(Open only from May to October)
Embark on a nomadic journey in canvas luxury. Unfurl the centuries-old culture of Ladakh, exploring the fascinating monuments, quaint monasteries enriched with ancient art forms, fairs and festivals. Be part of the region’s unique rituals – enjoy the ancient sport of Polo, brought to Ladakh in the 17thcentury by the Royals. Try your hand at archery set amidst the most dramatic and breath-taking landscape. Raft on the gentle Indus River, stop for a delicious picnic lunch at the most picturesque hamlet. Experience Ladakh in all its splendour at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey (in the Leh Valley) brought to you by ‘The Ultimate Travelling Camp’.
A land of varying landscapes, from white deserts to blue lakes, ice-capped mountains to lush valleys, Ladakh – like a dream captured in a snow globe, is a wildly beautiful milieu set between the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas. Located in a valley just north of the Indus River is Leh – the capital of Ladakh, a region often referred to as ‘Little Tibet’. The centuries-old culture of this picturesque capital city finds expression in its monuments, monasteries, oral literature, art forms, fairs and festivals.
This morning, following your arrival into Leh, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your residence – Chamba Camp, Thiksey. Soak in the serenity of the surroundings as you are accorded a traditional Ladakhi welcome. You will be then accompanied to your well-appointed Luxury Tent after your check-in formalities at the Reception Tent is completed.
There will be no activity on your day of arrival as it is medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable you to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels at this high-altitude. The Excursion Specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey will meet with you to discuss the itinerary suggested, help you plan your excursions and make changes if required, to suit your interests, choices and leisure.
You may take a stroll through the blessed hamlet of Thiksey and engage with the joyous local community and its pastoral lifestyle, immersing you to the scintillating peace and tranquillity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Today brings a late start, leaving the morning free for you to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and walk around the camp site, taking in the sights and the peaceful milieu where each tent opens out on to alfalfa pastures. Enjoy the view of the willow trees as the wind gracefully brushes the branches and the rustling sound of the poplar trees create an aura of unmatched beauty and serenity, making you unwind and relax.
Or, you may take an easy, invigorating walk in the vicinity of the camp through the lush farmlands of Nyerma, with insight into ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs, agricultural practices and religious life in the nunnery.
Return to the camp for your lunch.
This afternoon following lunch, you will visit the Leh City.
We then proceed on a gentle orientation tour of Leh. Our Leh City Heritage Walk ushers you to the labyrinth of by-lanes of Leh City under the gaze of the imposing 17th century nine storied Leh City Palace.
Our walk takes you through this last big frontier town where everything from daily needed rations, locally spun woollen clothing, rugs, yak fur and yak tail and ritualistic items can be sourced. The city boulevard presents a cauldron of shops which sell Pashmina shawls, stoles to Tibetan handicraft items. A few scattered curio shops also offer Tibetan silver jewellery and traditional Ladakhi jewellery set with turquoise, jade and emerald.
Your walk concludes near Chubi village where your vehicle will pick you up and take you to Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of this mesmerizing stone strewn landscape.
Optional Activities:
Séance with the Oracle: Drive to the Choglamsar village for a séance session with the village Oracle.
[Note: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a spiritual exploration of the monastic treasure of Ladakh.Driving through picturesque landscape along the River Indus, arrive at the fabled Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century. Founded by RingchenZangpo, the Great Translator, the Alchi Gompa displays a Kashmiri influence in its art and architecture. Within the monastery you will see beautiful Tibetan and Gandhara style murals of Ladakh,frescos and images of the Buddha.
Relish a delectable packed lunch in a picturesque setting before you drive back to your residence – Chamba Camp, Thiksey
On your way back from Alchi, you will drive past the Basgo fort, built in the 16th century. Basgo, literally “Cow’s Head” in the local language, was the center of power and politics in this region at one point of time.
Optional Activities:
Alternatively, combine your visit to Alchi with our optional “rafting excursion”: The day begins with a drive through the pastoral countryside, arriving at the put-in point. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages, enjoying the mesmerizing views, and the contrast between the greenery of theNimmuvillage on one bank and the stark barren landscape of the other.
Choose to relish a hot lunch in a picturesque setting.
Following lunch continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery. After the excursion, return to the comforts of your camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Packed)& Dinner
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
An early morning start with tea and coffee followed by a visit to the Thiksey monastery, which stands about a kilometer from the camp. This beautiful monastery houses a two storey statue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus and boasts of a spectacular view of the Leh valley. At the monastery, you will have the privilege to participate in the Buddhist morning prayer ceremony at sunrise.
Continue on a guided tour of the monastery, visiting the beautiful prayer room which has many handwritten and painted books as well as the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. You will also see small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.
After a leisurely breakfast at camp, proceed to explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage – The HemisMonastery :the biggest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 23 kilometers (45 mins) from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King SengeNamygal in the 17th century, where young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings.
Return to camp for lunch
The rest of the evening is at leisure, allowing you time to soak in serenity of your beautiful camp location.
Optional Activities:
Ride with the Wind – Wari La: After an early morning breakfast you will be driven to one of the most scenic passes in Ladakh – the Wari La(5,300 mtrs /17,384 ft)- which is also the world’s fourth-highest motorable road. This pass connects the two most exotic and most travelled valleys in this trans-Himalayan region.You get a breath-taking view of the Nubra valley, which lies beyond the pass, as well as the many villages dotting the Indus valley.
A hot lunch in the outdoors here is truly magical.
After a short safety briefing after lunch, you will then cycle down the best track thatthe Ladakh Himalayas has to offer. The road criss-crosses its way down the mountain side into the green oasis of Shakti village, where we will end our cycling trip.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
The day is at leisure
Optional Activities:
Pangong Tso – Day Excursion: Or, you may choose to embark on an Excursion to Pangong Lake. Take in the breath-taking views and setting of the blue lake set amidst the lofty Himalaya Mountains. A popular location for many Bollywood movies, enjoy some unique moments.
Following a lunch return to the comfort of your camp in Thiksey.
Stok Visit: Alternatively, you may choose to visit the village of Stok. For this excursion you will drive 19 kilometers (40 mins) to visit the Stok Palace, across the River Indus. Take a walk through the Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress, serving as the residence of the Queen Mother and Prince of Ladakh. A section of this Palace has been converted into a museum which houses some of the most interesting and priceless collections of the Royal family. Admire some of the exquisite royal perak (headgear) embedded with priceless coral and turquoise. The museum also exhibits Royal costumes, coins, photographs and paintings. Continue onwards to the Stok village. Explore the rustic beauty of the village as you walk down the narrow lanes, catching a glimpse of local village life, culminating at a quaint Ladakhi house, where you can enjoy traditional hospitality.
Tso Kar – The White Lake:Or, take a day trip to the mesmerizing Tso Kar – The White Lake, which lies beyond the dizzying heights of Tanglang La Pass (5,328 mtrs/ 17,582 ft) – the world’s second highest motorable pass, also makes for an unforgettable experience .A twin lake separated by a freshwater stream makes it an ancient nesting ground for a lot of birdlife.
You can also hope for a chance meeting with the famed “Chang Pas” or the nomads of the Trans –Himalayas who dwell a nomadic life primarily as animal herders and follow an annual migration route in these desolate yet compelling high altitude desert in search of fresh pastures for their livestock comprising of the Pashmina goats popular for the luxurious ‘Cashmere Wool’ and Yaks in the Rusphu valley.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Today you bid farewell to the enchanting and breath-taking mountainous and rugged terrain of Ladakh, as you transfer to the Leh airport and board your flight to your onward destination.
Meal: Breakfast
