Journey to Ladakh

There are few places on earth like Ladakh, a moonscape of jagged peaks and cloud-swept monasteries cradled between the Karakorum and Great Himalayan ranges. For 900 years, it was an independent kingdom with ruling dynasties descended from the kings of old Tibet, and the symbols of that heritage are everywhere, from prayer flags fluttering from rooftops to long walls of carved mani (prayer) stones. Our journey brings us deep inside this ancient culture as we witness an annual festival at a monastery, meet traditional nomads, and explore on day hikes from magnificent Lake Tso Moriri, a wildlife-rich nature preserve on the remote Changtang Plateau. Together with the warmth of the people and the breathtaking landscapes, this is a unique experience of a lost Himalayan world.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Delhi / Leh / Uleytokpo (Lamayuru Festival, June Departure)

We meet in Delhi and the next day fly to Leh (11,000'), where we head to our guesthouse near the tranquil village of Uleytokpo (10,000'), an oasis of green willows, poplars, and fragrant apricot trees on the banks of the mighty Indus River. Over a thousand feet lower than Leh, Uleytokpo is an ideal place to acclimatize and explore the surrounding life in a traditional Ladakhi village.

Days 3-6
Lamayuru Festival / Da Hanu Tribal Area / Alchi / Likir

At Lamayuru, a spectacular cliff-perched monastery and the oldest in the Indus Valley, we spend a day at the unforgettable Yuru Kab-gya, an annual mask dance festival. At this gathering of peoples from across Ladakh, it is fascinating to mingle among the women in their traditional garb and watch the monks and lamas working their way through prayer and ritual to the sound of dung-chens (long trumpets) and clashing cymbals. We also head out to the Da Hanu area, home to a unique tribal people. On Day 6, we explore the ancient Alchi and Likir monastic complexes, with their rare and exquisite forms of Buddhist art.

Days 7-10
Tso Moriri Lake / Karzok Village / Tso Kar Lake

Crossing the high Changtang Plateau, which extends into Tibet, we reach the breathtaking Rupshu Valley and Tso Moriri, a mystical lake at 15,000 feet and a showplace for the wild beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. Changpa nomads frequent the lake with their herds, camping in their yak-hair tents, and there is a small village, Karzok, with a monastery. From our lakeside camp, we set out for day hikes, visit with nomads, and enjoy magnificent views of the changing colors of the lake and the sky. Tso Moriri is a protected wildlife habitat and an important wetland reserve. We should see blue sheep (bharal) and ibex, along with many shorebirds, and the very lucky visitor may see lynx and the elusive snow leopard. Seasonally, the lake is home to black-necked cranes as they migrate across Asia. On Day 10, we camp at Tso Kar, a high salt lake where Changpa nomads collect salt to barter for goods all over the region and Western Tibet.

Days 11-14
Leh / Monasteries of the Indus

Our final days in this Himalayan wonderland find us exploring the great hilltop monasteries of Matho, Hemis, and Thikse, and roaming the lively bazaars of the charming town of Leh. Depart via Delhi on Day 14.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3+, Moderate. It is an adventurous overland journey with accommodations ranging from very comfortable hotels to a basic tented camp at Tso Moriri Lake. Our activities center on exploring cultural sites. Road travel on some days is long. In general, you should be fit and be able to be on your feet 4 to 6 hours a day on this journey. Our walks and hikes are moderate, suitable for people in good shape who enjoy the mountains. The exploration of the monasteries and day hikes from our camp at Tso Moriri will involve some up and down walking, which at altitudes can feel strenuous. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking is an excellent preparatory exercise.

We will be living at altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet during our time in Ladakh. Individuals vary widely in both their physical response to high altitude. It is not uncommon to experience mild headaches or sleeplessness for a day or two when you first arrive at high altitude. Most people gradually adjust within a few days. The weather will likely be quite comfortable, with blue skies most days, but nights can be very chilly. Your body can adapt to altitude if given time. We feel this itinerary specifically provides that option, but you must individually pace yourself to go slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Explanation of Trip Levels