DAY 1 (3-6-24): ARRIVAL IN DELHI

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), you will be met by our staff and transferred to the hotel.

The hotel chosen for your stay is The Claridges New Delhi, located near the airport, which will allow you to rest after a long trip in a comfortable and cozy place.

Once settled in your room, you will have time to relax and recover from jet lag. You can take advantage of the hotel's excellent facilities, such as its spa and swimming pool, or simply relax in the comfort of your room.

Lodging: Aloft Aerocity.

DAY 2 (4-6-24): DELHI

Today, we will visit the main attractions of the amazing city of Delhi, such as Humayun's Tomb, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Qutab Minar.

Lodging: Aloft Aerocity.

DAY 3 (5-6-24) : DELHI - LEH

This morning, after breakfast, we will drive to the airport to catch our flight to Leh The flight to Leh will take approximately 90 minutes. Clouds permitting, this is one of the most interesting scheduled flights in the world, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Acclimatization is very important (Leh is at 3,500m altitude), so we will settle in at the hotel and have a quiet chat about the visual delights and challenges that lie ahead in the next few days. 

If our acclimatization is going well, in the late afternoon we will head for the Shanti Stupawhere we will have a privileged view of the city of Leh.

We will then return to the hotel for dinner and continue our acclimatization while we sleep. 

Accommodation: Chospa Hotel

DAY 4 (6-6-24): LEH (THIKSEY, STOK, ETC).

Today we will spend the whole day in the city and its surroundings, where we will continue our acclimatization and visit several interesting places, such as the Buddhist monastery of Thiksey. Buddhist monastery of Thiksey.

Accommodation: Chospa Hotel

DAY 5 (7-6-24): LEH - DHA

After breakfast, we will drive to the Aryan Valley (5 hours drive).

Situated high on the banks of the Indus River, on a narrow strip of fertile land, we find a tribe of mysterious origins that has thrived for centuries.

According to legends, the Brokpa of Dah are descendants of an ancient lost army of Alexander the Great, others speculate that they are Dards, a tribe exiled from Gilgit, now part of Pakistan politically.

The Brokpa themselves are unsure of their provenance, which is cause for wonder. Their fair skin, sharp noses and unusually colored eyes clearly distinguish them from the majority of the inhabitants of Ladakh, whose appearance is influenced by Mongoloid Tibetans.

It is not only their appearance that sets them apart from others, in a traditionally Buddhist territory, the beautiful Brokpa women, who used to practice shamanism, have long been known as wild women with multiple lovers.

When observing them, the elaborate flower decoration on their heads is evident. The women fully braid their hair using old hair extensions to lengthen the braids, which they then gather in a knot below the waist. Turquoise, pearls, coral, silver and shells adorn their attire. Their backs are covered with goatskin coats and they wear numerous beaded necklaces on their chests.

Here, where nature inspires ornamentation, there is no need for perfume, lipstick or mascara. However, times are changing rapidly and many Brokpa are abandoning traditional dress in favor of the more practical "Punjabi dress". Today, traditional dress is mainly worn during festivals, although some elders continue to wear their heavy suits on a daily basis.

Lodging: Aryan Valley Camp

DAY 6 (8-6-24): DHA - KARGIL

After breakfast, we will set off on a scenic drive to Kargil. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful scenery, impressive mountains and meandering rivers.

Along the way, we will make strategic stops at scenic locations so that you can appreciate and capture the natural beauty of the region.

We will stop for lunch at a scenic spot on the way to Kargil. You will enjoy a tasty meal while relaxing and soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

At the end of the drive, we will arrive in Kargil, a historic and vibrant city located in the heart of the Himalayas. We will settle into our accommodation and you will have free time to rest and explore the surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel Kargil

DAY 7 (9-6-24): KARGIL - PADUM

On the seventh day of our trip, we will head towards Padum, an exciting drive that will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. On the way, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Nun Kun peak (7000+) that will accompany us along the way.

After breakfast, we will set off on a scenic drive to Padum. As we enter the heart of Zanskar, we will witness breathtaking scenery, with majestic mountains and serene valleys all around us.

Along the way, we will make strategic stops at scenic points so that you can admire and photograph the beauty of Nun Kun Peak and other spectacular landscapes that stretch out before us.

We will stop for a delicious lunch along the way to Padum.

At the end of the drive, we will arrive in Padum, a charming town named after the Buddhist guru Padmasambhava. Padum was historically one of the two main capitals of the Zanskar Kingdom, the other being Zangla.

After settling into our accommodation in Padum, we will have time to explore and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this small town. We will visit Karsha Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the region.

Lodging: Hotel Potala

DAY 8 (10-6-24): PADUM

Today we will visit the Phugtal Monastery, an unforgettable experience that will require approximately 8 hours, including a 3-4 hour hike.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast in Padum, preparing for an exciting day full of exploration and spirituality.

After breakfast, we will drive to the remote Lungnak Valley, southeast of Zanskar, where the Phugtal Monastery is located. This Buddhist monastery is located in an isolated mountainous region of the Himalayas in Ladakh, northern India. Be prepared for a drive and a hike to reach the monastery.

Upon arrival at the starting point of the hike, we will begin our exciting 3-4 hour trek on foot to Phugtal Monastery. As we hike along rugged trails and through breathtaking scenery, we will be rewarded with panoramic views and a sense of peace and tranquility.

At the end of our hike, we will arrive at Phugtal Monastery, a truly magical place. This monastery, built in a cave in the cliff, is one of the few Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that can still be accessed only on foot. See the unique architecture and admire the serenity that pervades this sacred place.

We will enjoy a light lunch at the monastery, where we can taste local dishes prepared by the monks and immerse ourselves in the authenticity of the experience.

After absorbing the energy and beauty of Phugtal Monastery, we will return to Padum. We will enjoy the spectacular scenery as we make our way back to the city.

Get ready to experience an unforgettable day at Phugtal Monastery and enjoy the spirituality and beauty of Zanskar!

Lodging: Hotel Potala

DAY 9 (11-6-24): PADUM - LINGSHED

Start the day with a delicious breakfast in Padum, charging energy for the day ahead.

After breakfast, we will set off on a scenic drive of approximately 5 hours to Lingshed. As we enter the beautiful landscape of Zanskar, we will enjoy panoramic views and breathtaking scenery along the way.

At the end of the trek, we will arrive at Lingshed, a quiet and remote place where the Lingshed Monastery is located. We will settle in a tented camp near the monastery, enjoying the serene atmosphere of this sacred place.

After settling into camp, we will have time to explore the surroundings of Lingshed and visit Lingshed Monastery. You will be able to marvel at the architecture and cultural treasures housed in the monastery, and immerse yourself in the spirituality and tranquility of the place.

Lodging: Camping.

DAY 10 (12-6-24): LINGSHED - LAMAYURU

After breakfast, we will set off on a beautiful drive to Lamayuru .

Upon arrival in Lamayuru, we will explore one of the oldest and most spectacular monasteries in Ladakh. Known as Lamayuru Monastery, this sacred place is known for its impressive architecture and historical and cultural significance. We will have time to explore the temples, stupas and colorful frescoes that adorn the walls of the monastery.

After the visit to Lamayuru, we will continue our journey to Tingmosgang, a charming village in the Indus Valley. Here we will stay at the Namra Hotel, where we will spend the night in cozy surroundings.

Lodging: Hotel Namra.

DAY 11 (6-13-24): THEMIS - SHAKTI

After breakfast, we will set off on a beautiful drive to Shakti.

Along the way, we will make strategic stops at interesting places to enjoy the panoramic views and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the region. We may stop at scenic points, charming villages or panoramic viewpoints to capture photographs and create unforgettable memories.

At the end of the journey, we will arrive at Shakti, a quiet and beautiful place that will welcome us with its charm and serenity. We will settle into our accommodation and in the afternoon we will visit the surrounding area and the local monastery.

Lodging: Fana Resort

DAY 12 (6-14-24): SHAKTI - PANGONG

After breakfast, we will set off on a beautiful journey to Pangong Tso Lake (approx. 5h). This lake, located at an altitude of 4,350 meters, is considered one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the area, sharing a border with China.

We will enjoy breathtaking views of Pangong Lake, with its 130 kilometers in length and its aquamarine color contrasting with the snow-capped mountains that surround it.

At the end of the drive, we will arrive at the charming village of Merak, located on the shore of Pangong Tso Lake. Here we will settle into the Himalayan Grand Wood, our accommodation for the night. You will enjoy the serenity and beauty of this place, where nomadic and Tibetan herders, known as Changpa, cultivate barley and pea crops during the summer.

If weather conditions are favorable, we will take advantage of the incredible clarity of Ladakh's night sky to photograph the Milky Way and immerse ourselves in celestial beauty.

Lodging: Himalayan Grand Wood.

DAY 13 (6/15-24): PANGONG - SHAKTI

Today we will head back to the village of Shakti, where we can visit the beautiful Taktouk monastery.

Taktouk monastery is the only monastery in Ladakh that belongs to the Nyingmapa or red hat sect. The name Taktouk, which literally means "rock roof", is due to the fact that both the roof and the walls are made of rock. It belongs to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to about 55 lamas.

The monastery was founded in the mid-16th century, during the reign of Tshewang Namgyal, on a mountainside around a cave where Padmasambhava is said to have meditated in the 8th century.

The monastery is a beautiful example of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. It is built in the style of a fortress and has a large stupa in the center of the courtyard. The monastery also houses a collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and paintings.

After visiting the monastery, we will have free time to explore the village of Shakti.

Lodging: Fana resort.

DAY 14 (6/16-24): SHAKTI - HEMIS FESTIVAL - LEH

Today will be a very special day, where we will be able to enjoy and photograph the Buddhist festival at Hemis Monastery.

The Hemis Buddhist festival is an annual event of great significance that takes place at the Hemis monastery, located in Ladakh, India. This celebration takes place during the month of June and is spread over two days. The festival aims to honor the life and teachings of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century.

During the festival, a series of ceremonies and rituals are performed, including dances, music and chanting. The highlight of the festival is the procession of the thangka of Guru Rinpoche, an impressive canvas depicting the Buddhist master. This thangka is carried in procession by the monks of the monastery and is followed by thousands of pilgrims and devotees.

The Hemis festival is of great importance to the Buddhist community of Ladakh. It is a unique opportunity to celebrate the life of Guru Rinpoche and to deepen one's understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. The event also plays a significant role in the local economy, attracting a large number of visitors from all over the world.

After enjoying the festival, we will return to Leh for a farewell dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Chospa Hotel

DAY 15 (6/17-24): LEH - DELHI

Today, after breakfast, we will drive to Leh airport to catch our flight back to Delhi and connect with our international flight back home.

End of trip.