Likir To Tingmosgang Trekking Tour

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 the 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

After several days of activity, you can spend the entire day as you like; staying in at the camp or opting for one of our exciting excursions.

You could ride with the wind – on bicycles. Drive up to Wari-La, one of the most scenic passes which connect the two most exotic valleys in this trans-Himalayan region, the Nubra and the Indus. You will get breath taking views of both these valleys as you cycle down the best track the Ladakh Himalayas have to offer. The road criss-crosses its way on the mountain side into the green oasis of Shakti village.

Or you may 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

You could also choose to drive to the village and visit the Oracle for a séance session. [Note: The séance excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the Oracle willing to give an audience].

Later this 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 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!


Return to the camp for lunch.

This afternoon, you will drive 20 kilometres (1hr) to visit 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.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Taking a two and half-hour early morning drive from the Chamba Camp, Thiksey to Likir following the course of the Indus you reach Sham where you are met by the trekking staff and head to Likir Monastery, you visit the monastery and among other treasures there you also see on the roof of the building, a magnificent 23-foot high gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

You begin your trek at the foot of a mountain near Likir Monastery, walking through barley fields and climbing gradually till you reach Chagatse La (3580 meters) and then descending to the village of Sumdo where you have lunch and a short rest. You walk on to Phobe La (3630 meters) from where you can view Yangthang and a 30-minute walk brings you to your campsite at Yangthang.

Overnight at tented camp at Yangthang

This morning you walk alongside the river and trees through a gorge to Rizdong, a nearly 2-hour trek. The Rizdong Monastery is isolated at the back of a natural amphitheatre and has three main halls, two containing large Buddha statues and the third, a stupa.

You leave Rizdong to ascend to Shushut Pass (4000 meters) from where you get sweeping views of Hemis Shukpachan and the surrounding mountain peaks. The descent into Shukpachan is an easy one, taking about two hours. Hemis Shukpachan, named Shukpachan after the cedar tree (shukpa), is one of the major villages of the Sham region.

Overnight at tented camp at Hemis Shukpachan

The trail takes you across flat land this morning till you reach an ill-defined pass marked by chortens (stupas). A steep descent leads you to the right side of the mountains and then a steady ascent brings you to Mebtak La (3720 meters). You stop awhile at the pass and drink in the view, then head down to the village of Ang and walk south along a dusty path to Tingmosgang Village.

Tingmosgang is a prosperous village in the Sham region known for its apples, apricots, nuts and beautiful houses as also, of course, for its monastery.

Overnight at tented camp at Tingmosgang

This morning, on your way back to Leh, you visit Alchi Monastery, the only one in Ladakh that is built on a plain and not atop a hillside. Driving upstream, 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 its 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. After your visit, relish a picnic lunch in a picturesque setting. Thereafter, you have the option to stop at the old city of Leh for last minute shopping of traditional fabrics and handicrafts or drive directly to the Chamba Camp Thiksey.

Arrive at the camp and spend the rest of your evening at leisure.

Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

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.