Experience Nomadic Lifestyle of Ladakh!
Experience Nomadic Lifestyle of Ladakh!
Discover Pangong Lake, engage with Pashmina goat herders, and savor the serene beauty of remote pasturelands in lesser-explored areas.
Why this experience is unique?
During the summer in Ladakh, locals are deeply engaged in various activities that define their cultural and agricultural rhythms. As the season unfolds, villages come alive with a flurry of traditional practices and community gatherings. Women diligently weave on looms, creating intricate textiles that embody centuries of craftsmanship. Elders and monks meticulously plan seasonal festivities and religious ceremonies, enriching the spiritual fabric of their communities.
Meanwhile, herders meticulously tend to their yaks and Pashmina goats, which return to their pens after grazing in the lush highlands. Families gather around the bukhari stoves, enjoying warmth and bonding over shared meals and stories. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes, rivers flow freely, offering serene vistas and opportunities for leisurely activities. In this vibrant season, Ladakh reveals its true essence—a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, inviting travelers to witness and participate in the authentic rhythms of local life. For adventurous travelers seeking genuine and extraordinary experiences, immersing oneself in the raw, rural Ladakh should be at the top of your bucket list!
Upon arrival at Leh airport, you will meet our representative and be transferred to your homestay in Spituk (11,500 ft). The day will be dedicated to rest and acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the high-altitude environment and reduced oxygen levels, all while enjoying the stunning Himalayan landscape. This essential period of rest helps prepare you for the journey ahead.
Before we step into the villages of Ladakh we would acquaint ourselves with the Ladakhi culture, heritage, and lifestyle. As per your choice, you can pick local places to visit. Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Central Asian Museum, Tsemo Castle, Old Leh Tour – these are the places we recommend you to visit. Come back after spending a day doing sightseeing and rest in the same homestay at Spituk.
Today, you’ll engage in high-altitude farming with the villagers. After breakfast, we will drive an hour from Leh City to Sakti Village. This experience offers a chance to see how traditional farming thrives without modern technology. The villagers have just a few months each year for sowing and irrigation. You’ll learn their seasonal techniques and can also take part in activities like cooking or milking cows. In the evening, visit Takthok Monastery for a cultural experience. The night will be spent in a homestay, where you can ask the host to share stories about life in the mountains.
Begin your expedition to the Changthang Region with crossing the high-altitude ChangLa Pass. At 14,000 feet, you’ll reach Pangong Tso, a striking turquoise lake that often shifts between shades of green and blue. This saltwater lake is home to various bird species, including migratory bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks. Enjoy peaceful nights under a starry sky at your homestay. You will spend the night at a comfortable homestay in Man Village.
After breakfast, set out on a journey to experience authentic nomadic life. Drive an hour to Chushul, where Pashmina herders look after their goats. In winter, the goats are kept in sheds known as Lekha within the village, and in summer, they graze in the nearby high pastures. Meet the shepherds, learn about Pashmina wool, and observe how it is collected from the goats without harm. Depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to help bathe the herd and hold the baby goats. After lunch, return to Man Village for an overnight stay at a cozy homestay.
Return to Leh town via the scenic Sato-Kargiyam Route, where expansive pasturelands will accompany you for the remainder of your journey. Stay alert, as you may spot marmots, Tibetan wild asses, and various bird species along the way back to Leh. In the evening, explore Leh Market for souvenirs and handicrafts to cherish from your journey. Spend the night at Thiksey Homestay.
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
