Winter’s Charm of Ladakh!
Winter’s Charm of Ladakh!
Spot snow leopards, enjoy warm village life and witness the serene beauty of frozen Ladakh this winter!
Why this experience is unique?
As winter settles over Ladakh, life in the mountains slows yet deepens in beauty and meaning. Villagers prepare for the cold months by drying vegetables, grinding barley into sattu, making yak cheese and stacking wood for the bukhari to keep homes warm. When the snow blankets the land, each village comes alive in its own quiet rhythm, women weave wool by the fireside, monks gather for prayers and herders return with their yaks and Pashmina goats.
This is also the time when Ladakh’s wild side reveals itself. Snow leopards, ibex and blue sheep roam across the frozen ridges, and patient eyes may catch their graceful movements against the white landscape. Frozen rivers become playgrounds for local ice hockey matches and lakes turn into glassy mirrors reflecting the vast, still skies.
Exploring Ladakh in winter is an experience unlike any other, a chance to witness village life, wildlife and silence blending together in the purest form of mountain living.
Arrive in Leh (11,562 ft) and relax in your homestay for a day. You will be resting today and acclimatizing yourself to the High-Altitude environment amidst the picturesque Himalayan landscape. Overnight stay in a homestay in Thiksey.
Start the day with the host and experience the captivating morning prayer at the main hall of Thiksey Monastery. The chanting and morning rituals are sure to leave you spellbound. Afterward, return to the homestay to enjoy freshly made Khambir (traditional fermented bread).
Post-breakfast, take a drive towards Leh. Explore the Leh market, enjoy a relaxing stroll, visit local cafés for coffee, and have lunch in the market area. Then, visit the Central Asian Museum, followed by Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
End the day by driving back to Thiksey Homestay, and if you’re not too tired, feel free to join in preparing dinner.
Begin your day with a drive to the Sham Region of Ladakh, known for its mild climate and fertile fields. En route, visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and see the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers before continuing past Takmachik Village to reach Domkhar. On arrival, take a hike with your host to the higher trails of the village, enjoy the views and if lucky, spot some local wildlife. Return to your homestay for a traditional meal and relax with your host family.
Later, learn about the region’s art at a Thangka painting workshop with your host, understanding the spiritual meaning behind each stroke. Visit the Domkhar petroglyphs and the Alchi Monastery that reflects Ladakh’s long cultural history.
Just an hour from Domkhar, visit Kurambik, a small village of 20 households living close to nature. Meet your host, Dorjay Stanzin, a retired Army personnel and enjoy freshly cooked local meals made from organic produce. Walk through the fields, visit the glacier-fed streams and learn about village life sustained by farming and livestock.
Try traditional wool spinning or take a short hike towards the sacred mountain trail. In winter, you might spot traces of snow leopards or ibex around the valley. After this peaceful village experience, head to Sakti Village for an overnight stay.
Travel to Sakti Village, located at the foothills of Chang La Pass. Walk through the village farms, help pick fresh vegetables and learn about local greenhouse and mulching practices. Spend time exploring nearby monasteries, visit the historic Takthok Monastery, known for its stone-roof structure and take peaceful walks along the village streams. Enjoy a traditional cooking experience with your host’s family before winding down the day with a hot meal and local tea.
The next morning, head back towards Leh, stopping to explore the grand Hemis Monastery before concluding your journey.
As your journey comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable memories and experiences of the past five days. After breakfast, visit the serene Phyang Monastery, located near the homestay, before heading to the vibrant Leh Market. Spend the day exploring charming cafes and restaurants, and pick up Pashmina treasures or local souvenirs for your loved ones. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of Leh’s historic old city. End your adventure with a cozy final night at Mountain Homestays – Phyang Homestay.
Your Ladakh adventure concludes as you transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi, accompanied by a GHE team member to assist you with your departure.
We were lucky to stay at the Astrostays at Pangong Lake. The house is overlooking the lake. The rooms are very comfortable and the bathroom is essential but perfectly functional. The living room is in the traditional Ladakhi style. The family running the homestay (brother and two sisters) is so nice that we regretted staying only for one night. We absolutely recommend this place.
Lovely Family and Lovely Home. We stayed at Thiksey Eco Homestay for one night as the Thiksey Monastery is close by. The whole family is very welcoming. The two daughters are engineers, son is very knowledgeable, friendly and a passionate photographer besides being a Trip Host. The mother is a nice lady and cooks delicious momos and cookies. The father is very warm and down to earth. We enjoyed a very homely stay. The hosts are requested to provide a little hard bed and provide some cloth hanging strip in the bathroom. If a hand wash bottle could also be kept. The hosts are superb.
Clean place, welcoming and accommodative hosts, provide help and guidance to prehistoric sites on Indus River. Provided lunch and dinner in pure Ladhaki style that was delicious at Domkhar Eco Homestay. Would highly recommend this serene location by an absolutely pure glacier fed mountain stream. Enjoy the tall peaks for a perfect R&R.
What a lovely family, we absolutely loved our stay at Padum Eco Homestay! Everyone was so warm and welcoming, it truly felt like home. The food was delicious and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Perfect location with beautiful views. Great value for money and very family-friendly. Highly recommend!
The Sakti Eco Homestay is run by an Army veteran and his wife , helped by their daughter when she is with them.
They are very kind and hospitable, we have very tasty yet homely food made by them that was very soothing after a long trip of eating outside food. The house the surrounded by garden / vegetation and is in the middle of a farm with lovely views of the mountains around.
A memorable stay I must say !
