Winter’s Charm of Ladakh!
Winter’s Charm of Ladakh!
See the frozen Indus River, do indoor Thanka painting with artists, & experience the charm of winters in offbeat villages!
Why this experience is unique?
After the busy months of summer in the farms, Ladakhis start preparing for the harshest time of the year. Every house makes sure the winters pass comfortably by drying fresh vegetables, roasting barley and grinding it in a watermill to make sattu (barley flour), preparing yak cheese, and stocking up lots of dry wood for the bukhari (local indoor heating system) well in advance. As winter sets in, each village reveals itself in its most natural, most authentic form. Women dust out their looms for weaving, elders and monks plan the season’s festivities and prayer meetings, yaks and Pashmina goats return to their pens after grazing in the highlands, and every family gathers together around a bukhari to stay warm. Rivers and lakes freeze in the peak season! So much so, that villagers arrange Ice Hockey tournaments, gliding at great speed across these makeshift ‘rinks’ of Ladakh. If you are an avid traveller with a penchant for all things real and remarkable, experiencing this raw, rural, snow-covered Ladakh should be on top of your bucket list!
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.
Today, embark on a journey to the Sham Region of Ladakh, celebrated for its milder climate and the rare blessing of two annual harvests. Along the way, visit the revered Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and marvel at Sangam, where the strikingly different waters of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers meet in a breathtaking confluence. Pause for a delightful lunch at Khaltse before continuing to Domkhar, a picturesque route that offers mesmerizing views of the Indus River.
Pass by Takmachik Village, a sight so captivating it feels like stepping into a painting. Upon arriving at your homestay in Domkhar, unwind and take in the serene atmosphere. In the evening, immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture by visiting the host’s traditional painting workshop and discovering the intricate art of Ladakhi painting techniques.
Start your day with an early morning hike alongside your host to the higher reaches of Domkhar Village. Keep your senses alert—you might just spot some elusive wildlife along the way. After the invigorating hike, return to your homestay to enjoy a hearty breakfast.
Today, you’ll journey back to Leh, with a stop at Domkhar petroglyphs and the ancient Alchi Monastery, a 1,000-year-old treasure that offers a glimpse into Ladakh’s rich heritage. In the evening, meet the Pashmina Ladies of Ladakh and have an insightful session on their journey from spinning to weaving Pashmina handicrafts. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at Sakti Homestay, where comfort meets tradition!
Winters in Ladakh are a cozy affair—tucked indoors with the warmth of a Bukhari and endless cups of hot tea. This slower pace of life lets travelers immerse themselves in the rhythms of the village, spending meaningful time with the locals. Your gracious host, a knowledgeable guide, will enrich your stay with visits to the monastery and leisurely village walks.
As you journey back to Leh, traverse the snowy lanes to explore Hemis Monastery, one of Ladakh’s wealthiest and most renowned monasteries. Conclude your adventure with a stay in Phyang Village, where you can enjoy an intimate cooking experience with a local family.
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.
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!
