Impact Trip along Silk Route

A flight brings you into Leh, a city bounded by the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountains at an altitude of 3500 meters. Upon landing, a team leader will welcome you at the airport with a traditional Ladakhi silk scarf. A transfer to the hotel follows, serving as the base for the next two days. The rest of the arrival day is free for relaxing and getting used to the high altitude. Spend the night at a hotel in Leh.

The day begins with a visit to Leh City and a cultural experience exploring ancient heritage. A guided tour covers Shey Palace, the summer capital of Leh, and Thiksey Monastery. Leh has a rich trading history from the Silk Route days and sits on the banks of the Indus River. A visit to the Shanti Stupa offers a panoramic view of the city. To relive the time of King Tashi Namgyal, the day includes a tour of Tsemo Castle. Sleep at the hotel in Leh.

The journey leaves Leh and follows the Silk Route to Nubra Valley. The drive crosses the Khardung La pass at 17582 feet, known as one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Upon reaching the orchard of Ladakh, a visit to the 33 meter tall Maitreyi Buddha statue at Diskit Monastery awaits. The next stop is Hunder, famous for its double humped camel safari and unique sand dunes in the cold desert. Sleep at a homestay in Tongstet.

The day starts with a short hike to the picturesque hidden lake of Yarab Tso near Sumur Village, an old resting stop for traders. Following this is a visit to the Samstaling Monastery and lunch at a local homestay. In the second half of the day, the journey moves to a remote village for an impact activity. You will collaborate with locals to install improvised rocket stoves or solar water heaters depending on the requirement, solving a pressing winter need for hot water and reducing firewood use. After the installation, join a small traditional prayer performed by monks or family. Stay the night at a homestay in Tongstet.

Travel next to the Shyok River to reach the beautiful Pangong lake. The route passes through Shyok Village, an important winter caravan stop from Leh to China. The drive takes about seven hours. In the evening, experience Pangong, the highest saltwater lake in the world, and watch its changing colors. Spend the night in a solar powered homestay in Maan Village overlooking the pristine lake.

The morning begins with a journey from Pangong back to Leh, crossing the Changla Pass at 17,688 feet. This pass is the gateway to the Changthang Valley and offers a panoramic view of the snow covered Ladakh Range. The rest of the day in Leh is at leisure. After a hot shower, a short visit to the Leh market offers a chance to purchase anything needed for the upcoming trek. Sleep at the hotel in Leh.

This is the trekking day. An early morning drive of two hours leads to the village of Hemis Shukpachun. From here, a four hour trek begins on flat ground alongside stupas. A steep descent leads to the Mebtak La pass at 3720 meters. After resting and enjoying the view from the top, the trail heads down to Tingmosgang. This prosperous village in the Sham valley is famous for its monastery and apricot orchards. Spend the night in a local lodge at Tingmosgang.

A vehicle picks you up in Tingmosgang to start the day with a visit to the 1000 year old Alchi Monastery. After the visit, a stop for a traditional meal at a local kitchen is planned. On the way back, a short detour to Likir village offers a pottery session with the last potter family of Ladakh. In the evening, visit the Leh market to pick up souvenirs like Pashmina and local crafts. Spend the final night at a hotel in Leh before your onward departure.