Work and explore the flavours of Ladakh
Work and explore the flavours of Ladakh
Experience the offbeat destinations of Ladakh with the locals while working at 11,000 ft
Why this experience is unique?
Experience two different regions of Ladakh with locals during your fifteen day workation – the Sham Valley and the Rong Valley. The valleys are two different pathways to Ladakh and each valley takes you through a unique journey into the land of high passes. Rong valley is marked by the Indus river and the lush green pastures surrounding the valley. The region is best identified by its unique wildlife and hidden monasteries dating back several years. The lush green pastures and a the therapeutic hot springs mark the essence of the place. Moving towards the eastern side towards the early origins of the culture of Ladakh, the Sham valley offers a glimpse into the local heritage and the ancient history of Ladakh. Marked by centuries old monastery and rock art the region the mountains themselves speak of a history. Work and explore the different flavours of Himalaya during your trip to the Land of High passes!
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your hotel in Leh (11,562 ft). 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 the largest monastery in Ladakh, the Hemis Monastery. Visit the Thiksey Monastery, to admire the stunning statue of Buddha Maitreya and its traditional Tibetan architecture. In the evening, spend some peaceful moments at the Shanti Stupa watching the beautiful sun going behind the ghostly mountains. Spend the evening at a comfortable homestays/hotel in Leh.
After a fresh morning breakfast at Leh, we leave early towards the Liktsey village to our workstay. A couple of hours from Leh , the homestays is situated in the pristine natural environment. Settle and work through the day in a comfortable homestay at the Rong valley. The hosts would be happy to treat with local Ladakhi meals. Spend the rest of the week at your comfortable homestay.
The homestay is equipped with modern amenities to keep you comfortable during the stay. The host serve organic farm to table meals with traditional local flavours, enriching your afternoon with local tastes of Ladakh. Post work , one can plan on exploring the nearby regions such as the Liktsey Gompa, local farming, Archery with the champions and meditative prayers with the monks. You can also plan cycling trails around your homestay post office hours. Passing besides the Indus river, the cycle trails offers an excellent view of the Rong valley and the Liktsey village.
Ranking among the top ten hot springs of India, Chumathang hot springs is the perfect weekend destination after a long work week. Post breakfast at the Liktsey village we pack our bags drive towards the revered Teri Phu Gompa. Hidden deep amongst the Rong valley, it is believed that the statue at the Gompa, flew from Lhasa and established itself. The road leading to the Gompa itself is a delightful journey to embark on. Post lunch at the Teri village we drive towards Chumathang. Followed by the evening sightseeing at the village, spend the evening at a comfortable homestay at the Himalayan Spa Village.
The Chumathang hot springs are known for its therapeutic properties and provides the much needed weekend unwinding. Located right besides the mighty Indus river the hot springs are a marvel to watch in its own self. Post breakfast at the homestay, visit the Chumathang Gompa located right across the village. For all those interested in farming, you can also plan on plucking your own vegetables for the afternoon lunch. Post lunch we leave for Leh, on the way visit the Nurnish Gompa to have a look at the lush green pastures of the nearby village. Spend the evening at a comfortable homestay at Leh.
Post a local Ladakhi meal at Leh, we start towards the Alchi village. Known for its beautiful local arts and historic monuments, the Alchi village is a must visit for anyone wanting to explore Ladakh. A traditional homestay with a touch of modern amenities, the homestay is perfect for spending a week in the land of high passes!
Located west of Ladakh, the Sham valley is filled with hidden marvels waiting to be explored. Alchi is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centres in Ladakh. Explore the nearby rock arts, the 1000 year Alchi Gompa and local village life post your working hours. Spend the evenings at the village admiring the years of history and traditions of Ladakh. For all wanting to explore the valley on cycle you can always rent one at the time of booking and take evening rides across the region.
Drive to the beautiful village of Tsogsty. Poised beautifully along the Zanskar River, this small village offers an immersive experience of local life and Buddhist culture. See the local copper art of the region and meet the copper artisans of Ladakh. We return to a homestay at Leh and spend last evening of your workation in one of the cozy cafes of Leh
On the last day, the journey ends post breakfast at the homestay in Leh. One can fly back or extend their workation in a new region of Ladakh.
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!
