Ladakh and the Remote Indian Himalaya
Ladakh is a place unique in its beauty and unparalleled in its serenity. We experience an amazing blend of Tibetan, Indian and remote Himalayan communities in some of the harshest yet most grand and beautiful landscapes in the world. We are regularly compelled to marvel at the regions beauty. One of the most sparsely populated regions of India its culture and history are closely related to that of Tibet
“I must visit Ladakh one day”.
A recurrent and often spoken phrase we have heard from many travellers over the years whether they be frequent sub-continent explorers, India lovers or just regular adventurers. We can now quite happily fulfil this dream! We cross some of the highest navigable passes in the world and immerse ourselves in the Buddhist culture with visits to some of the most significant and fabled monasteries in Asia. Also a touch of hill station in Shimla as well. Wildlife enthusiasts may be lucky enough to see ibex, marmots, wild ass, double humped camels, yaks and mountain goats including the elusive pashmina. All in all travelling through Ladakh to Leh will be a lifetime cherished experience. Join us
"This experience was definitely more about the journey than the destination. The scenery was continually epic, awesome, and simply beautiful. We spent very little time in the city so the Indian skies were crystal blue and clean. The guide and drivers were friendly and professional, and we had multiple opportunities to meet local people. I am not normally a tour group person because I enjoy my independence and the ability to "wander" on my own. Travelling with Global Drift however suited me perfectly. While every day is well organised, there is plenty of flexibility and free time to immerse myself in the local life"
Steve Hodges, Hawaii, USA
| 15 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 3rd August 2024 | (Saturday to Saturday) |
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| Price: | USD$2990 | |
Day 1 - arrive Delhi This evening we have dinner planned in one of downtown Delhi's excellent restaurants Day 2 - Delhi to Shimla (via Kalka) We catch an express train this morning north to Kalka. Then connect to the Kalka–Shimla “Toy Train”, a narrow gauge railway which travels along a mostly mountainous route with dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. We arrive late afternoon in to the hill station of Shimla Day 3 - Shimla We savour the city of Shimla today. Shimla was discovered by the British in 1819, seeking respite from the baking plains. It became the summer capital of India set amongst cool pine forested hills and has developed crumbling colonial charm. There can be stunning views all the way to the Himalaya depending on the weather Day 4 - Shimla to Kalpa (via Rampur) We depart heading for Rampur and visit the Padam Palace built for the Maharaja of Himachal. Continuing on we drive along the Sutlej River to Sarahan where we visit the famous Bhimakali temple. Our final stop is our overnight stay in Kalpa Day 5 - Kalpa to Nako We continue on to Ribba for a visit to the monastery and local village. We then move on to Nako via Puh in time to enjoy the Nako Lake and local tribal village life Day 6 - Nako to Kaza From Nako we head to Tabo driving on the Hindustan Tibet Road and very close to International Border. In Tabo we explore the 1000 year old Tabo Monastery and Dalai Lama Centre. We continue along the Spiti River to Kaza our base for the next two nights Day 7 - Kaza This morning visit the Kyee Gompa near Kaza, located high above the left banks of the river Spiti. This monastery has a collection of rooms and corridors that do not follow any defined plan. It houses rare and valuable Thangkas, paintings and manuscripts of the sacred Tangyur texts. The Gompa also has a large assembly chamber lined with religious paintings and other chambers for worship and gatherings. Later we visit the small Gompa at Kibber which has the distinction of being the highest permanently inhabited village of the region Day 8 - Kaza to Jispa We drive over the Kunzam Pass at 4550 metres to Batal enjoying the breath taking view of Chandra Taal a high altitude lake. Proceeding on we pass Sissu Falls and the Tandi Bridge to reach Keylong the administrative centre of the Lahaul and Spiti. Further along the Chandra River we arrive into Jispa to end our days travel Day 9 - Jispa to Leh Continuing on today we drive to Sarchu alongside the Bhaga River and over Baralacha-la Pass at 4892 metres. Over more passes including Nakli-la and Lachung-la we reach Pang. We stop here for tea and passport checks then proceed further over the Taglang-la Pass which is one of the highest passes in the world. We descend through villages to reach Upshi then continue along the Indus River to reach Leh Day 10 - Leh This morning we take a walk up to Sankar Gompa which is in the valley a short distance from Leh town.
The Gompa belongs to Yellow Sect and was founded in 18th Century being the seat of the Head Lama of Ladakh. The temple walls have painted figures including Sakyamuni and Tson-Ka-pa. We walk back to Leh Bazaar through the famous Leh Polo Ground. In the afternoon we proceed to Stok which is the Palace of the banished royal family. Here there is a museum which displays fabulous period costumes and jewellery of the royalty along with exquisite Tangkhas representing the life of the Sakyamuni Buddha. Interesting historical objects such as coins, seals, armour, weapons, precious jade and porcelain can also be seen here Day 11 - Leh We make our way this morning to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. Even after Singge Namgyal built the more imposing palace at Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey as their real home. There are an enormous number of Chorten about the village, particularly around the palace complex. We move on to Thiksey, one of the largest and most impressive Gompas containing Buddha images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two story statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder. Proceeding on to Hemis this is the famous Gompa where we may hear the sound of the eleven feet horns, the boom of drums and the clash of cymbals. Hemis was founded in 1630’s and is largest and richest of Ladakh Gompa Day 12 - Leh to Nubra Valley We are off this morning for our excursions to the Nubra Valley. We pass through villages then the road rises to reach Khardung-la at 5359 metres, arguably the world's highest motor able road. Here we can enjoy the landscape and the beautiful bird’s eye view of the Leh town. We may enjoy a picnic lunch at Khardung village then on to Khalsar Bridge at Shyok River. Here we enter the Nubra Valley and continue along the Nubra River to arrive Tegar. We hope to have time for a visit to the Panamik Hot Springs before we move to our deluxe tented camp at Tirith Day 13 - Nubra Valley We drive this morning to the town of Deskit with its 500 year old Buddhist Monastery lying magnificently on a hilltop overlooking the entire Valley. After our visit we drive on to Hunder where we will see the Sand Dunes and perhaps a few double humped Camels. After lunch in Tirith we proceed to Sumur village for a short trek to Samstanling Monastery where about 50-60 monks are residing at this 130 year old monastery. After our visit to the monastery we return to our camp for dinner Day 14 - Nubra Valley to Leh We have a leisurely drive returning to Leh this morning before our visit to the Alchi Monastery founded in the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo the Great Translator. It is richly decorated by artists from Kashmir and Tibet. Mandala paintings here have deep Tantric significance and are particularly fine. The monastery is maintained by monks from nearby Likir. We return to our base in Leh for the last night of our journey Day 15 - Leh to Delhi (fly and depart) We catch our morning flight to Delhi where our adventure ends and you can continue on to further destinations at our leisure |  |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | USD$540 | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | Single USD$140 | Details |
| Double USD$140 | ||
| Arrival Airport Transfer: | USD$40 | Details |
If you are a single traveller and we are unable to match you up the single supplement (above) will need to be paid
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.