Many a times to come back again and again, to this land of the mystical. If you get away from the tourist circuit, you can again find that part of Ladakh , that the early visitors to this land swear by. Its mystery, its unique sense of magnificence yet humility.
This Post designs trips that helps you see Ladakh in all its glory. Not the glossed over, ac bus, hotel stays, packed food version. But the real Ladakh, with honest smiles, salty teas, apricot jams, friendly locals living simple lives. We have been to this side of Ladakh every year since our inception, and every year we try to do things different, discover new facets to this magical land, which has won our heart over since the first time we went, The trips we design are very personal, with elements that appeal to us as travelers: local food, local stays, hikes, local experiences , without having to give up on the basic comforts. Customsied trip plans to Ladakh are our ode to this land. We hope to take adventurers to this mysterious land and help them see it from close quarters, its nuances, its heritage, and live its story every day.
We started with customised trips since 2010 and we plan to host many of you this year too. Here are typical trip elements that we inlude in getaways that we plan. Tell us which of these interest you too.
1. Stay at a local’s home
Most of our stays are in family run guesthouses or homestays, giving you a local flavour in your stay. Interacting with them everyday for your meals and tea, gardening with them as you see them work their farms, learning about their cuisine, their culture and getting a close up glimpse at their life can be rewarding. Their lives are so different from ours and yet so similar, its amazing. Despite being separated by 11000ft, You will start feeling like home in the mountains. They also tend to be located beyond the main market, so its far away from the chaos of the main road and the commercial establishment. Tucked away , beside a rivulet, overlooking the mountains they are a well kept secret. Try it!
2. On two wheels
Bicycles explorations to Stok from Leh. Flowers, and fields,bridges and ridges will pass you by, as you pace yourself on your trusted bike on your local exploration. Go to see the King’s residence or explore the many bylanes of Nubra Valley. This two wheeler helps you on your leisurely expeditions in this mountain land.
Ladakh has always been a bikers first love! The harsh landscape, the thrill, the uncertainity all packs a punch. If you dont feel like bringing your bike all the way, we can locally procure the bike for you and do the Nubra-Turtuk circuit or the Great Lakes Circuit of Pangong and Tso Moriri.
3. Explore lesser known villages of Turtuk, Bagso, Ule, Lamayuru. Beautiful apple orchards will greet you, mustard fields, tall grass and garden full of flowers. Quite a shocker for this cold desert, but the lower altitude of these hamlets help the farming. Go for village walks, talk to local artisans, appreciate their local art, and marvel. Marvel at the beauty that surrounds you. Spend an entire day in these lovely pockets, far away from the jostle of the crowds.
4. Experience Experience Experience
Riverside picnics, visit to local artisans like silver smiths or a metal smiths, local cuisine walks are some of the few experiences that we sprinkle our trips with. Experiences that will add a special punch to the whole magic of Ladakh.
5. Camping under a thousand million stars
Sites like these are common. A sky sparkling with stars, and a lit up tent, thick blankets and plenty of conversations to keep one warm in the high altitude. One cannot forget such experiences quite easily. Our curated campsites in Jispa, Mulbek and Pangong are much loved by our travelers who have been there, some of them more than once,
6. Treks
A great way to explore the valleys and passes of the region is on foot. Starting from moderate 3 days treks to the Sham Valley to longer more intensive treks to Tso Moriri or the Zanskar. We help you manage the treks with guides, quaint homestays and camping experiences, some ornate, some as simple as it can get.
6. Festivals
We keep you in the loop about all festivals that happen in season, so that if you are planning a trip in July, you can also keep in mind the dates of the festival in that month. Festivals are colourful affairs in Ladakh, with song and dance, local food and a whole lot of energy. Some of the festivals that are hosted in far flung villages and gompas also offer you a glimpse of their local life: families bringing their brood, laughter, teasing and the works. A photographer’s delight!
Source: http://tinyurl.com/ljvojae
Source: http://tinyurl.com/ljvojae
