The Pashmina Trail

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Location

Changthang Plateau & Textile Centers

Community

Changpa Nomads & Textile Artisans

Your Journey

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

Royal Arrival & Acclimatization

Begin your textile journey with royal accommodation and essential acclimatization

Leh - Stok Palace (3,524m)13 km from airport

Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport

Transfer to historic Stok Palace accommodation

Rest and acclimatize to high altitude

Introduction to Ladakh's textile heritage

Overnight: Stok Palace heritage stay

Textile Museum Exploration

Immerse in traditional textiles through museum visits and cultural exploration

Leh Cultural Sites50 km cultural tour

Visit Hemis Monastery Museum for traditional textiles

Explore ancient weaving techniques and patterns

Evening visit to Ladakh Textile Museum

Learn about regional textile history and significance

Overnight: Stok Palace heritage stay

Meeting the Changpa Herders

Journey to meet Changpa nomads and learn about pashmina goat rearing

Leh to Kharnak (4,548m)190 km drive to Changthang

Drive to remote Kharnak village (190 km)

Meet Changpa storytellers and shepherds

Learn about nomadic tent (Rebo) construction

Experience traditional pashmina weaving methods

Overnight: Camping with nomad settlement

Historic Trade Routes

Discover the ancient salt and wool trade connections

Kharnak to Samad (4,530m)35 km through trade routes

Meet herder-traders of historic salt routes

Learn about trade between Changpas and Zanskar people

Understand Changthang as a cultural crossroads

Experience traditional trading practices

Overnight: Samad village stay

Pashmina Harvesting & Pastoral Economy

Deep dive into pashmina production and nomadic economy

Samad to Tsomoriri - Korzok (4,522m)160 km to Tsomoriri

Drive to Samad Village on Tsokar Lake banks

Observe pashmina harvesting process firsthand

Learn making of Thulu and Lokpa textiles

Understand pastoral economy and revenue models

Overnight: Korzok village stay

Tibetan Herder Textiles

Explore Tibetan herding traditions and textile styles

Tsomoriri to Leh via Sumdo215 km return to Leh

Visit Tibetan herders at Sumdo village

Learn about Tibetan textile traditions

Compare different herding and weaving styles

Return journey to Leh with cultural insights

Overnight: Leh accommodation

Modern Textile Cooperatives

Explore contemporary textile production and traditional craftsmanship

Leh Textile Centers30 km local exploration

Visit Looms of Ladakh Women Cooperative Limited

Learn about modern textile production methods

Afternoon market walk with traditional craftsmen

Explore jewelry, Pabu, and traditional utensil making

Overnight: Leh accommodation

Departure

End of the comprehensive pashmina and textile heritage journey

Leh Departure5 km to airport

Final breakfast in Leh

Last-minute textile shopping opportunities

Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport

Departure with deep textile knowledge and memories

Overnight: Journey home

What's Included

Everything you need for an authentic and comfortable experience

Heritage Accommodation

Stay at historic Stok Palace and authentic village stays

Textile Artisan Access

Meet master weavers, herders, and textile cooperatives

All Permits

Inner line permits and cultural site access

Cultural Meals

Traditional meals with nomadic families and villages

Expert Guides

Textile specialists and cultural heritage guides

Nomadic Experience

Authentic camping with Changpa nomad settlements

Ready for Your Adventure?

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