Ladakh: A Breathtaking Himalayan Journey

Jullay and welcome to Leh, the high-altitude capital of the remote region of Ladakh (The Land of High Passes) on the Himalayan plateau and one of India’s least populated regions. Receive a warm A&K welcome and private transfer to the luxury of Saboo Resorts, set in a rural village outside the city. Take some time to time to relax and acclimatise before an evening spent with a Buddhist scholar who will share fascinating insights into the city, culture and Tibetan Buddhism.

Saboo Resorts | Meals: LD

Set off on foot to explore the intriguing communities and breathtaking landscape of the Saboo Valley. Enjoy a glimpse of life in local villages before joining a local family for a unique culinary experience as you journey through Ladakhi delicacies, discovering the traditions, history and significance of the ingredients and dishes.

Later, join your guide to explore the old city of Leh. Take in the nine-storey Leh Palace which dates to the 16th century, a mini version of Lhasa’s famous Potala Palace. Then step inside the beautifully restored workshops and galleries of the LAMO (Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation) Munshi House, parts of which are almost 400 years old.

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.

Saboo Resorts | Meals: BLD

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. The main sanctum of the monastery houses a cave where Mahasiddha Naropa meditated for years and a visit is believed to liberate people from their sins.

Lunch at Alchi Kitchen, and meet Ms. Nilza Angmo, a celebrated chef introducing Ladakhi cuisine across India. Return to your resort, and choose to partake in an optional walk, to the nearby hilltop castle with breathtaking views of the majestic Indus valley.

Saboo Resorts | Meals: BLD

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 marmots and Himalayan foxes and yaks grazing in the high meadows cradled by enormous glaciated peaks. Pause for photos and a picnic lunch before finding sanctuary at super-luxury Chamba Camp near the tranquil village of Diskit. Bask in the comforts of this luxurious camp and admire the incredible views of the Nubra Valley and the Diskit monastery in the distance.

Later this afternoon, drive to Diskit monastery, and view the Chamba statue where you can sip a sundowner whilst enjoying panoramic views of Shyok as the sun sets over the horizon.

Chamba Camp at Diskit | Meals: BLD

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before journeying by road to the village of Panimik to begin your hike to Ensa Monastery, surrounded by natural cliffs, mountains and grazing Dzo (cow yak hybrid). 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 a homely lunch before returning to your camp.

Chamba Camp at Diskit | Meals: BLD

Embark on a drive into the heavens 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. On arrival into the Leh Valley, check into the Chamba Camp in Thiksey, an idyllic meadow setting. Spend the rest of the evening unwinding at camp and admiring the view of the Thiksey Monastery framed by rugged, snow-capped mountains.

Chamba Camp at Thiksey | Meals: BLD

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. Be mesmerised by the chanting and the beautiful surrounds of the prayer hall. Marvel at the shimmering Maitreya Buddha statue, which stands an impressive 32 metres tall, before returning to camp for breakfast.

Later, climb to the nearby ruins of the Shey Palace and Monastery to stand in awe of a giant copper and gold Buddha and spectacular views of the valley below. This evening, witness a poignant display of Ladakh’s vanished past as an independent kingdom at the Stok Palace.

Chamba Camp at Thiksey | Meals: BLD

Start your day with a relaxing morning at the camp. Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous you can choose to embark on a mountain biking journey (additional cost). Peddle downhill from Spituk monastery to Cholamsar village crossing the Indus River and cycling through the beautiful village of Chushot before returning to your resort by car.

In the afternoon, journey to the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh perched on a mountain standing on the banks of the River Indus. Admire the beautiful architecture and explore the museum filled with precious statues, texts and relics brought here by the Dugpa Kargyutpa or Red Hat order of monks who fled occupied Tibet over the high mountain passes.

Chamba Camp at Thiksey | Meals: BLD

During June or July each year, the two-day Hemis Festival is held. During this time, one can witness the famed Cham Dance and displays of age-old Thangkas (historical paintings).

Bid farewell to your breathtaking Himalayan journey as you transfer privately to the Leh airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B