An extraordinary cultural and spiritual adventure through the spellbinding landscapes of Ladakh
An extraordinary cultural and spiritual adventure through the spellbinding landscapes of Ladakh
This 11-night itinerary takes you on a journey filled with cultural encounters, spiritual moments, and breathtaking vistas. Trek alongside a serene turquoise lake, deciphering the mysteries etched by ancient civilisations, and witnessing the soul-stirring sunrise over Pangong Tso. Become immersed in the vibrant culture by participating in a traditional Buddhist prayer ceremony and exploring the labyrinthine alleys of Leh’s old town, a treasure trove of history and handicrafts. Indulge your taste buds with a culinary journey led by a renowned Ladakhi chef, savouring the unique flavours that have been passed down for generations.
1 night Delhi | 3 nights Nimmoo | 3 nights Nubra Valley | 1 night Pangong Lake | 3 nights Leh
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, your &Beyond host will greet you and transfer you to the Hyatt Andaz Delhi in Aerocity (approximately a 10-minute drive).
The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and settle in, getting ready for the incredible journey that awaits.
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Leh (approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute flight). As you soar towards Leh, marvel at the spectacular views of the Zanskar and Karakoram mountain ranges.
Ladakh is a unique destination in India, offering a captivating blend of remote beauty, rich Buddhist culture, and fascinating history. Sparsely populated and dominated by vast, rugged mountains, this cold desert boasts the mighty Indus River flowing through its heart. Most of the plateau sits above 3,000 m (9,843 ft), dwarfed by surrounding peaks that exceed 5,000 m (16,400 ft).
Upon arrival in Leh, you’ll be met and driven along the scenic Indus River to Nimmu House in Nimmoo Village (approximately a 45-minute drive). Nestled in the heart of the traditional village (at an altitude of 3,050 m / 10,000 ft), Nimmu House is a charming eco-resort. This retreat serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the powerful heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of the Sham Valley (Indus Valley west of Leh).
To help you adjust to the high altitude and thinner air, today is dedicated to relaxing and (quite literally) catching your breath. It’s medically recommended to minimise exertion and allow your body to acclimatise to the rarefied oxygen levels.
Start your day with an optional Pranayama Yoga class in the hotel’s yoga room. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast with a Buddhist scholar. This unique experience will help you understand the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism before your journey westward.
From there, embark on a 45-minute drive to explore one of Ladakh’s most significant temple complexes, Alchi Choskorling. Often mistaken for a monastery, Alchi is a unique 11th-century complex built by Rinchen Zangpo, a renowned scholar. Unlike later temples perched on hilltops, Alchi sits on lower ground, reflecting a pre-war strategy. Though compact, the complex boasts a remarkable wealth of cultural treasures.
Spend your day exploring other attractions, including the Du-kang assembly hall, the three-tiered Sum-tsek complex, the Lhakhang (temple), and smaller temples like Lotsawa and Manjushri. Three chortens (shrines) grace the grounds, two containing Rinchen Zangpo’s paintings. Alchi’s murals and artwork showcase a rich record of Buddhist iconography, with hints of Kashmiri influence.
In the evening, captivate your senses with a village walk. Gain a first-hand experience as you uncover the Ladakhi way of life. Here, stark landscapes and verdant fields create a charming contrast. While winter brings an icy stillness, spring transforms the land into a verdant oasis, where life seems to flourish with renewed vigour.
After breakfast, head out on a scenic hike following a wooden bridge across the Indus River. Your trail leads to a small village, a world away from modern life. As you walk alongside a gurgling stream, keep an eye out for seasonal delights: wildflowers in bloom or apricot trees laden with fruit. Watch playful otter frolic in the river, while eagles soar overhead in search of pikas, marmots, and hares preparing for winter. With a keen eye, you might even spot blue sheep (bharal) and urial grazing on the higher slopes. Your journey culminates at a tranquil grazing pasture, where an ancient juniper tree stands guard over a narrow gorge, beckoning you deeper into the mountains.
Savour a delicious picnic lunch, then choose how to spend your afternoon: relax with a nap or a book or continue exploring the village. In the evening, return to your hotel for dinner and a cosy bonfire, complete with a bottle of locally made apple wine.
Optional excursion: Explore the village of Smiths
For those seeking a different adventure, swap the village hike for a journey to the village of the Smiths. Legend tells of skilled metalworkers from Nepal brought here to build a monastery statue. Their talent so impressed the king that he granted them land and declared them Ladakhi residents.
Interestingly, this region remains the sole guardian of this craft today. Copper, brass, and silver, all sourced from outside Ladakh, are transformed into beautiful creations. You even have the chance to participate in a half-day workshop, learning the craft and creating a copper spoon as a unique souvenir.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch with beers by the Zanskar River before returning to your hotel. The evening is yours to unwind. Dinner and a bonfire can be arranged at your convenience.
Prepare for magnificent vistas as your journey continues through Ladakh’s most dramatic landscapes. Conquer the Khardung La (pass), once claimed as the world’s highest motorable road, at a staggering 5,359 m (17,852 ft) – a roughly 5-hour drive without stops.
Descend into Nubra Valley, a tri-armed paradise nestled between the Karakorum and Ladakh ranges. Nicknamed ‘the valley of flowers’, Nubra boasts a unique ecosystem at 3,000 m (10,000 ft) above sea level. This region was once a key stop on the ancient Silk Route, evidenced by the presence of Bactrian camels – two-humped nomads domesticated for tourist rides on the Hunder sand dunes.
Once you have arrived at your destination, Sumur Village and the enchanting Lchang Nang Retreat, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and some well-deserved rest and relaxation. In the evening, you have the option of joining a mindful meditation session with a resident monk at the Samstanling Gompa (monastery). Return to the hotel for a delightful bonfire and drinks, followed by a delicious dinner. To cap off the night, gaze at the somewhat otherworldly stars through the hotel’s telescope.
Start your day with an invigorating optional yoga class. Afterwards, enjoy a short 20-minute drive to the base of Lohan Tso Lake. From here, a scenic 20-minute hike leads you to this holy lake nestled between majestic mountains.
Legend says those with pure hearts can see the reflection of the nearby Ensa Monastery in the crystal-clear freshwater. Descend from the serene lake and journey for about an hour to reach Charasa Village. Here, you’ll find a fascinating blend: two monasteries representing different Tibetan Buddhist sects and the ruins of a once-grand palace.
Before reaching Charasa, keep an eye out for Ladakh’s largest petroglyph site (a form of rock art). Dating back to the Bronze Age, this field features over 4,000 mysterious etchings left by ancient people. Decipher scenes of hunting, stupas, ibex (wild goats), and cryptic writings that remain unsolved. Savour a delightful picnic lunch at a picturesque spot before returning to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon break from the sun.
As the sun dips low, immerse yourself in a magical evening (weather permitting) at the serene Sumur sand dunes. Nestled where the Nubra and Shyok rivers converge, this landscape is framed by majestic mountains. Enjoy local delicacies – cheese, Chang (a traditional beer), and wine – under the vast starry sky.
Following an early breakfast, you’ll head to the former Baltistan region, nestled along the border with Pakistan. Get ready for a stunning 3-hour drive alongside the Shyok River. Witness a dramatic transformation as the landscape softens and the altitude dips. Watch the dominant religion shift from Buddhism to Shia Islam, and the local language change from Ladakhi to Balti. This region boasts the world-renowned ‘king’ of apricots – a must-try for any fruit lover.
Upon reaching Turtuk Village, immerse yourself in local life with a walk through the village of Ferol, culminating in a delicious traditional lunch at Balti Kitchen.
After lunch, step back in time with a walk through the old village of Yul. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet descendants of the Yabgo Dynasty in their palace. Hear tales of the grand Baltistan kingdom before its partition between India, China, and Pakistan.
After an early breakfast, head out on a 5-hour drive following the Shyok River. Observe extraordinary landscapes unfold as you approach Pangong Tso, also known as the ‘lake of the great hollow’.
Pangong Tso straddles the eastern Ladakh region of India and western Tibet, stretching an impressive 134 km (83 mi) with a maximum width of 5 km (3 mi). Nestled at a staggering 4,225 m (13,862 ft), it holds the title of the world’s highest saltwater lake. The lake’s beauty is mesmerising, reflecting the sky in a kaleidoscope of blues, a stark contrast to the surrounding arid mountains.
Historically, Pangong Tso consisted of five sub-lakes connected by narrow channels. Today, the name primarily refers to the westernmost section, which falls mostly within Ladakh. The eastern portion in Tibet is called Tso Nyak (middle lake). Approximately 50% of the lake belongs to Tibet, 40% to India, with the remaining portion forming a disputed buffer zone along the Sino-Indian border. Pangong Tso joins Tso Moriri and Tso Kar as a haven for diverse birdlife, including endangered mammals. It’s also on track to become a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, potentially becoming South Asia’s first transboundary Ramsar site (both Tso Moriri and Tso Kar already hold this distinction).
Upon arrival at Pangong, settle in at The Merak Pangong. Take a leisurely walk by the lake, binoculars in hand, to spot the vibrant migratory birds gracing the region during summer. After dinner, weather permitting, a young child from a nearby village will guide you on a captivating astronomical journey through a telescope provided by the Astronomical Department. This experience is subject to availability.
Embrace the magic of Pangong Tso with a sunrise walk by the lake. Enjoy breakfast before embarking on your return journey to Leh via the Chang La, perched at a staggering 5,360 m (17,585 ft).
Your final destination, Leh, beckons. The charming capital is the largest town in Ladakh, boasting the region’s only civilian airport. Wander through the old town, an interesting maze of crumbling mud-brick structures and serene stupas. Explore an abandoned Tibetan-style palace and fort, remnants of a bygone era. Below, the bustling main bazaar offers a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds – trekking gear, Tibetan jewellery, dried fruits, and a vibrant mix of restaurants and tour operators.
Leh, at 3,505 m (11,500 ft), serves as a perfect base for acclimatisation before venturing higher. Several magnificent monasteries perched on mountaintops await exploration just a few kilometers away. After your journey, unwind and enjoy a delicious late lunch at Dolkhar Resort. Spend your evenings at leisure, unwinding after your long drive.
Optional excursion: Chemrey Monastery
For those seeking hidden gems, a detour to the Chemrey Monastery is a rewarding experience. Founded in 1664, this lesser-known monastery houses some of the most beautiful sculptures of Buddhas and Tibetan gurus. Admire the impressive statue of Guru Padmasambhava and marvel at the 29-volume scripture, intricately engraved in gold and silver.
Start your day with a warm beverage before embarking on a spiritual journey to Thiksey Monastery. Take part in the mesmerising spectacle of morning prayers, where the rhythmic sounds of cymbals and deep chanting fill the air. Novice monks offer steaming cups of traditional butter tea, and the scent of burning juniper incense adds to the ethereal atmosphere.
This magnificent monastery boasts a two-story statue of the Maitreya Buddha and remarkable views of the Leh Valley. Here, you’ll have the unique privilege of participating in a Buddhist morning prayer ceremony at sunrise. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour through the monastery’s beautiful prayer rooms, adorned with countless handwritten and painted books. Explore the temple dedicated to the goddess Tara, where 21 exquisite images reside in glass-covered wooden shelves.
Leaving the monastery’s serene chants behind, descend to a local farm and savour a delicious Ladakhi breakfast. A short drive later, immerse yourself in the rich textile tradition of Ladakh in a nearby village. Young girls will demonstrate the fascinating process of transforming raw pashmina fibre (from yaks, sheep, and goats) into the world-renowned pashmina shawls. Try your hand at natural dyeing with herbs and even weave a small tapestry to cherish as a unique souvenir.
Return to Leh and unwind with a relaxing lunch at Bon Appetit Restaurant. The rest of the evening is yours to explore at your leisure.
A little history about the pashmina
Legend tells the tale of a pashmina shawl that journeyed from Kashmir to Iran, eventually reaching the hands of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. He gifted it to his wife, Empress Josephine, who fell in love with its delicate warmth. Pashmina’s fame grew rapidly, appearing in French fashion magazines by the 1790s and becoming a coveted treasure in European high society.
Long before its European debut, pashmina graced the Mughal courts and served as a valuable commodity on the Silk Route trade route, known as ‘Soft Gold’. Wars were even fought to control these pashmina trade routes. Today, it remains the most sought-after fibre in the world, originating from this very land of high mountains.
After breakfast, head to Leh Town (a 10-minute journey by vehicle). There, a heritage walking tour awaits, taking you through the enchanting labyrinth of the old city.
Imagine yourself beneath the watchful gaze of the imposing 17th-century Leh Palace, its nine stories a testament to the region’s history. Your walk winds through Leh, a town that once thrived as a major trade post on the Silk Route. Here, time seems to slow down as you explore bustling bazaars brimming with a unique charm. Cobbled streets and hidden alleyways reveal a treasure trove of local shops. Thangka stores showcase vibrant religious tapestries, while couturiers weave their magic with Ladakhi textiles and handicrafts.
As your walk concludes, get ready to be transported on a culinary journey through Ladakhi cuisine at the home of Chef Kunzes Angmo. Here, you’ll learn about the rich history and traditions behind the region’s unique flavours.
The afternoon is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. In the evening, a specially curated chef’s tasting menu awaits you at Syah restaurant.
This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to a room at Hyatt Andaz Delhi, where you can relax until your departure.
Later, depending on your flight timings, you’ll be transferred to the international airport for your journey onward.
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