Trek through Ladakh, India's “Little Tibet,” with an insider's perspective

Often called “Little Tibet,” Ladakh is one of the most remote regions of India. On the vast Tibetan plateau, 20,000-foot Himalayan ramparts tower to the south with the mighty Karakoram range to the north. A spectacular landscape: sweeping open sandstone valleys are punctuated by emerald oases and turquoise lakes, with Buddhist gompas (monasteries) perched high above. Take a leisurely three-day trek through local villages, including Tingmosgaam (10,496'), the ancient capital of Ladakh, and visit Ladakh’s most outstanding monasteries.

Activities

Moderate hiking at medium elevation (maximum 12,200'), moderate touring

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Signature MTS guides lead you on a 3-day trek through Ladakhi villages, where you'll have the rare opportunity to visit local homes
• Visit ancient monasteries set against a harsh but breathtakingly stunning landscape
• Explore Old Delhi and Leh, ancient capital of Ladakh

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Delhi End Location: Delhi

BRIEF Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Arrive in Delhi

  Arrive in Delhi.

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  Day 2 : Leh (12,000')

  Early morning flight to Leh, the ancient historical capital city of Ladakh and once a stop on the Asian "Silk Route." Afternoon to rest or stroll in the Leh bazaar, where there are many shops selling Ladakhi, Tibetan, and Kashmiri goods.

• 

  Days 3 - 4 : Monasteries around Leh

  Tour the monasteries around Leh including Shey and Thiksey, plus the Stok Palace Museum, which displays ancient Ladakhi culture and costumes.

• Day 5 : Alchi Monastery

  Drive down to Alchi.

• Day 6 : Balukhar – begin trek to Tingmosgang (10,495')

  Drive for an hour to the road head at Balukhar. From here we begin our trek, walking up to the top of Bongbongala (11,906') and then descend steeply to the village of Tingmosgang.

• Day 7 : Tingmosgang (10,495')

  Day excursion around Tingmosgang.

• Day 8 : Hemi Shukpachen (11,795') - drive to Leh

  Leave camp after an early breakfast and continue to the village of Ang. You'll cross another pass (the Meptakla at 12,202') and descend to the large village of Hemis Shukpachen (11,795'). Meet our vehicle and drive to Leh.

• Day 9 : Delhi

  Return flight to Delhi. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own.

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  Day 10 : Delhi

  Tour of old Delhi on cycle rickshaw. Sights include Jamma Masjid (The Great Mosque), Chandani Chowk, the main street of old Delhi; the Red Fort, built by the builder of the Taj Mahal, and Raj Ghat, where the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was cremated.Transfer to the airport for departure on homeward bound flights.

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  Claridges Hotel

  New Delhi

  Graceful architecture, elegant décor, and a seamless blend of old-world charm and contemporary facilities have earned The Claridges Hotel its esteemed reputation. Distinguished guest rooms, personalized service and proximity to shopping and local culture make this the ideal accommodation for the discerning traveler.

• Namra Hotel

  Tingmosgang

  A very simple hotel run by a Ladakhi family

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File