Day 1: Fly from Delhi to Leh.
The flight is just 50 minutes, but during that time, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Leh (3,300m/10,827ft) to acclimatize to the altitude, crisp mountain air, and the peaceful atmosphere of Ladakh, surrounded by friendly locals. In the afternoon, we’ll take a gentle acclimatization stroll through Leh’s old town, exploring its narrow lanes, traditional mud-brick houses, and Buddhist stupas. Leh was established as a trading hub and market town along a branch of the Silk Road, a meeting point for caravans from Central Asia, Tibet, Kashmir, and Northern India (via the Kullu Valley). Pilgrims also stopped here on their journeys to Buddhist and Muslim holy sites. The town boasts magnificent temples housing sacred texts, a place where Buddhist mantras mingle with Muslim prayers.

Day 2: Spituk and Namgyal Tsemo Monasteries
These monasteries were originally built by the ancient Nyingma school of Tantric Buddhism, but now belong to the Gelug school (11th-16th century), the Dalai Lama's tradition. Spituk Monastery, immortalized in a painting by Nicholas Roerich, is described in his diary: "The murals in Spituk—strong tones and a sense of proportion." Spituk now houses thankas and manuscripts brought from the Potala Palace when the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet to India. Perched high on a mountain near the Indus River, the monastery holds various relics, including thankas, mask collections, weaponry, and an image of Mahakala. At the ancient Kali Temple, located at the mountain's summit, where visitors can engage in practices to restore energy balance, a sacred image of Kali is revealed only once every two years during the traditional January festival.

Day 3: Mulbekh and the Maitreya Buddha
We journey to Mulbekh to see the 9-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, an inspiration for Roerich's paintings. Mulbekh Monastery, once a fortress, was described by Roerich as "crowning the rocks like a precious bronze ingot!" He captured it in three paintings, but his series depicting the 9-meter Maitreya Buddha carved into the rock face near the monastery is even more renowned: "Every traveler must pass this rock. Two hands to the sky, as a call to distant worlds. Two hands down, as a blessing to the earth. They know, Maitreya is coming." This statue dates back to the 10th-11th centuries and holds a prominent place among Ladakh's stone sculptures. The majestic statue leaves a powerful, unforgettable impression. "On the ancient path, a huge image of Maitreya, carved on the rock, sends its blessing to travelers. Not by an ordinary hand was the rock surface transformed into the monumental Great Image." – Nicholas Roerich. At the foot of the mountain lies the small village of Mulbekh, a historic religious boundary between the Muslim Dard people and Buddhist Ladakh, known as the "Gateway to Ladakh." After Mulbekh, we continue to our hotel in Lamayuru.

Day 4: Lamayuru, Alchi, and Saspol Caves
Lamayuru Monastery was the next stop on Roerich's expedition. "Those who built Lamayuru and Mulbekh knew true beauty and fearlessness," Roerich declared. "Before such scale, before such decorativeness, Italian cities pale. And these solemn rows of stupas, like joyful lamps, on tourmaline sands... Where is a country equal to these forgotten places? Let us be just and bow before true beauty." The majestic monastery was depicted in several of his paintings. Local legend says the monastery was founded by the renowned yogi Mahasiddha Naropa, a key figure in Tantric Buddhism. Legend tells of a deep lake where the monastery now stands. The white buildings rise from beige and reddish-yellow wind-polished cliffs. The monastery is called Yungkrung Tharpaling, meaning "Place of Freedom." The service at Lamayuru is captivating, with 200 lamas chanting before a massive statue of the eleven-headed, thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara.
Roerich's expedition then explored Alchi Gompa (11th century), one of Ladakh's oldest monasteries, a complex of six temples. This important cultural site showcases early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, distinct from the Tibetan style. Built under the patronage of Rinchen Zangpo's disciple, the Kashmiri ruler Kalden Shesrab, a convert to Buddhism, Alchi’s murals are so unique they might evoke a Mughal palace. We’ll have lunch at Alchi, browse local jewelry, and then meditate in the Saspol Caves, where ancient frescoes and the energy of past yogic practitioners remain. We return to our hotel in Leh.

Day 5: Thiksey, Stakna, Hemis, Jesus Cave, and Camp
We'll attend the morning puja ceremony at Thiksey Monastery, built 800 years ago. Within its complex are ten temples and small houses for 60 lamas. A striking 15-meter Maitreya Buddha statue dominates the space. The monastery also houses a 565-year-old Buddha sculpture and tantric murals. From the roof of the twelve-story gompa, you can see the vast Indus Valley. The tsam mystery plays performed here are unique to Tibetan Buddhism.
We’ll then meditate at Stakna Monastery, less frequented by tourists, preserving a divine silence conducive to practice. After lunch at a nearby outdoor restaurant, we’ll head to Hemis. Hemis, the largest, highest, and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, while not the most beautiful and currently in need of some restoration, is rich in legends and lore. It’s famous for a festival held every 12 years and houses the world's largest thanka. Hemis also celebrates the birthday of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) every June, marking the beginning of the ancient Nyingma lineage of Tantric Buddhism. A local legend connects Hemis to Jesus Christ, and we’ll find and meditate in the cave where he is said to have practiced. We then travel to our first campsite, the starting point for our 3-day trek the next morning.

Day 6: Trek Day 1: Shang Sumdo to Shang Phu (4,400m/14,436ft)
For those who find trekking at high altitude challenging, mountain ponies can be arranged for an additional $25 per day ($75 for all three days). This 3-day trek is one of the easiest and most accessible in the region. We’ll traverse stunning Ladakhi landscapes, quartz hills, mountain rivers, and caves used by practitioners. This is a favorite trekking route, offering a sense of wilderness without the crowds. While the ascents aren't as steep as in the Nepalese or Tibetan Himalayas, the views of the Mars-like slopes, Himalayan plains, gorges, and expansive sky are equally impressive. From the Shang plains, we gradually ascend alongside the river, passing blooming meadows and nomadic yurt settlements. Total trekking time is approximately 5 hours (9km/5.6 miles). We’ll be accompanied by cooks and sherpas to carry our gear. At night, we’ll be treated to incredible stargazing.

Day 7: Trek Day 2: Shang Phu to Matho Phu (4,350m/14,272ft)
Leaving the Shang River behind, we climb grassy slopes dotted with medicinal herbs to the Shangla Pass (4,950m/16,240ft). The morning ascent takes about 3 hours. From here, we’ll enjoy views of Stok Kangri (6,153m/20,187ft) and Parcha Kangri (5,250m/17,224ft) to the west and Matho Kangri (5,990m/19,652ft) to the southeast. The afternoon descent, past more yurt settlements, to Matho Phu camp (4,350m/14,272ft) takes another 3 hours. Total trekking time is approximately 5-6 hours (10km/6.2 miles).

Day 8: Trek Day 3: Matho Phu to Matho Village
After yoga and breakfast, we hike up to the Matho Chu River (above 3,800m/12,467ft) for a lunch break, then trek across the Matho plains down to the village in 2.5 hours. We’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling meadows on one side and dramatic rocky cliffs on the other, a striking contrast in mountain terrains. In the distance, the snow-capped peaks of Matho Kangri dominate the skyline. We descend to the village through a narrow gorge alongside local streams. Total trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours. Matho village, nestled at the foot of Matho Kangri (5,990m/19,652ft), offers a glimpse into rural life. We'll enjoy dinner here before returning to Leh by car (approximately 45 minutes).

Day 9: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (5,600m/18,373ft) and Camel Safari
Travelers often call this route the "Road of Infinite Orgasm." The combination of stunning Himalayan scenery, ancient culture, and high altitude, experienced responsibly, can induce a state of pure bliss. The road from Leh to Nubra Valley is remarkable for its beauty and for crossing Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world (5,602m/18,379ft). Nubra Valley, a high-altitude desert north of Ladakh, once part of the Silk Road, is considered the most beautiful valley in Ladakh. "Nubra," originally "Ldumra," means "valley of flowers," referencing the green meadows along the riverbanks. Scattered villages with green gardens, sea buckthorn groves, and fertile fields along the Shyok and Nubra rivers, sand dunes of the cold desert, Bactrian camels traversing the sands, hot springs, the multicolored Himalayan range, and a vast turquoise sky make this valley truly magical. This area was once traversed by trading caravans from India, contributing to the flow of goods along the Silk Road. While the caravans are gone, the descendants of those camels remain. Optional camel rides are available.

Day 10: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake and Leh
We'll attend the morning puja at Diskit Monastery, the largest in Nubra Valley. This beautiful valley even has its own patch of desert. We then embark on a thrilling drive along winding mountain roads to Pangong Tso Lake, where we’ll settle into our campsite. This stunning lake, known as the "Long Ocean of the Divine Realm," is a vast saltwater lake at an altitude of approximately 4,250m/13,944ft. Stretching 134km/83 miles long and 5km/3 miles wide, it straddles the border of India and China. Its water is perpetually cold, crystal clear, and slightly salty, believed to be a remnant of an ancient sea. The mesmerizing expanse of the lake, combined with the vibrant colors of the surrounding mountains and sky and the profound silence, create a mystical atmosphere perfect for meditation, contemplation, and tranquility. We’ll have the opportunity to light a bonfire, practice yoga, sing, or read poetry under a breathtaking starry sky.

Day 11: Pangong Tso Lake to Leh
After morning yoga by the lake, adventurous souls can take a refreshing dip in its invigorating turquoise waters before breakfast. After breakfast, we drive back to Leh, passing meadows filled with medicinal herbs (fragrant wormwood, thyme, and tansy), wildflowers, and alpine lakes. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner in Leh.

Day 12: Free Day in Leh and Departure
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely stroll and shopping in Leh’s streets. Depart from Leh to Delhi. Alternatively, for an additional fee, a tour to the Taj Mahal from Delhi can be arranged for the following day.