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Monasteries in the Mountains of Ladakh

Shakti

Take a journey on foot through the ‘Land of the High Passes,’ among the awe-inspiring mountains of Leh. This region is characterized by crisp clear blue skies and desert-like landscapes, peppered with villages encircled by orchards and farms. You’ll visit the most important monasteries in Ladakh as you pass through peaceful rural villages.

In the hamlets of Ladakh find handicrafts, fine metal work and the softest Pashmina garments, made by skilled craftspeople. Along your journey you’ll stay in local homes that have been beautifully refurbished, where your private chef will prepare you fresh and inviting meals every day.

Here you can completely reconnect with nature, in this spiritual homeland of Buddhism.

Thiksey Monastery Monks Shaki Ladaki India Direct

View From Stakna Monastery Shaki Ladaki India Direct

Why You’ll Love This Trip: 

Fully Tailored Experience: Whether you are travelling as a family, a group of friends, a couple or seeking a solo spiritual journey, your Shakti trekking experience will be designed to suit you. Immerse yourself fully in local life or take challenging treks in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Collaborative & Community Driven: The village homes in which you will stay are leased from local families. The staff are from the region, the food is sourced from the area – providing you with a deeper connection with Ladakh as well as ensuring your trip benefits the local people.
Creative Culinary Experience: Traditionally Himalayan treks offer fairly basic dining options, not so with your personal Shakti chef. Using a small wood fired stove and boundless creativity you’ll be treated to family recipes passed down from generation to generation with vibrantly fresh, regional ingredients.

Your Tailored Day by Day

Day 1, Arrive Delhi

Today you will arrive in Delhi and be transferred to your Haveli in the centre of bustling Shahjahanabad – colloquially known as Old Delhi. You’ll be immediately immersed in the noise and chaos of the city, until you cross the threshold of this historical building where total peace reigns.

Accommodation: Haveli Dharampura

Day 2, Delhi – Leh – Nimoo

Today you’ll head back to Delhi airport for your flight back to Leh. Here you’ll be met and driven to the village of Nimoo to rest after your long journey and to start to acclimatise to the altitude. The village sits at 3190m/10463ft where the Zanskar & Indus rivers meet. Today we recommend you rest and adjust, ready to start exploring the next day once you’ve had some time to acclimatise.

Accommodation: Nimoo House

Roof Terrace Shakti Nimoo Village House Shakti Ladakh India Direct

Day 3, Exploring Nimoo

Enjoy your first breakfast in the Indus Valley and head off on a gentle walk with your guide around the village of Nimoo. Encompassed by rugged mountains and scattered with apricot, apple and walnut orchards, you’ll get a taste of rural life in Ladakh. After lunch back at your village house chose to relax or visit the Basgo Fort, home to three ‘Future Buddha’ 16th century monasteries featuring Islamic architecture.

Accommodation: Nimoo House

Day 4, Chilling Rafting Adventure

You’ll have a leisurely breakfast at the house before you’ll be driven via the spectacular Zanskar Canyon to the village of Chilling which is around an hour from Nimoo and further up into the mountains. Chilling is known for its celebrated metal smiths who have skilfully worked copper, bronze, tin, silver and iron in Leh for centuries.

Accommodation: Nimoo House

Day 5, Nimoo – Likhir

This morning you’ll head to Alchi which is one of the few monasteries in this area built on flat ground and has distinctive Kashmiri influences. After visiting the monastery you’ll be driven to Saspol for a picnic lunch before you head to Likhir. From here you can walk or drive to your next remote village house where you can view a sky of stars on a clear night.

Accommodation: Likhir House

Exterior Likhir Village House Shakti Ladakh India Direct

Day 6, Exploring Likhir

Today you’ll visit Lamayuru Monastery founded in the 10th century. In the tales of local folklore, it was once a lake. Your guide will lead your walk around the historic site. After lunch you’ll visit the Rizong Monastery known the strict discipline of the monks who meditate here. If you wish, take a more difficult trekking path to the village of Yangthang.

Accommodation: Likhir House

Day 7, Likhir – Stakna

This morning you’ll walk to Phyang around an hour and a half from Likhir. The monastery here has a multitude of sacred shires and frescoes from the royal period as well as a 900-year-old museum. Afterwards you’ll be driven to the village of Stakna where you’ll settle into your next local house. In the evening you’ll will visit the local oracle.

Accommodation: Stakna River House

Exterior Shakti Stakna River House Shakti Ladakh India Direct

Day 8, Exploring Thiksey

We recommend an early start for the short drive to Thiksey Monastery, where you’ll experience the serenity of the morning Buddhist prayers. Then you have the choice to visit Hemis, which is the largest monastery in Ladakh or head off on full day trek on the base of Stok Kangri, the highest peak in the region.

Accommodation: Stakna River House

Day 9, Leh – Delhi

Enjoy your final breakfast in the mighty mountains of Leh before you are driven back to the airport for your flight to Delhi. You’ll stay at a hotel close to the airport so you can rest before the short journey to the international airport the next day for your flight home.

Accommodation: The Roseate

Day 10, Depart Delhi

After breakfast at your hotel check out and make your way the short distance to the International Airport in time for your flight home with many memories of your time in the mountains of Leh.

Your Accommodation in Ladakh

Haveli Dharampura

For those wanting to experience an authentic heritage property in the heart of Shahjahanabad. A stay in the ancient town is not for every traveller, the crowded streets are noisy and fragrant. As you step through the entrance, the chaos behind melts into serenity within the brightly painted courtyard. The Haveli has just 14 boutique rooms. The chef’s tasting menu at the beautiful Lakhori restaurant is not to be missed. There are also twice weekly Kathak dance performances which are visible from every floor of the Haveli. Take high tea on the roof top or try your hand at kite flying over the cityscape.

Nimoo House

This three-bedroom house is centered around a paved courtyard, infused with natural light. The house has a large C shaped ground floor. The roof terrace is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and the fresh mountain air, whilst reading a book or enjoying a hearty dinner.

Likhir House

Chosen for its magnificent views over the valley with snowcapped mountains beyond – this might be the best view in the whole of Ladakh. Located at the head of the Likhir Valley, above the monastery with its giant golden buddha. This two-bedroom house is owned by a local carpenter and his family who farm the surrounding land. The beautifully renovated bedrooms and sitting room all face the main valley view, with décor incorporating willow weaved by the family.

Stakna River House

Located in the village of Ranbirpur across the Indus River from Stakna. Surrounded by the spectacular Stok Kangri mountain range, as well as three monasteries – Stakna, Matho and Thiksey. This is a four bedroom ensuite house in Ladakh, so there is plenty of space. Enjoy a sunny breakfast on the roof terrace. Each colourful room with exposed wooden beams has cosy furnishings.

Roseate House

A contemporary upscale hotel located in Aerocity, renowned as one of the best hotels in the area, it blends traditional elegance with modern innovation to cater to cosmopolitan guests. Conveniently situated 30 minutes from Delhi, the hotel is just 4.5 kilometres from Indira Gandhi International Airport and a short walk from the Aerocity metro station. Roseate House offers a tranquil retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, combining luxury and comfort for travellers.