6 Days TUTC Glamping in Ladakh

The tour starts with your arrival in Leh. Arrive at the Leh Airport early morning. Our representative will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation, The Chamba Camp, Thiksey. Enjoy a traditional welcome in Ladakh and complete the check-in formalities to your well-appointed luxury tents. There will be no activity on your day of arrival. It is medically required that you relax. Visitors undergo minimal exertion to acclimate to the diluted oxygen levels at this high altitude.

An excursion specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey, will meet with you to discuss the suggested itinerary. You can plan excursions and make changes to suit your interests, choices, and leisure. Overnight stay at Chamba Camp, Thiksey.

Start your morning a little late and have a leisurely breakfast. Walk around the campsite, taking in the sights and the atmosphere. Each tent opens out to picturesque scenery. The unmatched beauty of the tough terrain creates an aura of serenity. If you are an early riser, set out for a bird-watching sojourn with our camp naturalist. Spot and identify a variety of birds of the Trans Himalayan region. This afternoon, following lunch, proceed on an introductory tour of Leh. Visit popular landmarks, including the wonderful Leh Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the palace has nine storeys', some of which are in ruins. Some of the sections display fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. From the palace, continue on foot to the LAMO [Ladakh Arts & MediaOrganisation] Centre on a short walking tour, passing some enchanting old houses.

At the foot of the Leh Palace, the center is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, the Munshi (Togoche) House. Following a tour of the house, a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar will be given on the architectural heritage of the old city. Enjoy a view of the old city from the terrace of the Munshi House as you sip the special Ladakhi tea with light snacks. The Heritage exploration continues from Munshi House through the old city, ending in the bazaar.

Conclude your tour at the Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of the stone-strewn landscape, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea watching the setting sun. Return to the Chamba Camp, Thiksey, for a comfortable overnight stay.

Start the day early and enjoy warm sips of tea or coffee, after which you visit the Thiksey monastery. Only a kilometer from your camp, you can easily climb the hilltop on which the monastery is nestled. This gorgeous monastery houses a two-story statue of the Maitreya Buddha on a lotus and boasts a spectacular valley view. At the monastery, you will be privileged to participate in the Morning Prayer ceremony at sunrise. Further, continue on a guided monastery tour, visiting the beautiful prayer room with many handwritten and painted books. Also, pay respects to the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed on glass-covered wooden shelves. You will also see small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities, including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.

Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free, allowing time to relax and enjoy the pristine beauty. You can enjoy our optional cycling trip near Thiksey village and its surroundings. Or else you could also drive to the Saboo village for a séance session with the Oracle. You must confirm the visit to the Oracle in advance to be given an audience.

Later in the afternoon, proceed to explore the Hemis Monastery. The oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 20 kilometers from Thiksey. This is built in a secluded valley and belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King Senge Namgyal in the 13th 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 the camp later in the evening as the sun sets. The inspiring views of the golden sun setting on the rustic landscape with the Thiksey Monastery standing tall as a monumental backdrop are simply magical. You will be enchanted by a cultural dance performance, Zyabro, at the camp. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey.

Start the day with a healthy breakfast. Next, embark on an exploration of Ladakh's monastic treasures. Drive through picturesque landscape along the River Indus and arrive at the fabled Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo, 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.

Further, you will stop by the Basgo fort on your way back from Alchi. Built-in the 16th century, Basgo, literally "Bull's Head" in the local language, was once the center of power and politics in this region. One of its prayer halls houses a copper-gilt Buddha statue. The ruins of the fort bear horrific evidence of the Mongol invasions.

Alternatively, combine your visit to Alchi with an optional rafting excursion. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages. Enjoy the mesmerizing views and the contrast between the greenery of the Nimoo village on one bank and the stark, barren landscape on the other. Following a picnic lunch, continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery. The rewarding day ends at the camp. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

The morning is at leisure, and there are no fixed plans. After an early morning breakfast, either avail yourself of the optional Excursions to Wari–La or a séance with the Oracle. The Wari La, the world's fourth-highest motorable road, is one of the most scenic roads in Ladakh. This pass connects the two most exotic and most toured valleys in this Trans-Himalayan region. You get a breathtaking view of the Nubra valley, which lies beyond the pass, and the many villages dotting the Indus valley. After a short safety briefing at the top, you will cycle down the best track the Ladakh Himalayas offer. The road crisscrosses its way on the mountainside into the green oasis of Shakti village, where we will end our trip and then drive back to camp for a late lunch.

Alternatively, you may choose to visit the local oracle. Buddhists are firm believers in the influence of the spirits on the material world. This is considered when any new venture or major activity is to be initiated. The lamas associated with the monasteries play the key role of a mediator between the world of the humans and the spirits. Not only do they perform the rites necessary to appease the gods, but they also take on the role of astrologers and oracles who can predict an auspicious time for starting any work, whether plowing the fields or taking in the harvest, arranging a marriage or going on a journey.

Later this afternoon, you will drive to visit the Stok Palace across the River Indus. Take a walk through the Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress that serves 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 exquisite royal perak (headgear) embedded with priceless coral and turquoise.

Then, continue onwards to Stok village. Explore the rustic beauty of the village as you walk down the narrow lanes, catching a glimpse of local village life. Your journey culminates at a quaint Ladakhi house, where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea. Return to your camp for a restful overnight stay.

Your camping in Ladakh tour concludes here. After breakfast, pack your belongings and complete the check-out formalities. Then, bid farewell to Ladakh's enchanting and rugged terrain, and you’ll be transferred to the Leh airport. Board your flight to your onward destination.