Discover the incredible scenery of India’s Ladakh region on foot
Escape reality for a trekking tour that blends rugged, outdoorsy scenery with rich, vibrant culture. The 11-day Guided Chika Trekking Tour begins and ends in Ladakh, India’s coveted unspoiled region, where the soaring mountains not only cloak the land with peculiar supernatural effect, but they also serve to protect one of the last remaining Tantric Buddhist populations. This wonderful trekking tour is named after a small town that connects the pass on the route – Chita.
After you arrive in Leh, Ladakh’s capital, you’ll spend two days getting acquainted with the thin air circling the city, which sits at 3500 m. Then, it’s off on foot, trekking deep into the mountains for a rewarding backcountry adventure coupled with overnight camping. Stamp the start and end of your trip with cultural introductions to hill-tucked monasteries and towering palaces. The Guided Chika Trekking Tour is a chance like no other to experience India’s incredible mountain scenery.
Highlights of the Guided Chita Trekking Tour
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Guided Chita Trekking Tour
Day 1 Arrive in Leh
Arrive in Delhi in the morning, then transfer to a domestic airport for your flight to Leh and meet your guide on arrival. Transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon getting acclimated to the 3500 m altitude. Spend the rest of the day basking in the colourful culture peppering the city: marvel at the ruins of Leh Palace and walk through the vibrant Leh Market.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Walk to Thikse Gompa, Shey Village, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa
As soon as the sun paints the sky with golden hues, get out of bed for a sunrise walk to Thikse Gompa. Snow-capped mountains paint the sky of this lovely viewpoint. Head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious breakfast before embarking on a two-hour walk to Shey Village. Then, admire the Buddhist stupas scattered across Ladakh’s ancient capital before heading back to the hotel for lunch. After another tasty meal, enjoy two more towering, stunning cultural pinnacles: Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Spend the night at your hotel in Leh.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Drive to Tia
Hop in the transportation provided for a 95-km drive to Tia! You’ll break up the 5-6 hour travel time with stops at Likir and Alchi Monasteries. Admire the staggering monastery, accompanied by a soaring Buddha statue, complemented by a mountainous backdrop at Likir. Continue along the road until you reach Alchi Monastery, which was discovered in the 11th century! Drive for one more hour before arriving in Tia. Enjoy a tasty dinner and a night of camping.
Overnight Location: Camping in Tia (3,390m / 11,122ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Hike to Skyindiyang
Get ready to spend the next few nights in the wild, where you’ll camp overnight and explore the tumultuous mountain passes spanning Ladakh’s backyard. Today, you’ll begin by heading to the left of the valley to the top of a village before ascending to Temong La. Begin descending along the other side of the pass once you reach the pinnacle. Walk along mystical terraced fields towards Skyindiyang. Finally, camp near the lush fields overnight.
Overnight Location: Camping in Skyindiyang (3,600m / 11,811ft)
Distance: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Trek to Niyamu Dok
Expect a myriad of delightful views on this hike from Skyindiyang to Niyamu Dok. First, you’ll begin by ascending towards Junu La pass. Don’t worry! It’s a gradual climb. Admire the sprawling vistas before twisting through the valley. Eventually, you’ll cross a small bridge, and views at Niyamu Dok will emerge on the other side. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid picturesque greenery before continuing to your campsite.
Overnight Location: Camping in Niyamu Dok (3,600m / 11,811ft)
Distance: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Hike to Smolchang
Get ready to climb a trail zigzagging to Lamamola. Be prepared to traverse scree on the way down! The campsite sits, nestled in verdancy, by an old tree.
Overnight Location: Camping in Smolchang (3,610m / 11,843ft)
Distance: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Hike to Domkhar Gogma
Get ready for one of the toughest days on this guided backcountry trek! After a pleasant meander along the stream and through greenery, you’ll begin your ascent to Samun La Pass. Expect to encounter stunning views once you reach Domkhar road. The remainder of the trail takes you along a river and past a collection of chortens. After the unforgettable hike, settle into camp.
Overnight Location: Camping in Domkhar Gogma (3,960m / 13,000ft)
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek to Skuburchan Dok
Today’s hike takes you to two passes: Thangla La and Yakra La. Expect to traverse steep sections and along a ridge until the path dips, revealing a rewarding view of Skuburchan Dok. You’ll spend the night at a campsite in Khangral.
Overnight Location: Camping in Khangral (3,400m / 11,154ft)
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Meander to Skuberechan
This is your last day amid Ladakh’s vast, unspoiled backyard! The trail today descends an established path towards Skuberechan. En route, you’ll visit the vibrant Drokpa community at Baima and stop by a gompa. Spend the night sleeping in a tent!
Overnight Location: Camping in Skuberechan (3,080m / 10,105ft)
Distance: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Drive to Leh
After a scrumptious breakfast, hop into the vehicle and travel back to Leh. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the lively city!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,483ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Depart Leh
The tour ends after you depart Leh.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Chita Trekking Tour Price and Dates
This guided trekking tour to Ladakh in India is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the season, as well as the hotel category chosen. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 2: from $3,475 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3: from $3,295 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4-6: from $3,055 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on Guided Chita Trekking Tour
This tour will have you staying in a combination of hotels and alpine tents at overnight campsites. When you’re not camping, expect to stay in a 3-star hotel. The hotels provided comes with modern amenities that work to elevate your comfort. Do note that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel when travelling with your group. It’s also possible to match single travellers up where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
The Grand Dragon Ladakh in Leh ★★★
This hotel has its guests basking in luxury and comfort. Expect ensuite bathrooms, satellite TV, air conditioning, and a backdrop of the snow-swept Stok Kangri Mountains.
Camping in Ladakh
Enjoy sleeping under the stars! You’ll camp in beautiful locations along the trail, where all necessary equipment will be provided.
The Grand Dragon Ladakh in Leh ★★★
This hotel has its guests basking in luxury and comfort. Expect ensuite bathrooms, satellite TV, air conditioning, and a backdrop of the snow-swept Stok Kangri Mountains.
What’s included in the Guided Chita Trekking Tour?
Meals
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation is included for travelling to and from Leh for the start and end of the trek, for some sightseeing, and for pick up and drop off at the airport.
Also Included
- Guide
- Entrance fees for monasteries
- Camping and permit fees
- Trekking arrangements: tents, cook, ponies, helpers, one-inch mattresses
- Toilet tent
Not included
- Flights to get to and from Delhi and Leh
- Accommodations before and after the tour in Leh
- Tour guide gratuity
- Personal necessities like laundry services or drinks during mealtimes
- Sleeping bags
Optional Extras
- Extra night before or after the tour
- Flights between Leh and Dehli - $216 USD per person (price might vary based on availability)
- Sleeping bag rental - $13 USD per day
Frequently Asked Questions about Guided Chita Trekking Tour
Trans India Holidays was founded nearly 30 years ago in New Dehli, India. They grew their team from four dedicated travellers to 100 energetic guides and trip planners.
Trans India strives to provide the best possible value for client’s money, continually searching for ways they can upgrade their service and experiences.
Offering a range of tour styles, Trans India operates cultural, religious, adventure, wildlife, culinary, family-friendly, and sporting tours.
Looking after each little detail from the perfect hotel room to booking your tee time for you, Trans India knows how to make a holiday in India as unforgettable as possible.
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Local Guide
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Rajiv has been working as a guide since 1996, and fell in love with sharing the ancient cultural and social roots of India with travellers. Rajiv believes that the diversity of India’s different regions in terms of food, language, and culture makes travelling the country an experience like no other. Rajiv runs all kinds of tours, but especially enjoys trekking tours. He’s climbed mountains up to 8,000 feet in -10 degrees with groups and considers those to be his greatest achievements as a guide.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead?
- A: I enjoy giving people walking tours of the city, because that’s the best way to give a vivid introduction to the country and also because there is an element of surprise on the streets. It cannot be controlled or planned, and I immensely enjoy presenting that world to them.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should have?
- A: Learning to cook traditional Indian food.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: Masala Dosa, it’s very tasty.
- Q: What is the best part about guiding?
- A: Providing them with more than they expected and noticing and taking care of any discomforts the guests might experience. Sometimes the guests don’t say it, so as a guide you have to be very attentive to that.