Ladakh Adventure: High Passes, Monasteries & Starry Skies
Itinerary
Welcome to Ladakh, one of the most naturally beautiful regions of India. Leh sits at 3500m elevation, so arrive at any time and take it slow today to acclimate to the the high elevation.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Dive head first into historic Leh today on a tour of the Old City. Learn about its unique connection to Tibet as you wander the narrow, winding streets. Then continue to the Central Asian Museum to learn about Ladakh's connection to the Silk Road. Enjoy the beauty of the town with an evening visit to Thiksey Monastery and the Shanti Stupa. Tonight, opt to join an astronomy experience with local women of Leh.
- Leh Old City Walk: Enjoy a guided heritage walk through Leh’s historic old town, exploring traditional homes, temples, and hidden alleys.
- Central Asian Museum Visit: Learn about the importance of Leh on the Silk Road through rare artifacts and architecture at the Central Asian Museum.
- Thiksey Monastery Visit: Visit the beautiful hilltop monastery famous for its prayer rituals and see the iconic Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Shanti Stupa at Sunset: Visit the peaceful stupa built by Japanese monks. Admire the views of the orange hues as the sunset blankets the city of Leh.
- Astronomy Experience: With Ladakh at such a high elevation and away from massive cities, the view of the night sky can be quite impressive here. Visit the Cosmo Museum on a guided monastery tour led by the local women to learn about the confluence of Buddhism and astronomy in Ladakh.
Drive across one of the highest motorways in the world as we head to Nubra Valley. On the way, visit the colourful Diskit Monastery, the incredible Sumur Sand Dunes and connect with local Ladakhi culture at the Kyagar House.
- Diskit Gompa (Monastery): Explore the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra and admire the panoramic view of the valley.
- Sumur Sand Dunes: Hike through the breathtaking white sand dunes of Sumur. Bring your camera to capture the incredible view of snow capped mountains, double humped camels and lake from the shore of the dunes as your guide shares stories about the ancient silk road.
- Kyagar House Experience: Visit a traditional Ladakhi home where we'll be met with storytelling, refreshments and interesting interactions with the host family. Hear the stories of how this house was once a popular traders' resting point along the Silk Road as you enjoy a local dinner.
Explore the breathtaking region of Nubra Valley today. Visit the Ensa Monastery, hike to Yarab Tso Lake, soak in a picturesque hot spring and learn of the Indo-China War at the Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum.
- Ensa Monastery: Visit the 400-year-old hilltop monastery to see the peaceful views of the Nubra Valley.
- Yarab Tso Lake Hike: Take a 30-minute hike to a sacred, high-altitude lake nestled amidst the rugged Nubra terrain.
- Panamic Hot Springs: Soak in the natural sulphur-rich hot springs believed to have healing properties, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
- Col. Rinchen Chewang Museum: Visit a museum dedicated to a decorated Ladakhi war hero, Col. Rinchen Chewang, showcasing historical artifacts and tales from the Indo-China war.
Join the morning prayer ceremony at Samstanling Monastery. Then drive northwest along the Shayok River to Maan Village on the shores of Pangong Tso Lake (at 4350m in elevation). Check into the homestay then walk alongside your CEO to Pangong Lake for an easy yet rewarding hike! Tonight, join your homestay host for some stargazing in this remote village.
- Samstanling Monastery Morning Prayer: Visit the Samstanling Monastery for morning prayer. Witness the peaceful monastery ambiance, with murals and chants that reflect Ladakhi Buddhist heritage.
- Pangong Lake Hike: Take a short hike along the beautiful Pangong Lake.
- Stargazing in Nubra Valley: In such a remote village, an opportunity like this to stargaze mustn't be missed!
Make the most of your lake time and rise early for a special morning yoga session by the beach for all levels. Afterwards, fill up on breakfast before starting the drive back to Leh. The first stop of the day is to Rezang La Memorial, an important monument from the 1962 War. The next stop brings us to a nomadic settlement where we will learn about the luxurious pashmina cashmere. Then arrive to Leh in the evening for free time.
- Early Morning Yoga by the Lake: Rise early for a peaceful yoga session by Pangong Tso Lake.
- Rezang La Memorial: Pay homage at the Rezang La Memorial near the Tibet border, a poignant reminder of the 1962 war and a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
- Pashmina Herder Experience: Stop by a remote nomadic settlement for a 1.5-hour immersive session with Pashmina herders, learn about their way of life, traditions and Pashmina making.
Today is yours to do as you wish in Leh. Want to rest? Chill out in the hotel. If you want to explore, get out on the town! The choice is yours.
- Free Time: Enjoy the entire day to explore on your terms!
- Alchi Monastery and Likir Village visit: Visit Alchi Monastery, Ladakh’s oldest, to learn about its Buddhist roots and enjoy a meal at Alchi Kitchen, a national award- winning café. After lunch, visit Likir Village and engage with local potters to create your own clay souvenirs. (Lunch included)
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Leh’s Old City with visits to Leh Palace.
- Shanti Stupa, and hilltop monasteries.
- Cross Khardung La Pass and discover the vast desert landscapes of Nubra Valley.
- Stay with Ladakhi families and learn traditions at Kyagar House and Pangong’s Astrostay.
- Marvel at the turquoise waters of Pangong Lake and meet Pashmina herders in Changthang.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Kyagar House Experience, Nubra Valley
- Leh Old City guided walk
- Central Asian Museum visit
- Sunset visit to Shanti Stupa
- Morning prayer experience at Samstanling Monastery
- Crossing Khardung La Pass - one of the highest motorable roads in the world
- Visit Diskit Monastery
- Explore the Nubra Valley
- Immersive cultural storytelling at Kyagar House
- Pangong Lake homestays
- Early morning yoga by Pangong Lake
- Visit Rezang La Memorial
- Meet Pashmina herders
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private Vehicle, Walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Simple Hotel (twin-share): 4 Nights
- Homestay (3 Nights)
- 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
The Great Adventurers Club
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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