After Tibet, Ladakh has the largest cluster of Buddhist monasteries or gompas, which are the main tourist attractions. The Cultural Tour of Ladakh is a 13-day journey that immerses you in the region's rich Buddhist heritage. The Ladakh culture tour covers prominent monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Lamayuru, alongside cultural sites such as Shey Palace and the Castle of Bazgo. The main aspects of the package include the Hemis Monastery, known for its annual festival, and the ancient Alchi Monastery, with its unique Kashmiri and Tibetan art. The itinerary balances visits to spiritual sites with a leisurely exploration of Leh. Even today, Ladakh is one of those few places not affected by Western culture.
With our Cultural tour of Ladakh, we take care of all the details, from booking your comfortable accommodation to meticulously planning your itinerary. Our dedicated travel experts at Leh Ladakh India will ensure you have the best possible options, so you can fully immerse yourself in the Ladakh experience without any stress or hassle.
Trip Highlights
Visit to Sanchi Stupa
Sacred Buddhist monasteries across Leh
Impressive Maitreya Buddha statue
Wall paintings at Phyang Gompa
An excursion at Sabu Village
Marvel at the monasteries and Castkle of Bozgo
Shop in local Leh market
Itinerary Detail
Day 1 Leh
Arrival at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. On arrival, you’ll meet our representative, who’ll greet you and take you to the pre-booked hotel in a private vehicle. Upon arriving at the hotel, complete the check-in formalities and unwind. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities and getting accustomed to the high altitudes (3,505m). Further, have dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 A Day At Leisure in Leh
Day 2 of the Leh Ladakh itinerary is leisurely. Wake up, have breakfast, and then spend the day at your discretion. Further, you can explore the Leh Market to shop for souvenirs. You can even take a walk to Shanti Stupa. Afterward, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3 Hemis Monastery
Wake up early, have breakfast, and head to Hemis Monastery, Ladakh's most prominent and wealthiest monastery. It plays host to the Hemis festival, which is held every year. Founded in 1627, it also houses the largest Thangka in the world, made public every 12 years. After visiting the monastery, the remaining part of the day is ease to spend at your discretion. Further, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 Thiksey Monastery
Today, the day is scheduled to visit the Thiksey monastery. After having your breakfast, get ready to visit Thiksey Monastery. This is a beautiful monastery above the Manali-Leh highway. It is built in the traditional Tibetan style and belongs to the Gelukpa (yellow hat sect) order. The monastery reflects the Ladakh culture and tradition significantly.
After spending your time exploring the monastery, retreat to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5 Matho, Stakna and Shey Palace
Day 5 of the cultural tour of Ladakh is reserved for visiting Matho, Stakna and Shey Palace. Have your breakfast and then hit the roads to reach Matho monastery. This 500-year-old Sakya school monastery is popular for its two auguric oracles.
Then, proceed towards Stakna Monastery, which is just nearby. Stakna Monastery is founded by Lama Chosje Jamyang Palkar. It belongs to the Drukpa order and houses an excellent collection of Thangkas and a small marble Buddha- statue donated by an ancient King of Assam.
The next visit is to the Shey Palace, the oldest capital of Ladakh. It contains a 3- story statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. After a day of exploration, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight
Day 6 Takthok Monastery
Start your day with breakfast and start your adventure at Takthok Monastery. The Takthok Monastery, also known as the Rock Ceiling Monastery, is around 46 km from Leh. The monastery belongs to the Nigma tradition, and it is believed that the Tantric teacher Padma Sambhave meditated in the cave.
After exploring the monastery, the day is at ease. You can traverse the nearby areas or interact with the monks/ locals residing there to get better insights into their lives and monasteries. After that, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7 Spituk and Phyang Monastery
On day 7 of your tour, you’ll visit Spituk and Phyang Monasteries. After breakfast at the hotel, you'll get an assisted transfer in a private vehicle to the Spituk Monastery. The monastery has three shrines and is located at the end of the Leh airport’s runway. One of those monasteries was turned into ruins during a landslide.
Further, you’ll be heading towards Phyang Gompa. The Gompa belongs to the Red Hat sect and has a collection of wall paintings and quite a few shrines. It also consists of an all-enclosed Tantric Hall. After spending some time at the gompa, proceed towards the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8 Walk to Sabu village
Kickstart your day with breakfast, and then head out to Sabu Village. Once you reach the village, enjoy a walk through Sabu Zong, which is located in the region. The Sabu village offers stunning landscapes, high-altitude deserts, and cultural heritage. Overall, this serene village is set against the backdrop of one of the most remote landscapes in the world and provides a glimpse into the traditional life of the Ladakhi people. Further, after visiting the village, retreat to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9 Drive to Temisgam, en-route Alchi and Likir
Rise up, have breakfast, complete the check-out formalities, and get ready to visit Temisgam. Then, you’ll drive towards Temisgam, known for its scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage, making it a notable place for anyone visiting Ladakh. En route, visit Alchi monastery, one of the oldest gompas, founded by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. It was built by sculptors and artists from Kashmir and Tibet.
Further, visit the Likir monastery founded by Lama Duwang Chosje in 1605, which belongs to the Gelukpa order. After visiting the monasteries, reach Temisgam and complete the check-in procedure in the pre-listed guest house.
Day 10 Lamayuru
On day 10 of your Ladakh cultural tour, have your morning meal, pack your belongings, and complete the check-out formalities from the guest house. Then, you’ll head towards Lamayuru. On your way, admire the scenic vistas and natural beauty. En route, halt at Kagyupa Monastery, dedicated to Naropa, an Indian Buddhist saint of the 11th century. He had spent many years meditating in the cave connected to the prayer hall.
After visiting the monastery, reach the pre-listed guest house and complete the check-in formalities. Further, have dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 11 Rizong monastery and Castle of Bazgo
Today, after breakfast, complete the check-out procedure from the guest house, and you’ll be heading back to Leh. On the way, halt at the Rizong monastery, founded by Lama Tsulthim Nima. It belongs to Geluk School, which has a nunnery nearby with around 20 nuns. Next is a visit to the Castle of Bazgo, built during the 16th Century. It has 2 impressive future Buddha statues and some interesting paintings.
Further, continue driving to your pre-booked hotel in Leh for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 12 Day at Leisure in Leh
Day 12 of the Ladkh culture tour package is scheduled for Leisure activities and further exploration of Leh. Have your breakfast, and then you can spend it according to your choice. In the evening, you can shop or watch a cultural show. Further, have dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13 Leh (Departure)
Your Cultural tour of Ladakh concludes today. Wake up, have breakfast, pack your belongings, and complete the check-out procedure. Then, you will get an assisted transfer to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Once reaching the airport, board your flight for your onward journey with cherished memories of your 13-day Ladakh trip.
Start: Manali / End: Manali
