religious ancestry of the region with a visit to some of the monasteries and an enormous shrine used by the Dalai Lama in the summer time. Finish in Hundar a tiny rural village located at the base of the Shyok River Valley.

DAY 5 Hunda (3200m) to Skarchen camp (3650m). Our first day of trekking leads along the river and through an impressive gorge, narrow and steep at times before opening up to a grand scale at the highest point between Hundar and Skarchen. We reach our desert camp in Skarchen after 4-5 hours of trekking.

DAY 6 Skarchen to Wachan (4000) a summer pasture in the shadow of huge mountains. We continue through the gorge for a short while, then trek along green fields and plantations standing out against the sandy valleys, where we reach the small settlement of Wachan. Overnight in camp.

DAY 7 Wachan to BC (4,500m). We now climb gently up through the Palzampiu valley, a beautiful sandy valley with towering peaks all around. Following the river at first and then the broad grassy slopes to our base camp, we feel like we are million miles away from civilization. With views to the Saser Kangri range in the eastern Karakorum this must be one of the most beautiful places in the world.



ITINERARY

DAY 8 Rest day and acclimatisation. Let your body rest and take a wander down to a small river for a swim and for meeting the local marmots.

DAY 9 Move up to Samgyal N advanced base camp at 5000m

DAY 10 Samgyal N (5810m)summit day. Following an early start, we make our way up rocky bands to the foot of the glacier. On the glacier we move up to a steepening slope and across to the summit ridge, which we follow to the summit, where we are met with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

DAY 11 Descend to ABC for Dawa peak (4950m).

DAY 12 Rest day to prepare for our summit attempt the next day.

DAY 13 Dawa summit day. Very early start, heading up the rocky valley to the base of the glacier. From here we continue along the glacier until we are funneled into the head-wall of Dawa peak. We ascend steeply to the summit ridge, from where we head up steeply again to arrive on the small summit of Dawa peak. Here we enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains before heading down again to base camp for another night. The climb is not technical but requires the use of ice axe and crampons. (5890m)



Experience

Summiting the 6,000m peaks will be a serious test of fitness and endurance to complete an 8-10 hour day. However, as the long duration of the trip allows for good acclimatisation and a thorough training schedule, this expedition is only rated at Exped Grade 2. The climbs are technically straightforward – no previous mountaineering skills are needed as all will be taught during the trip. All that is needed is a good basic fitness to complete multi-day trekking for an average of 6-8 hours. Generally, you should be comfortable spending multiple days out on the hill, carrying a 6kg bag. Prior to the trip we will run a Training Course, where you will learn all the skills necessary for this expedition.

What’s Included

All meals and accommodation through-out. Food, Fuel and cooking equipment whilst on

the mountain. Permit fees, charges, importation taxes and

levies payable to the Local Authorities in connection with the expedition

Park fees as appropriate Medical safety equipment and supplies Road transfer to and from in-country airport Expedition team leader and in-country guides. Access to out RMS team of doctors (please see

information on the website if you want more details) • Training course

What’s not included

Travel to and from UK airport. International flights and taxes (Delhi and Leh) Personal equipment (We hire most things) Travel insurance Drinks and personal spending when out of the

mountains Tips for staff Visas (UK nationals need a visa before entry

into India upon booking an info pack will be sent out to you on how to proceed.)

Personal use of communication equipment Internal flights to Leh Departure tax and inoculations

ITINERARY DAY 14 Spare summit day.

DAY 15 Today’s trek takes us through the valley of Thanglasgo. Enclosed by the towering walls of 6,000m peaks, we climb gradually across green pastures, and keep following a small stream for about 4-5 hours. We reach camp, looking up onto Samgyal north and south from the other side of the mountain.

DAY 16 We follow the river up the high-meadow valley on a gradual climb to the Lasermo La Pass. A good trail winds its way through alpine meadows with glistening streams and yaks bathing in the water. We overnight in camp at the base of the pass (5550m). 4-5 hours walking.

DAY 17 We leave the pastures early in the morning to climb to the snowline and moraine rocks at the top of the Lasermo La Pass. (2-3 hours) Here we enjoy views of the Karakoram Mountains and the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, before making our descend down to Morubuk. Transfer back to Leh where we enjoy celebratory drinks and showers.

DAY 18 Flight back to Delhi where you can choose to extend your stay. Spend the night in Delhi at a very nice hotel, which will feel well-earned after our adventures in Ladakh.

DAY 19 Depart India for the UK.







Accommodation

For the most part of this trek, we will sleep in wild camps in the mountains. The hotels for the first and last nights

are high quality, three star accommodations, where you will be lodged in twin or triple rooms.

Meals We will have a substantial breakfast to start the day. Lunches consist of individual ration packs with picnic style foods and high energy foods. Evening meals during the trekking phase will consist of locally sourced fresh food cooked by our expedition team. If you have food allergies or intolerances, please inform us in your Booking Form. We will aim to cater to your

needs, but it is advisable to also bring your own supplies from home.

What to carry

The trek is fully supported by a team of porters and mules. You will only need to carry a light daypack with

essential items such as water bottle, extra layers, waterproofs, snacks, camera etc.







Altitude and Health

Common health problems in the mountains are headaches, dehydration, stomach bugs, diarrhoea, sun burn and

altitude sickness. Keep hydrated at all times, drink only boiled or treated water, cover up in the sun and eat every

meal for energy. All our UK leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for emergencies.

Acclimatisation is a process which allows the body to adapt to an environment with reduced oxygen. The best way to

acclimatise is to ascend slowly or to ascend to a higher level for a while, then to descend. An ideal scenario will

combine these two techniques. All our trips are designed with a focus on safe and sensible acclimatisation.

Nevertheless the speed at which a body adapts varies from individual to individual. Expect changes to your body and

habits to occur, including your muscles feeling tired more quickly, a change in your sleeping habits, increased gasping

for breath, loss of appetite and generally requiring more energy to do basic things. Our guides are very experienced in

identifying symptoms of altitude sickness and will always have alternative plans to aid further acclimatisation in the

event that this may be required.

Safety and Rescue This expedition is to a very remote part of India. Safety is paramount because of this. Handheld satellite phone are

illegal in this area, but there are in-situ satellite phones along the itinerary. As well as this we carry a personal

location beacon (PLB), for use in extreme situations.

Passport and Visa Your passport must have two blank pages and be valid for six months from your date of entry.

GENERAL INFORMATION



GENERAL INFORMATION Insurance

We advise you to take out your insurance as soon as you book your trip. This will cover you for any potential events which may cause you to cancel your trip. You need to ensure that you have a policy which covers trekking to 6,000m, mountain rescue, medical expenses and helicopter rescue, but it does not need to cover technical climbing. We require a copy of your insurance prior to departure. It is also worth bringing a copy of your passport and keeping it separate to your own documents in case you lose your passport. The BMC offers insurance for India. If using other companies please make sure they see the current advice from the Foreign Commonwealth Office.

Vaccinations Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country- by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Money

You can obtain Indian Rupee prior to travelling and this is probably the best option. There are ATMs and change

bureaux in the arrivals halls, and in Delhi, which take Visa and Mastercard. It is a good idea to carry a small amount of

Rupee in low denominations for refreshments.

Flights Flights are not included in the price of this trip. You need to arrive into Delhi airport on the morning of the advertised start date. All clients will be met in the arrivals hall at Delhi Airport by the guides. If you need any assistance with booking your flights, please contact us.

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/insurance

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice




The pre-expedition training course is designed to provide you with all the skills and information necessary to make

sure you are in the best shape physically and mentally to succeed on your trip.

The training course will take you out into the mountains of the Lake District or the Cairngorms, where you will get

used to carrying a weighted pack and have the opportunity to get to know your equipment.

The course includes:

Time out in the mountains to experience similar terrain

Itinerary and question and answer sessions

Time to meet and get to know your guides and team members

Kit advice session

You will learn about:

Appropriate clothing

Safety on challenging terrain

Altitude issues

Hazards in the mountain environment

TRAINING COURSE







Clothing

Base Layer: A synthetic wicking layer, with a long sleeved top and longjohns.

Fleece Jacket: Polartec 200-300gm suggested as main warm layer for the hill. Alternatively a couple of mid weight (100-200gm) fleece tops worn together.

Warm layers: Take a couple of extra warmth layers/ mid-weight fleece to wear underneath your main fleece if it gets really cold.

Down Jacket: This is mandatory. (With a hood)

Underwear: Preferably synthetic as they dry quicker.

Trousers: A Full Winter weight softshell for the higher days with a trekking trouser for lower down in the valleys

Waterproofs: It has been known to rain and snow on our trips so do come prepared! There is a huge choice of breathable waterproof available, make sure the jacket has a good hood. Waterproof trousers can be of lighter weight than the top, make sure that they have a long / full length zip so you can put them on whilst still wearing boots / crampons.

Headwear: Warm woolly hat, cap or sunhat with wide brim. Because of the variation in temperatures you will experience you will use them all. A Balaclava is essential, buffs can be a good half way measure as well.

Gloves: A pair of thin liners you can keep on the whole time (Power stretch material is ideal). On top of this a pair of Windstopper/Waterproof gloves. Mitts are warmer and a great option for India. Work on the layering principal rather than one thick pair.

Socks: Good quality mountain socks such as Bridgedale are perfect. Bring a mixture of thickness i.e. trekking up to summit socks to enable the best combination for conditions and your boots.

Footwear: A set of b3 rated boots is essential for a safe comfortable ascent. A pair of approach/trail shoes or sandals to wear around camp. Some people also like to wear gaiters, if you have them, bring them.

General Equipment

Kit Bag: Rucksack or holdall, must be a soft bag. Take a sturdy kit bag in which to store your spare clothing, sleeping bag and all personal kit required not required during the day. Make sure everything is wrapped in waterproof liners. This will be carried by mule.

Rucksack: A 40-50 litre rucksack(Big enough to carry all your personal kit in) should be sufficient for you to carry your own spare clothing, water, camera, sleeping bag and all personal kit required during the day. Also a rucksack liner/dry bag is recommended.

KIT LIST



KIT LIST

Sleeping Bag: A good 3-4 season bag with a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.

Roll mat: one Thermarest style self-inflatable comfortable mat. A second foam style mat is a great idea for lying out in the sunshine during rest times.

Water Bottles: We suggest you bring two 1 litre bottles. Platypus / Camelback systems are not ideal as they can get freeze up.

Head Torch: A good quality head torch is essential. We recommend something around 100 lumens. Don’t forget your spare batteries.

Trekking Poles: Essential for the long descents to protect your knees.(Don’t forget your snow baskets) Snow Equipment

Crampons: A pair of 10 or 12 point general mountaineering crampons. We strongly suggest you have anti-balling plates on your crampons. We can also arrange for you to hire crampons if you wish please inform us before departure.

Ice Axe: One general mountaineering axe is required. 55-65cm depending on your height, an outdoor shop will advise if you are unsure. We can also arrange hire of an ice axe, please inform us before departure.

Harness and rack: Mountaineering harness 2 Small HMS carabineers 2 prussic cords (1 x 1.5m 5mm and 1 x 1.5m 6mm length of rope). 2 metres of 9mm dynamic rope. (The below is available to hire just let us know) The above is not all essential(i.e. the prussic cord) but it enables us to teach you a few extra skills along the way.

Rock climbing helmet.

Glacier / Sun Glasses: Vital. Must have strong UV protection with reasonable side protection as well.

Ski Goggles: Essential for if the wind picks-up and you have to deal with spin-drift snow conditions. Miscellaneous Kit

Sun Screen and Lip Block: SPF20-30 as a minimum.

Camera: Lots of film/spare memory card and spare batteries.

Wash bag and toiletries: Antibacterial hand wash, toilet paper, a packet of travel fresh wipes/ baby wipes, soap, toothbrush & tooth paste and a small towel. Don’t forget to take ear plugs in case your hut partner snores!

Cash: The currency is Indian Rupee.

Small waterproof bag: Useful for keeping essential items dry such as passport, insurance certificate / policy, airline ticket, credit cards and money.



KIT LIST

Personal First aid kit: Please bring any medication you are on plus Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and some small blister plasters/Compeed etc if you feel your feet may suffer, antiseptic cream, selection of plasters and a bandage / support bandage.

Music or reading material: For the down time. Food and Snacks

We provide good quality meals during the trek, but it’s always a good idea to bring some food of your own. One of the side effects of climbing to high altitude is a loss of appetite, bringing something extra you enjoy to eat is a good way of making sure you replace the calories you burn.

Some suggestions:

Breakfast: Muesli Bars. Porridge sachets with powdered milk/ syrup Lunch/ Snacks: Flapjacks, chocolate bars, (John West) Tuna Fillets, nuts, salami, sweets. Evening Meal: Wayfarer meals are good (but expensive) because they can be boiled in the bag and make no mess. Anything you can add boiling water to, such as Mug Shots or Pot Noodles, also do the job. Tinned Sardines, relish, spices can also be added to the main meal.

We also recommend you bring some electrolytes dissolvable tablets, these are great to restore lost minerals through sweating.






WHY CHOOSE EXPED ADVENTURE

Experienced and qualified guides

Small group size

Perfect safety record – access to remote medical support and director is trained as Wilderness Medical Technician

Itineraries have an emphasis on skills and personal development – one of our main aims is to help people gain confidence in themselves and their abilities for further mountain adventures

Well-researched, carefully selected route and itinerary

Personal, tailored journey from enquiry to stepping out on the mountain, to the next adventure

We provide a free training course and lots of advice and support prior to your trip

Flexible and personalised approach – we’re always free for a coffee and a chat and go the extra mile to exceed your expectations

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SUMMITS OF THE NUBRA VALLEY - Exped … · Explore the Himalayas, far away from the crowds Trek through the Nubra valley, only ... the summary of an interesting point