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LADAKH - VILLAGE EXPERIENCE WITH SHAKTI
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with British Airways non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi in the early hours and transfer by car to the Taj
Mahal Hotel. (B)
Day 3 Delhi to Leh – by air
Early this morning transfer to the airport for your flight north to
Leh. On arrival at Leh Airport you be driven to your village house
in nearby Stok. The charming village of Stok (3650m) lies at the foot
of Stok Kangri which at 6120m is not Ladakh’s highest mountain,
but one of its most beautiful. The village is home to Ladakh’s
royal family and their Tibetan style palace watches over the village’s
unspoilt vernacular architecture, apricot orchards and barley fields.
Shakti has renovated an impressive Tibetan style house on the edge
of the village and we recommend that for the remainder of the day
you rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Stay for three nights at
Stok Village House. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Stok
Today we would again advise a fairly leisurely pace as you will still
be acclimatising. This morning your guide will take you on a gentle
walk to explore Stok village, followed by a further one hour walk
to Stok Palace, you will visit the Palace and Museum before continuing
for forty-five minutes to the picnic lunch site. A further ten minute
walk takes you to the Heritage House which you will visit before walking
for forty-five minutes back to the village house. Cars will be on
stand-by so that any of the walks can be done by vehicle, depending
on how you are feeling and acclimatising. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Stok
Early morning around 0530 hours drive for one hour to Thiksey monastery
to experience the early morning Buddhist prayers. Built around 600
years ago, Thiksey monastery is one of the finest examples of Ladakhi
religious architecture. After a picnic breakfast continue to Hemis
Monastery. Belonging to the Red Hat sect, Hemis was built in 1630
and is Ladakh’s largest monastery is an impressive and intriguing
experience. After lunch drive back to Stok with the option to visit
Leh bazaar on route. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Stok to Taru
After breakfast drive to the rafting point on the Indus River at Karu
for a two hour leisurely raft (only possible from July to September)
to Choglamsar. On arrival at Phey drive to Phyang monastery which
in the middle of the valley floor with the village surrounding it.
Continue by road to the picturesque village of Taru which is at an
altitude of 3770m and is situated at the top of a narrow valley. The
Shakti village house in Taru is another traditional Tibetan style
building. The house sits at the edge of the village with stunning
views over the mountains, traditional buildings, fields and orchards.
You will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the
village with a member of the family and your guide or to simply relax
at the house. Stay overnight at Taru Village House. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Taru to Nimoo
After breakfast, you will drive to the start point of your 2 ½
walk to the village of Nimoo. This large village is situated 36km
west of Leh along the Indus valley at the confluence of the Zanskar
and Indus rivers. The village is characterised by impressive mountain
scenery, and is considered exceptionally fertile in Ladakhi terms
- lush green fields and apricot, apple, and walnut orchards abound.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying lunch served in one
of the orchards that surround the house or for the more active; you
may like to take a walk up the valley to Nimoo monastery. Stay for
three nights at Nimoo Village House. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Nimoo
This morning before breakfast you will be taken on a two hour walk
of the village of Nimoo. After breakfast, you will drive up to the
entrance of the Zanskar canyon. Then drive up to the village of Chilling,
around one and a half hours from Nimoo. Chilling is a settlement that
is traditionally home to metal smiths and is the only village in Ladakh
that has provided copper, bronze, tin, silver and iron work to Leh
through the centuries. After a picnic lunch drive back to Nimoo where
there is the opportunity to have a Ladakhi cooking lesson. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Nimoo
Either spend a day at leisure at Nimoo house or go on a walk in the
surrounding area with a picnic hamper. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Nimoo to Delhi
Early this morning, you will be collected from Nimoo and transferred
to Leh Airport in time for your return flight to Delhi. Assistance
on arrival and transfer by car to the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi
for two nights. (B)
Day 12 Delhi
Today tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s
dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni
Chowk by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit
Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to
Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President,
Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (B)
Day 13 Depart Delhi
Depart Delhi on the British Airways flight to London Heathrow Terminal
Five.
High Altitude: At all places in this Ladakh itinerary the altitude exceeds 3,000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Adventure is readily available in Ladakh with an easy extension of this tour. On Day 11 leave Nimoo for a three day / two night ‘Shayok River Journey’ arranged by Shakti. For an in-depth itinerary please click here for further details.
Festivals are a common part of life in Ladakh and the celebrations at Hemis are some of the most famous. Held to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet, the festival is characterised by the sacred dance of Hemis which is performed wearing facial masks and colourful robes. The festival will take place on the 1st and 2nd July 2010.
Extend your stay in Delhi with a visit to the world
famous Taj Mahal in Agra or colourful Jaipur, the state capital of
Rajasthan.
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reach
by air from Delhi, both offer beautiful landscapes and fascinating
culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan, in particular,
is a hidden gem that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Wildlife in India is synonymous with the famous
Corbett National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas,
Corbett is a 300kms drive north of Delhi and a four night stay here,
with your time divided on the perimeter and inside the park, is an
excellent way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Corbett
National Park is only open from the 15th November to the 15th June.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both
easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to
choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an
excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended
with a cruise on the backwaters.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – LADAKH - VILLAGE EXPERIENCE WITH SHAKTI
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £4,100. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.