(Departure June/July)
Korzok Gustor is an adventure to Korzok, a small village bordering on Tibet and one of India’s highest permanent villages. During the summers, Changpas (nomads) camp at various places in their robos or small tents and look after their flock of sheep that produce the famous pashmina, one of the costliest varieties of wool bought by traditional weavers from Kashmir and Himachal. Korzok Gustor is a rare opportunity to view nomadic culture and discover Ladakh, a remote region only accessible a few months of the year. Korzok Gustor offers you a chance for an experience that you will never forget!
Day 1 – Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you will be met and driven to your hotel. See the sites of Old Delhi time permitting.
Day 2 – Delhi/Leh
You will be met at your hotel and driven to the airport for your flight to Leh. You will be met by our representative and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclimate to the altitude.
Day 3 – Leh
Tour the area around Leh visiting local gonpas or monasteries such as Hemis, Shey and Stok. The Hemis Monastery on the west banks of the Indus River is the largest and the richest monastery in central Ladakh. Built by King Senge Namgyal, the monastery becomes the centre of attraction during the annual Hemis Festival when a huge three-storey high thangka (the sacred applique-work tapestry twisted with pearls and semi-precious stones depicting Guru Padmasambhava) is displayed to the public, once in every 12 years. The monastery treasures a copper-gilt statue of Lord Buddha along with other gold and silver statues. Shey gonpa, built in the 17th century, has a huge two-story high image of Buddha made of copper and gilded with gold – the largest metal statue and the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh. The lower storey has a library with fine murals. Stok Palace is known for its museum with 35 thangkas, Buddha images and bells, fine jade cups, royal jewellery and ceremonial robes.
Day 4 – Leh/Likir/Alchi
Drive to West Ladakh to vist Alchi gonpa and Likir monastery en route. . Likir Gompa built over an earlier monastery burnt in the 15th century has a rich collection of paintings, robes and artefacts. Alchi is unlike other hilltop monasteries in Ladakh as it is built down in a valley on the banks of the Indus River. Founded by the great translator, Rinchen Zangpo, the highlight of Alchi is its five temples along with the delicate paintings of court life, battles, costumes and customs, epitomizing Buddhist art
Day 5 – Alchi/Lamayuru
Morning drive to Lamayuru visiting Ritzong monastery en route. Lamayuru is located on a high mountain ridge and overlooks a valley. It has a famous image of Vairocana besides a fine collection of thangka paintings.
Day 6 – Lamayuru/Leh
Drive back to Leh. Visit Basgo en route, a historical town situated on the bank of the Indus River, which was once an important cultural and political center. It is known for its gonpas and historical ruins.
Day 7 – Leh/Thukje (cross Taklang La, 5260m
Drive today to Thukje and visit the monastery and Tso Kar.
Day 8 – Thukje (Tso Kar)/Korzok (Tso Moriri)
It is believed that Tso Kar was once connected to Tso Moriri, even though Tso Kar is a salt water lake while Tso Moriri is fresh water. The area surrounding Tso Kar is protected and forms the Tso Kar wild life sanctuary. Korzok is just a few kilometers away. This area is also special due to its nomadic inhabitants.
Day 9 – Korzok
Explore the area around Korzok and Tso Moriri.
Tso Moriri or “Mountain Lake” is situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by 6000 peaks which completely surround the lake. This valley is inhabited by a small scattered population of “Changpas” nomadic shepherds who also engage in trade and work in caravans in Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife including the “Kyang” (wild ass), Red Fox, Baral, Ibex and the rare, highly endangered, snow leopard. Black necked cranes and geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. It also houses 350 years old Korzok monastery which has about 33 resident monks.
Day 10 – Korzok Gustor
Korzok Gustor Festival, a Buddhist religious festival, lasts for two days and ends with the dismemberment and dispersal of the ‘torma’ (sacrificial cake) by the leader of the Black Hat dancers. This ceremony is known as ‘Argham’ (Killing).The ceremony symbolizes the victory of good over all kind of evils. Nomads come to this festival from all over the region and make this festival a colorful affair.
Day 11 – Korzok Gustor
Culmination of Korzok Gustor Festival. Black hat dancers
Day 12 – Korzok/Leh
Drive back to Leh.
Day 13 – Depart Leh
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
