Experience Culture and Craftsmanship!
Experience Culture and Craftsmanship!
Experience the cultural reminiscence and culture of Central Asia
Why this experience is unique?
Ladakh is a place where local artists create unique art influenced by Nepal, Tibet, and Central Asia. In Ladakh’s villages, ancient crafts continue, keeping traditions alive for many years. You can experience authentic Ladakhi culture by staying in carefully crafted homestays that show you local life up close. Also, drive on one of the highest motorable roads to see amazing views of the Himalayas. Discover Ladakh’s beauty as it shows you its history and natural wonders, promising a memorable journey into the heart of this special region.
Experience the true flavors of Ladakh and marvel at the wonders of Nubra Valley, Sumur and Rong Valley during your trip to Ladakh. Immerse yourself in an evening dedicated to the local folklores, cooking experience with the host in Himalayas. Sojourn with local artisans and learn more about traditional art and their ancestry.
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your Homestay at Thiksey (11,500ft). You will be resting today and acclimatizing yourself to the High-Altitude environment with a view of the Thiksey Monastery. This day is called the Acclimatization day and is required to adjust your body to the low oxygen levels of this altitude.
Our day begins with a visit to Nyarma, the oldest university in Ladakh, established between the late 10th and early 11th century A.D. Credited to Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo, Nyarma is often referred to as the Nyarma University and serves as a prominent center for Buddhist education in the region.
Following our exploration of Nyarma, we will proceed to Thiksey Monastery. strategically situated along the banks of the Indus River, holds a rich history intertwined with the Silk Route and the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and then continue our journey to Shey Palace, historically the summer capital of Leh
We will take a tour of the Old Leh Town in the evening while exploring the cafes in the market. Overnight stay at Thiksey Homestay.
Today is the day when we will leave Leh and embark on a journey along the Silk route to Nubra Valley. We will be crossing 17,582 ft Khardung La pass – known to be one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Upon reaching the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’, we will pay our tribute to 33m tall statue of Maitreyi Buddha at the Diskit Monastery. We will visit Hunder, one of the major towns of the region and known for the Double humped camel safari and unique sand dunes. The place was a part of the ancient silk route which is also known as the cold desert. Overnight at a Homestay in Sumur.
You’ll begin your day with a brief hike to the serene Yarab Tso, a hidden lake near Sumur that serves as an initial point on the historic Silk Trail. Historically, it was a crucial stop for traders.
Continuing on, we’ll visit the Samstanling Monastery in Sumur Village, where we’ll engage with the young monks. Later in the day, we’ll immerse ourselves in local folklore while enjoying a traditional Ladakhi meal at a homestay. Our overnight accommodation will be at Sumur Homestay.
After breakfast, embark on a one-hour drive to Kungiyam Village, a secluded settlement nestled in Rong Valley at an altitude of 13,000 feet. The day will be devoted to immersing ourselves in local village life and gathering stories from residents. In the evening, marvel at the starry night sky from your accommodation at Kungiyam Homestay. Spend the night at Kungiyam Homestay, nestled in the centre of the village.
Post breakfast, take a trip along the Indus river back towards Leh. The valley is known for its wildlife and if lucky, you will be able to spot highly elusive Eurasian lynx, Blue sheep, Himalayan wolves and so on. The journey to Phyang will be around 3 hours journey from village Kungiyam. Once you reach Phyang, get stelled into cozy homestay with a view of the Monastery from the room. As night falls, indulge in a mesmerizing stargazing experience at an altitude exceeding 11,000 feet, followed by a visit to the venerable 700-year-old Phyang Monastery. Conclude this enriching day with a taste of authentic Ladakhi cuisine before retiring for the night at Phyang Homestay, immersed in the local atmosphere.
After breakfast, we will journey to the Sham region of Ladakh, a scenic two-hour drive from Leh City. Likir Monastery, meaning “The Naga-Encircled,” derives its name from being surrounded by two serpent spirits, Nanda and Taksako.
Likir is renowned for its pottery, a craft bestowed upon its artisans by King Gyalpo Namgyal in the 17th century. Experience the daily life of these artisans and awaken your inner potter while relaxing on the homestay’s balcony with tea, overlooking the picturesque Himalayan landscapes.
In the evening, visit the local market for some last-minute shopping. Overnight stay at a homestay in Phyang.
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!
