Trans-Himalayan Expedition
“There is something about the Himalayas…. something unseen and unknown, a charm that pervades every hour spent among them, a mystery intriguing and disturbing. Confronted by them, a man loses his grasp of ordinary things, perceiving himself as immortal, an entity capable of outdistancing all changes, all decay, all life, all death,” wrote renowned British mountaineer, author and botanist Frank Smythe. And he could not have said it better!
This unprecedented self-driven expedition, that will run a course of a staggering 6,500 km across India, Nepal and Bhutan, is Adventure Overland’s ode to the monumental magnificence of the Himalayas. The journey will commence from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir and cover towns and hamlets within India like Kargil, Leh, Nubra Valley, Jispa, Manali, Theog, Kanatal, Rudraprayag, Binsar and Lohaghat.
From Lohaghat our convoy will cross the border into Nepal at Bhimdatta and continue on towards exploring some of the most remarkable places in the country. Post crossing back into India via Siliguri in West Bengal, our adventurous troupe will head on to the mountain kingdom of Bhutan via the border town of Phuentsholing. Having witnessed the best and the rarest of sights that Bhutan has to offer, our road trip will lead us back to tour the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh before culminating gloriously in Dibrugarh, Assam.
Expect constant companionship of crisp mountain air, rolling greens, unending stretches covered in glittering snow, tricky roads, beguiling bends and an all-pervading aura of divine grace.
Highlights
- Cruise upon one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Savour that rush of adrenaline as you cross some of the world’s highest mountain passes – most of which average well over 17,000 ft.
- Take the wheel to steer across the iconic Leh-Manali Highway. Flanked by mountain ranges on both sides, the 428 km long highway offers travellers a chance to witness some truly incredible scenery.
- Capture a picture-perfect moment at the world’s highest saltwater lake, the Pangong Tso. This serene water body acts as an important breeding ground for a variety of birds, including many migratory birds.
- Take delight in the transcendental beauty of the Nubra Valley, wherein you can also track the dignified double-humped Bactrian Camels in their natural habitat.
- Get a chance to observe and understand the customs and traditions of the Apatani Tribe of Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Familiarise yourself with the sacred ambience of the largest Buddhist monastery in India along with others. Perched high amidst the mountains, Tawang Monastery also goes by the name ‘Gaden Namgyal Lhatse’, which translates to “the divine paradise of complete victory.”
- Learn the formalities to be completed as you cross the border into the neighbouring countries of Nepal and later Bhutan.
- Don your driving gloves for the tricky sojourn up to the Upper Mustang area in Nepal.
- Formerly recognized as the Kingdom of Lo, this erstwhile restricted region is one of the country’s best kept secrets.
- Indulge in a safari through the first national park in Nepal. Chitwan National Park is blessed with exceptionally rich flora and fauna, and is home to the rare single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros along with the Bengal tiger and many other species of mammals and birds.
- Pay your respects at the birthplace of Lord Budha in Lumbini, Nepal.
- One of the holiest sites of pilgrimage for Buddhists globally, this destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Push your limits as you undertake the hike up to the ethereal Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba) in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.
- Perched atop the superlatively picturesque Paro Valley, this is where Guru Padmasambhava meditated.
- Enjoy the luxurious amenities at carefully-curated and experiential accommodations.
- Treat your taste buds to the intricacies and variety of delectable local cuisine.
Ideal visiting window : September to October
Duration: 61 Days / 60 Nights
Terrain to expect : High Mountains, Valleys, Hills
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Glimpses from AO Trips in Trans Himalaya
