Ladakh Cultural Tour & Trek

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Ladakh Cultural Tour & Trek

Region
Ladakh
Distance
Max Altitude
4000 m
Max Group Size
12
Duration
8 days/ 7 nights, 4 days trekking
Best Time
mid-May to September
Cost Per Person
₹ 38,500, Children under 12 yrs: Rs. 29,500+ 5% GST
Overview Itinerary Inclusions Gallery FAQ Reviews

Description

Upcoming Trips: 24th to 31st May, 1st to 8th June, 2025

The word ‘Ladakh’ is derived from Tibetan and it means the land of high passes. What an apt name for a region that can only be reached by crossing passes over 5000m. This high-altitude arid region is one of the few regions in the world where the predominant religion is Tantric Buddhism. Jagged rocky mountains, clear blue skies, high-altitude lakes, monasteries perched on mountain tops, fluttering prayer flags are what define the landscape of this little paradise.

In this carefully curated trip, explore the monasteries and other important sights in Leh before moving to Nubra, a neighbouring valley that enjoys a salubrious climate, being at a lower altitude. Top it off with a 3 day trek in Sham valley – a stunningly beautiful trek that is one of the shortest multi-day trek in a valley that is not too far from Leh.

Itinerary

  • Day 1Ladakh, here we come! Take a flight from your city to Leh

    Take a convenient connection to reach Leh by noon. As Leh is at an altitude of 3500m, it is important to acclimatize well in order to avoid acute mountain sickness. 24 hours of complete rest is advised to all travelers flying to Leh. Enjoy a stay at a farm on the outskirts of Leh.

  • Day 2Jullay, Leh! 1/2 day sightseeing in Leh

    Post lunch, set off on a sight-seeing trip in Leh. Visit the iconic Leh palace and explore the winding alleys of Old Leh Town. Then visit Hemis or Thiksey gompas, two of the most famous, recognizable monasteries near Leh. Stroll around in Leh market in the evening.

  • Day 3Touching the clouds! Drive from Leh to Diskit via Khardungla. Trek to Hunder

    After breakfast, set off on the 4-hour drive to Diskit in Nubra valley. The drive takes you over Khardung La, the highest all-weather, motorable pass in the world. After lunch go on an easy 2-hour hike to Hunder. The trail that follows Shyok river takes you through sand dunes. Enjoy splendid views of the grand-canyon-esque valley. Hunder is one of the few places in India where one can find two-humped Bactrian camels. Enjoy a camel ride on the sand dunes, if you wish.

  • Day 4Rarefied air at Khardungla once again. Drive from Diskit to Likir

    After breakfast, visit Diskit Gompa where you will see a towering, colourful Maitreya Buddha statue. Visit the nearby monastery and then set off on a 6-hour drive (going over Khardung La once again) to Likir, the starting point of our Sham valley trek. Overnight in a homestay in Likir

  • Day 5Stark mountains, here we come! Trek from Likir to Yangthang

    Visit the famous Gelupa monastery in Likir before setting off on the trail towards Yangthang. You will cross a blink-and-miss pass called Phoebe La on the easy 3 km hike to a tiny village called Sumdo. The toughest stretch for the day will the climb to Chagatse La (3700m). Once you cross the pass, it is a descent all the way up to the outskirts of Yangthang village.

  • Day 6Photographer's Paradise. Trek from Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachen

    This is a tough day since you have to cross Tsermangchang pass, the highest point on this trek at 3900 m. However the ascent to the pass and the descent from there are not too steep. The day’s 8 km hike should take around 5 to 6 hours.

  • Day 6Trek from Hemis Shukpachen to Tingmosgang

    It is an easy 7 km hike to Ang and it should take around 4 hours. From there, Tingmosgang is a further 3 km away (1.5 hours trek). There are two minor passes on the way – Mebtak La and Lago La. In the evening, visit Tingmosgang monastery that stands majestically on a hillock and offers panoramic views of the valley below. A visit to a cave near the fort walls is also quite interesting.

  • Day 8 Jullay Ladakh! Drive from Tinmosgang to Leh airport. Catch a flight back to your city

    The 90 km drive from Tinmosgang to Leh airport should take about 2 hours. Start sufficiently early in order to catch a flight back to your city

Inclusions

  • Accommodation on a double/twin-sharing basis – 2 nights in a farmstay, 1 night at a resort in Hunder, 1 night at a hotel in Tinmosgang and 3 nights in homestays
  • Ground transport – from Leh airport to Leh airport, by Tempo Traveller. All tolls, parking etc. included
  • Breakfast and dinner on all days
  • Packed lunch while trekking in Sham valley
  • Basic first-aid with oxygen cylinder
  • Permits

FAQ

What kind of accommodations are provided during the trek?

There is a variety of accommodations on this trip. The first two nights will be at a farmstay near Leh. This will give you an opportunity to observe local culture, traditions and farming practices. You will stay at a charming resort near Shyok river in Hunder. The accommodation in Sham Valley will be in homestays, except in Tinmosgang where it will be in a village hotel.

What will the weather be like?

The max temperature varies between 18 to 24 deg C. The min temperatures will be between 5 and 9 deg C. But note that it will be colder during the shoulder season (May and end-Sep). Also, it will be colder in Sham valley compared to the other places.

Will there be clean toilets and bathrooms in all places?

Yes, there will be clean, western toilets and bathrooms in all places on this trek. However, attached toilets may not be available at the homestay in Yanthang.

My children are younger than 10. Will they be able to do this trek?

The recommended minimum age for doing this trek is 10. However you are the best judge. If your child is physically active and is used to walking long distances, he or she should be able to do it. Adequate preparation is necessary though.

What kind of preparation is recommended for participants?

Brisk walking – at least 3 km, at least 3 or 4 times a week, preferably on hilly terrain.

Stair-climbing – at least 15 minutes of climbing up and down stairs everyday.

Pranayama/breathing exercises also help in building lung capacity, and therefore coping better at higher altitudes

Will hot water for bathing be available at all places?

Hot water will be available on request at the homestays in Sham valley. Running hot water will be available in all the other places.

Are laundry facilities available?

There are no laundry facilities available anywhere on this trek except in Hunder.

Do we have to carry our own luggage?

No, you will only need to carry a backpack in order to carry some water, some eats, personal medicines etc. We will use a vehicle to move luggage between stops.

Can I use sports shoes or do I need to buy trekking shoes?

Trekking shoes are highly recommended since they have a better grip and provide better protection to your feet. It is very important that you break-in new shoes before coming on the trek.

Do all the places where we will be staying have electricity?

All the villages are connected to the grid. However, please get torches or headlamps with extra batteries and power banks for mobile phones as electricity supply in these places can be unreliable.

Is water safe to drink in these places?

Water is safe to drink. However as a precaution, please carry personal water purifiers (Aquaguard and LifeStraw are two popular brands available online).

How is the mobile connectivity on this trek?

All the places have mobile connectivity except Yangthang. BNSL and Jio provide the best connectivity in these regions. PLEASE NOTE: pre-paid cards don’t work in Ladakh

What are the things to pack for the trek?

We will send you a trek checklist when you register.

Should I be worried of AMS?

Leh is at an elevation of about 3500 m, so there is a possibility of people developing AMS symptoms. The itinerary includes 2 nights in Leh which is recommended to all tourists, and should help in acclimatization. Diamox can be taken as a precaution. Also, the trip leader will be carrying an oxygen cylinder just in case somebody has difficulty breathing. If somebody has a severe case of AMS, they may have to be admitted to a hospital in Leh which can deal with such cases.

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