Spring in Shangrila

Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Location

Ladakh, Zanskar & Aryan Valley

Community

Aryan Descendants & Monastic Communities

Your Journey

A carefully curated experience immersing you in the authentic lifestyle of Changpa shepherds

Journey Begins

Start your transformative journey with international travel to India's capital

Kuala Lumpur to New DelhiInternational flight

Fly from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi

Airport transfer and hotel check-in

Rest and prepare for the Himalayan adventure

Overnight stay in Delhi

Overnight: Delhi hotel

Flight Over the Himalayas

Spectacular flight over the Himalayan ranges to reach the heart of Ladakh

New Delhi to LehFlight over Himalayas

Early morning flight to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport

Breathtaking aerial views of Himalayan peaks

Arrival in Leh and proper acclimatization rest

Light activities and hydration focus

Overnight: Leh accommodation

Monastic Life & Education

Immerse in Buddhist culture through monasteries and innovative education

Leh SightseeingLocal sightseeing

Join morning prayer session at Thiksey Monastery

Visit the grand Hemis Monastery after lunch

Explore SECMOL School's sustainable education model

Sunset at Shanti Stupa and market walk

Overnight: Leh accommodation

Apricot Blossoms & Ancient Heritage

Journey to witness spring's arrival with blooming apricot flowers

Leh to Ulley TokpoScenic mountain drive

Drive to Ulley Tokpo village for apricot blossoms

Visit Alchi Monastery - Ladakh's oldest (11th century)

Experience ancient Buddhist art and architecture

Village arrival and local interactions

Overnight: Ulley Tokpo homestay

Village Life & Monastic Visits

Deep village immersion with morning blossoms and monastery visits

Ulley Tokpo ExplorationLocal walks and drives

Morning walk through apricot orchards in bloom

Meet local villagers and learn about their lifestyle

Visit Rigzong Monastery in the afternoon

Explore Tingmosgang Monastery and its history

Overnight: Ulley Tokpo homestay

Farm Life Experience

Trek to remote village for authentic farm activities and homestay

Ulley Tokpo to Tar VillageDrive + 40min hike

Drive to Tar village parking area

40-minute scenic hike to the village

Participate in traditional farm activities

Overnight with local family in authentic homestay

Overnight: Tar village homestay

Aryan Valley Discovery

Meet the descendants of Aryan community and witness their unique culture

Tar to Dha HanuMorning walk + drive

Early morning 20-minute walk to Gongma (Summer place)

Drive towards the fascinating Aryan Valley

Meet Aryan community descendants

Experience distinct culture and traditional customs

Overnight: Dha Hanu accommodation

Indus River Journey

Scenic drive alongside the mighty Indus River to Kargil town

Dha Hanu to KargilScenic river drive

Drive through dramatic mountain landscapes

Follow the Indus River flowing parallel to the road

Arrive in the major town of Kargil

Explore local cuisine and evening market walk

Overnight: Kargil town hotel

Gateway to Zanskar

Enter one of Ladakh's most visually stunning and remote regions

Kargil to Zanskar (Padum)Mountain valley drive

Drive to the legendary Zanskar Valley

Experience dramatic landscapes and cultural diversity

Learn about unique Zanskari languages

Arrival in Padum, the valley's main town

Overnight: Padum accommodation

Monastic Institutions & Natural Wonders

Explore Zanskar's largest monastery and stunning natural beauty

Zanskar SightseeingLocal sightseeing drives

Visit Karsha Monastery - Zanskar's largest monastic institution

Lunch at bustling Padum market

Drive to spectacular Sheela Waterfall

Evening visit to Stongdey village and monastery

Overnight: Padum accommodation

Cave Monastery Adventure

Visit the remarkable cliffside monastery built around a natural cave

Drive to Phugtal MonasteryRemote monastery drive

Drive to remote Phugtal Monastery

Explore the honeycomb-like cliffside structure

Meet some of the 70 resident monks

Learn about centuries of meditation and learning tradition

Overnight: Near Phugtal or return to Padum

Epic Return Journey

Long but spectacular drive back to Leh via the NPD road

Zanskar to Leh185km (8 hours)

Early start for the 185km journey to Leh

Drive via Nimo-Padum-Darcha (NPD) road

Multiple lunch and tea breaks at scenic spots

Approximately 8-hour journey through changing landscapes

Overnight: Leh accommodation

High-Altitude Lake Adventure

Journey to the famous high-altitude lake via Chang La Pass

Leh to Pangong Lake160km (5-7 hours)

Drive from Leh via the high Chang La Pass

Cross one of the world's highest motorable passes

160km journey with stunning mountain views

Arrive at the pristine Pangong Lake

Overnight: Pangong Lake camping

Farewell to the Mountains

Final morning at the lake before returning for departure preparations

Pangong to LehReturn drive to Leh

Morning walk along Pangong Lake shores

Breakfast with lake views

Drive back to Leh for final night

Souvenir shopping and farewell dinner

Overnight: Leh accommodation

Journey's End

Farewell to the Land of High Passes

Leh to New DelhiFlight to Delhi

Final breakfast in Leh

Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport

Flight back to New Delhi

End of transformative Ladakh journey

Overnight: Journey home

What's Included

Everything you need for an authentic and comfortable experience

All Transport

Flights, drives, and local transportation

Varied Accommodation

Hotels, homestays, and camping experiences

All Permits

Inner line permits and monastery entry fees

Cultural Meals

Local cuisine and homestay meals included

Expert Guides

Local guides for cultural and historical insights

Community Tourism

Direct support to local communities and monasteries

Ready for Your Adventure?

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Changpa culture