Astro and Culture Tour!
Astro and Culture Tour!
Experience the clear Dark Skies along with stories of Cosmos through a curated Astrotour of Ladakh
Why this experience is unique?
In the highlands of Ladakh, where the mountains soar over 11,500 feet, lies a special place where the sky is so clear that you can see the stars with amazing clarity. Join a unique tour led by local experts who know the secrets of the night sky.
On this tour, you’ll travel through the dark landscapes of Ladakh and learn stories about the stars and planets. You’ll also get to look through a powerful telescope to see distant galaxies and other amazing things in space. Along the way, you’ll visit ancient monasteries, which hold the history and traditions of the region.
This tour isn’t just about stargazing; it’s also about experiencing the connection between astronomy and Buddhism. Join us on this unforgettable journey to explore the wonders of Ladakh’s night sky and learn from the wisdom of the locals.
Upon arrival at Leh airport, you will meet our representative and be transferred to your homestay in Phyang Village. Settle into your semi-luxurious accommodations and take some time to rest, as the first day is dedicated to helping your body adjust to the higher altitude of Ladakh. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and prepare for the adventures ahead, knowing that every precaution has been taken to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from Phyang Homestay to explore the local culture and cosmology of Ladakh. Visit landmarks such as Tsemo Castle, Leh Palace, and Leh Market. You’ll also meet Onpo, a knowledgeable local astrologer, who will share insights into the relationship between cosmology and Buddhism. In the evening, join the Cosmohub team at Phyang Monastery for a guided stargazing session led by a women’s group, followed by a traditional Ladakhi dinner. You will return to Phyang Homestay for accommodations, conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Cosmohub.
Explore the secluded Hemis monastery one of the richest monasteries of the region, immerse in a cooking adventure, and swap stories with loved ones at Sakti Homestay. The Homestay is hosted by one the veterans of Indian army who like to share his stories of border between the countries as well as history of his land.
Experience the quaint charm of Kungyam Village with a guided tour, followed by an enchanting night sky observation. Afterwards, indulge in a delicious homemade organic meal at Kungyam Homestay, where you can relax and enjoy the company of your hosts while sharing stories and laughter. The village in located in the Rong Valley formed by the mighty Indus River.
Take a journey to the upper reaches of Kungiyam Village where you can encounter the Pashmina Goat Shepherds. Immerse yourself in their everyday routines, which include tasks such as dehairing and harvesting pashmina wool with nomads of the region.
Return to Leh and engage with the pioneering entrepreneurs of Cosmohub. Capture their tales and experiences, documenting their journey to success. Explore the vibrant Leh Market during your visit.
On the last day, the tour ends post breakfast in the homestay. One can fly back or keep exploring Ladakh for next few days.
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!
