Sham Valley Tour in Ladakh

This morning, following your arrival into Leh, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your residence, The Chamba Camp, Thiksey. You will be guests of the Thiksey Monastery. Soak in the serenity of the surroundings as you are accorded the traditional welcome of Ladakh. You will be accompanied to your well appointed luxury tents, where the check-in formalities will be completed by our Guest Relations hostess.

There will be no activity on your day of arrival as it is medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable you to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels at this high-altitude. At your convenience, the Excursion Specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey will meet with you to discuss the itinerary suggested and help you plan your excursions and make changes if required, as the excursions mentioned in the program can be customized to suit your interests, choices and leisure.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Today brings a late start, leaving the morning free for you to enjoy a languid breakfast and walk around the camp site, taking in the sights and the atmosphere where each tent opens out on to alfa-alfa pastures with a view of the willow trees as the wind gracefully brushes the branches and the rustling sound of the poplar trees creating an aura of unmatched beauty and serenity, making you naturally unwind and relax.

Or, if you are an early riser, may we suggest setting out on our optional bird watching sojourn, with our camp naturalist, spotting and identifying a variety of birds of the Trans-Himalayan region.

This afternoon, following lunch proceed on a gentle orientation tour of Leh, located approximately 19 kilometres (1 hr) from your camp. Visit popular landmarks which include the magnificent Leh Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the palace has nine storeys’, some of which are in ruins. Some of the sections display fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. From the palace continue by foot to the LAMO [Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation] Centre on a short walking tour passing some enchanting old houses. The centre is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, Munshi (Togoche) House situated at the foot of the Leh Palace. Following a tour of the house there will be a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the old city. Enjoy a view of the old city from the terrace of the Munshi House as you sip the special Ladakhi tea with light snacks. The Heritage exploration continues from Munshi House through the old city ending in the bazaar.

End your tour at the Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of the stone strewn landscape, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea watching the setting sun.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

An early morning start with tea and coffee followed by a visit to the Thiksey monastery, which stands about a kilometre from your camp. This beautiful monastery houses a two storey statue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus and boasts of a spectacular view of the valley. At the monastery, you will have the privilege to participate in the morning prayer ceremony at sunrise. Continue on a guided tour of the monastery, visiting the beautiful prayer room which has many handwritten and painted books as well as the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. You will also see small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.

Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free, allowing you time to relax and take in the pristine beauty around you. Or you may like to indulge in our optional cycling trip in the vicinity of the Thiksey village and its surroundings. Or you could also choose to drive to the Saboo village for a séance session with the Oracle [Note: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]

This afternoon, proceed to explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage, the Hemis Monastery, the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 20 kilometres (1 hr) from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King Senge Namygal in the 13th century, where young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings.

This evening enjoy a drink as the sun dips under the horizon, casting exquisitely colored shadows on the snow-capped peaks surrounding the camp.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Embark on an exploration of the monastic treasures of Ladakh. Driving through picturesque landscape along the River Indus, arrive at the fabled Alchi Monastery, built in the 11th century. Founded by Ringchen Zangpo, the Great Translator, the Alchi Gompa displays a Kashmiri influence in its art and architecture. Within the monastery you will see beautiful Tibetan and Gandhara style murals of Ladakh, frescos and images of the Buddha. Relish a picnic lunch in a picturesque setting. On your way back from Alchi, you will stop by at the Basgo fort, built in the 16th century. Basgo, literally “Bull’s Head” in the local language, was the center of power and politics in this region at one point of time and houses a copper-gilt Buddha statue in one of its prayer halls. The ruins of the fort bear the horrific evidence of the invasions of the Mongols.

Alternatively combine your visit to Alchi with our optional rafting excursion. The day begins with a drive through the pastoral countryside, arriving at the put-in point. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages, enjoying the mesmerising views, and the contrast between the greenery of the Nimoo village on one bank and the stark barren landscape of the other. Following a picnic lunch continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery.

On your return to the camp, later in the evening, as the sun sets on varied mountain hues amidst the rustic landscape with the Thiksey Monastery standing tall as a monumental back drop, you will be enchanted by a cultural dance performance, Zyabro.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

This morning, after breakfast, you will drive 20 kilometres (1hr) to visit the Stok Palace, across the River Indus. Take a walk through the Palace, a beautiful medieval fortress, serving as the residence of the Queen Mother and Prince of Ladakh. A section of this Palace has been converted into a museum which houses some of the most interesting and priceless collections of the Royal family. Admire some of the exquisite royal perak (headgear) embedded with priceless coral and turquoise. The museum also exhibits Royal costumes, coins, photographs and paintings. Continue onwards to the Stok village. Explore the rustic beauty of the village as you walk down the narrow lanes, catching a glimpse of local village life, culminating at a quaint Ladakhi house, where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Return to the camp for lunch.

Late this afternoon, you will drive a short distance from your camp to witness the traditional fanfare and glamour associated with the game of Polo. Polo originated in the Western Himalayas in the kingdoms of Baltistan and Gilgit. King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess, was impressed with the thrill of the sport and introduced it to the region of Ladakh in the 17th century. Each team consists of six players and the game is fast and furious in this rugged terrain. The excitement builds up as goals are struck by both sides; each goal accompanied by a burst of song and music from the surna and daman, traditional ladakhi musical instruments.

*Polo excursions are available only on the dates given below. Please plan your visit accordingly to the thrilling Polo experience!


Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

• Altitude: 3500 m

Following breakfast, this morning your exciting journey continues along the River Indus, taking you to one of the most interesting and historic parts of Ladakh, the Dah Hanu Valley, better known as the Land of the Aryans. The villages of Dah and Hanu are known for their Aryan settlements and it is believed the residents are the direct descendants of the original Aryan race who came through Central Asia with Alexandar the Great 2300 years ago and settled in this region.

Driving through enchanting landscapes, past the colourful and tiny villages of Domkar, Skurbuchan and Achinathang, you will visit the village of Dah Hanu and interact with the Drogpa community. Their features appear to be Indo-Aryan and they have not intermixed with other peoples through the centuries. Their culture and religious practices are very similar to those of an ancient pre-Buddhist culture known as Bong-cho, rather than to the Buddhism practiced in the rest of Ladakh. A strictly endogamous tribe, the Drogpas do not marry outside of their community and still practice their own ancient rites and rituals. They are recognizable by their dress of untied woollen tunics, The edge adorned with geometric designs, worn with a hat heavily decked with dry flowers, rows of needles, ribbons etc.

Travel onwards to the rich and cultivated Sham Valley, Ladakh, arriving at Tingmosgang village.

The afternoon you are free to explore the picturesque village on your own. The village holds a very special place in the history of Ladakh. It was here that the significant treaty between Ladakh and Tibet was signed in 1684 demarcating the boundaries between the two countries.

Relish a simple dinner.

Overnight in Tingmosgang Village.

This morning, you will relish a typical local breakfast in a Ladhaki kitchen with a local family. Then proceed on a visit to the oldest village in the region, Tia, which is 500 years old and located on a hill, with unique architecture. A single building houses the entire village comprising of 200 families. The layout is like a maze where you need to manoeuvre your way through winding tunnels which suddenly burst open into a courtyard, with houses opening out into the courtyard!

Following a picnic lunch set amidst picturesque surrounding, return to Tingmosgang.

Overnight in Tingmosgang Village

Today, after breakfast, you will visit one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh, built by Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th century. The monastery is surrounded by dramatic and unique landscape. It is situated between Bodhkharbu and Kha-la-che, on a steep rock mountain. Lamayuru Monastery belongs to the Red-Hat sect of Buddhism and houses approximately 150 Buddhist monks. The monastery is made up of a number of shrines and also has a very rich collection of thangkas and magnificent wall paintings. At the outset, the Lamayuru Monastery consisted of five buildings, out of which only the central one exists today.

Following lunch return to Tingmosgang. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure or you may choose to take a walk to the old fort palace and village.

Overnight in Tingmosgang Village

• Trek: Moderate
• Duration: 3hours Trek + Drive Time
• Altitude: 3370 m

Today, following breakfast, you will return to Leh, to the Chamba Camp, Thiksey. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure or last minute shopping of traditional fabrics and handicrafts.

Guests also have the opportunity to avail the optional soft trek to Hemis-Shukpa Chan. This picturesque trek takes you on a journey through rich and quaint villages and monasteries, through some apricot orchards, the Ang Village and arrives at the village of Hemis-Shukpachan. This village is popular throughout Ladakh for its aromatic Shukpa (Cedar) which is used as incense for religious purposes. Following a picnic lunch continue on a drive to Leh, visiting the Likir Monastery enroute. It is a magnificent gompa, overlooking the village of Likir. It is also known as the Klu-Kkhyil (water spirits) Gompa, and was founded in the 14th century, the first gompa in Ladakh known to have been built under the direction of Tibetan monks.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

• Distance: 20 kms
• Duration: 40 mins
• Altitude: 3256 m

Today you bid farewell to the enchanting and breathtaking mountainous and rugged terrain of Ladakh, as you transfer to the Leh airport and board your flight to your onward destination.