Itinerary Details
1 Arrive Leh, India
Flying into the northern India mountain community of Leh, a breathtaking panorama unfolds, revealing snow-capped Himalayan peaks, plunging valleys and remote monasteries clinging to cliffs. Residing at over 11,000 feet, the town exudes both tranquility and energy, with narrow streets lined by traditional mud-brick houses, bustling markets and the imposing Leh Palace watching over it all.
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2 Leh | Gateway To The North
Try your hand at traditional Pashmina dyeing, sample Ladakhi cuisine made with locally sourced organic ingredients and watch the sun set over the Indus Valley from Shanti Stupa, accompanied by the gentle sounds of chanting monks and turning prayer wheels. This evening, over dinner, meet with a Buddhist scholar who shares fascinating insights into the city, culture and Tibetan Buddhism.
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3 Leh | Dine With A Local Family
Set off on foot to explore the intriguing communities and breathtaking landscape of the Saboo Valley. Observe life in small villages before joining a local family for a unique culinary experience. Later, explore the old city of Leh alongside your guide. Take in the nine-story Leh Palace, which dates to the 16th century, a smaller version of Lhasa’s famous Potala Palace. Then step inside the beautifully restored workshops and galleries of the Ladakh Arts & Media Organization Munshi House to browse its collections. Continue to the Central Asian Museum, built on the site of an old caravan camp. The museum highlights Leh's role in Silk Road trade, with rooms focused on Ladakh, China, Turkestan and Tibet. The museum stands in a courtyard that also contains Leh's oldest mosque.
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4 Leh | Monastery Of Masters
Venture to the 12th century Alchi Monastery, standing proudly on the banks of the mighty Indus River. See some of the world’s last remaining early Mahayana Buddhist frescoes. Then head to beautiful ancient Lamayuru Monastery, perched atop a cliff. Legend has it this region was once under a lake that was made to dry up by a holy man. See a cave in the main sanctum of the monastery where Naropa — a revered Buddhist mahasiddha (adept) and one of the most accomplished masters of Tantra — meditated. At Alchi Kitchen, meet a celebrated chef introducing Ladakhi cuisine across India. Later, you may opt to walk to the nearby hilltop castle for breathtaking views of the Indus valley.
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5 Nubra Valley | Soaring Mountain Vistas
Journey north into the enchanting Nubra Valley, travelling over the beautiful Wari La pass through the Digar Valley, where a tree-lined river flows past small farms and charming stone cottages. Keep an eye out for Himalayan foxes and yaks grazing in high meadows cradled by enormous, glaciated peaks. Stop for a picnic lunch backdropped by this awe-inspiring setting before finding sanctuary at luxurious Chamba Camp near the tranquil village of Diskit. Later, drive to Diskit monastery, and view the 106-foot-tall Chamba statue of a Maitreya (Future) Buddha as you take in panoramic sunset views over the Shyok River with a refreshing drink in hand.
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6 Nubra Valley | Meet Local Crafts Women
Journey overland to the village of Panimik to begin your hike to Ensa Monastery, surrounded by natural cliffs, mountains and grazing dzo (cow-yak hybrid) as you ascend. Later, get a taste of local village living with a visit to the Women’s Alliance of Nubra, meeting the women who work together on handicrafts and traditional performing arts. Stop in the Sumur farmlands for lunch before returning to your camp.
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7 Thiksey | Take To The Highest Road
On a drive that carries you into the heavens, roam through impressive landscapes and over the Khardung La pass, one of the highest stretches of road in the world, keeping an eye out for the local two-humped Bactrian camels. In the Leh Valley, check into the Chamba Camp in Thiksey, an idyllic meadow setting. Devote the rest of the evening to unwinding and admiring the Thiksey Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist structure standing amid rugged, snow-capped mountains at an elevation of more than 11,000 feet.
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8 Thiksey | Tales Of A Lost Kingdom
Rise early and venture to the nearby Thiksey Monastery, one the most important Buddhist landmarks in the region. Hear the call of the conch and watch the monks gather peacefully for morning prayers. Marvel at the shimmering Maitreya Buddha statue, a bust standing 49 feet tall. Following breakfast back at camp, climb to the nearby ruins of the Shey Palace and Monastery to marvel at a giant copper and gold Buddha and take in spectacular views of the valley below. Eat lunch before journeying to the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh, set on the banks of the Indus River. Admire the beautiful architecture and explore the museum filled with precious statues, texts and relics. Tonight, witness a poignant display of Ladakh’s vanished past as an independent kingdom at the Stok Palace.
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9 Depart Leh
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