Ladakh – A trip beyond expectations

Although just over an hour, the Delhi to Leh flight is a breathtaking one. The transition from the dusty plains to the abrupt jut in the land in the form of the mighty Himalayas happens so quickly that it is advisable to have your phone on the ready. It is undoubtedly India’s most picturesque flight by all means. Upon arrival in Leh, you will be driven to the luxury camp Chamba in Thiksey where the team is waiting to welcome and spoil you. Sleep, hydrate, acclimatize to the lofty heights and remember you are at 3500 meters above sea level. You need to be fit to enjoy the upcoming adventures that await you.

Overnight at the luxurious tented accommodations Chamba Camp Thiksey.

It is important to take it slow when in high altitude and as such the day today is quite relaxed. Go on a little exploration tour around Thiksey and visit the Matho Monastery, a spectacular 15^th century structure sitting on a ridge with fantastic views of the mountains all around and the gleaming Indus river below. This monastery belongs to the Sakya Order of Buddhism and is your first window on religious paintings and iconography. Later in day visit Leh where you can shop for small trinkets and also sample the many cafes of this erstwhile silk route town.

Overnight at the luxurious tented accommodations Champa Thiksey.

Early this morning visit the monastery of Thiksey and have the honor of attending the mystical morning prayer of the Buddhist monks. Watch the call to prayer as the monks sound their horns summoning the faithful amidst the backdrop of a rising sun and the dramatic mountains all around. The ceremony is about an hour long of chanting with intermittent breaks of butter tea and Tsampa (roasted barley) in between. The Maitreya temple is worth a visit as well a smaller temple of the Taras or heavenly beings. Later in the afternoon drive to Hemis Monastery which is one of the largest monastic institutions of Ladakh that teaches young novices the writings of Tibetan Buddhism, yoga, philosophy, literature and history.

Overnight at the luxurious tented accommodations Champa Camp Thiksey.

You head for the clouds today driving over the highest road in the world at 5570 meters towards the Nubra Valley. The journey although long at 5 hours is compensated by the stark and dramatic scenery of the Stok range dominating over Leh town enveloped by layers and layers of mountains. The final descent to Nubra is a rich kaleidoscope of fertile greens, swinging pastures and stunning views of the Shyok river.

Overnight at the safari style Chamba Camp Diskit.

Today as you make your way to the charming village of Sumur, you have the opportunity to hike to the "Hidden Lake" or Yarab Tsoas the Ladakhis call it. This emerald - blue lake is located along the Saichen Glacier and is one of the highest and revered lakes of the Nubra Valley. Once in Sumur glimpse a little about the life of the people of this region, visit a traditional farm and head back later that evening on the back of a camel.

Overnight at the safari style Chamba Camp Diskit.

Have a lie in this morning, enjoy a long, relaxed breakfast and let the day unfold. Allow yourself to relax, take advantage of your luxury camp and should you like, do an easy hike around the picturesque surroundings.

Overnight at the safari style Chamba Camp Diskit.

This morning before you head back to Leh visit the oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley - the Diskit monastery where you will be part of a very special prayer ritual. Enjoy a hearty breakfast back at the camp following which you begin you journey back to Leh. Snowcapped mountains, pashmina goats and yaks sauntering the high pastures are some of the distractions one will enjoy during the long drive back. Once in Leh, make the best of the evening as sadly your sojourn in the land of high passes comes to an end.

Overnight at the safari style Champa Camp Thiksey.