Towards the last frontier of India
Towards the last frontier of India
Explore the geographically crucial destination that is rich in culture & history
Why this experience is unique?
This hidden jewel situated towards the last frontier of India is truly mystical as hardly anyone is aware of this culturally rich site situated since the 13th century. Founded by Lama Pirang Raschen, this monastery is located towards the right bank of the Siachen River. One has to cross the famous Khardungla Pass to reach Yarma Gompa situated in Nubra Valley – known for double humped camels. It is said that the mountains at the backside of the Gompa contain many mysteries. Many faithful visitors pay a visit to discover the sacred omens in these mountains. Only the faithful can see them. While on a journey to visit this unique attraction of Leh-Ladakh, visit some popular attractions – Shanti Stupa, Hemis Monastery, The Last Village Before Siachen Glacier and stay in homely local homestays to receive the most warm and authentic hospitality.
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and take you to a local 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.
Khardung La that has been considered the highest motorable road in the world until recent times is situated at 17582 ft. It is also the getaway to Nubra Valley. You will cross this mighty pass to reach Hunder. The journey will take 6 hours to complete. Hunder is one of the major towns of the Nubra region and known for the Double humped camel safari and unique sand dunes. The place was a part of the ancient silk route. You will be reaching the Hunder village by the evening to receive a warm welcome from a hospitable Ladakhi family.
It is a day to relax in the village and experience its serenity. You may want to experience local farming in the morning and visit the sand dunes. Post morning, you will visit Turtuk. Turtuk is the last outpost of India at Dothang. It is situated on the banks of the Shyok River. The drive will be alongside the river into the beautiful landscape. It is known as one of the getaways to Siachen Glacier. Post this visit, you will come back to Hunder homestay.
It is time to travel towards the main town – Leh today. You will visit the famous Diskit monastery on the way that was built in the 14th century. It is famous for the 32m tall Maitreya Buddha statue apart from the history. The Diskit monastery is situated atop the hill, just above the flood plains of the Shyok River. On its right bank is the Diskit village (3,144 meters (10,315 ft)) in Nubra Valley. Post this, you will head to see the main attraction of the day – Panamik Hot Springs. After seeing this natural wonder, you’ll call the day off at a very well facilitated Ladakhi Homestay – The Himalayan Hot Spring Homestay.
After having a good breakfast with a beautiful mountain view, you’ll head to see the hidden gem of Ladakh. The fables tell us that if you are spiritual enough, you can actually see the Potala Palace of Tibet in the magical Yarab Tso Lake. A short trek from Sumur village will take you to Yarab Tso that is considered a holy place as per Buddhism. After spending some time at this picturesque and divine place, you’ll head to Changlung village. Another day ends at another very authentic Ladakhi homestay in Changlung.
The day starts with early breakfast. You will visit Yarma Monastery immediately after that. The monastery is a heritage of the region and has its special place amongst locals. It is surrounded by mountains and presents a unique view of the Siachen region. Drive along a Siachen River towards the last village of India – Warshi right before Siachen Glacier. Stop here for lunch and head back to Changlung. You may also wish to spend a night in Warshi homestay.
Today you will drive back to Leh via Khardung La. You may want to stop here and click some pictures at Khardung La on the way or just stop for a cup of tea on the way. Once back in Leh, you can spend some time in the cozy cafes in the Leh market. If you wish to shop, make sure you ask your guide to suggest some authentic shops. Stay in the hotel to end the second last day of your tour.
Today you will be going around to see some iconic spots of Ladakh – Hemis Monastery and Shey Palace. Hemis Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage, in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Situated 45 km from Leh, the monastery was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. Shey was the summer capital of Ladakh in the past. The original palace was built near the Shey village by Lhachen Palgyigon, the king of Ladakh (then called Maryul), in the 10th century.
It is the day to say goodbye to the land of mountain passes. We will drop you to the Leh airport as per your flight time.
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!
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