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Living in -30 Degrees
Trek 321m

Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days Location: Drass & Leh, Ladakh

Difficulty Level: Average

“A 7-day, 6-night winter survival journey through Drass — the second coldest inhabited place on Earth — and the cold desert of Leh. From war memorials and frozen rivers to Zojila Pass, Thanda More, Mushkoh Valley, and icy watershed walks, this expedition blends history, culture, and Arctic-style adventure at –30°C under the leadership of Alpha 01.”

Experience Overview: 

This expedition takes you into the frozen heart of Ladakh — from Drass, the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, to the stark cold desert of Leh. In January, temperatures often plunge to –30°C, creating a world that feels almost Arctic: rivers freeze solid, giant icicles hang from cliffs, and valleys turn into white deserts of snow and silence. Over seven days, you will walk on icy watersheds, trek through war-scarred mountains, and test your limits at Thanda More — where boiling water freezes mid-air in seconds. You’ll drive across the legendary Zojila Pass, explore Mushkoh Valley, experience local ice hockey matches, and witness starlit skies untouched by pollution.

But this journey is not only about landscapes — it’s about stories. From the Kargil War Memorial to conversations around the fire, every day is woven with the history of soldiers, porters, and locals who endured unimaginable winters in these mountains. More than travel, this is a rare chance to live survival itself — to feel, adapt, and thrive in the wildest cold imaginable.

Total Cost Per Person
USD $1,325/€1,222 EUR
₹1,10,000​

(Based on Single Occupancy, Min Group of 4)

Tour Leadership

Your expedition will be led by Aby Aneja — known as Alpha 01 in the Being Alive community. A film director in the segment of adventure and sports and a high-altitude athlete, Aby has spent the past several years living, filming, and surviving winters in Ladakh, working in extreme conditions where temperatures often fall below –20°C to –30°C.

As Alpha 01, he represents the Being Alive ethos of leadership, resilience, and storytelling. The “Alpha” stands for the first into the wild, the one who leads from the front, while “01” marks the beginning of a growing tribe of explorers who carry the spirit forward. Aby has directed films and survival shoots in Drass and Leh, walked frozen valleys, and spent countless nights in high-altitude camps, gaining firsthand knowledge of what it takes to thrive — not just survive — in Ladakh’s wild winters.

On this journey, participants benefit from:

  • Local War-History Storytelling — Aby has walked the ridges of Tololing and Mushkoh Valley, gathering stories of the 1999 Kargil War from soldiers and porters, and brings them to life along the actual battle trails.

  • Winter Survival Knowledge — from layering systems and hydration in sub-zero cold to techniques for movement and rest at –30°C.

  • Adventure Community Leadership — as the founder of Being Alive, Aby curates expeditions that blend history, survival, and community, offering more than tourism: a culture of shared challenge.

  • Creative & Athletic Edge — as a sports filmmaker and high-altitude athlete, Aby combines cinematic vision with the physical discipline of training, trekking, and surviving in extreme cold, ensuring the expedition is both well-led and well-lived.

With Alpha 01 at the helm, this isn’t just a Ladakh trip — it’s an immersive survival story, guided by someone who has lived the winters, directed the stories, and trained as an athlete in the same mountains.

Mission Overview:

Day 1 – Into Drass

  • Morning: Early departure by taxi (from Leh or Srinagar – included in cost). Arrive Drass by noon.

  • Afternoon: Guided visit to Kargil War Memorial, stories of Operation Vijay (1999).

  • Evening: LC Road & Watershed Tour — exploring frozen riverbeds and snow formations.

  • Stay: 99inn Guest House (twin-sharing). Dinner & community conversations about the Kargil War.

 
Day 2 – Goshan Valley, Zojila & Mushkoh Tour

  • Morning: Excursion to Goshan Valley, one of Ladakh’s most scenic winter landscapes.

  • Afternoon: Drive up towards Zojila Pass (11,649 ft) via local taxi (included in cost). Experience the snowbound high-altitude gateway between Ladakh and Kashmir.

  • Late Afternoon: Mushkoh Valley Tour — snow-laden meadows, frozen streams, and significant 1999 war-history sites.

  • Evening: Attend a local ice hockey match (subject to schedule). Screening of Indian Army War Documentary.

  • Stay: 99inn Guest House.

 
Day 3 – Thanda More & Frozen Watershed Walk

  • Morning: Visit Thanda More, one of the coldest spots in Drass, where temperatures often dip below -30°C. Experience the dramatic hot water freezing in the air challenge — a true Arctic-style activity.

  • Afternoon: Frozen watershed walk, exploring icy riverbeds and marveling at massive giant icicles. Dedicated time for photography at the icicles and frozen landscapes.

  • Evening: Adventure Movie Night — warm indoors, screening of survival and exploration films to end the day on an inspiring note.

  • Stay: 99inn Guest House.

 
Day 4 – Tesar Spang Trek & Starry Skies

  • Morning: Trek to Tesar Spang (~321m altitude gain), overlooking Tololing PT 5140 & Sando Top. Guided storytelling about 1999 battles fought on these ridges.

  • Afternoon: Explore Kutial Village – tree tunnel walk, frozen riverbeds, snow-beach ice dips at Watakool.

  • Evening: Butter tea & snacks, followed by Astro Night (stargazing, Mars spotting if skies are clear).

  • Stay: 99inn Guest House.

 
Day 5 – Back to Leh via Moonland

  • Morning: Depart Drass, winter drive via Lamayuru.

  • Afternoon: Moonland tour at Lamayuru’s lunar terrain.

  • Evening: Arrive in Leh, hotel check-in & evening walk in Leh Market.

  • Stay: Hotel in Leh.

 
Day 6 – Leh Sightseeing

  • Morning: Explore Leh Palace, overlooking the old town and offering sweeping views of the winter mountains.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Hall of Fame Museum, honoring Ladakhi heritage and the stories of the Indian Army.

  • Evening: Shanti Stupa sunset tour, with panoramic views of snow-blanketed Leh under fading light.

  • Stay: Hotel in Leh.

 
Day 7 – Departure

  • Morning: Closing reflections & farewell circle on “Living Below Freezing.”

  • Fly out from Leh.

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers (Leh Airport – both arrival & departure)

  • All local transport, including taxi from Leh or Srinagar to Drass (Day 1) and return Drass → Leh

  • Transport for Zojila Pass Tour (Day 2) (local taxi included)

  • Accommodation:

  • 99inn Guest House, Drass (twin-sharing basis, heated rooms where available)

  • Hotel in Leh (twin-sharing basis, winterized rooms)

  • All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 dinner (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee)

  • Experienced tour leader: Aby Aneja (Alpha 01)

  • Local guides & support staff in Drass and Leh

  • Entry fees at Kargil War Memorial, Hall of Fame Museum, and Leh Palace

  • Evening activities: Astro Night, Adventure Movie Night, Cultural exchanges

  • Winter camping gear where applicable (insulated tents, sleeping bags rated for –30°C, mats)

  • First aid kit, oxygen cylinder backup for emergencies
    ​

Exclusions

  • Flights to/from Leh or Srinagar

  • Any personal gear purchase/rental (thermal wear, gloves, shoes, etc.)

  • Travel insurance (mandatory to arrange individually)

  • Medical expenses, evacuation costs, or unforeseen expenses due to weather conditions

  • Alcohol, bottled water, or personal snacks

  • Any tips to local staff or drivers

  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions

 

Gear & Safety Guidelines

  • Clothing

  • Thermals: Preferably Merino wool base layers for warmth & breathability

  • Jacket: Insulated down or synthetic jacket rated to at least –10°C

  • Lowers: Winter trekking pants/lowers (windproof & insulated)

  • Layers: 4–5 warm layers for flexibility (thermal + fleece + down + shell)

  • Accessories: Balaclava/neck gaiter, woollen cap, and multiple pairs of warm woollen socks

    Footwear

  • Primary: Waterproof trekking boots

  • Backup: Spare insulated shoes for evenings and indoor use

  • Optional: Snow shoes and winter socks from Decathlon are adequate for this itinerary

  • Buying Guide: Always buy one size bigger than your actual shoe size. Feet need extra room for thick winter socks, and proper circulation helps prevent cold injuries such as chilblains.

    Other Essentials

  • UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

  • Hand/foot warmers for extreme cold (-20°C to –30°C)

  • Camera gear + spare batteries (cold drains power fast)

  • Torch/headlamp with extra batteries

  • Water bottle or thermos (insulated)

    Health & Safety

  • Personal medicines & first-aid essentials

  • Altitude medication if prescribed

  • Oxygen cylinder backup provided by Being Alive team

99 Inn - Drass Gallery

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