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!
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your eco-friendly homestay at Spituk (11,500ft). You will be resting today and acclimatizing yourself to the High-Altitude environment amidst the picturesque Himalayan landscape. This day is called the Acclimatization day and is required to adjust your body to the low oxygen levels at high altitude.
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 will have a hands-on experience of farming with the villagers Farming at high altitude requires different skillset and precision. Post breakfast, we will drive for an hour to Sakti Village from Leh City. Farming Experience is an exposure to know how life still exists without technology. The locals get only two to three months of the year for seed sowing and irrigation. Learn about these traditional techniques and participate in some activities like cooking. In the evening, visit Takthok (made of stones) Monastery with the host for a mesmerizing cultural experience. The night will be spent in the homestay in Sakti Village where you may request the owner to share some mountain stories.
Set off on an expedition to Changthang Region, traversing the lofty ChangLa Pass. Nestled at 14,000 feet, Pangong Tso is turquoise in color often revealing shades of green and blue as locals attest. This saltwater lake serves as a sanctuary for diverse bird species, including migratory bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks. Experience tranquil nights under the star-lit sky at your homestay, indulging in hearty home-cooked meals. Spend the night at a cozy homestay in Man Village,
After breakfast, embark on a journey to experience authentic nomadic life. Drive for an hour to Chushul, where Pashmina herders tend to their goats. These herders keep their Pashmina goats in sheds known as Lekha within the village. Witness the goats in their sheds and observe the natural undercoat of hair that grows on their skin during winter—a vital source of Pashmina wool. After lunch, return to Man Village for an overnight stay in 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!
