Cliffhanger Self Drive Expedition

Description

Cliffhanger Self Drive Expedition

This self-drive Himalayan safari is an exhilarating journey that will take you on paths less traveled and also test your mountain driving skills. Over two weeks you will drive 2,500kms through some of the remotest, least explored, and pristine regions of the north-western Indian Himalayas. Some of the roads you’ll be negotiating are not even there on Google Maps at the time of writing this. The drive via Shinku La from Himachal to the Zanskar region of Ladakh and the one from Kishtwar in J & K to Killar in Himachal are challenging and sure to get the adrenaline pumping. For those looking for a challenge, Cliffhanger Safari is for you!

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Duration: – 16 days

Difficulty level: – Moderate

Elevation: – 5019 meters

Fixed Departure: – 21^st August 2022 to 4th September 2022

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Tour Highlights

• Drive on remote roads and trails
• Cross high mountain passes. Shinku La, Sach Pass, Singe La and Sirsir La
• 5 exclusive and comfortable camping nights
• Picnic lunch at the spectacular Gombo Rangon
• Drive from Himachal to J&K and back to Himachal
• Explore the local attractions in Gemur, Srinagar and Padum, Kargil

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Itinerary

21st & 22nd August 2022 – Manali to Gemur

We kick the journey off from Manali on Day 1 and drive 90 km to Gemur via Atal Tunnel. Our convoy comes to a halt at Gemoor Khar. We will be spending Day 2 at Gemoor Khar as well to acclimatise our bodies a little better before hitting the higher roads that lay ahead for us on this journey.

23rd August 2022 – GEMUR TO PURNE VIA SHINKU LA.

The first demanding drive of this trip. We go over the 5019 m ShinkuLa pass in to the Zanskar region. A tough drive for the most part with sections of the road trail meant only for a 4 x 4. The landscapes are rugged and desolate yet spectacular. We have a picnic lunch at ground of Gombo Ranjan before moving on to Purne – a hamlet perched above the confluence of the Lingti and Kargiakh rivers.

24th August 2022 – PURNE TO PADUM. HIKE TO PHUKTAL

We start with a morning hike of 2-3 hours to Phuktal Gompa – perhaps the remotest and most spectacularly located monastery in the Indian Himalayas. Following that, we drive to Padum – the
administrative capital of the Zanskar region.

25th August 2022 -PADUM and LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

Today we drive around in this stunning region and see other ancient and gloriously poised monasteries and settlements: Karsha, Stongdey and Bardan.

26th August 2022 – PADUM TO LAMAYURU

We make our way out of Zanskar on another remote road trail. We drive via Zangla, where we see the ruins of an ancient fort and cross Singe La (4950 m), Wanla and Sirsir La to meet the Leh – Srinagar Highway near Khalsi. We then drive for about 20 mins to reach Lamayuru (don’t forget to visit the majestically poised ancient gompa here).

27th August 2022 – LAMAYURU TO KARGIL

After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Kargil and enroute visit Mulbekh (see the 30 ft high statue of the Maitreya that’s been carved out of a limestone cliff). Later, we visit the Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum of Central Asian and Kargil Trade Artifacts.

28th August 2022 – EXCURSION TO SURU VALLEY

Today we drive for 3 hours through the exquisite Suru Valley. The valley extends all the way till Penzi La – the source of the Suru River, and it is one of the most fertile and green valley in the Greater Himalayan region. We return to Kargil and stay overnight in hotel.

29th August 2022 – KARGIL TO SRINAGAR

Today we drive via Drass and over Zoji La (3500 metres) to enter the evergreen valleys of Kashmir. As we
drive through the beautiful valley, we pass Sonamarg and descend to Srinagar. Upon arrival we have the
option to take a relaxing sunset shikara ride on the serene Nageen Lake.

30th August 2022 – SRINAGAR LOCAL

We start the day early with a morning shikara ride to the floating vegetable market. After breakfast we drive to Yusmarg – the Meadow of Jesus; an offbeat, pristine and exquisitely beautiful locale. Once back in Srinagar we take a trip to the Pari Mahal and Chashm-e-Shahi and a visit to Shankracharya Hill for panoramic views of Srinagar and its lakes. You also have the option of visiting the local market.

31st August 2022 – SRINAGAR TO GULABGARH

We drive towards Kishtwar and then onto our final destination and campsite for the day, Gulabgarh. Known as the land of sapphire, saffron and shrines, this region is incredibly beautiful – lofty glaciated mountains, corrugated meadows, and dense conifer forests. Home to two national parks, this area is
also known for its rich wildlife.

1st September 2022 – GULABGARH TO SURAL BHATTORI

Today we head back to Himachal from J&K. Of all the drives thus far, today’s will be the most demanding one. Bulk of the route is a winding road trail of gravel & sand, carved into the side of a cliff with a sheer drop of a couple of thousand feet on the other side. It gets trickier because of the rocky
overhangs that prevent a view of oncoming vehicles. We finally emerge in the beautiful, undisturbed and sparsely populated Pangi Valley of Chamba. We reach Sural Bhatori, the last village in the Sural Valley at an altitude slightly more than 3,000 metres. Overnight stay in mobile camp.

2nd September 2022 – SURAL BHATORI – LOCAL WALKS

It’s a day to unwind and relax. We take a walk around Sural Bhatori, a hidden gem, that offers majestic views of the mountains with hundreds of cattle grazing in the open meadows. Enroute, we will also find a cluster of homes and small villages, that are equally beautiful.

3rd September 2022 – SURAL BHATORI TO BAIRAGARH

Today we move from rugged Sural Battori to Bairagarh, 30 km downhill from Sach Pass The first 60 km or so is the last ‘tough drive’ of this trip as it involves going over the Sach Pass and the final high mountain pass you will negotiate in this journey. We will spend another and our final night at an exclusive camp set for you all at Bairagarh.

4th September 2022 – BAIRAGARH TO DALHOUSIE

Today we move to our final destination of our journey, Dalhousie. It’s an easy drive down to Dalhousie via Tissa. A perfect place to celebrate the conclusion of an epic journey.

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Package Cost:

On Twin Sharing :- Rs 199000/- + GST (Kullu to Kangra)

Please Note:- If you are not bringing your own 4 x 4 Self-drive car we can help you rent one Chandigarh onwards till drop to Chandigarh at the end of the trip.

• Isuzu 4×4 ₹ 1,72,500.00 per car for 4 pax maxium
• Toyota Fortuner ₹ 2,15,000.00 per car for 4 pax Maximum
• Calculative Fuel / Toll for the Trip Approx ₹ 25000.00

  (** Cancellation policy apply as per the car rental terms & conditions )

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Cost Includes:-

• Accommodation for 15 nights at hotels and camps as mentioned.
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 16.
• 01 Welcome Dinner in Manali at Roots Café & Stay.
• 01 farewell Dinner in Dalhousie.
• One ‘Lead car’ with driver with a Walkie/Talkie and extraction tow rope etc.
• One ‘Sweep car’ with driver with Walkie/Talkie and extraction tow rope etc.
• Two Tour Managers who will be with the group. One each in the Lead and Sweep cars.
• One Walkie Talkie per vehicle.
• 05 nights of Complete camping arrangements including the services of experienced cook, kitchen staff, mountain tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, chairs, tables, mattresses, Sleeping bags / Blankets & other basic camping gear etc.
• Camping charges where applicable.
• Comprehensive first aid kit with Oxygen cylinders.

Cost Does Not Include:

• Self-drive Vehicle & fuel/tolls are not included (as most people bring own vehicles) & Vehicle Breakdown recovery as well.
• Any not mentioned in the inclusions
• Taxes Gratuities and tips
• Personal travel and accident insurance
• Porterage, personal clothing/gear, laundry, telephone, and any other expense not included above.
• Any additional expenses in case of strikes, road blockades, or any act of God.
• Still / Video camera fee (wherever applicable)

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Please Note:

Hotels Envisaged (Base category rooms unless mentioned on a half board (MAPAI) basis)

MAPAI ** (Bed + Breakfast + Dinner)
APAI ** (Bed + Breakfast +Lunch + Dinner)

Note:All hotels have been chosen with care and considering the importance of this trip and hotels chosen are the best available hotels in some of the remote areas.

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    We request you to please read the Terms & Conditions carefully before booking the tour.