Ladakh
Introduction
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Ladakh is a region of unparalleled beauty, a land where rugged mountains meet vast deserts, and ancient traditions intertwine with modern aspirations. It is a journey of exploration, delving into the vibrant tapestry of Ladakh's traditions, art, festivals, and way of life.
An emotional connect which will linger like a whiff of a strong perfume as we transition from materialistic desires to experiencing and creating meaningful moments. The genesis to it all is to understand the joys in little things of life while sipping on the hot barley soup and adoring the placid panorama of bright blue sky in contrast to the brown earthly Himalayas standing tall through time like they have many stories preserved in them... stories of happiness... of togetherness... of the war... of the beautiful spring.
Whispers of the deep valleys
A massive continental drift gave rise to the beautiful inhabitable Himalayan ranges. Along its valleys the welcoming people of Ladakh settled to call it home. The way all the mountains are different from each other in shapes and sizes similarly all the tribes settled in it vary vividly in culture and cuisine. The slow-paced secluded valley of last remaining Aryans is a tale to behold where the soldiers from the army of Alexender the great decided to settle here.
Ladakh's rhythmic dances and the soul-stirring music is the expression of joy, faith, and celebration. Lets unveil the stories behind the vibrant masked dances performed during festivals and the haunting melodies of traditional instruments like the Daman and Surna that hold a specific meaning like the Bhopka tribe donning a tepi with cherry blossoms to ward off evils. Dance to the rhythm of the locals as they hum to a sweet melody showcasing many cultures in finesse. Such is the beauty this land holds!!!
A Clandestine Escape
The ancient mud-brick houses and monasteries surrounding it adds a touch of timelessness to this quaint valley. Experience the nuggets of nostalgia in an earthly setting of the comfortable stay where one finds the optimum use of Earth and Wood which is a key component of Ladakhi buildings that represents the closed knit harmony of Ladakhis to the nature. Submerge in the endless enchantment of Ladakh while enjoying the slow walk by the valley with tall poplar trees jutting out to the bright blue sky, a kaleidoscope of colours as the sunlight grazes across the mountains, across the scattered muddy hamlets that are remnants of the past.
Lets take the road less travelled and slow down to hear the loudness in the silence of the curvy road that ascent from the high pass of Wari la. The 5th highest motorable pass that is adorned with colorful praying flags to bless the travellers with good luck on the way.
An interaction with nature and nourishment
Cruise down from the summit to see the tiny streams jutting out of the snow drizzled mountains and making its way till the road. Witness the tiny white stupas and the heap of ascending stone piled up together as a sign of good wishes as you slope down the mountain.
Embark with us- to explore, experience and live in the Himalayas, the Himalayan way!
Experiences of the trip
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Sample itineraries
Apricot Blossom Day 1: Arrival in Leh, Sangam- confluence of two rivers Airport Pickup and drive to Uleytokpo. Stop at Sangam view point on the way. Day 2: Aryan Valley Aryan Valley-one can find people of pure Indo-Aryan race, one of the only pure races in the country. Embark on a village hopping tour to see some of the best blooms of apricot trees. Day 3: Moonland and Monasteries Post breakfast, drive to Lamayuru, known for its moonland- spectacularly odd geological formations across mountains. Visit a 10th century monastery adorned in Gandhara art. Western Ladakh has some of the best blooming apricot trees during spring. Drive to Leh. Day 4: Top of the world - KhardungLa Drive through the second highest motorable road in the world to Nubra valley. Experience a high altitude desert with Bactrian camels taking a stroll through the dunes. Day 5: Dine under Apricot trees Turtuk, at the Indo- Pak border, is another destination that offers great apricot blossoms. Enjoy a farm to table, dine under the apricot blossoms experience here. Day 6: The lake of a thousand blues Drive to the Pangong lake, known for its changing blue colour. Spend a night by the lake stargazing at the clear skies of Pangong. Day 7: Chang-La to Thiksey Stop at a local café by a lake, and enjoy some hot, handmade butter tea with the warmest hospitality of the locals. Continue your journey through ChangLa pass, and visit the mini Potala Palace – Thiksey Monastery. Day 8: Departure Return home with great memories.
Nomadic Eastern Ladakh Day 1: Arrive at Leh and acclimatisation Transfer to Uley to acclimatise to the altitude. Village/ river walk in the evening. Day 2: Caves and monasteries Visit the Alchi monastery and Saspol caves, widely known for its 10th century Gandhara art paintings Day 3: Picnic by the river Today, soak in the rural beauty of Ladakh. A short hike to u less known village, sit by the stream and enjoy a picnic lunch. Day 4: - Jewels of Leh Today, we will cover some of the most beutiful spots in Leh like the Hemis, Thiksay monastery and Shanti Stupa. Leisurely evening at the market. Day 5 : Nomadic escape Travel through Tanglang La to reach the Tibetan plateau on the eastern side of Ladakh called the Changspa Valley. Spend the evening exploring nomadic villages and take a walk with pashmina goats and a local shepherd at golden hour. Day 6: The art and the artists Post breakfast, drive back to Leh. Attend a pashmina making/ Thangka painting demo workshop. Meet the artists and understand the depth of the art they have mastered. Day 7: Walk along the Silk route Today, you will tread on the same paths as many travellers and merchants did, hundreds of years ago. On the guided tour, try namkeen chai and freshly baked naan, hot out of the tandoors. Day 8: Departure
