A journey through Changthang Region!
A journey through Changthang Region!
Meet the Changpas and spend a day with them in the highland pastures of Changthang Region!
Why this experience is unique?
Spend a day in Chushul, the last border village of Ladakh—just an hour’s drive from Maan village near Pangong. Enjoy in the remote Changthang region with the Changpas, Ladakh’s nomadic herders known for raising the world-famous Pashmina goats. Visit their camps in the high pastures, learn about traditional goat herding and the delicate dehairing process and step inside their yak-wool tents to experience their way of life.
Enjoy an organic, home-cooked lunch with your host family and continue your journey Visit the Rezang La War Memorial to honor the bravery of Indian soldiers and if you’re lucky, spot the rare Black-necked Cranes by the beautiful Mipam Tso lake while coming back.
This experience offers a deep and personal glimpse into the culture, resilience and landscapes of Ladakh’s farthest frontiers.
Your day begins with an early departure from your base (such as Pangong or Leh) for a scenic drive through the vast open landscapes of the Changthang Plateau. The journey offers sweeping views of high-altitude plains, grazing herds and distant peaks, gradually leading you to Chushul, one of Ladakh’s last villages before the Indo-China border.
Upon reaching Chushul, your first stop is the Rezang La War Memorial, a powerful site commemorating the 1962 Indo-China battle where 114 Indian soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment made the ultimate sacrifice. Walk through the site, learn about the battle’s history and feel the quiet pride that surrounds this heroic landmark.
Next, head to the nearby pasturelands where the Changpa nomads live and herd their Pashmina goats. These semi-nomadic families move with the seasons, living in yak-wool tents and tending to herds that produce the world-renowned fine Pashmina wool. Spend time walking alongside the herders, learning about their daily routines, migration cycles and the deep bond they share with their animals and land.
At one of the Changpa camps, observe the dehairing process—a careful and time-consuming technique where raw Pashmina wool is separated by hand to extract the fine fibers. You’ll get a close-up view of this delicate craft, essential to the creation of luxury wool products and understand the labor behind each thread. No animal is harmed during this process.
Step inside a traditional Rebo (yak-wool tent), where you’ll be hosted by a Changpa family. Enjoy a freshly prepared organic Ladakhi lunch, featuring local grains, seasonal vegetables and warm tea either in the tent or host’s house in Chushul. The meal is simple yet nourishing and served with the warmth and hospitality typical of Ladakhi culture. Take this time to ask questions, listen to stories and experience the slow rhythm of nomadic life.
On your way back, make a brief stop at Mipam Tso, a tranquil high-altitude lake surrounded by wetlands. If you’re lucky, you might spot the graceful and rare Black-necked Cranes, which are sacred in Ladakhi Buddhism and breed in this region during the summer months. It’s a peaceful way to end the day, surrounded by the natural beauty of Changthang. Drive back to your destination.
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 !
