Compare The Best of Britain: Celebrate Road Scholar’s 40th Anniversary Aboard the QM2 by Road Scholar vs Peaks of Ladakh Trek by Exodus Travels
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4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 3,799 | $ 4,050 |
| Price Per Day | $ 317 | $ 253 |
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| Trip Style | Large ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
All breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners are included. India is famous for food and there is ample chance to try various Ladakhi favourites, which are often influenced by the cuisines of Tibet and China thanks to the passing Silk Road traders of yesteryear. Momos (filled dumplings) and yaks cheese are popular. Other favourites (but there are plenty more) are: thukpa, a clear vegetable soup with noodles and often mutton, chicken or yak meat; tingmo (pronounced tee-mo), a steamed bread eaten with dal; and chutagi, a thick soup of local vegetables with bow tie-shaped pieces of dough cooked in broth (also served with meat). Allow at least 1,000-2,000 rupees (US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner, where it is not included. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A large bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (US$4). While camping, staff bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam, eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dal and paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner, a dessert such as tinned fruit and custard, fritters or cake is also served. Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100 floz to 135 floz (3-4 litres) per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Ladakh. In Leh, there is a shop called Dzomsa which sells safe drinking water. Your leader will show you where this is on your first day in Leh. During the trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment too. |
| Description |
Espionage. The British monarchy. International diplomacy. It’s hard to think of a more “royal” way to celebrate Road Scholar’s 40th anniversary than by joining some of our top instructors for an iconic voyage aboard the QM2. With intelligence expert Nigel West, Royal Editor Robert Jobson, former Royal Protection Officer Ken Wharfe and diplomat Charles Anson, get the insider’s perspective on the British government, culture and much more on this fascinating journey from New York City to London! |
Journey among towering peaks to discover Tibetan culture and fantastic trekking routes, many off the beaten track. Ladakh is also the best place to conquer your first 6,000m (19,685ft) Himalayan peak – and if one summit isn’t enough, try two peaks and seven passes! After acclimatisation time in Leh, we begin trekking from Mankarmo. The trail ascends spectacular gorges and crosses mountain passes to reach a high-altitude plain at Nimaling. This is inhabited by Ladakhi shepherds and their huge flocks. Vatseri Peak is a good warm up before summiting our highest peak, Dzo Jongo East, which offers breath-taking views over the Karakorum and Indian Himalaya. This optional climb is tough but technically easy and a much quieter summit than Stok Kangri. We trek out to the roadhead via a remote pass and beautiful valley with fantastic rock formations. Our 13 July 2024 and 23 August 2025 departures are led by Valerie Parkinson, winner of Best Tour Leader in the prestigious Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.Discover one of the best places to experience the unique culture of the High Himalaya |
Day 1: Welcome Meeting in New York
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Millenium Hilton
Afternoon: After making your own way to the New York hotel meet your Group Leader. There will be a welcome meeting and introductions in the hotel at 6:00pm. Meet speakers Nigel West, Robert Jobson, Ken Wharfe and Charles Anson.
Dinner: In New York.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 2: Embarkation on The Queen Mary II
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: Your Group Leader will give you vouchers for breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: At leisure.
Lunch: Excluded.
Afternoon: The mandatory shipboard passenger safety drill will take place in the afternoon, after which you will have time to explore the many entertainment and activity venues aboard Queen Mary 2. This afternoon is an excellent opportunity to get to know your shipboard home for the next eight days. The ship is scheduled to depart from New York in the late afternoon.
Dinner: Participants will assemble for dinner in the Britannia Restaurant at 6.00 pm. Revel in the splendid nightly occasion of dining in the magnificent two-tiered Britannia Restaurant which pays glorious homage to the opulent dining salons from ocean travel’s golden heyday. Pillars and art deco arches add decorative flourishes to a rich culinary experience, complemented by fine wines and attentive service. BRITANNIA RESTAURANT ENTRÉES Pesto Ravioli with Gorgonzola Sauce (V) Broiled Lobster Tail, Drawn Butter & Garden Risotto Roast Duck à l’Orange, Hazelnut Croquettes & Grand Marnier Sauce Châteaubriand Béarnaise, Young Vegetables, Périgourdine Sauce Forest Mushrooms, Parmesan Polenta & Garlic Spinach DESSERTS Seven Layer Washington Apple & Molasses Gâteaux Red Berries Shortcake with Vanilla Sauce Baked Alaska with Morello Cherries Sugar Free - Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Berry Salad Lime Sorbet & Chocolate Ice Cream with Vanilla Frozen Yoghurt, Peach Sauce Cheese Selection with Stilton, Saint Paulin, Gruyère, Pepper Boursin
Evening: You are free to enjoy the many alternative activities, entertainment choices and meal venues described in your Daily Programme.
Day 3: Nigel West on MI5 during the Abdication Crisis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: BRITANNIA RESTAURANT Breakfast CHILLED JUICES Choice of Orange, Grapefruit, Cranberry, Apple, Prune, Pineapple, Tomato, V8 FRESH FRUIT & COMPOTE Half Sectioned Grapefruit Fresh Melon Platter, Fresh Fruit Salad Tropical Fruit with Low-Fat Yoghurt or Cottage Cheese Compote of Stewed Prunes, Grapefruit Segments & Kadota Figs HOT & COLD CEREALS Choice of Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat , Choice of Corn Flakes, All Bran, Raisin Bran, Special K, Rice Crispies, Total, Shredded Wheat, Swiss Muesli, Alpen, Weetabix YOGHURTS Choice of Plain or Mixed Fruit Available as Regular, Low-Fat or Non-Fat FRESH FROM THE BAKERY Croissants, Brioche, Assorted Danish Pastries, French Bread, All Bran & Blueberry Muffins, Toasted English Muffins, Toasted Bagels, White & Whole Wheat Toast, Rye Bread, Pumpernickel, White Rolls, Banana Bread Fruit Crisp PRESERVES & SPREADS Orange Marmalade, Strawberry, Blackberry, Apricot, Cherry, Honey, Peanut Butter PANCAKES & WAFFLES Blueberry Pancakes with Maple Syrup Buttermilk Pancakes with American Bacon, Link Sausages & Maple Syrup Golden Waffles with Fresh Fruit French Toast with Whipped Butter & Maple Syrup or Honey BREAKFAST ENTREES Fried Eggs, English Bacon, Mushrooms, Wiltshire Sausage, Baked Beans, Grilled Tomato, Sauteed Potatoes Scrambled Eggs, American Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Link Sausages, Hash Brown Potatoes Omelette with Ham, Cheese & Mushrooms Egg White Omelette with Onions, Peppers, Tomato & Cheese Eggs Benedict on English Muffin & Canadian Bacon with Holl&aise Sauce Toasted Bagel with Smoked Salmon, Crème Cheese, Red Onion & Capers Grilled Scottish Kippers with Sauteed Potatoes Smoked Finnian Haddock with Melted Butter (Please ask your server for low cholesterol egg alternatives) ASSORTED COLD CUTS & CHEESE Black Forest Ham, Smoked Turkey, Roast Beef, Italian Salami, Liver Pâté, Cheese – Emmentaler, Camembert, Cottage, Cream, Blue
Morning: Nigel West begins the lecture series with a consideration of King Edward VIII, Wallace Simpson, her lover Guy Trundle, Prime Minister Oliver Baldwin and MI5 surveillance during the Abdication crisis.
Lunch: On board ship. Sample lunch: BRITANNIA RESTAURANT Lunch CANYON RANCH SPA SELECTIONS Appetizer — Roasted Corn Chowder(V) Entrée — Baked Kohlrabi Tart Dessert — Freshly Sliced Cantaloupe Melon APPETIZERS & SOUPS Duck Rolls & Mint Confit, Raspberry Gastric Baby Shrimp Cocktail, Marie Rose & Pumpkin Seed Biscuit Roasted Corn Chowder(V) Chilled Tomato Soup with Gin & Basil SALAD & SANDWICH Butter Lettuce, Romaine, Choice of Dressings & CR Signature Dressing (V) A Selection of Cold Meats is Always Available Croque Monsieur - Warm Ham & Cheese Sandwich BRITANNIA RESTAURANT ENTRÉES Spaghetti Carbonara, Creamy Egg Yolk & Parmesan Sauce, Crispy Smoked Bacon Grilled Swordfish Steak, Lemon & Oregano Oil, Niçoise Olive Relish Navarin Of Lamb, Root Vegetables, Saffron Rice, Spanish Omelette Grilled Minute Steak, Herb Butter & French Fries DESSERTS Panna Cotta with Apricot Compote Warm Treacle Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream Sugar Free – Ice Coffee Strasbourg Lime Sorbet & Chocolate Ice Cream with Vanilla Frozen Yoghurt, Peach Sauce
Afternoon: During days at sea, there are a range of activities are available on board including celebrity speakers, family quizzes, dance lessons, game shows, fitness classes, sports tournaments, galley walk throughs, cinema screenings, spa seminars, digital living workshops and of course, sipping cocktails while soaking up the sun and much more!
Dinner: At 6:00pm in the Britannia Restaurant.
Evening: At leisure for the many forms of entertainment offered on board ship.
Day 4: Nigel West on MI5 and Princess Diana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Nigel West continues his look at the role of MI5 at times of crisis with a talk on MI5's Denial of the Assassination of Princess Diana.
Lunch: On board.
Afternoon: Shipboard activities. 4:00pm Nigel West gives an informal talk on Spies, Novels and Politics.
Dinner: On board ship.
Evening: Shipboard activities.
Day 5: Ken Wharfe on Life With William and Harry
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Ken Wharfe talks about his time with Princes William and Harry - who called him "Uncle Ken" - and his travels with Princess Diana.
Lunch: On board.
Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
Dinner: On board.
Evening: Perhaps take in a show at the Royal Court Theatre.
Day 6: Ken Wharfe on The New Royal Family
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Ken Wharfe looks at the New Royal Family and Security and What Went Wrong in Paris.
Lunch: On board.
Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
Dinner: On board.
Evening: Shipboard activities.
Day 7: Robert Jobson on The New Monarcy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Robert Jobson lectures on the New Monarchy and Historical Examples.
Lunch: On board.
Afternoon: Shipboard activities. Late afternoon, Robert Jobson's talk continues.
Dinner: On board.
Evening: Shipboard activities.
Day 8: Charles Anson on Working With Royalty
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Charles Anson talks on his professional life "Working with the Queen of Westminster (Margaret Thatcher) and the Queen of England".
Lunch: On board.
Afternoon: Shipboard activities.
Dinner: On board.
Evening: Shipboard activities.
Day 9: Charles Anson on The Iranian Embassy Siege
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Mary II.
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Charles Anson talks about his life in the Diplomatic Service and his time as a hostage at the Embassy in Iran in 1978.
Lunch: On board.
Afternoon: Shipboard activities. Pre-dinner round up and Q&A with all our speakers.
Dinner: On board.
Evening: Shipboard activities.
Day 10: Disembarkation and Free Time in London
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The May Fair Hotel
Breakfast: Taken early today to faciliate disembarkation.
Morning: Transfer by coach to London.
Lunch: Excluded.
Afternoon: Your time in London is free for independent exploration. Perhaps visit Kensington Palace after Ken Wharfe has given you insights into Diana's life there or maybe Buckingham Palace as it is open to the public in August. Alternatively Nigel West may have sparked an interest in the Churchill War Rooms and Churchill Museum. Your hotel is close to the British Museum and not far from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery and National Portait Gallery. Your Group Leader will give you suggestions for activities.
Dinner: Excluded.
Day 11: Free time and Farewell Dinner, London, England
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: The May Fair Hotel
Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
Morning: Free day.
Lunch: Excluded.
Afternoon: Free afternoon.
Dinner: Gather with your Group Leader for a farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 12: London, England
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: In the hotel. Some departures may leave before breakfast.
Morning: Transfers by private cars to London Heathrow Airport for the return flight home.
Day 1 Start Delhi
The tour starts at our hotel in Delhi – rooms are usually available from noon. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or you can get out and explore this buzzing city. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Day 2 Fly to Leh; afternoon orientation walk
We start very early for the flight to Leh. We often have to leave the hotel around 2am and drive to the airport for the very early morning (but highly spectacular) flight over the Himalaya to Leh. If the weather is good and the flight goes on time, we should be in Leh early. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (11,485ft/3,500m). In the morning, we rest and catch up on sleep; in the afternoon, we have a gentle orientation walk around Leh and its bazaars. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Sightseeing in and around Leh
Today there is a sightseeing tour to two of the major gompas (Tibetan Buddhist temples) in the area. We first drive to Shey, a former royal palace of the Ladakh kings. Inside is a small temple containing a 350-year-old Buddha statue made of copper and gold. From Shey, we walk across fields to Tikse (about 1hr 30min), where we visit a hilltop monastery whose red and white buildings can be seen for miles. A recently built temple contains a magnificent image of the Future Buddha. We have lunch at Tikse and return to Leh. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. There is a full trek briefing and gear check today. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Acclimatisation walk; optional jeep ride to Khardung Pass
Today we have an acclimatisation walk round the Leh Valley. Set above Leh on the Namgyal Hill are the ruins of the Old Royal Palace. From here, a winding path takes us to Tsemo Monastery, where we can see the whole of Leh and the surrounding villages. We continue the walk via Sankar to the recently built Japanese Peace Pagoda. This huge stupa (Buddhist shrine) overlooks Leh and we can see the Stok mountain range across the valley. Today there is an optional jeep safari to the Khardung Pass; at 18,379ft (5,602m), one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The trip to the top and back takes roughly four to five hours and can be booked and paid for locally. Your leader will have details. If you do the jeep safari, this will be in the morning and you can do a walk in the afternoon. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Drive to Stok; trek to Mankarmo
We leave Leh this morning and drive to the start point of our trek. The road follows the Indus River for a short while through Choglamsar before crossing the river and then climbing on a side road to Stok. We start trekking at the end of Stok village, taking an easy trail that winds up a spectacular valley. We follow the Stok River most of the way (and may have to cross it once or twice), with multi-coloured rocks towering above us as we ascend. The walking is easy and not steep; it takes five to six hours to reach our first camp at Mankarmo. Look for herds of blue sheep that graze on the hillsides here. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,200m)
Day 6 Cross the Matho La to Ganpoche
We cross our first pass today. The trail takes us gradually to the top of the pass, the Matho La, at 16,275ft (4,960m). The ascent is long but not too steep and, as we ascend, the views become more and more spectacular with the magnificent rock formations of the Ladakh mountains surrounding us. The dramatic mountains in various shades of purples, greens and browns can be seen for miles in every direction. From the pass, we descend easily to our campsite at Gangpoche, which is located by some shepherd huts, with views up to the Matho mountains. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,780ft/4,400m)
Day 7 Cross the Shang La to Shang Phu
We leave camp and have a long climb to our second pass, the Shang La (16,240ft/4,950m). The trail climbs out of camp to a low ridge and then contours round and down into the next valley, from where we have a long but gentle climb to the pass. From the top, we are greeted with more fantastic views of the Matho range to the north. We then descend into the valley below and camp near shepherd houses at Shang Phu. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,347ft/4,373m)
Day 8 Cross the Gyuncho La to Chuskurmo
Another day, another pass! This morning, we turn into a side valley to the right and climb through barren landscape to the Gyuncho La (15,479ft/4,718m). Descending a short way, we cross a stream and then climb up again to a second col at 15,397ft (4,693m). We now descend on a rocky trail into a large barren valley that brings us down to Chokdo village, which is on the Markha Valley trek. We arrive in a spectacular gorge with wonderful, purple-coloured rocks. Our camp tonight is close to the village. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,795ft/3,900m)
Day 9 Cross the Gongmaru La to Nimaling
We have a tough day as we cross our highest pass yet. The trail follows a small stream as we climb, tracking the riverbed and sometimes climbing above it. Wonderful multi-coloured mountains surround us as we head to the pass. The final ascent zig zags steeply up a barren slope and we finally reach the string of prayer flags that marks the top of the Gongmaru La (17,178ft/5,236m). From the pass, we are rewarded with views down to Nimaling and across to the Indian Himalaya and the Ladakh range. The most prominent peak is Kang Yangtse (20,997ft/6,400m), the highest in the Ladakh mountains, and we can pick out Dzo Jongo across the valley if it’s clear. It’s an easy descent to our camp at Nimaling. During summer, shepherds bring their sheep, goats and dzos to graze on the high-altitude pasture. The shepherds stay in stone shelters close to the grazing area for the whole summer and we can often buy yoghurt or local cheese from them. In the evenings, the animals are brought down from the hills and it is quite usual to have a lot of them wandering through the campsite. Look after your food! Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 15,925ft/4,854m)
Day 10 Trek to Dzo Jongo Base Camp, ascend Vatseri Peak (5,640m)
Today we ascend our warm-up peak. Vatseri (18,503ft / 5,640m) requires no technical skills and it’s an easily graded trail to the summit. The altitude makes it a tough walk but the views from the top make it all worthwhile. On a clear day, we can see Dzo Jongo East and West across the valley plus many other peaks. The trail is indistinct today and we descend on a rocky trail towards our base camp, home for the next three nights. Please note, Vatseri Peak is optional and we have several choices of hikes depending on weather and ability. Your leader will assess the conditions and discuss with you the best options on the day. The trekking crew walk directly to base camp from Nimaling, which is 1.9mi (3km) and takes two hours. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
Day 11 Rest and acclimatisation day at base camp
After the exertions of yesterday, we have a day of acclimatisation at base camp. In the morning, we can have a short walk up the valley to see tomorrow’s trail and admire the scenery or we can walk to a glacial lake at the end of the valley. In the afternoon, we get the climbing gear out, check everything and prepare our backpacks for tomorrow. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
Day 12 Climb Dzo Jongo East
Today is summit day and starts with a very early wake-up (around 12:30am). After a quick breakfast, we set off with our headtorches (head lamps). We walk a short way up the main valley before turning into a steep gully to the right. We climb very steeply up the gully, passing a glacier on our right, and emerge onto an easy-angled slope, which leads us to a fine ridge that we follow to the top. Sometimes there is snow and, depending on conditions, we may need to use our ice axe and crampons. We should not have to rope up, but we carry a rope just in case. The summit ridge is long but technically easy. It is rocky; good balance and a head for heights are needed. There is no path and you need to have experience of scrambling on rough rocks. A small group of prayer flags marks the top with views of the Zanskar mountains and north to the Karakorum and the mountains in Tibet. We then descend slowly to base camp for a celebration. The climb is entirely optional. There is a great alternative walk further up the valley to a small glacial lake for anyone not wanting to attempt it. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 16,735ft/5,100m)
Day 13 Cross the Lalung La and Chaksang La to Riyul Sumdo
We leave base camp this morning and head towards the Manali to Leh highway through a remote valley, where we are unlikely to meet other trekkers. The trail climbs away from the base camp to the Lalung La (17,455ft/5,320m), where we get wonderful views looking back to Dzo Jongo and Kang Yangste peaks. From the top we contour round the valley to the Chaksang La (17,060ft/ 5,200m). Descending from the pass the path contours gently round and down the valley before turning right into a side valley where we soon reach our camp at Riyal Sumdo. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 14,765ft/4,500m)
Day 14 Trek to Lato; drive to Leh
The last two hours of our trek take us further down this beautiful valley with a few river crossings, before we emerge at the green fields of Lato village and the main Manali to Leh road. We say goodbye to our ponymen and camp crew before driving back to Leh. The drive follows the Kyamur River until it meets the Indus River at Upshi. We follow the main road back into Leh and the comforts of a hot shower at our hotel. We should get to Leh for lunch and the rest of the day is free for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in the bazaars. Accommodation: Glacier View Hotel/Hotel Chubi (or similar)
Day 15 Fly to Delhi
We fly from Leh to Delhi and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing and your leader can advise on what to do. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Day 16 End Delhi
The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more adventure, consider joining our five-day Golden Triangle extension. Encompassing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the trip is a whirlwind of culture, taking in the Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Akbar and much more.
