Explorations on Foot
Trek amidst the Himalayas, meeting the remote communities who make the mountains their summer home.
This holiday to Ladakh showcases the spectacular mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries and Buddhist communities of India’s northernmost reaches. Gentle mountain treks, high pass traverses and desert explorations allow access to remote locations and the chance to witness the colourful corpus of traditions and cultural treasures of this Himalayan enclave.
Over 12 days, journey from the capital of Leh to remote Himalayan villages, the dizzying mountain passes and desert landscapes of Nubra, ending in the remote outpost of Turtuk. Throughout, stay in a range of accommodation, from a local homestay to a luxury camp and an abode of the Namgyal dynasty, all of which have a focus on harnessing tourism as a force for good.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Monastic Life
Visit key monasteries including the UNESCO listed Alchi with its exquisite frescoes, textiles and architecture.
Desert Adventures
Embark on a journey by Bactrian camel across the austere yet beautiful high-altitude Hunder desert.
Epic Landscapes
Experience the colossal mountains, wide open valleys and uninhabited hinterlands of the Nubra Valley.
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Day 1
Delhi
Spend a day in Delhi
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Day 2
Delhi - Leh - Nimmo
Fly from Delhi to Leh, transfer to Nimmo
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Day 3
Nimmo
Monastery visits
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Day 4
Nimmo - Yangthang - Ulley
Drive to Yangthang and trek to Ulley
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Day 5
Ulley - Tingmosgang
Mountain trekking
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Day 6
Tingmosgang - Thiksey
Drive to Thiksey
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Day 7
Thiksey
Explore Shey & Leh
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Day 8
Thiksey - Nubra
Drive to Nubra
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Day 9
Nubra
Explore the Hunder Desert
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Day 10
Nubra - Turtuk - Nubra
Visit Turtuk
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Day 11
Nubra - Leh
Return to Leh
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Day 12
Leh - Delhi
Fly to Delhi
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Day 13
Depart Delhi
Day 1
Delhi
Arrive into Delhi and transfer to your accommodation to overnight.
Day 2
Delhi - Leh - Nimmo
Fly to Leh and transfer to Nimmo village. Spend the day relaxing to help with acclimatisation.
Day 3
Nimmo
Drive to Likir, one of Ladakh’s oldest and wealthiest monasteries, home to a 75 foot high gold-gilded statue of Buddha aswell as numerous rare thangkas, murals and works of art. Visit Alchi for a ‘farm to fork’ dining experience and a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage monastery.
Day 4
Nimmo - Yangthang - Ulley
Drive around one hour to Yangthang to begin your trek to Ulley. Take in views of the mountain village of Sumdo, visit the village community of Saspotse and traverse Chagatse La pass at just over 3,600 metres. Experience a home-cooked meal with a Ladakhi family in Ulley.
Day 5
Ulley - Tingmosgang
Walk to Hemis Shukpachan village via Tsermangchan La pass at 3,720 metres. Trek over Meptak La pass at almost 4,000 metres to reach the villages of Ang and Namra. Stay at Ladakh’s most idyllic rural guesthouse on the banks of the Indus, overlooking the valley of Tingmosgang.
Day 6
Tingmosgang - Thiksey
Drive to Thiksey and visit the monastery with its famous Maitrya Buddha statue. In the afternoon, visit Hemis Monastery, which during the annual festival (June/July) is home to an elaborate pageant of mask dances and rituals where auspicious statues and stupas are displayed to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.
Day 7
Thiksey
Experience the 1,000 Butter Lamp Ceremony at Shey, a highly spiritual and symbolic ritual in which Buddhist monks chant incantations and light lamps to banish darkness. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour around the old city of Leh, stopping to explore the Central Asian museum, historic mosques, markets, Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo Gompa – the highest vantage point in the city with spectacular views.
Day 8
Thiksey - Nubra
Drive to Nubra crossing the highest motorable pass, Khardung La, at the dizzying height of 5,600 metres it offers exceptional Himalayan views. Reach Hundar village and partake in a few glasses of chang with your hosts.
Day 9
Nubra
Have a farm lunch with a family in Diskit and listen to the tales of the old silk route. Explore Disket monastery and visit the large Buddha statue looking down on the Shyok Valley. Take a trek on a double-humped Bactrian camel across the Hunder desert which echos with the region’s Silk Route history.
Day 10
Nubra - Turtuk - Nubra
Spend a day in the remote outpost of Turtuk – sandwiched between the Himalayas and the Karakoram range, Turtuk is one of India’s northernmost villages, close to the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. The drive from Nubra is beautiful and it is fascinating to see how Buddhist iconography gives way to more Islamic symbols, the closer you get to Turtuk.
Day 11
Nubra - Leh
Drive back to Leh via the Waril la pass at 5,400 metres, stopping for a picnic lunch at Skati village overlooking the Himalayas. On your last night in Ladakh, stay at Stok Palace, abode of the Namgyal dynasty and now a converted boutique hotel, offering an insight into the life of Ladakh’s former royal family.
Day 12
Leh - Delhi
Fly from Leh to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 13
Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for onward travel.
More Details
Trekking
Access on Foot
This Ladakh holiday offers diverse landscapes through various travel modes. Immerse yourself not in challenging treks but in walks that connect you intimately with otherwise unreachable places. Explore rewarding routes, from Yangthang to Ulley, crossing Chagatse La pass at 3,600 metres, to Meptak La pass at nearly 4,000 metres. Stay in mountain villages and an idyllic rural guesthouse high above the banks of the Indus River.
Buddhist Celebrations
Monasteries & Royal Abodes
The valleys surrounding Ladakh’s capital Leh are home to some fascinating monasteries, chortens and gompas, many with histories dating as far back as the 11th century. During the annual festivities at Hemis Monastery, auspicious statues and stupas are displayed to symbolise the triumph of good over evil and at Shey Monastery the 1,000 Butter Lamp Ceremony is a magical experience when Buddhist monks chant while lighting lamps to banish darkness. On your final night in Ladakh, stay at Stok Palace, abode of the Namgyal dynasty, and a boutique hotel, it offers an insight into the life of Ladakh’s former royal family.
Epic Landscapes
Nubra Valley
The drive from Leh to Nubra crosses the infamous Khardung la Pass, which at 5,600 metres it is the highest drivable road in the world. The Nubra Valley, often referred to as the Orchard of Ladakh is a magnificent sea of colour in the summer months with the green villages creating an oasis effect against the extreme stark landscape. Whilst here, experience the desert by Bactrian camel, visit Diskit Monastery and spend a day at Turtuk village –an outpost close to the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. It is fascinating to see how Buddhist iconography gives way to more Islamic symbols, the closer you get to Turtuk.
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Suggested Extension
India: Snow Leopards of Ladakh
Stay awhile longer in the Ulley Valley and join expert local guides in search for snow leopard. Ulley village is an area that has only recently been developed for snow leopard watching but is in the centre of three interlocking valleys which now supports several of these enigmatic creatures. The best time to see snow leopard is from the end of January to March.
4 days from $0 pp
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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The remote hamlet of Ulley is a community that has been transformed by the opportunities created by snow leopard conservation and tourism. This holiday includes time spent connecting with a local family, enjoying a home cooked meal and learning more about their way of life.
More than 80% of the vegetables and herbs used in the restaurant at The Ultimate Travelling Camp in Thiksey come from the organic gardens on-site and the camp’s energy is generated by solar power.
Stok Palace was built entirely by local craftsmen in 1820 and its interior today offers the chance to understand the history and culture of the region through carefully preserved wall murals and family heirlooms. The still resident royal family also supports traditional craft and culture in the form of art, music and dance, and weaving.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $7,734 Per person
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
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