In the land of nomads of Tibet
In the land of nomads of Tibet
A journey to the Changthang plateau – a home to the nomadic community migrated from Tibet
Why this experience is unique?
At an average altitude of 14,600 meters above sea level, the Changthang plateau is one of the least populated areas of the world. The region has various high-altitude lakes, including the world-famous Pangong-Tso Lake. The vast plateau stretches from Ladakh in India to about a thousand miles east into Tibet and is home to the Changpa nomads who live all year through in these harsh conditions.
Mahé is one such nomadic villages of Ladakh which offers an enriching experience of the nomadic lifestyle. Village women do carpet weaving from pashmina which is a speciality of Changthang. Through homestay based tourism we are engaging tourists to experience the nomadic culture, aiming alongside to improve the lives of this community. The region is has breathtaking views, some unexplored lakes and endemic wildlife.
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your eco-friendly homestay 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.
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 – these are the places we recommend you to visit. Come back after spending a day doing sightseeing and rest in the same homestay.
After breakfast in Leh, we will start the journey towards Mahe, the first village that you will be visiting. The village situated in the mountains of Ladakh is the place one should spend time in to see the real rustic Ladakh. Once reached, you can meet the locals and settle in one of the beautiful mud houses.
The village exploration continues today. Mahe village has a nunnery where one can easily witness the lifestyle of nuns, talk to them, and know their stories. This could be your day to be relaxed in the most picturesque location. Surrounded by mountains, a beautiful sunny day, and a lot of organic healthy food will be something to restore your energy. One can spend time with locals and accompany them in their daily chores. The day will end in the same homestay in Mahe.
You will drive to Tso-Moriri through some mesmerizing views. If you remain observant, you can spot ‘Kiang’ (wild ass) and marmots. Tso-Moriri Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the region with turquoise waters against the backdrop of mountains. You will spend some time at the lake and meet the nomadic communities here. In the evening enjoy some authentic Ladakhi dinner with the villagers in Karzok village and stay in a homestay.
After bidding goodbye to the lovely hosts in Korzok, you will start driving back to Leh. On the way, we stop to see a magical and quite unknown lake in Ladakh. Tso-Kar is a pristine lake with hardly any tourists. You will stop to see the magnificent views and spend some time to enjoy it. After the visit, you will drive back to Leh and check-in to the homestay and enjoy some comfort.
After bidding goodbye to the lovely hosts in Karzok, you will start driving back to Leh. On the way, we stop to see a magical and quite unknown lake in Ladakh. Tso-Kar is a pristine lake with hardly any tourists. You will stop to see the magnificent views and spend some time to enjoy it. After the visit, you will drive back to Leh and check-in to the homestay and enjoy some comfort.
After having a good breakfast, you will be heading back to Leh airport. You will be leaving the land of mystical mountains with loads of beautiful memories and a wish to come back again.
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!
