Day 1 - Leh
Arrive in Leh. Leh sits at 3505m above sea level so it is important to allow yourself some time for acclimatization. Today you will take in the sights of Leh at a sedate pace – there is a relaxed vibe here so you will feel no need to rush. Take a guided walking tour of the town visit the local market and Gonpa Soma.
Overnight: Guest house
Day 2 - Leh
Set against the Himalaya and overlooking the crumbling Old Town is Leh Palace. Walk to Shanti Stupa for a spectacular view of the whole town. Walk onwards to Victory Peak where you find a 360 year old castle and a crumbling ruined fort. The views from here, among fluttering prayer flags, are stupendous. Follow a zigzag trail back to the old quarter and the Royal palace.
Overnight: Guest house
Day 3 - Leh Today you will visit three of the main sights in the area around Leh. Thiksey Gompa is a 500-year-old monastery, perched on a hill high above the Indus valley. Stok Palace Museum houses artifacts associated with the dynasty, and there is also a small Gonpa. Shey Palace is the old "summer palace" of the kings of Ladakh built about 550 years ago by the first king of Ladakh.
Overnight: Guest house
Day 4 Phayang – Festival Note: This is for July trip on other dates itinerary will vary slightly to suit festivals – ask for details.
Drive to Phayang monastery, which belongs to the red hat school of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival which you will experience today celebrates "good over evil". Monks wearing colourful brocade robes and masks in the form of gods and goddesses perform traditional dances. The huge Thanka (embroidered silk) of Skyoba Giksten Gonbo is hung in the courtyard. Return to Leh.
Overnight: Guest house
Day 5 - Alchi This morning you have the option to go white water rafting on the Indus River from Phey village to Nimoo. (Additional cost: 20 US$ each) In the afternoon drive to Alchi, a small village with as many chortens as houses, on the south side of the Indus. Visit the Alchi gonpa and the three story Dharma Wheel Gonpa. Enjoy dinner in your home stay and experience some genuine Ladakh village life.
Overnight: Home stay.
Day 6 - Lamayuru
Drive to Lamayuru and visit the 10th century Lamayuru Gonpa, the oldest in Ladakh.
Overnight: Guest House
Day 7 - Leh
Return to Leh today (or start your trek if taking the extension). Enroute visit to Basgo once the capital of Ladakh; discover one of the most important endangered world heritage monument sites including a 500 year old citadel. See the enormous gilt statue of the Maitriya Buddha built in 16th Century AD.
Overnight: Guest House
Day 8 - Leh – Delhi flight
Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Delhi
Extension - Himalaya Village Trek;
Trek through tiny isolated villages and over high passes with magical views of the surrounding Himalayan valleys. This is an easy trek - max 5 hours walking per day with some steep ascents.
Day 7 Trek: Ang - Hemis Shukpachan – walking today is 4 hours Visit Temisgam palace with a very fine statue of Avalokitesvara, the Buddha form which embodies compassion. Then your trek starts in the small traditional village of Ang, from here you climb to the summit of Meptak-La, (3845m). After descending for a short while make a steep climb over Rongtil-la (3816m) then a short walk takes you onto a plateau. An easy descent through green fields takes you to the village of Hemis Shukpachan where you make camp.
Overnight: Camp
Day 8 Trek: Hemis Shukpachan – Yangthang – walking today is 4 hours Today starts with an ascent through an open valley to the Hemis Shukpachan La with spectacular views behind you of the village. A gradual walk takes you onwards to Tsermangchan La (3750m) from where you have to climb again to reach the village of Yangthang with just 17 houses.
Overnight: Camp
Day 9 Yangthang – Likir – walking today is 5 hours
Trek to Likir begins walking on wavelike uneven dry plains. Cross Chagatse La (3550m) and Pobe La (3490m). You arrive in Likir village and visit the monastery. See the huge Buddha statue erected in front of the monastery and explore the magnificent 11th century Klhu-kkhyil Gonpa. The walk from monastery to the camp site through the village is spectacular.
Overnight: Camp
Day 10 - Leh
Return to Leh today, enroute you will visit to Basgo once the capital of Ladakh. Discover one of the most important endangered world heritage monument sites including a 500 year old citadel. See the enormous gilt statue of the Maitriya Buddha built in 16th Century AD.
Overnight: Guest house
Day 11 Leh – Delhi flight
Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Delhi.