44Download holiday itineraries fromwww.mountainkingdoms.come: info@mountainkingdoms.comT he expedition begins with a classic trek through the northern Zanskar mountains, the best possible acclimatisation for an ascent of Stok Kangri but also a fabulous trek in its own right. We get a real taste of Ladakh's age-old Tibetan Buddhist culture and cross a 5,300m/17,500ft pass with superb views of the eastern Karakoram. We return to Leh and then begin the short trek to Stok Kangri Base Camp. Summit day starts early, when, using crampons and ice axes, we walk up the glacier and ascend the southeast ridge to the distinctive summit for a superb mountain panorama.Mountain Kingdoms offers:? Experienced western mountaineer Leaders ? Guides who are Stok Kangri summiteers? The best acclimatisation programme ? British Airways to Delhi, direct non-stopT he pass-bound kingdom of Zanskar is indeed a mystical place: a land of yogins, Buddhist gompas, and kings who are directly descended from the early kings of Tibet. Just north of the Greater Himalaya, it sits close to the highest mountain in Ladakh, Mount Nun, 7,135m/23,410ft, which we will trek past. Our route is completely off-the-beaten-track, taking us through very remote country. Starting near Mount Nun, we gradually make our way through the mountains to Zanskar, before pushing on up a series of gorges leading to the highest peak in the Zanskar range, Kang Yatse, 6,400m/21,500ft. These gorges can only be navigated in September when water levels are low, as there are many river crossings. Steve Berry ranks this trek among the best he has done in the Himalaya. It is certainly a full-on, challenging trek and will rank alongside any of your life's best achievements!The Zanskar Dream Trek A wild and remote trek through mysterious Zanskar, created by our MD, Steve Berry. Horses on the Zanskar Dream Trek, Steve BerryGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients£2,850£3,295Land OnlyFlight IncludedWed 31 Aug - Fri 30 Sep 11On Trek: 22 days Appointed LeaderIan CoxanAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 7 Camping: 22Optional: Single Room £295 Single Tent: £75Insurance: £114Trek | Duration: 31 DaysGrade: StrenuousOn Trek: 13 days Appointed Leadertbc? Cory Jones?Accommodation (nts): Hotels: 7 Camping: 12Optional: Single Room £190 Single Tent £65 Insurance: £99 Trekking Peak | Duration: 21 DaysOther Trekking Peaks - see pages 34, 52, 65, 69 & 70 £1,995£2,460Land OnlyFlight IncludedSat 16 Jul - Fri 05 Aug 11?Sat 06 Aug - Fri 26 Aug 11?Festival Aug onlyGrade: Strenuous (Expedition Grade)Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comLadakh The Indian SubcontinentStok Kangri 6,121m/20,082ft & Markha Valley Excellent acclimatisation makes this non-technical ridge ascent highly achievable.

45telephone: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only)international telephone: +44 1453 844 400www.mountainkingdoms.comT here is a gentle start to the holiday with a two-night stay near the coast in an area of rivers and lagoons, rich in bird life. Travelling on to Kandy, situated in the hilly heart of the island, there will be opportunities to visit the central tenets of Sinhalese culture, including the golden - roofed Temple of the Tooth. Three days are then spent in the Knuckles range, offering a chance to experience this beautiful area, using simple lodges. We then drive north to visit the great sights of Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa. We'll enjoy a full day trekking at the mysterious ruined forest monastery of Ritigala, before returning to Colombo. Hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their character.Tailor Made Holidays Although Sri Lanka is a relatively small island, within its palm-fringed shores there is a wealth of things to see and do. Why not let us Tailor Make your perfect holiday?S outhern India is a whole different world from the north. Hotter in the lowlands, palm trees predominate, and it is famous for mile after mile of white sandy beaches and gigantic Hindu temples. There are also lovely foothills to walk in; ranges like the Nilgiri Hills are famous for their tea and coffee plantations.This gentle trek utilises British Raj tea-planter bungalows of quaint, old-fashioned atmosphere to explore the attractive Anamalai range. As if this was not enough, we have tailored this trip to take in the backwaters of Kerala, the spice markets of Cochin, the astonishing temples of Madurai, and game viewing on foot in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Cardamom Hills.Gentle Trekking Kandyan Kingdoms, Sri Lanka Combine walking in the remote Knuckles Mountains with cultural highlights.Gentle Trekking Spice Trails of Kerala, India An easy paced trip combining glorious day walks with atmospheric accommodation. Tea pickers, Keith Chignell£1,745£1,895£2,295£2,475Land OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedSat 19 Mar - Sat 02 Apr 11Sat 08 Oct - Sat 22 Oct 11Sat 17 Mar - Sat 31 Mar 12Day Walks: 6 Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 3 Estate Bungalow: 6 Guesthouses: 3 Houseboat: 1Optional: Single Room £tbcInsurance: £95Trek | Duration: 15 DaysGrade: Gentle Day Walks: 7 Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 11 Guest House: 2Optional: Single Room £400Insurance: £95Trek | Duration: 15 Days£1,350£1,395£1,465£2,095£2,045£2,125Land OnlyLand OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFlight IncludedSun 10 Apr - Sun 24 Apr 11Sun 18 Dec - Sun 01 Jan 12Sun 01 Apr - Sun 15 Apr 12Sun 10 Jul - Sun 24 Jul 11Grade: Gentle Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comSouthern India & Sri Lanka In contrast to the deserts and mountains to the north of the subcontinent, the landscapes of the south have an altogether gentler appeal; Indian Ocean sunsets and rolling hills combine with culture and history - perfect for relaxed exploration. Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients