Dear Travelers: We invite you to join us as we explore Kashmir and Ladakh in 2015! These striking neighbors lie in the western Himalaya and offer a fascinating cultural and geographical contrast. The Vale of  Kashmir is encircled by the Himalaya and the Pir Panjal Range. Its productive lakes, fertile croplands, and mountain forests gave Kashmir a reputation among the Moghul kings as the nearest place to paradise on earth. Ladakh is a trans-Himalayan kingdom that retains a strong Tibetan Buddhist identity. The valleys of Ladakh are alpine deserts, watered by glacial melt. Surrounding peaks, nearly naked of vegetation, display an astonishing geology. Inhabited places are irrigated islands of green—grain fields, poplars, and orchards of delicious apricots—in a dry landscape. The city of Leh is a bustling commercial hub; surrounding settlements are bucolic. Kashmir has long been legendary as the destination of travelers from India and beyond. Security concerns effectively closed Kashmir in the 1980’s and it remained so for a generation. Recently, the security situation has improved considerably and travelers are beginning to return to this area. Srinagar, the center of Kashmir, is like no other place in the Himalayan realm. It remains largely unchanged from the middle decades of the 20th Century—most of the buildings in the downtown are old wooden structures. The call to prayer can be heard simultaneously from dozens of mosques. The Islamic tradition of Kashmir is strong, but includes many local characteristics, beautiful art work,

Trip Fee: $5,495 per person twin share (plus air $1,495 from Newark to Delhi, RT).Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; group airport transfers; group in-tour flights; accommodations twin share; all meals except Day 2 and Day 13; entrance fees; tips to local guides and drivers; baggage handling; leadership, administration.Expedition Fee Does Not Include:Air fare (quoted separately); independent transfers; dinner Day 2 and lunch and dinner Day 13; gratuity to expedition leader; personal items such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks; personal insurance, or foreign airport departure taxes.What to Expect: This expedition is for travelers who would like to explore Kashmir and Ladakh with an excellent naturalist and local guide. This trip is a rich cultural and natural history experience with great opportunities for scenic photography in the pristine beauty of Kashmir and spectacular mountain landscapes of Ladakh. The group will travel from 4 to 6 hours in SUV’s several days on winding Himalayan mountain roads, up over 5,000 meter passes two days, with village visits and photography stops en route. Walks will be at a leisurely pace suitable for discovery and photography (good quality hiking boots are recommended). It will be late summer with midday temperatures in the 80’s in Srinigar with some rain. In Ladakh, temperatures will be warm to chilly at the high elevations and cold at night. Nights are spent at 11,000 feet or lower. The expedition will be a tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for adventure who would enjoy this rare opportunity to explore Kashmir & Ladakh! We’ll have a grand adventure of discovery. (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or meals please.) 

COSTS & CONDITIONSAir Fare & Airline Ticketing: Please phone Taunya at Betchart Expeditions, (800) 252-4910 for information about the group flights from Newark to Delhi on United Airlines. AIR FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL TICKETED.Accommodations: Are twin share in lovely houseboats in Kashmir, and in excellent first class hotels and a comfortable permanent tent camp in Ladakh. Limited single accommo-dations are available for a supplement of $895.Reservations, Deposits, & Payments: Please mail a deposit of $500 per person with the completed reservation form to: Kashmir & Ladakh 2015, Betchart Expeditions Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435The balance is due 60 days before departure.Questions: Please call Betchart Expeditions Inc.

Telephone: (800) 252 4910 (USA)  or (408) 252 4910 (International)

Fax:  (408) 252 1444Email:  Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com

Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit is refund-able up to 60 days before departure less a handling fee of 

$100 per person. There is no refund after the 60-day period unless your place is resold, then only the $100 per person handling fee is withheld. There are no refunds for unused meals or other expedition features.

KASHMIR & LADAKHAugust 29–September 10, 2015

FIRST CLASS

AAAS Travels ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Kashmir & LadakhAugust 29–

September 10, 2015

bright paisley patterns, classic Moghul gardens, and a Sufi-influenced paper-mache veneer on buildings of deodar cedar. Lifestyles of the farmers and lakeside dwellers remain very traditional. Dal Lake and Naseen Lake make up the heart and soul of Srinagar, and houseboats are the preferred accommodation for visitors, a tradition that dates back more than a century to a time during the British Raj when the policies of the Kashmiri kings discouraged British construction on land. The best houseboats are opulent, lovingly main-tained by their owners over several generations, with guest registers that date back nearly a century. Each contains several individual, bedroom-sized cabins. The journey from Kashmir to Ladakh is a spectacular ecological transition, taking the traveler from well-

watered temperate forests—fields of saffron and rice—across Zoji La Pass to alpine expanses where rain is infrequent. Here in the upper reaches of the Indus River, spectacular high mountain geology is the first thing you notice. Mountains seem impossiblysteep, sheered and stratified on their sides, colored by minerals in various shades of red and yellow.

On second glance, you notice the human presence: the highland farmers of Ladakh are of Tibetan descent. They water their crops and their apricot orchards with glacial melt and practice a distinctive type of tantric Buddhism, heavily influenced by Tibet, with some Indo-European influence.

Ladakh is one of the few places in the Tibetan cultural region that has not been affected by cultural upheaval in recent decades. Consequently, the monasteries and religious traditions are largely intact, and the social fabric remains extremely strong. They show great devotion to their monastic tradition, and the monasteries welcome visitors.

Our program will begin with a short flight from Delhi to Srinagar where we will spend three nights on a houseboat. Then we will drive over Zoji La Pass, breaking our journey with overnight stops in Kargil and Alchi before continuing on to Leh, the cultural heartland of Ladakh. We will have two nights in Leh, then cross Kardung La Pass to the Nupra Valley where

we will spend one night in the town of Diskit in the Nupra Valley, before returning over another pass for a final night in Leh.

The passes we will cross are some of the highest motorable roads anywhere in the world, and they give us not only eye-to-eye views of glaciated peaks, but a look at the highly evolved Himalayan alpine flora.

Our visits to the highest elevations will be brief. We will over night at the town of Leh which is comparable in elevation to Lhasa, Tibet, at about 11,500 feet; Diskit is some what lower.

Our itinerary includes a visit to three Tibetan Buddhist monasteries—Alchi, Thiksey, and Hemis—which are among the world’s most beautiful and significant.

Our visits to these sites will be enriched greatly by an articulate, humble, extremely knowledgeable scholar-guide, a suburb interpreter of Tibetan Buddhism.

We invite you to join us as we explore Kashmir & Ladakh in 2015!Sincerely,

Chris Carpenter, Ph.D. Expedition Leader

Dear Travelers: We invite you to join us as we explore Kashmir and Ladakh in 2015! These striking neighbors lie in the western Himalaya and offer a fascinating cultural and geographical contrast. The Vale of  Kashmir is encircled by the Himalaya and the Pir Panjal Range. Its productive lakes, fertile croplands, and mountain forests gave Kashmir a reputation among the Moghul kings as the nearest place to paradise on earth. Ladakh is a trans-Himalayan kingdom that retains a strong Tibetan Buddhist identity. The valleys of Ladakh are alpine deserts, watered by glacial melt. Surrounding peaks, nearly naked of vegetation, display an astonishing geology. Inhabited places are irrigated islands of green—grain fields, poplars, and orchards of delicious apricots—in a dry landscape. The city of Leh is a bustling commercial hub; surrounding settlements are bucolic. Kashmir has long been legendary as the destination of travelers from India and beyond. Security concerns effectively closed Kashmir in the 1980’s and it remained so for a generation. Recently, the security situation has improved considerably and travelers are beginning to return to this area. Srinagar, the center of Kashmir, is like no other place in the Himalayan realm. It remains largely unchanged from the middle decades of the 20th Century—most of the buildings in the downtown are old wooden structures. The call to prayer can be heard simultaneously from dozens of mosques. The Islamic tradition of Kashmir is strong, but includes many local characteristics, beautiful art work,

Trip Fee: $5,495 per person twin share (plus air $1,495 from Newark to Delhi, RT).Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; group airport transfers; group in-tour flights; accommodations twin share; all meals except Day 2 and Day 13; entrance fees; tips to local guides and drivers; baggage handling; leadership, administration.Expedition Fee Does Not Include:Air fare (quoted separately); independent transfers; dinner Day 2 and lunch and dinner Day 13; gratuity to expedition leader; personal items such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks; personal insurance, or foreign airport departure taxes.What to Expect: This expedition is for travelers who would like to explore Kashmir and Ladakh with an excellent naturalist and local guide. This trip is a rich cultural and natural history experience with great opportunities for scenic photography in the pristine beauty of Kashmir and spectacular mountain landscapes of Ladakh. The group will travel from 4 to 6 hours in SUV’s several days on winding Himalayan mountain roads, up over 5,000 meter passes two days, with village visits and photography stops en route. Walks will be at a leisurely pace suitable for discovery and photography (good quality hiking boots are recommended). It will be late summer with midday temperatures in the 80’s in Srinigar with some rain. In Ladakh, temperatures will be warm to chilly at the high elevations and cold at night. Nights are spent at 11,000 feet or lower. The expedition will be a tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for adventure who would enjoy this rare opportunity to explore Kashmir & Ladakh! We’ll have a grand adventure of discovery. (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or meals please.) 

COSTS & CONDITIONSAir Fare & Airline Ticketing: Please phone Taunya at Betchart Expeditions, (800) 252-4910 for information about the group flights from Newark to Delhi on United Airlines. AIR FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL TICKETED.Accommodations: Are twin share in lovely houseboats in Kashmir, and in excellent first class hotels and a comfortable permanent tent camp in Ladakh. Limited single accommo-dations are available for a supplement of $895.Reservations, Deposits, & Payments: Please mail a deposit of $500 per person with the completed reservation form to: Kashmir & Ladakh 2015, Betchart Expeditions Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435The balance is due 60 days before departure.Questions: Please call Betchart Expeditions Inc.

Telephone: (800) 252 4910 (USA)  or (408) 252 4910 (International)

Fax:  (408) 252 1444Email:  Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com

Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit is refund-able up to 60 days before departure less a handling fee of 

$100 per person. There is no refund after the 60-day period unless your place is resold, then only the $100 per person handling fee is withheld. There are no refunds for unused meals or other expedition features.

KASHMIR & LADAKHAugust 29–September 10, 2015

FIRST CLASS

AAAS Travels ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Kashmir & LadakhAugust 29–

September 10, 2015

bright paisley patterns, classic Moghul gardens, and a Sufi-influenced paper-mache veneer on buildings of deodar cedar. Lifestyles of the farmers and lakeside dwellers remain very traditional. Dal Lake and Naseen Lake make up the heart and soul of Srinagar, and houseboats are the preferred accommodation for visitors, a tradition that dates back more than a century to a time during the British Raj when the policies of the Kashmiri kings discouraged British construction on land. The best houseboats are opulent, lovingly main-tained by their owners over several generations, with guest registers that date back nearly a century. Each contains several individual, bedroom-sized cabins. The journey from Kashmir to Ladakh is a spectacular ecological transition, taking the traveler from well-

watered temperate forests—fields of saffron and rice—across Zoji La Pass to alpine expanses where rain is infrequent. Here in the upper reaches of the Indus River, spectacular high mountain geology is the first thing you notice. Mountains seem impossiblysteep, sheered and stratified on their sides, colored by minerals in various shades of red and yellow.

On second glance, you notice the human presence: the highland farmers of Ladakh are of Tibetan descent. They water their crops and their apricot orchards with glacial melt and practice a distinctive type of tantric Buddhism, heavily influenced by Tibet, with some Indo-European influence.

Ladakh is one of the few places in the Tibetan cultural region that has not been affected by cultural upheaval in recent decades. Consequently, the monasteries and religious traditions are largely intact, and the social fabric remains extremely strong. They show great devotion to their monastic tradition, and the monasteries welcome visitors.

Our program will begin with a short flight from Delhi to Srinagar where we will spend three nights on a houseboat. Then we will drive over Zoji La Pass, breaking our journey with overnight stops in Kargil and Alchi before continuing on to Leh, the cultural heartland of Ladakh. We will have two nights in Leh, then cross Kardung La Pass to the Nupra Valley where

we will spend one night in the town of Diskit in the Nupra Valley, before returning over another pass for a final night in Leh.

The passes we will cross are some of the highest motorable roads anywhere in the world, and they give us not only eye-to-eye views of glaciated peaks, but a look at the highly evolved Himalayan alpine flora.

Our visits to the highest elevations will be brief. We will over night at the town of Leh which is comparable in elevation to Lhasa, Tibet, at about 11,500 feet; Diskit is some what lower.

Our itinerary includes a visit to three Tibetan Buddhist monasteries—Alchi, Thiksey, and Hemis—which are among the world’s most beautiful and significant.

Our visits to these sites will be enriched greatly by an articulate, humble, extremely knowledgeable scholar-guide, a suburb interpreter of Tibetan Buddhism.

We invite you to join us as we explore Kashmir & Ladakh in 2015!Sincerely,

Chris Carpenter, Ph.D. Expedition Leader

Sincerely,

Chris Carpenter, Ph.D.

Day 1 USA to Delhi  Depart from Newark or other airports for Delhi. Arrive Delhi in the late afternoon or evening on Day 2. Transfer to Hotel.Day 2 Delhi  Morning at leisure to get acquainted with the festivity and color of New Delhi. Welcome lunch and trip orientation. Then enjoy an afternoon exploration of the city, including Humayun’s Tomb (called the predecessor to the Taj Mahal) and Qutb Minar, one of the perfect towers of the Persian Islamic mosque. Also see the Embassy area, Government Building, and Birla Temple. Evening at leisure, B,LDay 3 Delhi to Kashmir  Morning flight Delhi to Srinagar, Kashmir. On arrival, we will drive from the airport through Srinagar to the shore of Nagin lake, joined to Dal Lake. Here we will be rowed to our Houseboats (3 nights) in traditional Shikara vessels. Each houseboat has 4 to 5 room-sized cabins, and the group will share a common dinner on one of the vessels. Afternoon visit to the Moghul Garden Nishat Bagh. B,L,DDay 4 Srinigar  Morning walking tour of old Srinigar, along the banks of the Jhelum River. Places of special interest include a Sufi mosque and traditional market areas. 

The bazaars of Srinagar are still comprised mainly of wood buildings of a style that has disappeared almost entirely in other parts of the Himalayan world. After lunch, there will be some free time for snoozing or bird watching from the roof of the houseboat. Late afternoon excursion on Dal Lake by traditional Shakar Boat. B,L,DDay 5 The Vale of Kashmir  Today, we will have an excursion in the valley of Kashmir. Visit a local village with a journey in the wooded countryside. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet people and learn about the traditional life style and children’s schools, all in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. Return to our houseboats for dinner. B,L,DDay 6 Kargil  Early morning departure for the town of Kargil. En route, we will climb over Zoji La, a 4800 meter pass, and see Dass village, which has some of the deepest snow and coldest winter temperatures of any place in India. We will travel in SUV’s. Arrive Kargil late afternoon. Zojila Residency. B,L,DDay 7 Kargil to Alchi, Ladakh  Today, we will drive Kargil to Ladakh, joining the Indus River valley en route. This is a tremendously scenic journey, with stops at Gyal Village and Lamayuru Monastery. Near Gyal is an exquisite Buddha Image from the early centuries AD, carved into a rock overlooking a route that has been used by travelers for millennia. Gyal Village is a spectacu-lar place, built into cliffs like a pueblo and looking out across a poplar-filled valley to some of the 

most beautiful mountains you can imagine. Our destination today is the Ule Ethnic Resort, a fully appointed tented-camp that over-looks the Indus River. Ule Ethnic Resort. B,L,DDay 8 Alchi to Leh  This morning we will visit Alchi Monastery, which holds beautiful, well-preserved frescoes more than a thousand years old, replete with Indo-European influences and scenes of vernacular life. After lunch at the Alchi Monastery, we will continue on to Leh, with stops at villages along the way. Arrive Leh late-afternoon. Visit Leh Bazaar. Grand Dragon Hotel or Sabu Resort (2 nights). B,L,DDay 9 Thiksay & Hemis Monasteries  Morning visits to Thiksay and Hemis Monasteries. A sunrise visit to Thiksey is well-rewarded by monks who play their long horns from the roof of the monastery at sunrise. Afterwards, monks chant in the assembly hall, and we will have an opportunity 

to sit for part of the ritual chanting post-sunrise. We will continue on to Hemis, another important monas-tery. Hemis is isolated in a side valley, nearly invisible to the outside world. But it is large and profoundly important. After lunch, we will visit Nakhi, a hostelry for children, many of them orphans, who live in remote parts of  Ladakh. Though it is run by 

Yes! I/we want to join the Kashmir & Ladakh Expedition, August 29–September 10, 2015, offered by AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi & ACS Expeditions. Please reserve ______ space(s). As a deposit, I/we enclose a check for $______________ ($500 per person) payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account.

Name(s)  _______________________________________  Age_________

_______________________________________  Age_________

Address  _____________________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ____ Zip ____________

Phone:  Home  (________) ______________________________________

Work   (________) ______________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________

Membership:  ___ AAAS  ___ Sigma Xi  ___ ACS  ___ Planetary Society

Accommodations Preference:___ Twin  ___ Single  Twin Share:  ___ with a friend or

  ___ Nonsmoker    ___ Smoker  ___ assign a roommate

Signature  ___________________________________ Date ____________

Signature ___________________________________ Date ____________

  Please Mail To:   Kashmir & Ladakh 2015Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

RESERVATIONS #1377

a Buddhist lama, its purpose is to provide children, who would other wise be compelled by economic need to join the monastery, to receive a secular education so they can make an independent decision about their spiritual orientation after they have grown up. Possible cultural program this evening. B,L,DDay 10 Disket & Nupra Valley  From Leh, we will ascend Kardung La. The summit of this pass is 5,300 m elevation, and it is reputed to be the highest motorable road in the world. Nupra Valley is especially interesting because it is located near the Line of Control between Indian and Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, and it’s not far from the Chinese border either. Being militarily sensitive, this entire valley and the powerful Shyok River that drains it, was until recently closed to foreigners. On arrival in Nupra Valley, we may visit the scenic village of  Hunder, and have the option to ride camels on dunes that have formed from blown river sand. Overnight in Disket. Shen Dal Hotel. B,L,DDay 11 Nupra Valley to Leh  This morning, we will follow the Shyok River upstream through an alpine desert, then climb into a meadowed tributary valley where people farm grain irrigated with glacial melt water. Plump marmots are abundant here, and near the top of  Wori Pass (5,150 m), we may see the last of the season’s alpine wildflowers in bloom, strangely evolved Saussurea “snow lotus”, Silene and Monk’s Hood among others. Descend to Leh, following an exceptionally scenic route through the high elevation farming village of Targay. Return to Leh. Farewell dinner in celebration of our adventure! Grand Dragon Hotel. B,L,DDays 12/13 Leh to Delhi & USA  Return flight to Delhi this morning, with international flights this evening. Arrive in the USA on Day 13. B

Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, and the American Chemical Society (ACS) act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transpor tation and hotels, and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor coach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates pro vide for arrange ments only for the time stated. We reserve the right to substitute another leader of similar expertise or reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any per son as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrange ments are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance.

©2014 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved. Photos courtesy of Chris Carpenter and ___________Map by April Milne.  CST# 2036304-40

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RESPONSIBILITYLEADERSHIP

Leading this expedition will be Dr. Chris Carpenter. Chris has been a popular leader of expeditions for Betchart in Asia since 1994 including trips to Tibet, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, and Indonesia. When he’s not leading Betchart trips, Chris works as a leader for programs in biology and environmental science for the Wildlands Studies Program at UC Monterey. In connection with this work, he leads university field studies courses in Thailand, China, and the Himalayan region. Chris has lived and done research in Asia for years, and recently returned from exploring Kashmir and Ladakh. He looks forward to sharing the spectacular landscapes and fascinating cultures of Kashmir and Ladakh with you.

ITINERARY

Day 1 USA to Delhi  Depart from Newark or other airports for Delhi. Arrive Delhi in the late afternoon or evening on Day 2. Transfer to Hotel.Day 2 Delhi  Morning at leisure to get acquainted with the festivity and color of New Delhi. Welcome lunch and trip orientation. Then enjoy an afternoon exploration of the city, including Humayun’s Tomb (called the predecessor to the Taj Mahal) and Qutb Minar, one of the perfect towers of the Persian Islamic mosque. Also see the Embassy area, Government Building, and Birla Temple. Evening at leisure, B,LDay 3 Delhi to Kashmir  Morning flight Delhi to Srinagar, Kashmir. On arrival, we will drive from the airport through Srinagar to the shore of Nagin lake, joined to Dal Lake. Here we will be rowed to our Houseboats (3 nights) in traditional Shikara vessels. Each houseboat has 4 to 5 room-sized cabins, and the group will share a common dinner on one of the vessels. Afternoon visit to the Moghul Garden Nishat Bagh. B,L,DDay 4 Srinigar  Morning walking tour of old Srinigar, along the banks of the Jhelum River. Places of special interest include a Sufi mosque and traditional market areas. 

The bazaars of Srinagar are still comprised mainly of wood buildings of a style that has disappeared almost entirely in other parts of the Himalayan world. After lunch, there will be some free time for snoozing or bird watching from the roof of the houseboat. Late afternoon excursion on Dal Lake by traditional Shakar Boat. B,L,DDay 5 The Vale of Kashmir  Today, we will have an excursion in the valley of Kashmir. Visit a local village with a journey in the wooded countryside. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet people and learn about the traditional life style and children’s schools, all in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. Return to our houseboats for dinner. B,L,DDay 6 Kargil  Early morning departure for the town of Kargil. En route, we will climb over Zoji La, a 4800 meter pass, and see Dass village, which has some of the deepest snow and coldest winter temperatures of any place in India. We will travel in SUV’s. Arrive Kargil late afternoon. Zojila Residency. B,L,DDay 7 Kargil to Alchi, Ladakh  Today, we will drive Kargil to Ladakh, joining the Indus River valley en route. This is a tremendously scenic journey, with stops at Gyal Village and Lamayuru Monastery. Near Gyal is an exquisite Buddha Image from the early centuries AD, carved into a rock overlooking a route that has been used by travelers for millennia. Gyal Village is a spectacu-lar place, built into cliffs like a pueblo and looking out across a poplar-filled valley to some of the 

most beautiful mountains you can imagine. Our destination today is the Ule Ethnic Resort, a fully appointed tented-camp that over-looks the Indus River. Ule Ethnic Resort. B,L,DDay 8 Alchi to Leh  This morning we will visit Alchi Monastery, which holds beautiful, well-preserved frescoes more than a thousand years old, replete with Indo-European influences and scenes of vernacular life. After lunch at the Alchi Monastery, we will continue on to Leh, with stops at villages along the way. Arrive Leh late-afternoon. Visit Leh Bazaar. Grand Dragon Hotel or Sabu Resort (2 nights). B,L,DDay 9 Thiksay & Hemis Monasteries  Morning visits to Thiksay and Hemis Monasteries. A sunrise visit to Thiksey is well-rewarded by monks who play their long horns from the roof of the monastery at sunrise. Afterwards, monks chant in the assembly hall, and we will have an opportunity 

to sit for part of the ritual chanting post-sunrise. We will continue on to Hemis, another important monas-tery. Hemis is isolated in a side valley, nearly invisible to the outside world. But it is large and profoundly important. After lunch, we will visit Nakhi, a hostelry for children, many of them orphans, who live in remote parts of  Ladakh. Though it is run by 

Yes! I/we want to join the Kashmir & Ladakh Expedition, August 29–September 10, 2015, offered by AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi & ACS Expeditions. Please reserve ______ space(s). As a deposit, I/we enclose a check for $______________ ($500 per person) payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account.

Name(s)  _______________________________________  Age_________

_______________________________________  Age_________

Address  _____________________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ____ Zip ____________

Phone:  Home  (________) ______________________________________

Work   (________) ______________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________

Membership:  ___ AAAS  ___ Sigma Xi  ___ ACS  ___ Planetary Society

Accommodations Preference:___ Twin  ___ Single  Twin Share:  ___ with a friend or

  ___ Nonsmoker    ___ Smoker  ___ assign a roommate

Signature  ___________________________________ Date ____________

Signature ___________________________________ Date ____________

  Please Mail To:   Kashmir & Ladakh 2015Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

RESERVATIONS #1377

a Buddhist lama, its purpose is to provide children, who would other wise be compelled by economic need to join the monastery, to receive a secular education so they can make an independent decision about their spiritual orientation after they have grown up. Possible cultural program this evening. B,L,DDay 10 Disket & Nupra Valley  From Leh, we will ascend Kardung La. The summit of this pass is 5,300 m elevation, and it is reputed to be the highest motorable road in the world. Nupra Valley is especially interesting because it is located near the Line of Control between Indian and Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, and it’s not far from the Chinese border either. Being militarily sensitive, this entire valley and the powerful Shyok River that drains it, was until recently closed to foreigners. On arrival in Nupra Valley, we may visit the scenic village of  Hunder, and have the option to ride camels on dunes that have formed from blown river sand. Overnight in Disket. Shen Dal Hotel. B,L,DDay 11 Nupra Valley to Leh  This morning, we will follow the Shyok River upstream through an alpine desert, then climb into a meadowed tributary valley where people farm grain irrigated with glacial melt water. Plump marmots are abundant here, and near the top of  Wori Pass (5,150 m), we may see the last of the season’s alpine wildflowers in bloom, strangely evolved Saussurea “snow lotus”, Silene and Monk’s Hood among others. Descend to Leh, following an exceptionally scenic route through the high elevation farming village of Targay. Return to Leh. Farewell dinner in celebration of our adventure! Grand Dragon Hotel. B,L,DDays 12/13 Leh to Delhi & USA  Return flight to Delhi this morning, with international flights this evening. Arrive in the USA on Day 13. B

Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, and the American Chemical Society (ACS) act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transpor tation and hotels, and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor coach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates pro vide for arrange ments only for the time stated. We reserve the right to substitute another leader of similar expertise or reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any per son as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrange ments are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance.

©2014 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved. Photos courtesy of Chris Carpenter and ___________Map by April Milne.  CST# 2036304-40

&SIG

MA X

I&AC

SExpeditionsTH

E SCIEN

TIFIC R

ESEAR

CH

SOC

IETY

RESPONSIBILITYLEADERSHIP

Leading this expedition will be Dr. Chris Carpenter. Chris has been a popular leader of expeditions for Betchart in Asia since 1994 including trips to Tibet, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, and Indonesia. When he’s not leading Betchart trips, Chris works as a leader for programs in biology and environmental science for the Wildlands Studies Program at UC Monterey. In connection with this work, he leads university field studies courses in Thailand, China, and the Himalayan region. Chris has lived and done research in Asia for years, and recently returned from exploring Kashmir and Ladakh. He looks forward to sharing the spectacular landscapes and fascinating cultures of Kashmir and Ladakh with you.

ITINERARY

Day 1 USA to Delhi  Depart from Newark or other airports for Delhi. Arrive Delhi in the late afternoon or evening on Day 2. Transfer to Hotel.Day 2 Delhi  Morning at leisure to get acquainted with the festivity and color of New Delhi. Welcome lunch and trip orientation. Then enjoy an afternoon exploration of the city, including Humayun’s Tomb (called the predecessor to the Taj Mahal) and Qutb Minar, one of the perfect towers of the Persian Islamic mosque. Also see the Embassy area, Government Building, and Birla Temple. Evening at leisure, B,LDay 3 Delhi to Kashmir  Morning flight Delhi to Srinagar, Kashmir. On arrival, we will drive from the airport through Srinagar to the shore of Nagin lake, joined to Dal Lake. Here we will be rowed to our Houseboats (3 nights) in traditional Shikara vessels. Each houseboat has 4 to 5 room-sized cabins, and the group will share a common dinner on one of the vessels. Afternoon visit to the Moghul Garden Nishat Bagh. B,L,DDay 4 Srinigar  Morning walking tour of old Srinigar, along the banks of the Jhelum River. Places of special interest include a Sufi mosque and traditional market areas. 

The bazaars of Srinagar are still comprised mainly of wood buildings of a style that has disappeared almost entirely in other parts of the Himalayan world. After lunch, there will be some free time for snoozing or bird watching from the roof of the houseboat. Late afternoon excursion on Dal Lake by traditional Shakar Boat. B,L,DDay 5 The Vale of Kashmir  Today, we will have an excursion in the valley of Kashmir. Visit a local village with a journey in the wooded countryside. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet people and learn about the traditional life style and children’s schools, all in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. Return to our houseboats for dinner. B,L,DDay 6 Kargil  Early morning departure for the town of Kargil. En route, we will climb over Zoji La, a 4800 meter pass, and see Dass village, which has some of the deepest snow and coldest winter temperatures of any place in India. We will travel in SUV’s. Arrive Kargil late afternoon. Zojila Residency. B,L,DDay 7 Kargil to Alchi, Ladakh  Today, we will drive Kargil to Ladakh, joining the Indus River valley en route. This is a tremendously scenic journey, with stops at Gyal Village and Lamayuru Monastery. Near Gyal is an exquisite Buddha Image from the early centuries AD, carved into a rock overlooking a route that has been used by travelers for millennia. Gyal Village is a spectacu-lar place, built into cliffs like a pueblo and looking out across a poplar-filled valley to some of the 

most beautiful mountains you can imagine. Our destination today is the Ule Ethnic Resort, a fully appointed tented-camp that over-looks the Indus River. Ule Ethnic Resort. B,L,DDay 8 Alchi to Leh  This morning we will visit Alchi Monastery, which holds beautiful, well-preserved frescoes more than a thousand years old, replete with Indo-European influences and scenes of vernacular life. After lunch at the Alchi Monastery, we will continue on to Leh, with stops at villages along the way. Arrive Leh late-afternoon. Visit Leh Bazaar. Grand Dragon Hotel or Sabu Resort (2 nights). B,L,DDay 9 Thiksay & Hemis Monasteries  Morning visits to Thiksay and Hemis Monasteries. A sunrise visit to Thiksey is well-rewarded by monks who play their long horns from the roof of the monastery at sunrise. Afterwards, monks chant in the assembly hall, and we will have an opportunity 

to sit for part of the ritual chanting post-sunrise. We will continue on to Hemis, another important monas-tery. Hemis is isolated in a side valley, nearly invisible to the outside world. But it is large and profoundly important. After lunch, we will visit Nakhi, a hostelry for children, many of them orphans, who live in remote parts of  Ladakh. Though it is run by 

Yes! I/we want to join the Kashmir & Ladakh Expedition, August 29–September 10, 2015, offered by AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi & ACS Expeditions. Please reserve ______ space(s). As a deposit, I/we enclose a check for $______________ ($500 per person) payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account.

Name(s)  _______________________________________  Age_________

_______________________________________  Age_________

Address  _____________________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ____ Zip ____________

Phone:  Home  (________) ______________________________________

Work   (________) ______________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________

Membership:  ___ AAAS  ___ Sigma Xi  ___ ACS  ___ Planetary Society

Accommodations Preference:___ Twin  ___ Single  Twin Share:  ___ with a friend or

  ___ Nonsmoker    ___ Smoker  ___ assign a roommate

Signature  ___________________________________ Date ____________

Signature ___________________________________ Date ____________

  Please Mail To:   Kashmir & Ladakh 2015Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

RESERVATIONS #1377

a Buddhist lama, its purpose is to provide children, who would other wise be compelled by economic need to join the monastery, to receive a secular education so they can make an independent decision about their spiritual orientation after they have grown up. Possible cultural program this evening. B,L,DDay 10 Disket & Nupra Valley  From Leh, we will ascend Kardung La. The summit of this pass is 5,300 m elevation, and it is reputed to be the highest motorable road in the world. Nupra Valley is especially interesting because it is located near the Line of Control between Indian and Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, and it’s not far from the Chinese border either. Being militarily sensitive, this entire valley and the powerful Shyok River that drains it, was until recently closed to foreigners. On arrival in Nupra Valley, we may visit the scenic village of  Hunder, and have the option to ride camels on dunes that have formed from blown river sand. Overnight in Disket. Shen Dal Hotel. B,L,DDay 11 Nupra Valley to Leh  This morning, we will follow the Shyok River upstream through an alpine desert, then climb into a meadowed tributary valley where people farm grain irrigated with glacial melt water. Plump marmots are abundant here, and near the top of  Wori Pass (5,150 m), we may see the last of the season’s alpine wildflowers in bloom, strangely evolved Saussurea “snow lotus”, Silene and Monk’s Hood among others. Descend to Leh, following an exceptionally scenic route through the high elevation farming village of Targay. Return to Leh. Farewell dinner in celebration of our adventure! Grand Dragon Hotel. B,L,DDays 12/13 Leh to Delhi & USA  Return flight to Delhi this morning, with international flights this evening. Arrive in the USA on Day 13. B

Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, and the American Chemical Society (ACS) act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transpor tation and hotels, and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor coach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates pro vide for arrange ments only for the time stated. We reserve the right to substitute another leader of similar expertise or reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any per son as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrange ments are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance.

©2014 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved. Photos courtesy of Chris Carpenter and ___________Map by April Milne.  CST# 2036304-40

&SIG

MA X

I&AC

SExpeditionsTH

E SCIEN

TIFIC R

ESEAR

CH

SOC

IETY

RESPONSIBILITYLEADERSHIP

Leading this expedition will be Dr. Chris Carpenter. Chris has been a popular leader of expeditions for Betchart in Asia since 1994 including trips to Tibet, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, and Indonesia. When he’s not leading Betchart trips, Chris works as a leader for programs in biology and environmental science for the Wildlands Studies Program at UC Monterey. In connection with this work, he leads university field studies courses in Thailand, China, and the Himalayan region. Chris has lived and done research in Asia for years, and recently returned from exploring Kashmir and Ladakh. He looks forward to sharing the spectacular landscapes and fascinating cultures of Kashmir and Ladakh with you.

ITINERARY

Dear Travelers: We invite you to join us as we explore Kashmir and Ladakh in 2015! These striking neighbors lie in the western Himalaya and offer a fascinating cultural and geographical contrast. The Vale of  Kashmir is encircled by the Himalaya and the Pir Panjal Range. Its productive lakes, fertile croplands, and mountain forests gave Kashmir a reputation among the Moghul kings as the nearest place to paradise on earth. Ladakh is a trans-Himalayan kingdom that retains a strong Tibetan Buddhist identity. The valleys of Ladakh are alpine deserts, watered by glacial melt. Surrounding peaks, nearly naked of vegetation, display an astonishing geology. Inhabited places are irrigated islands of green—grain fields, poplars, and orchards of delicious apricots—in a dry landscape. The city of Leh is a bustling commercial hub; surrounding settlements are bucolic. Kashmir has long been legendary as the destination of travelers from India and beyond. Security concerns effectively closed Kashmir in the 1980’s and it remained so for a generation. Recently, the security situation has improved considerably and travelers are beginning to return to this area. Srinagar, the center of Kashmir, is like no other place in the Himalayan realm. It remains largely unchanged from the middle decades of the 20th Century—most of the buildings in the downtown are old wooden structures. The call to prayer can be heard simultaneously from dozens of mosques. The Islamic tradition of Kashmir is strong, but includes many local characteristics, beautiful art work,

Trip Fee: $5,495 per person twin share (plus air $1,495 from Newark to Delhi, RT).Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; group airport transfers; group in-tour flights; accommodations twin share; all meals except Day 2 and Day 13; entrance fees; tips to local guides and drivers; baggage handling; leadership, administration.Expedition Fee Does Not Include:Air fare (quoted separately); independent transfers; dinner Day 2 and lunch and dinner Day 13; gratuity to expedition leader; personal items such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks; personal insurance, or foreign airport departure taxes.What to Expect: This expedition is for travelers who would like to explore Kashmir and Ladakh with an excellent naturalist and local guide. This trip is a rich cultural and natural history experience with great opportunities for scenic photography in the pristine beauty of Kashmir and spectacular mountain landscapes of Ladakh. The group will travel from 4 to 6 hours in SUV’s several days on winding Himalayan mountain roads, up over 5,000 meter passes two days, with village visits and photography stops en route. Walks will be at a leisurely pace suitable for discovery and photography (good quality hiking boots are recommended). It will be late summer with midday temperatures in the 80’s in Srinigar with some rain. In Ladakh, temperatures will be warm to chilly at the high elevations and cold at night. Nights are spent at 11,000 feet or lower. The expedition will be a tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for adventure who would enjoy this rare opportunity to explore Kashmir & Ladakh! We’ll have a grand adventure of discovery. (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or meals please.) 

COSTS & CONDITIONSAir Fare & Airline Ticketing: Please phone Taunya at Betchart Expeditions, (800) 252-4910 for information about the group flights from Newark to Delhi on United Airlines. AIR FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL TICKETED.Accommodations: Are twin share in lovely houseboats in Kashmir, and in excellent first class hotels and a comfortable permanent tent camp in Ladakh. Limited single accommo-dations are available for a supplement of $895.Reservations, Deposits, & Payments: Please mail a deposit of $500 per person with the completed reservation form to: Kashmir & Ladakh 2015, Betchart Expeditions Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435The balance is due 60 days before departure.Questions: Please call Betchart Expeditions Inc.

Telephone: (800) 252 4910 (USA)  or (408) 252 4910 (International)

Fax:  (408) 252 1444Email:  Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com

Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit is refund-able up to 60 days before departure less a handling fee of 

$100 per person. There is no refund after the 60-day period unless your place is resold, then only the $100 per person handling fee is withheld. There are no refunds for unused meals or other expedition features.

KASHMIR & LADAKHAugust 29–September 10, 2015

FIRST CLASS

AAAS Travels ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Kashmir & LadakhAugust 29–

September 10, 2015

bright paisley patterns, classic Moghul gardens, and a Sufi-influenced paper-mache veneer on buildings of deodar cedar. Lifestyles of the farmers and lakeside dwellers remain very traditional. Dal Lake and Naseen Lake make up the heart and soul of Srinagar, and houseboats are the preferred accommodation for visitors, a tradition that dates back more than a century to a time during the British Raj when the policies of the Kashmiri kings discouraged British construction on land. The best houseboats are opulent, lovingly main-tained by their owners over several generations, with guest registers that date back nearly a century. Each contains several individual, bedroom-sized cabins. The journey from Kashmir to Ladakh is a spectacular ecological transition, taking the traveler from well-

watered temperate forests—fields of saffron and rice—across Zoji La Pass to alpine expanses where rain is infrequent. Here in the upper reaches of the Indus River, spectacular high mountain geology is the first thing you notice. Mountains seem impossiblysteep, sheered and stratified on their sides, colored by minerals in various shades of red and yellow.

On second glance, you notice the human presence: the highland farmers of Ladakh are of Tibetan descent. They water their crops and their apricot orchards with glacial melt and practice a distinctive type of tantric Buddhism, heavily influenced by Tibet, with some Indo-European influence.

Ladakh is one of the few places in the Tibetan cultural region that has not been affected by cultural upheaval in recent decades. Consequently, the monasteries and religious traditions are largely intact, and the social fabric remains extremely strong. They show great devotion to their monastic tradition, and the monasteries welcome visitors.

Our program will begin with a short flight from Delhi to Srinagar where we will spend three nights on a houseboat. Then we will drive over Zoji La Pass, breaking our journey with overnight stops in Kargil and Alchi before continuing on to Leh, the cultural heartland of Ladakh. We will have two nights in Leh, then cross Kardung La Pass to the Nupra Valley where

we will spend one night in the town of Diskit in the Nupra Valley, before returning over another pass for a final night in Leh.

The passes we will cross are some of the highest motorable roads anywhere in the world, and they give us not only eye-to-eye views of glaciated peaks, but a look at the highly evolved Himalayan alpine flora.

Our visits to the highest elevations will be brief. We will over night at the town of Leh which is comparable in elevation to Lhasa, Tibet, at about 11,500 feet; Diskit is some what lower.

Our itinerary includes a visit to three Tibetan Buddhist monasteries—Alchi, Thiksey, and Hemis—which are among the world’s most beautiful and significant.

Our visits to these sites will be enriched greatly by an articulate, humble, extremely knowledgeable scholar-guide, a suburb interpreter of Tibetan Buddhism.

We invite you to join us as we explore Kashmir & Ladakh in 2015!Sincerely,

Chris Carpenter, Ph.D. Expedition Leader