Ladakh Monasteries Trek
Monasteries in Ladakh may be either of the Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The head lama is called a 'kushak', meaning reincarnation. The monasteries of Ladakh are what give the region its unique flavor and beauty. Typically, most gompas are built so that they perch precariously on lone rocks or craggy mountain-faces.
This trek takes you to some of the most beautiful villages and fascinating gompas on a lesser known trek through this fantastic region. With its snow covered peaks, remote villages, and ancient Buddhist monasteries – Ladakh transports one to another world.
This specially designed Ladakh Monasteries hiking and trekking tour through various monasteries like Shey monastery and Tikse monastery in Himalayas is a combined effort of a team of certified mountaineers and travel agents in India aiming at making travel economical and affordably cheap for the budget trekker walking in Ladakh as well as maintaining quality at par with the world-class standards. We feel our job, as tour operators and trek guides, is to design treks giving our customers a memorable experience in trekking adventure.
Itinerary (Ladakh Monasteries Trek):
New Delhi - Leh - Shey and Tikse Monastery - Stok Palace - Lamayuru Monastery - Parinkiti La - Hinju - Konzke La - Sumda Choon- Lanak - Alchi - Leh - New Delhi
Grade: Mild
Time: June - October
Duration: 16 days
Average Walking time: 5-6 hours per day
Day 1 (New Delhi, India):
Ladakh Monasteries Trek begins. Arrive New Delhi. Early morning flight to Leh. Day free for rest and acclimatization.
Day 2 (Leh, Ladakh):
On second day of Ladakh Monasteries Trek we tour Leh city including the 16th century palace and monastery.
Day 3 and 4 (Leh, Ladakh):
Touring the monasteries and palaces in Ladakh.
Day 4 (Shey monastery and Tikse monastery):
On fourth day of Ladakh Monsteries Trek, we tour Shey monastery and Tikse monastery, and Stok Palace.
Day 5 (Lamayuru Monastery):
On the fifth day of Ladakh Monasteries Trek, we travel by jeep to Lamayuru monastery, a site that abounds in myth and legend. Overnight in the village.
Day 6 (Prinkiti La):
Begin trek. Cross the Prinkiti La (3700 metres) to the village of Wanlah, where there is a beautiful ancient monastery.
Day 7 (Hinju):
Continue through awesome country to pastures beyond the village of Hinju.
Day 8 (Konzke La):
Next on Ladakh Monasteries Trek is Konze La (4900 m), here we get a spectacular view before descending to pastures just above the village of Sumda Chenmo.
Day 9 (Sumda Chenmo):
Pass through Sumda Chenmo, which actually has two monasteries - one is active, while the other lies in ruins below the village. Camp in the valley near the river.
Day 10 (Sumda Choon):
Rest day, with an optional side trip to Sumda Choon, whose ancient and rarely visited monastery houses remarkable artistic treasures.
Day 11 (Lanak):
Continue upwards on Ladakh Monasteries Trek to the beautiful meadow of Lanak. In the evenings, we have often spotted Bharal, the rare and elusive blue sheep, on the nearby cliffs.
Day 12 (Alchi):
The climb to Dundunchen La (4800 metres) is strenuous, a stunning view encompassing the Stok and Zanskar ranges. Finish our trek with a long descent into Chiling, before boarding the rafts on the Zanskar river. Ride the river to its confluence with the Indus at Nimu, then board jeeps for the trip to Alchi. Overnight at Alchi village.
Day 13 (Alchi):
In Alchi, we tour the remarkably well-preserved 11th-century monastery and the famed frescoes within. In the afternoon, we return by jeep to Leh for a well-deserved rest.
Day 14 (Leh, Ladakh):
Day free in Leh.
Day 15 (New Delhi, India):
Morning flight to Delhi. Brief exploration of India's capital.
Day 16(New Delhi, India):
Depart New Delhi. Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey. Ladakh Monasteries Trek concludes.
