Jessica Dolan
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly representative, who will assist with your luggage and transport you to your hotel. Relax this evening before the adventure starts tomorrow.
Delhi, the capital city of India, has a rich history that spans several centuries. As the seat of power for numerous empires, Delhi has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, each leaving a distinct cultural imprint on the city. Despite its cosmopolitan character today, Delhi retains many of its unique traditions. The city is home to many awe-inspiring monuments and museums that offer a glimpse into its fascinating past.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 2
Depart Delhi for Leh
Take an unforgettable morning flight from Delhi to Leh. The route brings you over the majestic peaks of the western Himalaya range and leads to the heart of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh.
The Land of High Passes is both physically and culturally spectacular. It is a land defined by rituals, and the landscapes have remained unchanged for centuries. In 1838, British explorer John Wood described Ladakh as ‘The roof of the world.’ Tibetan and Indian Buddhists have vied for prominence since the 9th century, and here you find monasteries unique to the region and not found elsewhere in the country.
Upon arrival, your transfer will meet you at the airport and take you to Nimmu House for check-in. You will spend the remainder of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude. If you feel up to it in the evening, take a leisurely walk around the village with your guide.
Nimmu House is a century-old glamping retreat at 10,000 feet (3,000m), offering a stunning panoramic setting for acclimatization in the Himalayas. Originally constructed for Ladakhi royalty, Nimmu House respects traditional architecture while incorporating modern comforts. The property features beautifully restored heritage rooms and deluxe tents within an orchard.
Overnight Nimmu House
Day 3
Ladakh Village Visit
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, your guide will drive you to the village of Chilling to learn about the intricate techniques of traditional Ladakhi metalwork. Chilling is renowned for its skilled coppersmiths and exquisite craftsmanship.
Alternatively, your guide can take you to a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh for a private butter lamp ceremony and a meditation lesson. You will also have the opportunity to visit the monastery's school and meet some monks in training. This will be followed by a walk through the barley fields in Likir, where you can meet some residents.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch by a stream. Then, this evening, walk through the village to the banks of the Indus River. Conclude your day with dinner and a bonfire at the hotel.
Overnight Nimmu House
Day 4
Search for the Himalayan Brown Bear
Today, your guide will take you on a scenic 4.5-hour journey to Drenmo Lodge in Drass, your base for the next two nights. Drass offers stunning scenery - the remote location is the second coldest inhabited place in the world and is India's premier destination for sighting Himalayan brown bears, locally referred to as "Drenmo."
You can enjoy a wildlife-watching tour this evening, including the Himalayan Brown Bear. These bears are typically found at higher altitudes during the summer months, descending to lower elevations as winter approaches. This evening, enjoy dinner followed by a bonfire at the lodge.
Drenmo Lodge is located in the remote village of Holiyal in the Mushkow Valley. This exclusive lodge offers unique luxury and immersive travel experiences while supporting local communities through eco-tourism. At Drenmo Lodge, you have opportunities to observe brown bears and a variety of wildlife, including Tibetan wolves, red foxes, marmots, musk deer, and Asiatic ibex. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the variety of bird species, which includes warblers, finches, and raptors. In the summer, you may see over 30 species of resident and migratory birds.
Overnight Drenmo Lodge
Day 5
Walking Bear Safari
Begin your day early with a walk along the Mushkow River, where you may have the opportunity to spot bears and other wildlife in the surrounding mountains and valleys. After your walking safari, return to the lodge for an outdoor breakfast, weather permitting.
In the afternoon, take some time to relax before heading out again at dusk to observe more wildlife that inhabits this region. Conclude your day with dinner and a bonfire at the lodge.
Overnight Drenmo Lodge
Day 6
The Village of Alchi
This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Drenmo Lodge before traveling to the village of Alchi to see the Alchi Choskor, a monastic complex from the 11th century. This is Ladakh's oldest surviving monastic site and is famous for its ancient frescoes and unique architecture.
In the afternoon, visit the open-air market and temple, before enjoying lunch at Alchi Kitchen, where you can try delicious local dishes. This afternoon, your driver will take you for the scenic 6-hour drive to Leh along the Indus River. Relax this evening and enjoy dinner served in the hotel.
Overnight in Leh
Day 7
Nubra Valley, the World’s Highest Road and Ancient Silk Routes
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to Leh and drive to Nubra Valley via the Khardungla Pass, the highest motorable road in the world at 18,380 feet (5,600m). Nubra Valley, once a trading route connecting eastern Tibet with Turkistan, is one of the most recently opened areas in Ladakh and invites you to take a journey back in time. With breathtaking views and wonderfully hospitable inhabitants, visiting Nubra Valley is truly an unforgettable experience.
Located along the ancient Silk Route in Nubra Valley, Kyagar is a luxury resort that combines history with modern sophistication. Set within 25 picturesque acres of land, the resort offers accommodations that merge the surrounding beauty with comfort. As a family-owned and community-driven establishment, Kyagar takes pride in its friendly service and warm hospitality, ensuring every guest feels at home. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the resort operates on solar power and features a menu highlighting organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Overnight Kyagar
Day 8
Lohan Tso Lake and Petroglyphs
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before the short drive to the base of Lohan Tso, Nubra’s holiest lake. This site holds great significance for Tibetan Buddhists and is a popular pilgrimage destination. Upon arrival, take a short hike to the lake and back.
Afterwards, visit Murgi, home to the largest petroglyph site in Ladakh, featuring over 4,000 petroglyphs that date back to the Iron Age. Enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the beautiful views. Finally, return to your hotel to relax.
Overnight Nubra
Day 9
The Nubra Valley and Hunder Cold Desert
Following an early breakfast, your driver will take you to Turtuk, the northernmost village in India, located in the Leh region. The journey will take approximately three hours.
First, you will stop at Diskit Village, the headquarters of Nubra Valley. Diskit is famous for the Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest gompa in the valley, which is dramatically perched on a steep mountain, overlooking the village. The monastery complex also includes a school that receives financial support from an NGO.
For lunch, enjoy a unique culinary experience with a Ladakhi chef in a beautifully restored 150-year-old house at Balit Kitchen. Afterward, visit the stunning sand dunes of the Hunder cold desert. This high-altitude desert, located at 13,100 feet (4,000m), is breathtakingly beautiful and is home to Pashmina goats and Bactrian camels, which were essential along the ancient Silk Route. In the afternoon light, set off on an adventurous Bactrian camel ride through the desert.
Virsa Baltistan offers a luxury boutique experience like no other in Ladakh. Discover this hidden gem where Baltistani culture, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, and warm hospitality intertwine to create a unique narrative of tradition and history. Virsa Baltistan reimagines the essence of a modern palace, restoring its former glory while seamlessly integrating contemporary comfort and hospitality. This revival project pays tribute to the rich legacy of the Balti people, celebrating their culture, craftsmanship, and history in every brick and stone that forms its foundation.
Overnight Virsa Baltistan
Day 10
The Awe-Inspiring Wari La Pass
This morning, your guide will drive you to Leh via the Wari La Pass, which has an elevation of 17,428 feet (5,312m). Only opened to civilians in 2008, the pass has retained its raw, natural beauty. During the drive, you may spot wild yaks and Himalayan blue sheep grazing in the vast meadows, all set against open skies and rugged mountains.
In Ladakh, the Oracle is a spiritual healer who can divine one's future. However, their rituals are not well known outside Ladakh, around 200 oracles practice in the region. These rites and rituals likely originate from the animistic tribes and shamans of Central Asia, China, Tibet, and Mongolia. This evening, you will get to experience an oracle session.
Chamba Camp is a luxury glamping destination that combines the luxury of a high-end hotel with the adventure of camping in the beautiful Ladakh region. At Chamba Camp, you can enjoy various activities, including visits to monasteries, cultural experiences, archery, scenic hikes, and wildlife spotting, to fully immerse yourself in the landscapes and heritage of Ladakh. The glamping tents at Chamba Camp are spacious and elegantly designed, featuring large windows that provide a front-row view of the captivating vistas the location offers.
Overnight Chamba Camp
Day 11
Thiskey Monastery
Today, you will wake up with the sun to attend morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery with the monks. With the sounds of chants and cymbals still echoing, descend to the camp for breakfast and a hot cup of tea.
Take a stroll into town to visit the shops and markets for any last-minute gift shopping. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Bon-Appetit in Leh town, then spend some more time in town or rest at your accommodation before an evening at leisure.
Overnight Chamba Camp
Day 12
Travel to Delhi
Today, you will be picked up and transferred to Leh Airport to catch your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to relax before your international flight tomorrow.
Overnight JW Marriott Aerocity Hotel
Day 13
Departure Day
Today, it's time to bid farewell to the beautiful country of India. Your driver will accompany you to the airport for your international flight home.
