Explore Leh, the capital of Ladakh
Acclimatise in the capital, from where you visit the main sights of the Leh Valley.
This itinerary has been designed for those seeking to explore deep into the northernmost reaches of India. The region of Ladakh boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. The high altitude, rugged mountain terrain is beautiful and remote.
It can be one of the most rewarding Himalayan trekking regions where you find isolated, almost Italianesque villages, irrigated by the glaciers above but surrounded by desert. The capital, Leh, is a delight, and a day or so wandering the streets and visiting the Stok Palace located on the hillside above is essential. It is also possible to explore this compellingly beautiful and remote region while staying in superb accommodation where previously it has barely existed.
It is also home to the elusive snow leopard.
Included as Standard
Airport VIP meet and greet, a bottle of wine on arrival, a spa treatment, a dedicated member of our team available 24/7, an upgrade at one of your chosen hotels and cars with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
Experience monastic life
Visit the key monasteries of Ladakh including Thiksey, Hemis and Lamayuru.
Stay in village houses
Be at the heart of village life in Nimmu.
4
Venture over high passes
Experience the lunar landscapes of the mystical region of Uleytokpo.
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Day 1
Delhi
Spend a day in Delhi
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Day 2
Delhi - Leh & Stok
Fly from Delhi to Leh
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Day 3 - 4
Leh & Stok
Explore Leh and Stok
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Day 5
Stok - Nimmu
Drive to Nimmu
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Day 6
Nimmu
Explore Nimmu
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Day 7
Nimmu - Uleytokpo
Drive to Uleytokpo
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Day 8
Uleytokpo
Explore Uleytokpo
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Day 9
Uleytokpo - Leh
Drive back to Leh
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Day 10
Leh - Delhi
Fly back to Delhi
Day 1
Delhi
Experience the amazing contrasts of Old and New Delhi with your private guide. If you have already visited Delhi before, this day can be adapted to include other places of interest. A buffer day is required pre and post any trip to Ladakh to reduce the possible risk of flight delays or cancellations.
Day 2
Delhi - Leh & Stok
Day 3 - 4
Leh & Stok
The capital, Leh, is a delight, and a day or so wandering the streets is highly recommended and in some part, essential, for acclimatisation. You will also be taken to see some of the main monasteries and historical sites in this valley by your English speaking guide. This is also the perfect time to acclimatise to the high altitude. A gentle start to any itinerary in Ladakh is crucial.
Day 5
Stok - Nimmu
Day 6
Nimmu
A great oasis in the desert, Nimmu is a traditional village now home to about 200 families. Explore the village with your English speaking guide and experience a traditional Ladakhi meal with a local family. This area is the perfect opportunity to experience some breathtaking scenery and pristine landscapes coupled with meeting farming families who survive the sometimes challenging conditions.
Day 7
Nimmu - Uleytokpo
Day 8
Uleytokpo
Uleytokpo is located in the Sham Valley, home to ancient monasteries built in the 11th century and famous for trekking, rafting and the best yield of apricots in Ladakh. Spend a few days here to see a different type of terrain and landscape, meet local communities and visit Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Day 9
Uleytokpo - Leh
Day 10
Leh - Delhi
More Details
Stay in Stok Palace as a Guest of the Royal Family
The capital, Leh, is a delight, and a day or so wandering the streets is highly recommended and in some part, essential, for acclimatisation. Stay as a guest of the Ladakhi royal family at Stok Palace, an 1820 residence, and visit the famous Leh Palace, a former royal palace overlooking the city. With Leh as your base visit the many monasteries, chortens and gompas in the surrounding valleys. The monasteries put on a great display during the call to prayer. Some of the best examples of a Ladakhi monastery are Shey, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis and Stakna Monastery.
Raft on the Zanskar River
Venturing outside of Leh, travel the highway alongside the mighty Zanskar River. The drive to the river takes in one of the most scenic roads in the world. With scenery rivalling that on the Grand Canyon, this is a true expedition not to be missed. On reaching the river, you’ll be treated to world-class white water, stunning scenery and visits to riverside monasteries on your journey. Of course, this excursion is entirely optional if you’d prefer to remain on landbased.
Get Involved in Village Life
A great oasis in this mountainous desert, Nimmu is a traditional village now home to about 200 families. Explore the village with your guide and enjoy a traditional meal with a local family.
Nimmu’s location at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers is at an altitude of 3,100 m which is relatively low for Ladakh. The exposure to the sun leads to an abundance of wheat, barley, fruits and vegetables, allowing villagers to lead a comfortable life. The village has two small monasteries, many ancient caravanserais and each house is surrounded by a flower garden in summer.
Uleytokpo and Lamayuru Monastery
Uleytokpo is located in the Sham Valley, home to ancient monasteries built in the 11th century and famous for trekking, rafting and the best yield of apricots in Ladakh. En-route visit the Likir Gompa situated on top of a windy cliff overlooking the beautiful village of Likir.
Any stay in the Sham Valley has to include a visit to the Lamayuru. Lamayuru Village is overshadowed by the mighty Lamayuru Monastery. At a height of 3,510 metres and located on a steep hillside between Bodhkharbu and Kha-la-che, Lamayuru is among the oldest monasteries in Ladakh.
On the Trail of Snow Leopard
If you had the time to extend your trip by a few days, venture into the Ulley Valley from Uleytokpo to look for snow leopard. Ulley village is an area that is only recently being developed for snow leopard watching but is in the centre of three interlocking valleys supporting approximately 12 snow leopards. The big advantage of Ulley is that it is relatively free of tourism and the chaos that has enveloped the first snow leopard destination – Rumbak. The best time to see snow leopard is from the end of January to March.
Nubra Valley Extension
A visit to Turtuk village takes you across the infamous Khardung la Pass, the highest drivable road in the world and not for the faint-hearted. The Nubra Valley often referred to as the Orchard of Ladakh is a sea of colour in the summer months with the green villages creating an oasis effect against the extreme stark landscape. Whilst here find time to ride a Bactrian camel, visit Diskit Monastery and spend an entire day at Turtuk village – the gateway to the Siachen Glacier and the last accessible village accessible by permit holders.
What is the Accommodation Like in Ladakh?
It is now possible to explore this compellingly beautiful and remote region of India while staying in superb accommodation where previously it has barely existed. Shakti offers great comfort in a series of village houses spread across six villages. With beds and indulgent en-suite bathrooms, you take the entire house for yourselves. The Ultimate Travelling Camp offers two luxury camps based in Diskit and Thiksey and Kaafila mobile tented camps offer the flexibility of camping in remote and untouched regions of Ladakh with plenty of comforts.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,445 Per person
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
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