Embark on the same journey the Silk Route traders used to take back in time
Embark on the same journey the Silk Route traders used to take back in time
Wear Silk Route Trader’s hat and take the same journey as they did back in time
Why this experience is unique?
Embark on a journey from Sand Dunes to the last village of India before Siachen Glacier. This is the same route all the Iranians and Chinese traders took in the 14th Century. The route opened doors for eastern goods to the western world. Traders used camel or horse caravans and stayed in guest houses or inns along the way. They travelled along the Siachen River. These trading activities attracted people to come and settles down here. That’s how the settlements like Sumur, Hundar, Changlung, and many such villages were established. These villages are still holding onto these cultural roots and villagers show the traces of that golden era when you visit them. Around this path, there are hidden lakes, natural hot springs, ramparts, rock art sites that are truly well-kept secrets of Ladakh. Take this same route and travel until Warshi Village that has got new significance in current times. It is the last village before the world’s highest battlefield and home to only one family. See and do things in Nubra Valley that are still unexplored!
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your hotel in Leh (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 of this altitude.
After breakfast, head out to tour the monasteries here. Take a visit to Shanti Stupa to enjoy the panoramic view of Leh city. In the evening, spend some peaceful moments at the Phyang Gompa watching the beautiful sun going behind the ghostly mountains and attending the exclusive evening prayer with the monks.
Visit the one of the oldest Monasteries in Ladakh belonging to the Dri-gung-pa lineage of Buddhism at Lamayuru. Lamayuru is also famous for its Moonland created naturally from nearby mountain ranges. On the way back have lunch at the Alchi village, one of the oldest villages of Ladakh where the traditions are still followed. Have a gastronomical experience with local Ladakhi food. Take a tour of the monastery and return back to your hotel at Leh.
Post breakfast in your hotel in Leh, you will be crossing the 17,582 ft Khardung la pass – known to be one of the highest motorable roads in the world. From Khardung it will take a couple of hours for Sumoor that marks the first step on the silk trail. It used to be the prime stop for the traders. Upon arrival, visit the Col Chewang Rigzin Museum to witness the valour of the Indian Armed Forces. Conclude your day at Last Frontier Homestay at Ayee that is known to serve authentic, organic Ladakhi meals.
Wake up to a mountain view and enjoy your breakfast. Post breakfast, depart towards the Changlung village. En route, take a short hike to the picturesque hidden lake of Yarab Tso. This sacredness of this lake maintained amongst locals has kept the water crystal clear. This is one of those Instagrammable sites of Ladakh. Come to Changlung village and settle in Silk Route Homestay. Your homestay is overlooking the Silk Route on which wagons of Silk, Tea, and many such goods used to be transported from China to Europe and vice versa. Conclude the day here and plan to wake up early for a quick morning walk on the route going through the village.
Located right between the Nubra valley and the sacred Pangong Lake, Agyam village is a hidden paradise. Disconnected from the outside world, trek through the vast mountain of Shyok and spot the local wildlife at tha Agyam village. In the evening have scrumptious meals straight from the farm behind at a comfortable farmstay at Agyam village.
After enjoying the breathtaking views Nubra, drive to the sacred lake of Pangong Tso, known to change colors often and the blue water body. Stay at a comfortable homestay at Maan village and experience the night sky with local astronomers at 14000ft above sea level. In the evening eat food straight from farm to table at your homestay.
After a refreshing stay in Panamik Homestay, head back to Leh. After almost a 5-6 hours drive, you will be back in Leh where you can plan your spending a nice evening in one of the cafes of Leh. Your journey will be concluded after arriving in Leh.
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!
