Ladakh - The Unexplored

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BRIEF

ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrive in Leh (Altitude: 11,500 ft)

Day 2
Visit SECMOL followed by a heritage walk

and a magical sunset

Day 3

Journey to Tar Village (Altitude: 10,826 ft)

Day 4

Exploring Tarchit Village (Altitude: 12,467 ft)

Day 5

Depart

Day 1: Arrive in Leh (Altitude: 11,500 ft)

We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the Gawaling Hotel. This will be your acclimatization day. It’s best to let your body adjust by taking the day slowly - by sipping tea, hydrating, or simply reading a book with a view. In the evening, if we feel well-rested, we will take a stroll through the markets of Leh. This is a wonderful opportunity to browse through colorful handicrafts, and explore some local delicacies.

Day 2: Visit SECMOL, followed by a heritage walk and a magical sunset

The Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) is a unique educational institution which was established in 1988 by a group of Ladakhi college students. Here, education goes beyond traditional classrooms where students emphasize on experiential learning. SECMOL truly stands out as a beacon of hope and progress, nurturing the leaders of tomorrow in a unique environment that values tradition while embracing modern educational practices. We will have an engaging guided tour of the place, where passionate staff and students will share their insights and stories about this exceptional institution.

If we are fortunate, we might just witness the thrilling action of an ice hockey match—an experience sure to add an extra layer of excitement to our visit!

After a delightful lunch and a bit of rest, we will take a leisurely stroll through Kharyog, located just below Leh Palace. This charming town, with roots dating back to the 17th century, has retained its untouched beauty, offering us a captivating glimpse into Leh's rich heritage.

To end our day, we will head to Phyang Monastery for a stunning sunset. The view is truly magical, with the sun appearing to set right behind the town of Leh, painting the landscape in beautiful, warm colors. It’s the perfect way to wrap up our day and soak in the breathtaking beauty of Leh.

Day 3: Journey to Tar Village

Post breakfast, we will drive to Tar Village, nestled in the Sham region of western Ladakh. Tar is unique, standing apart from other villages. It lacks road connectivity and is remarkably remote, preserving the highest levels of cultural richness and traditional Ladakhi lifestyle. Comprising just 15 households, the entire village embodies a strong community spirit. The people of Tar have created cozy farm stays that feel like a warm hug on chilly days. The village's homes exemplify traditional Ladakhi architecture, constructed from locally sourced materials like willow, rock, adobe bricks, and poplar timber. The residents grow and harvest their own food. We get a chance to relish a meal made from locally grown produce.

To reach Tar, we hike through a picturesque landscape. The adventure begins at Nurla, where we will cross a small wooden bridge over a stream of holy spring water. After sipping from the spring, we will walk between towering limestone mountains, where our voices will echo in the pristine surroundings. As we ascend, we may spot naturally formed deities, Gonbo Rangjon and Aachi Choskyi Dolma, on the cliff faces, where villagers regularly make offerings of incense, butter lamps, and prayer flags. This captivating village serves as a reflection of cultural richness, sustainable agricultural practices, and thriving biodiversity, all set against the backdrop of the Zanskar Range. In the evening, we will gather for a communal dinner, savoring delicious food. We will end the day sharing stories beneath the starry skies.

Day 4: Exploring Tarchit Village

We will start our day early. Post breakfast at Tar Village, we hike down to Nurla, and head back to Leh. We then check into the hotel, and have our lunch. After a good fulfilling lunch at Gawaling, we will start our journey towards Tarchit Village.The small village serves as a gateway to an exciting innovation in sustainable living: The Ice Stupas.The ice stupas are remarkable structures built to store winter water in the form of ice heaps, providing essential water supplies during the dry summer months. We will learn about the process of creating these stupas. This innovative solution not only supports local agriculture but also demonstrates the community's resilience in adapting to climate challenges.

As we explore the ice stupas, we will gain insights into how this sustainable practice benefits the villagers and preserves their way of life. This day will leave us with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity behind these structures and their importance in this fragile landscape.

Day 5: Depart

It’s time to bid farewell to the majestic mountains of Ladakh. We will transfer you to Leh airport, ensuring a smooth departure.

PRICE

35,000 INR per person

AVAILABLE DATES

Jan 11th to 15th

Feb 13th to 17th

Mar 5th to 9th

This experiential tour will be led by outdoor facilitators Rigzen Mingyur and Panchami Gaitonde, along with wildlife filmmaker Pradeep Hegde.

GET IN TOUCH

Panchami Gaitonde: +91 91135 80420

Rigzen Mingyur: +91 60054 53938

pantheraexpedition@gmail.com

INCLUSIONS:

Accommodation: Stay is included from day 1 to day 5 (Leh to Leh) with three meals a day with coffee and snacks. Accommodation will be on twin sharing basis. Safety Equipment: A High Altitude Medical Kit along with Oxygen Cylinder.
All necessary permits.
Transportation from day 1 to day 5 (Leh to Leh).
Technical equipment like scope, and binoculars on a sharing basis.

EXCLUSIONS:

Personal porter (Available on request) Anything apart from inclusions.

PAYMENT TERMS:

A non-refundable advance payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance must be settled at least 3 weeks before the tour begins.

CANCELATION POLICY:

10 days or fewer prior to the commencement of the tour: 100% of the total tour cost will be charged as a cancellation fee. Between 11 and 15 days prior to the commencement of the tour: 50% of the total tour cost will be charged as a cancellation fee. More than 30 days prior to the commencement of the tour: 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.

Lip balm or vaseline
Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly prohibited) Toiletries
Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Personal medical kit with basic medicines.
2 pair of Woollen socks
Trekking pole (Optional)
Rain jacket + pants or a poncho
Sunscreen and Moisturiser
Light towel
Lip balm or vaseline
Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly prohibited) Toiletries
Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Personal medical kit with basic medicines.

PACKING LIST

Here are a few mandatory documents required:
A soft copy of the government photo identity card (Original has to be carried during the trip). Anything such as a driver’s licence, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required for acquiring the local permits.
Disclaimer certificate: A copy of the disclaimer will be sent to you prior to the tour. Print it, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your expedition leader during the first day of briefing at Leh.