JULY 2017 : INDIA : DAY 9 : Base camp (4350m) over Ganga La (4950m) to Shingo (4150m) - 6 hours

Early breakfast in the sunshine in preparation for our first major climb

We begin the climb with spectacular views down towards Yurutse 

Followed by the mules

Some scenic resting spots

Celebrating at the top of Ganda La 

Then the view down the Shingti Togo Valley towards Shingo with views of the Zanskar Range

Active marmots play throughout the valley

Locals take a break from the climb

Lunch to rest our straining  knees

And down we go...

Until we reached the river

Dogs used for leading donkeys and mules

Our campsite on the river with our mules grazing around us

Our busy staff

And a full moon..

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JULY 2017 : INDIA : DAY 8 : Rumbak (3850m) - camp below Ganda La (4350m) - approximately 3 hours

Camped packed up ready for our walk to Ganda La base camp

Starting off on the trail towards Yurutse

Due to summer rains and melting snow the rivers are higher this year .Nawang predicts there will be several crossings over fast-flowing rivers. Number 1 today.

Some sections more challenging than others

Village of Yurutse

Hand-made brick factory in self-sufficient village

Yeah, another parachute tent

Mint tea?

Colourful rocks

Partridges 

Small lilies

Climbing towards base camp for Ganda La. 

Mules unloaded with all our gear

Delicious three course meal conjured up on kerosene burner

Warming fire made from dried dung

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JULY 2017 : INDIA : DAY 6 : Leh (3,500m) - Rumbak (3850m) - 3 hour walk

Today is Day 1 of our trek, which is from Zinchen to a campsite below Rumbak.

We left our hotel after an early breakfast.

In the footsteps of Brad Pitt?

An hour drive to Zingchan into the Hemis National Park.

Into high mountainous, rocky country by a tributary of the Indus River.

Problem number 1 : roadworks!

A longer walk than expected?

On the road again..

Sweet smelling roses

Lunch break. Our first sucking mangoes experience.

Wildflowers

Resting...

Lobzang leading us ...diri diri chalo ...let's go slowly, slowly 

Ollie and Curtis taking a break at a circular mani wall

Our first parachute tent..summer trekking cafes.

Some possible purchases- the only snow leopard we saw all trek.

Nawang checking the co-ordinates

Our campsite

Excellent 2 door Sea to Summit tents, water tight and plenty of room for two

My tent mate, Jeanne.

Drop toilet

Dinner in our Burberry tent.

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