TOUR PROSPECTUS
This prospectus sets out the contents of the tour and together with the
Booking Conditions and Booking Form is the basis of our contract with you.
Ladakh Explorer
23 August – 8 September 2013
Tour 1342
Tour
08xx
Flying
from Delhi
into
This is a new adventure tour exploring the remote areas of Ladakh in the India Himalaya.
Leh we spend the first four days at lower altitude to help with acclimatisation, cycling west towards Kashmir visiting
Alchi and Lamayura monasteries. After this essential period of acclimatisation, we will tackle the high passes east
and north of Leh entering the Nubra Valley by way of the Wuri La (5280m). Descending into the valley, we follow
the Shyok river to Hundar before returning to Leh via the Khardung La (5360m) the World’s highest motorable
road. Daily mileages are modest, but the long climbs, occasional rough surfaces and altitude combine to make
this a very challenging and rewarding tour for fit adventure cyclists. There are 6 nights fully supported camping, and
9 nights in hotels. Vehicle support throughout.
Itinerary
Fri 23 Aug
Fly from London Heathrow on Virgin Airways flight VS300 to Delhi, departing 2200.
Sat 24 Aug
Arrive Delhi at 1100. Vehicle transfer from airport to hotel. Stay 1 night.
Sun 25 Aug
Fly from Delhi to Leh. Short vehicle transfer to hotel in Leh. Unpack and assemble bikes. Stay
2 nights.
Mon 26 Aug
Day at leisure to explore Leh and acclimatize.
Tues 27 Aug
Cycle to Alchi. Stay 2 nights (hotel)
Wed 28 Aug
Cycle to Lamayuru monastery and return to Alchi.
Thurs 29 Aug
Cycle to Leh. Stay 1 night (hotel)
Fri 30 Aug
Cycle to Rumptse. Stay 1 night (camp)
Sat 31 Aug
Cycle to Thak Tak. Stay 1 night (camp)
Sun 1 Sept
Cycle over Wuri La (5,280m) to Aghyam. Stay 1 night (camp)
Mon 2 Sept
Cycle to Deskit. Stay 2 nights (camp)
Tues 3 Sept
Day at leisure to visit Deskit village and monastery and/or optional ride to Hunder to see
Bactarian camels.
Wed 4 Sept
Cycle to Khardung Village. Stay 1 night (camp)
Thurs 5 Sept
Cycle to Leh via Khardung La (5360m) - claimed to be the highest motorable road pass in the
World. Prepare bikes for journey home. Stay 1 night (hotel)
Fri 6 Sept
Fly from Leh to Delhi and transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Stay 2 nights.
Sat 7 Sept
Day at leisure to explore Delhi.
Sun 8 Sept
Fly from Delhi on Virgin Airways flight VS301 to London Heathrow, departing 1315 and arriving
London Heathrow 1755.
Luggage carrying
Support jeeps for the transfer of luggage will accompany the group on all moving on days, with space for
passengers and bikes should the need arise. Camping equipment will be transferred by jeep.
Accommodation and meals
On the 9 nights spent in Delhi, Leh and Alchi, the accommodation will be in 2-4 star hotels, half board, based on
two sharing. 6 nights are spent in large, comfortable walk-in tents with cots, two people sharing a tent. All camping
kit will be supplied. Breakfast, lunch and evening meal are included on all cycling days.
Price - £2550
The price is based on a minimum number of 16 participants taking part in the tour and is calculated at a rate of 83
rupees to £1 sterling (based on exchange rates published on www.x-rates.com on 5 October 2012; please note
Booking Conditions, clause 4). If there are insufficient bookings by the closing date of 15 June 2013, we will contact
you and return all monies paid, though in certain circumstances the tour may still run at below minimum numbers
but at the same price.
Price includes:
- Return flight from London Heathrow to Delhi
- Return internal flights from Delhi to Leh
- Coach transfers in Delhi between airport and hotel and in Leh between airport and hotel
- Support vehicles to transfer luggage and camping equipment
- 9 night’s hotel accommodation, half board, sharing rooms
- 6 nights fully serviced camping, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 2 people
per tent
Passports, Visas and Health
- Supplies of mineral water on cycling days
EU citizens must hold a
- The services of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour
passport that is still valid for at
- Route information
least six months at the end of
the tour. A visa is required for
- CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours costs
EU passport holders. Holders of
Price does not include:
non-EU passports are advised
- Travel to and from London Heathrow
to check whether they require a
- Meals in transit
visa.
- Drinks with lunches and evening meals
There are no compulsory
- Lunches on 9 days
vaccinations for EU residents
- VISA costs – budget £40 (see leaders information)
although it is strongly
- Gratuities for support crew – budget £30
recommended that you are
- Any other personal expenses
vaccinated against: Typhoid;
- Travel Insurance
Hepatitis A and B. Tetanus and
Payment schedule
polio vaccinations should also
A deposit of £250 per person must accompany the Booking Form and an
be up to date at the time of
interim payment of £500 per person is due by 31 March 2013. The final
travel. You should contact your
balance of £1800 per person is to be paid ten weeks prior to departure, by
doctor at least 3 months prior to
15 June 2013. Cheques should be made payable to CTC Tours or
travel to obtain these
complete the credit/debit card slip in the booking pack.
vaccinations and the latest
advice to travellers.
Cancellations
Should you be forced to cancel your booking for any reason you must
notify us in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows:
Travel Insurance
Written notice received:
Cancellation charge:
Before 31 March 2013
Deposit
(£ 250)
It is a condition of booking that
31 March 2013 to 15 June 2013
30%
(£ 750)
you are adequately insured for
16 June 2013 through to departure
100%
(£2550)
this tour.
To make a booking
Complete, sign and return the Booking Form together with your
deposit and the relevant part of the Travel Insurance Declaration Form
directly to the leader (address on Booking Form).
Whether you already hold a
policy or will be taking out a
new one, the cover it offers
must be comparable to that
stated in clause 8 of the
Booking Conditions, and you
must complete the enclosed
Insurance Declaration Form
and return it with your Booking
Form.
CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours
Ltd can accept no responsibility
for any costs you may incur due
to insufficient insurance cover.
CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX
LEADER’S INFORMATION SHEET
The information below is given by the tour leader to
help enquirers decide if the tour is suitable for them.
Ladakh Explorer
23 August – 8 September 2013
Tour 1342
The area covered by the Tour
Geographically isolated by the Tibetan plateau to the north and the heart of the Himalaya to the south,
Ladakh existed for centuries as an independent Buddhist kingdom. It is now India’s most northern state.
From the town of Leh we initially cycle a loop west to Alchi and Lamayuru monastery on the road to Kashmir
before returning to Leh. From Leh, we’ll take the road south passing close to Stok, Hemis and Thikse
Monasteries and on through a geologically stunning gorge to the first campsite at Upshi at the base of the
Taglang La. It will be harvest time and the rural scene is a wonderful sight.
Cycling a short distance back towards Leh, we turn off north-east heading for our first high pass, the Wuri La.
There are spectacular views of the Greater Himalaya and the Karakorum ranges. A long descent will take us
into the Shyok and Nubra Valleys, a fabulous high altitude desert, encircled by lofty mountains. It is lightly
populated by a hardy people, clinging to life where altitude and climate permit road travel and access to the
outside world for only 4 months of the year.
The Shyok River, fed only by glacial melt water, is the life blood or this area and runs like a silver thread
through wind sculptured sand dunes. Three more camps will get us to the well preserved monastery town of
Deskit where we spend 2 nights. There will be the opportunity to explore the village and monastery or/and
cycle out and back to Hundar where we will see, and perhaps ride, the double-hump Bactarian Camels,
descendants of the silk route era.
Our return to Leh is by way of the Khardung La. This is a monster climb over the World’s highest motorable
road. At 5360 meters it is the same height as Everest base camp in Nepal and higher than Everest base
camp in Tibet! We will complete this climb over 2 days by camping in the village of Khardung, approximately a
third of the way up the pass. Khardung is one of the World’s highest permanently occupied villages, a gold
and green oasis in stark contrast with the surrounding peaks.
At the summit, a very emotional celebration will be followed by the huge descent into Leh.
This is a unique and demanding tour. Your endeavors will be rewarded with spectacular scenery and the
satisfaction of having cycled the World’s highest motorable road.
Rides and rest days
This tour is best suited to experienced enthusiast cyclists with a sense of adventure. Daily mileages are not
excessive and allow for adequate altitude acclimatization and the difficult terrain. There are several very long
climbs, and road surfaces are poor over passes. Re-routing or itinerary changes are a possibility in the
Himalaya. There are rest days for sightseeing in Leh, Deskit and Delhi.
Altitude
Travellers to the Himalayas may suffer breathlessness and headaches before becoming acclimatized. It is
important to be cycling fit at the start and to take things gently at first and to drink plenty of water. When
climbing high passes, you may experience breathlessness, headaches, mild nausea and/or lack of appetite
until your body adjusts to the elevation. These symptoms generally disappear after a few days.
Accommodation / Meals
We will use a mixture of 2-4 star hotels and camping. All camping equipment, large 2 man tents, cots,
bedding, hot water for washing and 3 meals per day are provided, but bring a torch. Tents are erected and
dismantled by the support team and food is varied and plentiful.
Visas
It is necessary that all travellers to India obtain a tourist visa before departure from the UK. All applications
have been outsourced to VFS Global – see http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ – where application forms can be
completed online. Budget £40.
Group information
The maximum group size will be 20 including the leaders.
Weather and Clothing
Temperatures and climate vary according to the altitude. The summer days are warm with brilliant blue skies
(max 25°C. min 10°C), but the weather in mountainous areas can be very unpredictable. Come prepared for
chilly evenings and a small possibility of rain or even snow. Early morning starts and descents at altitude
require good quality weather gear.
Cycles / Equipment
A lightweight mountain bike or sturdy touring bike will be suitable if well maintained and fitted with good
wheels and fairly wide road tyres. You will not need to carry luggage, but a bar bag or rack-top pack will be
useful for spare clothing, camera, sun lotion, snacks etc. You should be able to carry 2 water bottles. It is
advisable to fit a calibrated cycle computer, as this will aid navigation. Lights should not be necessary. Each
participant will be expected to carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs. Once
we leave Delhi, cycle spares will not be available on route. Helmets are not mandatory but if you do not intend
to wear one, please check that your travel insurance will cover you in the event of a claim.
Money
There will be very few opportunities to spend money other than in Delhi and Leh. Currency can be exchanged
for Indian Rupees at Delhi airport. Daily drinks and snacks should cost no more than £10 per day; budget £30
for crew tips.
Maps
There should be no difficulty with route finding. A
map showing the route will be provided.
Travel Insurance and Advice
Make sure you have read Clause 8 in the Booking
Conditions. Travel insurance which covers you for
high altitudes and cycle touring is essential. Before
booking you should check the Foreign Office ‘Travel
Advice by Country’ at www.fco.gov.uk or on 0845
850 2829.
About the leaders
We are both enthusiastic cyclists and have been CTC members for 21 years. We have led tours to many
worldwide destinations and have cycled in Ladakh several times. Each year we look forward to the reunion
with regular travelling companions but also get great satisfaction from introducing new members to the unique
camaraderie of CTC holidays. We do not have a set style of leadership but adapt to suit the needs of the
group. We encourage all prospective participants to contact us to talk through the tour prior to booking.
John and Pat Ashwell
2 The Retreat, Off Camp Road
Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 2EN
Tel: 01934 746638 - Mob: 07766 091627
comebiking@btinternet.com
www.comebiking.com
Ladakh Explorer
Detailed Itinerary
H = hotel
Date
From – To
Fri 23 Aug
Heathrow Delhi
Sat 24 Aug
Arrive Delhi
Sun 25 Aug
Delhi - Leh
Mon 26 Aug
Cycling
kms
Maxi alt.
(metres)
C = camping
H or
C
Sleeping
alt
(metres)
Notes
Fly from London Heathrow on Virgin Airways
flight VS300 to Delhi, departing 2200.
200
H
200
Arrive Delhi 1100. Vehicle transfer from airport
to hotel.
0
3470
H
3470
Transfer to Delhi domestic airport for flight to
Leh. Short vehicle transfer to Leh. Assemble
bikes.
Leh
0
3470
H
3470
At leisure in Leh to aid acclimatisation.
Tues 27 Aug
Leh – nr Alchi
66
3550
H
3100
An easy ride cycling west from Leh on the road
to Kashmir, Two 400m climbs. Summits at
20kms and 43kms.
Wed 28 Aug
Alchi –
Lamayuru Alchi
86
3600
H
3100
26kms flat, 17kms climb – 17kms down, 26kms
flat.
Thurs 29 Aug
Alchi - Leh
66
3600
H
3470
An easy ride back to Leh.
Fri 30 Aug
Leh - Rumptse
80
C
4320
The road undulates downwards past chortens
and monasteries to the Indus river at Upshi
then climbs through a spectacular gorge to the
pretty village at Rumptse.
Sat 31 Aug
Rumptse –
Thak Tak
73
4320
C
3800
We descend to Upshi and after 13kms turn right
at Karu onto a road less travelled. It is gently
uphill to the campsite at Thak Tak at the base
of the Wuri La.
Sun 1 Sept
Thak Tak –
Wuri La Aghyam
75
5300
C
3400
The day begins with a 1500m climb over
approx. 25kms to the summit of the Wuri La
followed by a long descent to the campsite at
Aghyam.
Mon 2 Sept
Aghyam –
Deskit
60
3400
C
3200
A short undulating ride – no major passes.
Tues 3 Sept
Deskit
0
3400
C
3200
Day at leisure to visit Deskit monastery and
explore village. Optional short ride to Hunder to
see double hump camels.
Wed 4 Sept
Deskit –
Khardung
Village
44
3900
C
3900
Easy for the first 20kms. 700 meters
accumulative climb, approx. 6% grade.
3500
Thurs 5 Sept
Khardung
Village Khardung La Leh
70
5360
H
(Khardung La)
3470
From Khardung Village it is 32kms to the
summit of the Khardung La, the highest
motorable road in the World, taking you to a
dizzy 5360 metres! A fitting end to a
challenging bike ride. The view from the top is
spectacular, stretching from the Indus valley in
the South over the endless peaks and ridges of
the Zanskar range to the giants of the Saser
Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a
true achievement as you finish the trip with a
fantastic 38kms descent into Leh.
Pack bikes for journey home.
Fri 6 Sept
Leh - Delhi
0
H
Sat 7 Sept
At leisure Delhi
0
H
Sun 8 Sept
Delhi –
Heathrow
Transfer to Leh airport for the flight back to
Delhi
Fly from Delhi on Virgin Airways flight VS301 to
London Heathrow, departing 1315 and arriving
London Heathrow 1755.