Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Ladakh – Delhi – Saspol – Nimmu – Stok – Leh
100% customisable for you
Your Indian adventure begins today, so head to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi. Flights from the UK take around nine hours, so make sure to have a holiday read on hand before you board.
It’ll be evening by the time you arrive, so you’ll be whisked to your hotel in Delhi Aerocity, located right next to the airport. Modern and secure, it offers quick access to the terminals – ideal for late arrivals or early departures.
Grab a quick dinner and head to bed, ready for the real exploring to begin tomorrow.
This morning, head straight back to the airport for your one-and-a-half-hour flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. When you touch down, meet your friendly guide, who’ll accompany you throughout your journey, before being privately transferred to Saspol, a one-and-a-half-hour drive away.
Set in the Indus Valley, this historic village boasts a peaceful atmosphere and scenic landscapes. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and acclimatise to the altitude, whether you’d rather lounge at your hotel or head out to explore.
If you feel up to it, visit Saspol’s decorated Buddhist caves, also called Gon-Nila-Phuk. Nestled in the hills overlooking the hamlet, these famous caves are known for their intricate wall paintings that trace the history of the region.
Today, head out to discover Lamayuru Monastery with a private guide. Originally established in the 11th century, Lamayuru is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the Red Hat sect of Buddhism. The current buildings date back to the early 20th century, and currently house over 200 monks. As you wander through the temple complex, your guide will fill you in on the monastery’s storied history and religious significance within Tibetan Buddhism.
Next, visit the charming village of Temisgam, set in the Sham Valley. Here, explore Tingmosgang Palace and Monastery, built in the 15th century by King Drag-pa-Bum. Most notably, the Treaty of Tingmosgang was signed here in 1684, ending armed conflict between Ladakh and nearby Tibet. Spend the afternoon soaking up the village’s history, wandering through rocky ruins and admiring views over the rugged surroundings.
Another day, another monastery. This morning, head out on a visit to Likir Gompa, an 11th-century Buddhist monastery perched atop a hill. Alongside your private guide, wander through the vast monastery, marvelling at the 26ft golden Buddha statue, visiting the on-site school for monks and exploring the museum, which houses a collection of ancient thangkas (traditional Buddhist silk paintings).
Next, head to Alchi Monastery, a monastic complex in the lowlands. Here, there are three main buildings to explore: the Dukhang (assembly hall), the Sumtsek (three-tiered temple), and the Temple of Manjushri, a Buddhist bodhisattva (enlightened being). The walls here are adorned with some of the oldest murals in Ladakh, with wood and stone carvings that are both intriguing and captivating.
After your visit, your private driver will take you to Nimmu, just under an hour’s drive away. When you arrive, check into your base for the next two nights and enjoy a tasty dinner overlooking the mountains.
Spend today exploring Nimmu with a friendly local. This pretty village is an oasis in the middle of the mineral desert, located between the Indus and Zanskar rivers at an altitude of over 10,000ft. This morning, meet a member of the local community, who’ll fill you in on the inner workings of the village. To finish up your visit, you’ll be treated to a tasting of butter tea, a typical beverage in Tibetan culture.
If you’re still full of energy, you also have the option to try your hand at making momos (Tibetan dumplings) in a cooking class, or to join a traditional spoon-making workshop.
This morning, rise bright and early for the one-hour private transfer to Stok. En route, stop at Spituk, a monastic site dating back to the 11th century. This grand gompa (fortified Buddhist monastery) houses an important statue of Palden Lhamo, one of the ‘Eight Guardians’ of Tibetan Buddhism and the main protectress of Tibet. After admiring this impressive structure, enjoy the panorama over the Indus Valley before descending to the village on foot to have lunch on the riverbank.
Next, continue to Stok and head to the museum, set within the Royal Palace. The collections document the history of Ladakh through royal thangkas, crowns, textiles and religious artefacts.
Once you’ve finished exploring, head to your hotel to put your feet up. Still raring to go? We can also arrange for you to learn the secrets of pashmina, a fine cashmere wool plucked from native Changthangi goats, in a private workshop.
Set off bright and early with your guide to Thiksey Monastery, one of the largest in Ladakh and home to a number of monks and nuns. When you arrive, attend the morning puja ceremony (a daily blessing ritual), admiring Thiksey’s beautiful murals and thangkas, before enjoying a traditional breakfast overlooking the Indus Valley.
Next, hop back in the car to visit the 17th-century Hemis Monastery, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. As you wander through the pretty courtyard and into the monastery itself, your guide will talk you through the intricate woodwork and paintings depicting Mahasiddhas, individuals who have achieved true Buddhist enlightenment. Later, visit the monastery’s museum, which features displays on the principles of Tantric Buddhism.
After a busy morning, enjoy a tasty picnic on the banks of the Indus River before visiting the final monastery of the day: Stakna. Perched atop a rocky hill, this magnificent monastery once housed the royal family and still contains one of the best libraries in Ladakh.
After your time in the valley, it's time to head back to Leh. A private transfer will take you directly to the city centre, around half an hour away.
First up on the agenda today is a private tour of Leh. Perched at an altitude of over 11,000ft, Leh was once an important stop on the Silk Road and is now Ladakh’s colourful capital. Begin the tour by tasting local delicacies at a restaurant before visiting the Central Asian Museum to delve deeper into the city’s history. After a visit the Soma Gompa, headquarters of the local Buddhist association, wander along Leh’s historic alleyways to its bustling market, home to a number of buzzing shops and restaurants.
Later, meet a local art restorer at their workshop. From religious manuscripts to ancient frescoes and thangkas, this seasoned specialist juggles various projects, allowing you to learn about traditional art and watch it be brought back to life.
A private transfer will take you to the airport today for your flight back to Delhi, which will take around 90 minutes.
When you arrive, you’ll be treated to a private tour of Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi's Tibetan quarter. Set just northeast of the capital, this area is home to a few thousand Tibetan refugees who have settled away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wander through the narrow streets, watching as colourful prayer flags flutter above the houses, before heading to Vihara Monastery for an insight into local life. Later, you’re free to stroll through the market, weaving among street vendors selling steaming momos and stalls of yak-hair textiles. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs to take home.
Your Indian adventure comes to an end today. A private transfer will take you to Delhi Airport, where you’ll catch your return flight. The flight time to the UK is around nine and a half hours, and you’ll touch down this afternoon, armed with a newfound appreciation for this beautiful region.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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