Ladakh

Mountains, Monasteries and Monks

Ladakh

Your Journey

In a country of a billion and half and still counting, Ladakh is one of those rare places where people are few and far between. While high passes and spectacular mountains dominate the region, it is also a place that speaks of the thousands of years that travelers, craftsmen, preachers and nomads have come upon. A jewel in the crown of India, Ladakh not just amazes with its landscape and people, but also hides unique wildlife. While many passes make up Ladakh’s stunning landscape yet experiencing a place like this is bound to leave every traveler breathless both spiritually and by altitude.

Though Buddhism is central to this part of the world, and uniformity of barren high-altitude mountains are constant, yet subtle differences between landscapes, people, history and wildlife in niches can throw up many surprises. From high passes, to border villages, secretive wildlife, to ancient monasteries and ruins, this journey takes you not just into Ladakh and its remoteness but also into insights of how fragile it still is environmentally and geographically. Yet, every step and every drive add to experiences unmatched and incomparable.

wildlife

Spend some slow time to have your encounters with high altitude wildlife including Blue Sheep, Ladakhi Urial – a type of mountain goat, multiple Marmots, Woolly Hare, Pikas, Bearded Vultures and Golden Eagles.

adventure

Drive through stunning mountain pass of Wari La and embark on easy to moderate hikes during the trip.

habitat

Once an important stopover on the trade routes between India, Tibet and China, Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Leh is a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets, quaint bazaars and charming villages dotted around it along with ancient monasteries and old palaces in and around the town. Once known in local parlance as the 'valley of flowers', Nubra is a high-altitude cold desert with silver sand dunes and Bactrian camels. Nubra's orchards blossom with apples, walnuts, apricots, almonds, and wheat, barley and mustard.

tribes

Witness a typical Ladakhi village life on exploratory walks. Ladakhi houses are sustainable, built with sunbaked mud bricks and wooden beams of poplar and willow. The bricks are plastered with clay giving a striking whitewash appearance. A walk through the village will reveal that the locals work with a quiet efficiency and are nearly self-sufficient.

conservation

Stok Palace was converted into a hotel to preserve a historical slice of Ladakhi history and show the local community the need to keep the tangible and intangible culture alive.
Also, visit the Ladakh Arts and Media Organization (LAMO), established and based in Leh to articulate an alternative vision for the arts and media in Ladakh. Located on the hill below the Leh Palace, LAMO is housed in two historical structures that have been restored and converted into an arts space with galleries, offices, library and open-air performance site where lectures, film screenings, research and documentation projects, workshops and exhibitions about Ladakh’s material and visual culture, performing arts and literature are held regularly.

Unique Experiences

Visit ancient monasteries, ruins and forts that speak of beliefs and lives of yesteryears.

Glimpse rare wildlife in the trans Himalayan region and a biodiversity hotspot.

Walk through the modern bazaars of Leh which was once a bustling stopover on ancient trade routes.

Itinerary Snapshot

Day 10

Fly To Delhi

Pack your suitcases with the souvenirs you picked up along the way as you drive to reach the Leh airport for your flight to Delhi.

Day 1

Fly To Leh, Drive To Nurla

On a clear day, a window seat on the flight to Leh is the best place to view the rugged peaks of Ladakh and experience a spectacular landing. On arrival in Leh you will met and driven for approximately 2 hours to arrive at your hotel in Nurla. Today is about rest and acclimatation to the high altitude.

At sunset, take a leisurely stroll through the apricot orchards or down to the banks of the Indus River.

Day 2

In Nurla

A short drive takes you to Alchi village. Visit the Alchi Monastery, with very distinct in architecture with beautifully carved wooden façade, fine wall paintings. Savor a Ladakhi fusion lunch as you interact with a local chef.
Visit the moonscapes of Lamayuru and the monastery, one of the oldest in the region.

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