3 Nights Itinerary Covering: Leh - Thiksey - Leh - Hemis - Thiksey - Leh.
Ladakh is one of the unrivalled beauties of India. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, the cold desert region is one of the breathtaking beautiful and adventurous places. Snuggled at almost 18, 000 feet in between the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas, the land offers snow covered peaks, frozen lakes, white deserts, lush valleys, serene monasteries and a rare charm. River rafting, biking, polo, archery, bird watching, camel safari are some of the adventure activities.
Indian Holiday offers a Ladakh Camping trio at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey. The 4 days trip offers excursion to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery. Experience the magnificent beauty of the remote locations of India. Learn about the spiritual monasteries which are the centre of culture, arts and mystical rituals. The spellbinding beauty of Ladakhensnares your hearts and makes its place in cherished memories. Check out the details of your trip, with the itinerary mentioned below.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
The Ladakh Camping Trip starts with your arrival this morning, into Leh. Meet our representative at the airport. Get assistance for transfer to your residence, The Chamba Camp, Thiksey. As you drive to your destination soak in the serene views of the mountains. At the camp you will be welcomed according to the traditional rituals of Ladakh. Check-in to your luxury tent after your check-in formalities are completed by our Guest Relations hostess.
There are no scheduled activities for today. It is as medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion. On the day of arrival you need to be able to acclimatize to the rare oxygen levels at this high-altitude. Explore the camp grounds. The camp enjoys scenic location. The Thiksey Monastery can be seen looming in the background.
In the evening, anexcursion specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey will meet with you to discuss the itinerary. You will be advisedand helpedto plan your excursions and make changes if required, to suit your interests, choices and leisure. Enjoy a delicious traditional dinner and take rest in your comfy tent.
Start the day late. There are no plans for the morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and walk around the camp site.Feel blessed in the aura of unmatched beauty and serenity, making you unwind and relax. Or, if you are an early riser, set out on our optional bird watching sojourn. Our camp naturalist accompanies you.Spot and identify a variety of birds of the Trans Himalayan region. This afternoon following lunch, proceed on a tour of Leh. The capital town of Ladakh is located approximately 19 kilometres (1 hr) from your camp. The sightseeing tour comprises popular landmarks. Start the tour with the magnificent Leh Palace. It was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. the palace has nine storeys', some of which are in ruins. Here you can exploredisplays of beautiful Ladakhi architecture. From the palace continue by foot to the LAMO (Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation) Centre. The short walking tour passes through some enchanting old houses. The LAMO centre is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, theMunshi (Togoche) House.It is situated at the foot of the Leh Palace. Following a tour of the house, attend a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the old city. Enjoy a panoramic view from the terrace of the Munshi House as you sip the special Ladakhi tea with light snacks.
The Heritage exploration tour moves to the bazaar. Walk through the bustling bazaar where you can view the traditional handicrafts and handlooms. Buy some souvenirs for your hoe reminding of the old City. The tour concludes at the Shanti Stupa.Perched upon a great location overseeingLeh, it offersspectacular views of the stone strewn landscape. Watch the setting sun, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea. Return to your camp for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Get up and ready for an early morning. Sip warm tea or coffee, following which you visit to the Thiksey monastery. The serene monasterystands about a kilometre from your camp. This beautiful monastery houses a two storeystatue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus. Pay regards. The monastery is blessed with a remarkable view of the valley. At the monastery, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Morning Prayer ceremony at sunrise. Continue on a guided tour of the monastery.Visit the beautiful prayer room which has manyhandwritten and painted books. Also visit the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. Pay your regards to the small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.
Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free. You can choose to relax and take in the unspoiled beauty around you. Or take up the opportunity to indulge in our optional cycling trip in the vicinity of the Thiksey village and its surroundings. Or else you could also choose to drive to the Saboo village for a séance session with the Oracle.
[Note: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience].
This afternoon, proceed to the Hemis Monastery. Explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage. The Hemis Monastery is the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 20 kilometres (1 hr) from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many fascinatingfacades of this institution. The monastery dates back to the 13th century. It was established under the patronage of King SengeNamygal. Here young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings. After a well spent day return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast. Today you bid farewell to the breathtaking mountainous terrain of Ladakh. Get an assisted transfer to the Leh airport. Board your flight to your onward destination wit cherished memories of your holiday.
