Experience Culture and Craftsmanship!
Experience Culture and Craftsmanship!
Experience the cultural reminiscence and culture of Central Asia!
Why this experience is unique?
Ladakh is a place where local artists create unique art influenced by Nepal, Tibet, and Central Asia. In Ladakh’s villages, ancient crafts continue, keeping traditions alive for many years. You can experience authentic Ladakhi culture by staying in carefully crafted homestays that show you local life up close. Also, drive on one of the highest motorable roads to see amazing views of the Himalayas. Discover Ladakh’s beauty as it shows you its history and natural wonders, promising a memorable journey into the heart of this special region.
Experience the true flavors of Ladakh and marvel at the wonders of Nubra Valley, Sumur and Rong Valley during your trip to Ladakh. Immerse yourself in an evening dedicated to the local folklores, cooking experience with the host in Himalayas. Sojourn with local artisans and learn more about traditional art and their ancestry.
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your Homestay at Thiksey (11,500ft). You will be resting today and acclimatizing yourself to the High-Altitude environment with a view of the Thiksey Monastery. This day is called the Acclimatization day and is required to adjust your body to the low oxygen levels of this altitude.
Start the day early with the host and experience the captivating morning prayer at the main hall of Thiksey Monastery. The chanting and morning rituals are sure to leave you spellbound. Afterward, return to the homestay to enjoy freshly made Khambir (traditional fermented bread).
Post-breakfast, take a drive towards Leh, stopping to visit Shey Palace along the way. Explore the Leh market, enjoy a relaxing stroll, visit local cafés for coffee, and have lunch in the market area. Then, visit the Central Asian Museum, followed by Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
End the day by driving back to Thiksey Homestay, and if you’re not too tired, feel free to join in preparing dinner.
Today is the day when you will leave Leh and embark on a journey along the Silk route to Nubra Valley. You will be crossing 17,582 ft Khardung La pass – known to be one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Upon reaching the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’, pay your tribute to 33m tall statue of Maitreyi Buddha at the Diskit Monastery. Visit Hunder, one of the major towns of the region and known for the Double humped camel safari and unique sand dunes. The place was a part of the ancient silk route which is also known as the cold desert. Overnight at a Homestay in Sumur.
Start the day early with a peaceful visit to Samstanling Monastery, where you’ll participate in a special session focused on mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, led by a resident monk. This serene experience will set a reflective tone for the day.
Afterward, explore the historic Ensa Monastery, known for its ancient murals and rich spiritual heritage. From there, enjoy a short, scenic trek to the beautiful Yarab Tso, often referred to as the hidden lake of Ladakh, surrounded by rugged mountains and offering a tranquil atmosphere.
Later, visit the Panamik Hot Springs on Siachen Route, famous for their therapeutic properties. Relax and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying the stunning views of the Nubra Valley.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 2 to 3-hour drive to Kungyam Village, traveling via the remote Warila pass. Situated at 13,000 feet in Rong Valley, Kungyam offers an authentic village experience. Spend the day exploring local traditions, including a village walk where you’ll see the traditional flour water mill still in use, grinding flour and barley the old-fashioned way. Engage with the residents, hearing their stories and observing their way of life. In the evening, retreat to Kungyam Homestay, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the starry night sky before resting for the night.
Post breakfast, take a trip along the Indus river back towards Leh. The valley is known for its wildlife and if lucky, you will be able to spot highly elusive Eurasian lynx, Blue sheep, Himalayan wolves and so on. The journey to Phyang will be around 3 hours journey from village Kungyam.
Once you reach Phyang, get stelled into cozy homestay with a view of the Monastery from the room. As night falls, indulge in a mesmerizing stargazing experience at an altitude exceeding 11,000 feet, followed by a visit to the 700-year-old Phyang Monastery. Conclude this enriching day with a taste of authentic Ladakhi cuisine before retiring for the night at Phyang Homestay, immersed in the local atmosphere.
After breakfast, we will journey to the Sham region of Ladakh, a scenic two-hour drive from Leh City. Likir Monastery, meaning “The Naga-Encircled,” derives its name from being surrounded by two serpent spirits, Nanda and Taksako.
Likir is renowned for its pottery, a craft bestowed upon its artisans by King Gyalpo Namgyal in the 17th century. Experience the daily life of these artisans and awaken your inner potter while relaxing on the homestay’s balcony with tea, overlooking the picturesque Himalayan landscapes.
In the evening, visit the local market for some last-minute shopping. Overnight stay at a homestay in Phyang.
Your Ladakh adventure concludes as you transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi, accompanied by a GHE team member to assist you with your departure.
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
