If you’re dreaming about blending a cultural experience with a healthful nature escape, this is the trip for you. Buddhist monasteries, palaces, and the Himalayan mountain range is waiting. 

This combination of the cultural tour and a short trekking holiday provides the opportunity to experience the rich Buddhist culture and traditions of Ladakh. During this 14-day trip, you will visit several towns (Leh, Likir, Beema, Alchi, and more) and valleys (Indus, Nubra) by car, and also participate in a short, 4-day trek in the Sham region of Ladakh. In the towns, you will visit six monasteries and two palaces.

Trekking is a wellness activity involving detoxifying through perspiration, calming of the mind, and eating healthy. As part of this trek, we will prepare healthy and varied food that will help give you strength and nourishment.

The trek will take you through the towns of Yangthang, Rizong, Hemis Shukpachan, and Temisgam. “Ladakh” means the “land of high passes,” and this trek is nicknamed the ‘baby trek’ because you do not surpass 4,000m in altitude, which is rare in this Himalayan region.

Ladakh used to be a trading center along the old Silk Road, and has been disputed land in the past (between India, Pakistan, and China). When the Silk Road ceased operations, camels were left there without caretakers and their population decreased almost to the point of extinction. We will have an opportunity to see these Bactrian double-humped camels by visiting a a breeding farm in the village of Diskit. Tourist interest in visiting these camels has helped save these special animals from extinction.

Seasonal Notes: The best season for this trip is May through September, with July and August being the busiest months. It is not possible to do this trek in the off season as suppliers, transportation, and staff are seasonal.