8 Days TUTC Glamping

Arrive in Leh early and be greeted by our tour representative, who will guide you to the Chamba Camp, Thiksey. Here, you will be welcomed into your luxurious, well-appointed tents, designed to provide the utmost comfort amidst the tranquil surroundings. Unwind and bask in the luxury that awaits you.

On this day, no activity is scheduled, as according to medical norms, one should simply relax and acclimatize before going to higher altitudes. The Excursion Specialist at the Camp, Thiksey, discusses the itinerary and also assists you in planning your excursions. Overnight stay at the Camp.

Begin your day with breakfast, and after that, you can take a leisurely walk around the camp area, witnessing the lovely sights and sounds of the environs. The natural beauty and serenity here are matchless. Or, if you are one of those who leave their beds early, you can opt for an optional bird-watching tour accompanied by a naturalist who helps you spot and identify several kinds of birds in the Trans Himalayan area. Lunch is followed by an orientation tour of Ladakh, around 19 km from the campsite. The day to visit is the very popular Leh Palace. Commissioned in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, this almost ruined palace has nine storeys. Some parts of this palace are fine specimens of typical Ladakhi architecture.

Now, on foot, continue to Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation Center, walking past some nice-looking old houses. This center is placed in Munshi (Togoche) House, one of the most important heritage houses, at the base of Leh Palace. From the terrace of this house, treat your eyes to the wonderful old city views while sipping your tea served with light snacks. Explore the heritage house, and finally, head to the local bazaar.

The day ends at Shanti Stupa, which lies at a great point over Leh town and boasts breathtaking views of the landscape. Admire sunset views while sipping traditional Ladakhi butter tea. Then, it’s back to the camp for an overnight stay.

Sip tea or coffee early morning and head to the Thiksey Monastery, just a km from the camp. This monastery is the sight of a 2-storied high statue of the Maitreya Buddha, seated on a lotus. Attend the Morning Prayer ceremony at sunrise here; it is a lifetime experience. The guided tour of the monastery now takes you to the enormous prayer room with several painted and handwritten books. Next, you visit a temple dedicated to Goddess Tara. The temple has 21 photos of the goddess on wooden shelves with glass covering. A few smaller shrines are devoted to various guardian deities, including the protector deity of Thiksey, Cham-Sing.

Back to the camp for breakfast. The rest of the morning is at leisure. Indulge in the activity of your interest. You can also take a cycling trip to Thiksey village and its surroundings or drive to village Saboo for a séance session headed by the Oracle (this option would be confirmed a day before if the Oracle wishes to meet the audience).

Further, you can also combine your Alchi visit with an optional rafting expedition. Drive past the pastoral countryside in the morning, reaching the put-in point. Enjoy river rafting in the Indus River, cruising past traditional villages, and enjoying the views. Do not miss noticing the contrast between the green patch of village Nimoo on one of the banks and the completely barren landscape on the other. A lunch at the Alchi Monastery follows rafting. Overnight in the Thiksey Camp.

Post breakfast, the day will be spent exploring some of the region’s most dreamlike and enchanting landscapes. Drive one of the world’s highest motorable passes, the Khardung La Pass (5580 m). This road is the entry point into the Indus Valley, with lush vistas and a mélange of willow and poplar trees. Later, enjoy a picnic lunch at Khalstar village. Continue your road journey to the dunes of Nubra Valley. Arrive at Diskit village and check into the camp.

Enjoy an afternoon visit to Hundar village. Keep walking on the narrow walkways, appreciating the lovely old typical Ladakhi houses. Here, you visit a monastery known for its monastic heritage- Chamba Gompa. Later, head to Diskit Gompa, located on a hill. Belonging to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. A sub-gompa of the Thiksey monastery, it comprises a huge drum, a statue of Maitreya Buddha in its prayer hall, and several photos of ferocious guardian divinities. An overnight stay in the Camp.

(Note :- There are no toilet facilities on the way. There are makeshift canvases for the tourists to relieve themselves.)

On day 5 of the tour, have an early morning breakfast and start an exciting road journey. Passing through the mesmerizing landscape, you will enter the land of the Balti dynasty in its Turtuk village. The traditional houses of this tiny hamlet are known as Nangchung, and they feature unique old-style kitchen tools and excellent-quality apricots grown here. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Then, return to the camps. Stay overnight at Chamba Camp of Diskit.

After breakfast, head to the very popular dunes by enjoying a ride on the double hump camel of the valley. Following the ride, continue on a drive to Leh. On arrival in Leh, check into the Chamba Camp. The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure, relaxing and unwinding in the environs of the camp. (The sequence of the excursions can be changed depending on the weather conditions.)

Overnight at Chamba Camp, Thiksey.

This day is at leisure. You can just relax or partake in activities that interest you. Or, there is another option, too. You may choose to explore Wari La. The fourth-highest motorable road in the world, it is one of Ladakh’s most picturesque passes. Connecting the two most-visited and most breathtaking valleys in the Trans-Himalayan region, this pass offers magical views of many villages of the Indus Valley and the Nubra Valley. An alternative route into Nubra was started in 2008. Halt for a tiny safety briefing, and then you will begin cycling to the best track of the Himalayas in Ladakh. This road traverses through the lush patch of the village of Shakti. The trip ends here, back to the camp for lunch.

Otherwise, you can also opt for a rendezvous with the local oracle. Buddhists strongly believe in the impact of the spirits in this world and hold them of high importance before they start any vital activity or a new venture. The lamas of the monasteries play the role of mediators between the spirits and the humans. Along with performing the rituals related to the gods, they become oracles and astrologers, giving predictions on taking the harvest, going on a journey, starting any new work, an arranged marriage, etc. You may choose to visit the Oracle’s village for a séance session.

Overnight stay at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey

Today is the last day of the TUTC Glamping in Ladakh tour. After breakfast, pack your belongings, complete the check-out formalities, and get an assisted transfer to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Upon reaching the airport, board the flight for your onward destination with cherished memories from your Ladakh trip.