Walking in Ladakh

A short scenic flight will bring you to Leh. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the village of Nimmu and your atmospheric traditional Ladakhi house. The remainder of the day is leisurely acclimatising to Ladakh’s high altitude. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk around Nimmu village.

Begin your day with an acclimatisation walk to the 16th-century mud-brick fortress of Basgo Gompa, which is perched atop a hillock and offers stunning views of the surrounding villages. Next, visit the three Maitreya temples, which are dedicated to the ‘Buddha of the future’ and observe monks offering prayers before driving to explore the almost forgotten Saspol Cave Temples. Then, after lunch, continue to the 10th-century Alchi monastery, which has one of the finest collections of Buddhist murals in Ladakh. Return to Nimmu village later this afternoon.

Total walking time: 3 hours.

A short drive through the barren Ladakhi plateau will bring you to Taru village, where you will set off on foot to explore the traditional village of Umla. Then, proceed to the Phyang village for a picnic lunch in the shadows of Phyang monastery. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding countryside on foot. As you walk along the narrow glacial Phyang Nullah (stream), drink in the glorious views of the terraced fields of barley, corn, rapeseed flowers, wheat and local vegetables. Observe villagers tilling their farmlands using traditional methods before returning to Nimmu village in the evening.

Total walking time: 4.5 hours.

Drive to Likir and visit the sacred Likir Monastery, renowned for its striking wall paintings and the spectacular 7.6-metre statue of the Buddha. Then, begin your trek to Yangthang village. An early ascent will bring you to the top of Chagatse La (3,630m) pass. Then, cross a small mountain stream and enjoy a picnic lunch at Saspotse village. Next, visit the local school and continue your trek through the beautiful Saspotse Gorge to Phobe La pass (3,580m). Enjoy glorious views of the Zanskar range before arriving at the 19th-century Rizdong monastery. Visit the monastery kitchen for a cup of butter tea and then walk through apricot and apple orchards to Yangthang village. Late this afternoon, drive to Ulley.

Total walking time: 4.5 hours.

This morning, A short drive will bring you to Hemis Shukpachan (3,645m), one of Ladakh’s prettiest villages, surrounded by sparkling streams and willow trees. From here, begin your trek to Timisgam village. This easy-going trail has been carved out from the ochre rocks. On leaving Hemis Shukpachan, cross a flat terrain dotted with small chortens (stupas) before a steep climb brings you to Mebtak La pass (3,720m), where you will hoist a prayer flag. Then, descend down to the charming village of Ang and enjoy a picnic lunch amongst apricot orchards before continuing your downhill walk to Temisgam (3,220m), the 15th-century capital of Ladakh. At Temisgam, you will be reunited with your car and driver. Return to your ethnic-style lodge in the evening.

Total walking time: 4.5 hours.

Set off this morning to Tia village, the region’s oldest village (3,390m). A guided walk through this relatively large village, home to nearly 200 families, will reveal traditional houses with courtyards built in medieval style. Then, a gradual climb will bring you to the Bong Bong La pass (3,480m). Enjoy stunning views of the distant villages before descending down to the Indus River. Then, drive to Lamayuru (3,500m) and visit the ancient Lamayuru monastery, which is picturesquely set in the middle of Lamayuru’s alluring moonscape.

Total Walking time: 4.5 hours.

Spend the morning trekking to Tar village, which is only accessible on foot and enjoy a serene setting amidst imposing mountains. This easy trail takes you through apricot orchards, small stretches of green valleys with poplar and willow trees, barley fields, and wild lavender and rose gardens. The trail involves some uphill and some downhill sections and will offer a wonderful opportunity to witness the Ladakhi way of life. Along the way, you can also take in the spectacular landscape, complete with rugged mountains, bubbling brooks and verdant fields. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Total Trekking time: 3.5 hours.

Retrace your steps via Nimmu to Stok village. In the afternoon, explore Stok Palace, which is still home to descendants of the Ladakh royal family and see the Stok Palace museum, which showcases the priceless private collection of the royal family. Complete the day’s sightseeing with a walk through Leh’s bustling bazaar.

Today, you will have the option of trekking to the village of Changma (3,980m), which offers stunning views of the Stok Kangri mountain range and is one of the first villages where Stok Kangri summiteers spend their night before arriving at their base camp. This invigorating walk offers splendid views of the Himalaya and unusual rock formations. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on arrival at Changma and return to the comforts of your village house in the late afternoon. Alternatively, visit the celebrated Hemis Monastery and attend a prayer ceremony at Thiksey, one of the grandest monasteries in Ladakh.

Total Trekking time: 4 hours.

Bid goodbye to Ladakh and fly to Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Transfer to Delhi International Airport and check in for your onward flight.