🗓️ Check In: January 1, 1970
🗓️ Check Out: January 1, 1970
🧭 Duration: 1D/0N
📍 Location:
💵 Price: /-
7 Nights / 8 Days
Spring – Bears & Blossom
SIGNATURE SAFARI EXPERIENCE:
Spring in Ladakh is not only the best time to view the bears (as they come out of their winter slumber) but it is also the time for Ladakh’s very own “Sakura”. A unique phenomenon when the apricot flowers in western Ladakh are in full bloom. Villages across the lower Indus and the Kargil region are dotted with a pinkish white sheath of blooming apricot flowers. It is probably the most beautiful time of the year but only lasts for about two weeks from the beginning till mid of April. This special itinerary brings together these two highlight experiences of Ladakh one cannot miss.
Highlights :
Close sighting of himalayan brown bears in its prime habitat
Close sighting of other mammals such Asiatic Ibex, marmots and a variety of birds
Unique opportunity to experience the apricot flowers in bloom through scenic walks in the apricot farming villages of Kargil
Experience and interact with the legendary ethnic Brokpa tribe in Garkone and the (popularly known as the Aryan tribe) and the Shina community in Drass
Sample and taste authentic Kargili food
Tour led by top nature and culture guides in the region
Total Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Tour Starts: Leh
Tour Ends: Leh or Srinagar
Style of Tour: Vehicle Safari & Walks
Max Altitude: 3700m to 4500m
Best time: 1st April to 15th April
Accommodation: Drenmo Lodge, Bete Guest House, Chospa Hotel
Vehicle: Innova / Crysta
Itinerary
Arrive in Leh
You will be received at the airport by your tour leader. Drive to the hotel and check in. Use this day at leisure to rest and acclimatize.
Stay : Chospa Hotel on full board.
Hotel Chospa, located in the coveted Old Leh Road is an enchanting abode that rises amidst the dynamic city center, curated for discerning explorers and for those traveling in luxury. Built in a traditional Ladakhi style of construction, Hotel Chospa has been molded using sustainable raw materials and ethically sourced local wood that protect the hotel from the elements while also leaving behind minimal carbon footprint.
Drive from Leh to Garkone (120 kms / 3.5 hours)
Post breakfast, drive towards western Ladakh through the Sham valley and then detour on to the Lower Indus river region. This region is along the Indo-Pak Line of Control and requires a special Inner Line Permit. Which will be done by us and is included in your package. This entire road journey at this time of the year is full of scenic views with apricot flowers in full bloom in all the villages. Click here to take virtual tour of the apricot blossom in Kargil
By noon, arrive at our destination village of Garkone for scrumptious lunch at the Bete Guest House. Post lunch, join your local host for a splendid walk through the apricot flower laden bylanes of the village. This is a great opportunity to interact with the local Brokpa community. Visit a local family museum in a 100 year old building that preserves the Brokpa art and heritage.
Return to the “Lchangra”, a communal gathering space where you will be welcomed by a group of local cultural performers. Enjoy a traditional Brokpa song and dance besides a warm bonfire and a glass of freshly brewed barley wine called “Chhang” followed by dinner.
Stay: Bete Guest House on full board
Owned and operated by one of the oldest families in the village, Bete Guest house is the best choice for enjoying a comfortable stay in the Aryan valley. Centrally located and recently renovated, these rooms and bathrooms are well furnished with great views on the environs.
Drive from Garkone to Drass via Kargil (140 kms)
Today you drive further west towards Kargil via the Humbotingla pass (4000m) – 90 kms/2 hours
Arrive in Kargil by noon and visit the 300 year old settlement of Hundurman (now in ruins) along the Indo-Pak LoC which is home to the Unlock Hundurman – Museum of Memories, a unique community museum that preserves the Purigi heritage and war history of this frontier settlement. Take a guided tour of the museum and sit for lunch at a local home and sample traditional Kargili cuisine.
After lunch, take a walk through the apricot orchards of Shiliktse village along the Suru river. This is one of the longest orchards in the Kargil region. End your walk with an outdoor high tea by the riverside. Drive to Drass (60 kms / 1 hour) and check into the lodge. After Arrival Orientation,check into your cozy rooms and retire for the night post early dinner.
Stay: Drenmo Lodge
Located in the remote Mushkow valley – a prime Brown Bear habitat, our lodge is going to be your base for the next 4 days.
Drass Wildlife - Bear tracking
Today will be a bit relaxed and we will take it easy. Spend most of the day at leisure and take in the beauty of the landscape.
Start the day with a leisurely walk or a drive along the Mushkow river. Here we try spotting the bears in the mountains/valleys around. At this time of the year the north facing slopes are still packed with snow which makes spotting the bears easier and in many cases they tend to come further down towards the habitations looking for food.
Breakfast can be a picnic depending on the weather conditions and sightings. Post breakfast, drive further into the valley to scan for Ibex and other mammals. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Venture out for another round of sightings in the late afternoon.
In the evening, join your local / lodge host / naturalist to learn about the bears in the area and the conservation work they have been doing with the local community.
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours making these the golden hours for bear viewing. So our following days will be planned as such that morning and evenings are spent bear watching and the day time is used to explore the nature and culture of the region.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the brown bear landscape
Stay: Drenmo Lodge
Mamel Hike
Early Start to the day at 5-6 am. Depending on the snow conditions, we will hike up or use ponies to reach the adjacent hillside, which provides a good vantage point to scan for bear movements in the area or we will stick to the lower reaches and start scanning. Our local spotters will accompany us and with their trained eyes and tracking skills help us get to find and see this magnificent animal. Breakfast can be had as a picnic depending on the weather condition. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
Post lunch, we will drive to the adjacent valleys of Pandrass or Shimsha Karbu to spot more wildlife. Return to the lodge by evening for a bonfire and high tea. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Stay: Drenmo Lodge
Village Walk and local Shina home visit
Our morning will begin as usual with scanning for bears. Breakfast outdoors or at the lodge depending on the sightings.
Explore the Shina village of Mushkow during the day and visit a local home. Drass is inhabited by the Shina tribe said to have come from Gilgit (now in Pakistan). This community has its own unique culture with Indo-Aryan roots. Besides being a wildlife hotspot, this frontier region of Drass has witnessed various wars between India and Pakistan. Spend the day and break bread with the local families learning about their culture, their history, stories of war and their stories of conflict with the Himalayan Brown Bear.
Another round of bear viewing post lunch and return to the lodge by evening for bonfire and high tea.
Stay: Drenmo Lodge
Drive back to Leh
Post a leisurely breakfast, you can choose to drive back to Leh
Fly out
END OF JOURNEY
Rates
| DOUBLE SHARING / PERSON | SINGLE OCCUPANCY / PERSON |
|---|---|
We need min 3 pax to fulfill this tour.
- Comfortable hotel, guest house and premium wilderness lodge stays as per the itinerary (Leh, Garkone, Drass)
- Daily breakfasts; all meals during wilderness and village-based stays
- Private vehicle for the entire journey, suitable for mountain terrain
- Airport transfers and all intercity road transfers
- Required Inner Line Permits for restricted areas (as per itinerary)
- Guided nature walks, village walks and cultural interactions as outlined in the itinerary
- Wildlife experiences including Himalayan Brown Bear tracking and associated nature excursions, led by experienced local guides and spotters
- Seasonal apricot blossom walks in villages of Western Ladakh (subject to natural bloom cycles)
- Curated experiences such as outdoor breakfasts, high tea sessions, village interactions and cultural evenings (as per itinerary)
- Laundry services during the stay (as provided by hotels/lodges)
- On-ground journey support and assistance throughout
- Bottled water during travel
- All applicable taxes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees, travel insurance and medical expenses
- Optional activities or experiences not listed in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal expenses (spa services, alcoholic beverages, phone charges, shopping)
- Camera or video fees at museums, villages or protected areas where applicable
- Tips and gratuities
- Any services not listed under “Included”
Book Now
Luxury Stay
Chospa Hotel
Bete Guest House
Drenmo Lodge
The above accommodations are subject to availability at the time of booking; similar accommodations will be provided if these are unavailable.
Location
LEH — LADAKH’S MOUNTAIN HEART
Perched high in the Himalayas, Leh is a gateway to adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes. Its stark desert valleys are dotted with ancient monasteries, where prayer flags flutter against cobalt skies and chants echo across barren ridges. Turquoise rivers carve through rugged terrain, while snow‑clad peaks frame a horizon that feels both infinite and intimate. More than just a town, Leh embodies resilience and culture, offering travelers a rare blend of silence, grandeur, and timeless Himalayan spirit.
DRASS — GATEWAY TO LADAKH
Known as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, Drass is a stark valley of resilience and beauty. Towering snow‑clad peaks and rugged passes frame its dramatic landscapes, while the Drass War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of courage and sacrifice during the Kargil conflict. Despite its harsh climate, the town thrives with warmth and hospitality, offering travelers a glimpse into the indomitable spirit of its people. As the gateway to Ladakh, Drass embodies endurance and grandeur, a place where history, survival, and Himalayan majesty converge.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the total amount needs to be paid as an advance at the time of booking confirmation
- The remaining 50% needs to be paid at least 60 days prior to the arrival date
- Cancellation before 90 days of arrival 15% of the total booking amount will be charged
- Cancellation 89 - 60 days of arrival 30% of the total booking amount will be charged
- Cancellation 59 - 30 days of arrival 60% of the total booking amount will be charged
- Cancellation 29 - 0 days of arrival 100% of the total booking amount will be charged
- No refund will be granted for the portion/portions of the journey not performed by the traveller.
- No refund will be granted in case of non-performance of the journey due to external and natural events.
- In the event of any dispute, the matter shall be resolved under the jurisdiction of the District Court, Kargil.
- 30% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 45 days prior to the tour start dates.
- Between 45-30 days, 50% will be refunded. No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 30 days of the tour.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees. (email: Sevenrhinos.in@gmail.com)
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- Safari bookings are non-transferable as safari permits are issued by the Government under specified names and strictly enforced.
Frequently Asked Question
Below we have addressed many of the questions and concerns you may have.
A Tour is a big investment. It is important that you match your expectations. Our tours, for now, are confined to Asia only. India has more than a hundred national parks, covering over 15,600 square miles of protected land. Many of the country’s wildlife sanctuaries once were hunting reserves of the maharajas, and more than 50 have been designated as tiger reserves. This wildlife tour is designed to focus on the wildlife but you will also experience some of India’s cultural marvels.
This tour is a wildlife tour with a touch of culture and photography. So nature and wildlife lovers want to see the iconic Royal Bengal tiger—India’s national animal—the top attraction for safari-goers, as well as India’s unique wildlife and varied exotic fauna. Visiting three of India’s top wildlife national parks with a high-density tiger population will increase your chances of photographing the royal majestic tiger.
You need to arrive in India on Day 1. Anytime after 14:00 hrs, you can check in at the hotel. Usually,
rooms are available after 14:00 hrs. Sometimes it can be very confusing flying in and out of India
because many of the flights arrived and depart around midnight. So please check the dates very
carefully and make sure your dates are correct. Drop us a message before confirming your flight.
Yes, you can arrive 1 or 2 days prior. We can take care of all the extra accommodation on payment
basis. Also you can add a pre or post extension to this tour. You can visit Delhi, Jaipur and other cities of
Rajasthan. You can add a week to relax in Kerala as well.
The best time to visit India for a tiger safari tour is from October to March. It gets really cold in the early morning in the months of November – March, so extra layers are advisable. April to June is the summer season. The probability of rain is almost negligible to very low rain with 7-8 hours of sunshine each day.
During our wildlife tour, our resorts in general will be a combination Luxury EcoCamp and 4 stat Hotel/Resorts
including all amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, room service, excellent food, laundry services,
etc. Wi-Fi is usually slow in forest areas. In Delhi and Agra, expect luxury accommodation (4/5) stars.
We will take our meals in the resorts; the menus are designed to celebrate local ingredients and
vegetables and are a delight to your senses. Fresh, Simple, Locally grown, and Seasonal foods will be
served as per the taste buds of foreign (western) tourists. During safaris, packed breakfast will be
served. In Agra and Delhi, we will take our meals in well-appointed multi-cuisine restaurants. Our
coaches and safari vehicles will be well-stocked with water bottles and snacks. Contact us if you have
any dietary needs or restrictions.
For arrivals and departures, it will be an Air-conditioned private Car, or mini bus, depending on your
arrivals and departures. We will get around in an air-conditioned tempo traveler with a professional
driver. During our safaris, we will be using 4-wheel drive, private, Safari vehicles in the National Parks.
The train will have chair cars in AC coach.
- The currency used in India is Indian Rupee. Though Exchange rates vary almost every day, this change is marginal.
- US$1.00 = INR 85-90.
- There will be plenty of options to exchange your money. The airport will be the 1st option but usually, their exchange rates are low with added charges. We always advise exchanging through authorized
money exchange. For any need feel free to contact your tour leaders.
Yes, most retail places will accept Visa & Master cards. Before you leave home, check with your credit card company on what additional charges they may add.
Please check this link for more details.
Yes. In fact, proof of insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage is a requirement for
participation in this workshop. There are many travel insurance companies out there. The most
recommended one is – https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance
- Waterproof durable hiking shoes
- Woolen/fleece warmer
- Down jacket
- Gloves
- Woolen hat/cap
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Personal toiletries and medicines
- Sunblock
- ID Proof
- Head torch
If you need high-speed internet then yes, you can buy sim cards from the airport. Don’t rely solely on
hotels. It’s advisable to get international roaming activated on your phones before you leave. So you
don’t have to buy a sim card.
Absolutely, India is completely safe for all travelers. The only thing which everyone should take care
of is there money and belongings.
Disclaimer
By signing up for a trip with Roots, you acknowledge that you have voluntarily applied to participate in this trip and that you have read the description of the trip as it appears and the information below:
- All outdoor-related activities involve a certain level of risk. You are expected to sign an Indemnity Form in agreement to the risks involved in partaking in such outdoor activities.
- Signing up for this trip by no means guarantees sighting of any wildlife. While we will put forth all our efforts and knowledge towards wildlife sightings, the company cannot be held responsible incase of no sightings.
- Delays are expected on account of roadblocks & weather conditions. Our effort will be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make you as comfortable as possible. But in such situations, we may have to compromise and adjust to these situations then & there. Our Lead Guide on location will take the final call.
- The itinerary should be viewed as ideal. We may have to make some spot changes due to various unavoidable reasons.
- The distances & altitudes mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information; marginal variance in the actual distances & altitudes is possible.
- You are expected to be in reasonable shape and fitness
- Roots reserves the right and permission to use photographs of individuals taken by our local team and photographs submitted by them on tour for use in promotional and publicity purposes
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