A PILGRIMAGE IN LADAKH

An exclusive winter trek

Exploring the Treasures of Ladakh: Leh and Surroundings

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Ladakh as you embark on an incredible journey through its ancient monasteries, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural treasures. From the sensational flight over the Himalayas to the tranquil villages and sacred sites, this itinerary offers an unforgettable exploration of Leh and its surrounding wonders. Uncover the rich heritage of Sowa Rigpa, witness awe-inspiring landscapes, and experience the warmth of Ladakhi hospitality on this remarkable adventure.

Itinerary

Start

Day-1

FLIGHT DELHI TO LEH. This is one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, flying over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Ladakh and Kashmir with spectacular views of the distant Karakorams, to land at the small military airport in Leh. You will be met by LungtaTravels staff at the airport and driven to a Ladakhi-style Guesthouse. We recommend that the remainder of the day be spent resting to insure acclimatization.

Start

Day-1

Sightseeing

Day-2

SIGHTSEEING IN LEH. Drive to Shanti Stupa and Sankar Gonpa via Tisuru Chorten, a monument of historical importance. After lunch explore Leh’s ancient bazaar.

Sightseeing

Day-2

Sightseeing

Day-3

SIGHTSEEING IN LEH. Drive to Namgyal Tsemo, and walk to Leh Palace passing through the older part of Leh; visit Gonpa Soma in the afternoon, located in the heart of the town.

Sightseeing

Day-3

Sightseeing

Day-4

THIKSE MONASTERY AND SHEY PALACE. Drive to Thikse Monastery in the early morning to attend a religious ceremony in the main assembly hall, tour the monastery; vist Shey Palace and the chapel.

Sightseeing

Day-4

Sightseeing

Day-5

LEH AND CHOGLAMSAR. Attend a talk on Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Ladakhi system of healing, also known as Amchi medicine, originating in Tibetan Buddhism. After lunch, tour the Tibetan community of Choglamsar, visiting the summer palace of H.H. the Dalai Lama, and Zhiwai Tsal, the grand teaching ground for Buddhists.

Sightseeing

Day-5

Sightseeing

Day-6

VISIT CHEMREY GONPA AND TAKTOK MONASTERY. A 3 hour drive including both ways; Chemrey Gonpa is situated on a rocky slope having magnificient view of Sakti and Cherey villages and Taktok is the only monastery in Ladakh of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in a nearby cave. Both Chemre and Hemis monasteries are built by Lama Stagtsang raspa.

Sightseeing

Day-6

Sightseeing

Day-7

VISIT STAKNA GONPA AND MATHO MONASTERY. A 2 hour drive including both ways, and at least 1 and a half hour tour of the monasteries leaves the afternoon free for exploring Leh.

Sightseeing

Day-7

Sightseeing

Day-8

LIKIR TO LAMAYURU. Drive to Likir in the morning, visit Likir Gonpa; continue driving to Lamayuru, and visit the famous Lamayuru Monastery; overnight in Lamayuru.

Sightseeing

Day-8

Sightseeing

Day-9

LAMAYURU TO ALCHI. Drive to Alchi, visiting Chulichan Nunnery and Rizong Monastery along the way; tour Alchi Monastery, famous for its paintings; overnight in Alchi.

Sightseeing

Day-9

Rest

Day-10

RETURN TO LEH. Drive back to Leh, stopping at Basgo Castle; return to Leh in time to enjoy an unscheduled afternoon.

Rest

Day-10

Picnic

Day-11

SPITUK TO PHYANG. Visit Spituk Gonpa in the morning; drive to Phyang to enjoy a picnic lunch in a beautiful pasture and tour Phyang Gonpa.

Picnic

Day-11

Sightseeing

Day-12

HEMIS MONASTERY. Drive to Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh; tour the monastery. Take a 2 hour (each way) optional to walk to Got-sang, with ancient meditation caves and prayer flags, considered auspicious by traditional Ladakhis.

Sightseeing

Day-12

Trek

Day-13

LEH TO SABOO TREK. A short day trek between Leh and Saboo Village, with a break for tea in a local family’s house to enjoy the warmth of traditional Ladakhi hospitality.

Trek

Day-13

Return

Day-14

FLIGHT TO DELHI. Overnight in hotel in Delhi, and depart by bus to the International Airport.

Return