Arrive & spend overnight in Leh & Acclimatization day:
- Upon your arrival at the Leh Airport, the local representatives will meet and assist you with your hotel transfer in Leh
- You will be spending the rest of the day and overnight getting your body acclimatized to the high altitude
- Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Leh Market.
- Overnight in Leh
Briefing session; Excursion to Sham valley, Overnight stay in Ule-tokpo
- Briefing session about high altitude travelling by the local team
- Visit Magnetic hill and Patthar Sahib
- Visit Sangam - the confluence of Indus & the Zanskar River
- Ride by the banks of the lower Indus river to reach Lamayuru, witness the Moonland of India.
- Visit Alchi Monastery, taste freshly plucked apricots from farmers
- Visit Likir monastery
- Overnight in Ule-tokpo
Visit to Dah-Hanu (Aryan Valley); overnight stay in Garkon
- Drive to Dah-Hanu which is also called the Aryan valley.
- On the way, visit the Takmachik village; The eco model village of Ladakh.
- Visit the villages of Garkon, Dah and Beema, two of the five inhabited by the Drokpa people.
- Engage with Drokpa residents to gain insights into their daily life and adaptations to the seasons.
- The Drokpa people are a small Indo-Aryan ethnic group with preserved racial purity.
- Despite sharing the Buddhist faith, they are culturally and racially distinct from the rest of Ladakh's population.
- This visit offers a unique opportunity to learn about their culture and historical significance in the region.
- Overnight in Dah (Village hotel)
Apricot blossom festival and village exploration:
- Explore the festival grounds and witness the opening ceremony, which includes local music and an introduction to the festival's significance.
- Take a guided tour of the apricot orchards to enjoy the stunning view of pink and white blossoms and learn about the cultivation practices and significance of apricots in Ladakhi culture.
- Savor a traditional Ladakhi lunch, providing an opportunity to try dishes made with apricots and other local ingredients.
- Participate in cultural activities, engage with local artisans and craftspeople, try traditional crafts, or learn about local weaving techniques.
- Enjoy traditional Ladakhi dances and music performances by local artists, offering a deep insight into the region's cultural heritage.
- Take a guided walk around Dah-Hanu village to visit local homes, interact with villagers, and understand their daily life and traditions.
- Find a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the apricot orchards, a perfect time for reflection and photography.
- Enjoy dinner with a local family or at a village homestay, allowing for a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle and cuisine.
- End the day with stargazing, enjoying the magnificent view of the stars in the clear skies of Ladakh.
Return to Leh via Lamayuru
- The journey itself offers spectacular views of the Ladakh landscape.
- Lamayuru is renowned for its ancient Buddhist monastery, Lamayuru Monastery or Yungdrung Monastery. Visit this historic site to explore its architecture, religious artifacts, and to witness the daily rituals.
- Take a stroll around the village of Lamayuru to soak in the local culture and interact with the residents. You can also explore the unique moon-like landscapes of the surrounding area.
- Make sure to set aside time to explore the remarkable Moonland, a truly unique geological formation that uncannily resembles the surface of the moon. This mesmerizing landscape is a must-see and an experience you won't want to miss during your visit to Lamayuru. Its surreal appearance and natural wonder will leave you in awe, making it a highlight of your journey.
- Overnight in Leh
Ride from Leh to Nubra; cross Khardung La, Overnight in Hunder
- Cross one of the highest motorable roads in the world, Khardung La (Altitude 17,980 ft)
- Stop for a few minutes to click photographs on the Khardungla pass
- Enjoy the zip line adventure in the land of dry desert.
- Test your ATV riding skills on white sand dunes at Nubra Valley
- Overnight in Hunder
Excursion trip to Turtuk village, Explore Balti culture
- See the border between India and POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) from Zero-thang
- Take a walk in the village & experience the Balti culture
- Experience the magical bloom of apricot blossoms amidst the serene beauty of Turtuk
- Learn about cultivation of apples, grapes and dry fruits such as walnuts, apricots to name a few
- Visit well maintained ancient Buddhist monasteries in Turtuk
- Overnight stay at Hunder
Nubra to Pangong, Overnight stay at Pangong
- Visit Diskit Monastery
- Travel along the Shyok River and encounter some small nomadic villages
- Walk on the banks of Pangong Lake located at an altitude of 15,000 ft.
- Overnight stay in a lake view resort/boutique homestay at Pangong
Ride from Pangong–Leh; cross Chang La, Overnight stay in Leh
- Cross Chang La (17590 ft)
- Visit Hemis Monastery
- Visit Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace
- Shop for Souvenirs
- Try the local Ladakhi cuisines
- Overnight in Leh
Departure
- Today will be your departure day. You will be transferred to the airport by the local team for your onward journey
What qualifications do our monastery guides for the monastery and cultural tours in Ladakh have?
The monastery guides for the monastery and cultural tours in Ladakh are experiential and professionally qualified with A-grade certifications from Ladakh Tourism Department, Ladakh Buddhist Association, and Ladakh Gonpa Association. These certifications ensure that the guides have extensive knowledge and understanding of Ladakh's cultural and religious heritage and are equipped to provide visitors with an authentic and meaningful experience. With their expertise, visitors can explore Ladakh's ancient monasteries and gain insights into the local way of life, customs, and traditions. So, you can rest assured that you will be in capable hands when you choose to embark on a monastery and cultural tour in Ladakh with us.
Guidelines: Do’s & Don’ts
- Always read the guidelines displayed at the entry point before entering an observatory.
- Take permission before clicking pictures of the locals.
- Smoking and other intoxicants should be avoided during tour.
- Wear a modest outfit during your visit to monasteries
- Always read the monastery guidelines before entering any monastery or a sacred place.
- Respect and greet the locals or monks with Jullay (pronounced joo-lay which means Hello).
Save the Himalayas: Follow leave no trace policy
- Advisable to carry a water bottle with a filter as you can refill it while travelling to any part of Ladakh.
- DZOMSA stalls are also available for refilling water bottles at just ₹7 per litre.
- Use reusable shopping bags in Leh market as plastics are totally banned in Ladakh.
- Always follow the rules and regulations of Wildlife protected areas of Himalayas
- Do not litter. Bring back your own trash.
What is AMS?
Acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
How to avoid AMS?
- Give your body enough time to adjust to the high altitude/acclimation
- Get enough sleep and eat healthy food
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol
If you suffer from any respiratory or health-related issues, please let the tour guide know before the start of the tour.
How is the mobile connectivity in Ladakh?
Only Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh registered pre-paid sims are serviceable in Ladakh. The following services providers/services are active in Ladakh:
- Airtel: Postpaid service
- Jio: Postpaid & pre on post-service
- BSNL: Postpaid service
You can buy and activate a new sim in Leh.
What things should I carry for the trip?
Following are the list of essentials that you should carry:
- Medicines such as Diamox, Aspirin/ Disprin, Candy bars
- Warm clothes and Thermals
- Sunglasses, sunhat & sunscreen
- Torch and power banks
- Water-bottles
- Backpack for Extra Luggage
- Warmer layers for the late August/September trips
- Soft kitbag for camping - please note that this trip is camping. A large, hard, wheeled suitcase is not recommended for camping. We suggest you bring a Sift kit bag.
How are the restaurants in Leh?
You can find plenty of restaurants in Leh serving Ladakhi, Indian, Kashmiri, Tibetan, Korean, Italian and continental food. There are always plenty of choices for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Please keep about £70-100 (US $110-160) for food.
Do try the Ladakhi cuisine like vegetable momos or thukpa during your time in Leh!
Booking and Cancellation Policy