Clay, Silence & Starlight – A Slower Route Through Ladakh

Fly into Leh, the gateway to Ladakh’s stark and stunning landscapes. Spend the day taking it easy, soaking in the gentle mountain breeze as your body acclimatises to the high-altitude air. Let the pace be slow, the breaths deep, and the silence welcome you in.

Later, take a leisurely stroll through the town, discovering hidden cafés, prayer wheels, and glimpses of local life tucked between the mountains. Overnight in Leh.

Head out to witness the spectacular confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, where two ancient forces meet in a swirl of turquoise and clay. Continue to Alchi Monastery, a quiet treasure blending Buddhist and Hindu influences, its ancient murals whispering centuries of devotion.

Enjoy a soulful Ladakhi lunch at Alchi Kitchen, where tradition meets taste on every plate. Explore the Saspol Caves, carved into the cliffs and alive with ancient rock art. Head to Likir, the village life experience for your next two days. Overnight in Likir.

Ease into the day with a relaxed morning in Likir Village, where time moves a little slower and the mountains feel a little closer. Visit the ancient Likir Monastery, perched quietly above the village, far from the usual tourist path. Let the calm of its courtyards and the gaze of the golden Buddha hold your attention for a while.

In the afternoon, dive into something timeless a hands-on pottery session with one of the last descendants of the royal potters of Ladakh. Shape clay with your own hands, and hear stories that were once shared by the fireside.

Evening is yours to walk, breathe, and just be soaking in the mountain air and the rhythm of village life. Overnight in Likir.

Bid goodbye to the quiet charm of Likir and make your way back to Leh. Enroute, stop at Basgo Monastery, dramatically perched atop a hill. Once a royal citadel, its mud-brick ruins and vibrant murals offer both history and sweeping views of the Indus Valley. Later, visit SECMOL, the innovative alternative school founded by Sonam Wangchuk.

Walk through sun-powered classrooms and mud-built dorms as you get a glimpse into Ladakh’s future rooted in tradition. Spend your evening strolling through Leh’s bustling markets, tasting local delicacies, and picking up handcrafted keepsakes. Overnight in Leh.

Leave Leh behind and ascend toward the mighty Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. From up here, the Karakoram Ranges stretch endlessly, sharp and silent against the sky.

Descend into the surreal landscape of Nubra Valley, where a high-altitude desert unfolds at 4,000 metres—a place where snow peaks meet sand dunes in a dance only Ladakh can choreograph. Arrive and unwind. The journey was long, but the silence of the valley is the perfect reward. Overnight in Nubra Valley.

Start the day slow with a laid-back breakfast, letting the stillness of Nubra set the pace. Later, rev things up with an ATV ride across the desert sands a thrilling contrast to the quiet landscape, and an experience you’ll feel in your bones.

Head to the iconic Diskit Monastery, perched high above the valley floor. The view from here stretches across Nubra’s surreal expanse, where snow meets sand.

As evening falls, return to the sand dunes, where time softens. Ride a Bactrian camel if you’d like or simply sit still, and watch the sun dip low over this strange, beautiful desert. Overnight in Nubra Valley.

Bid farewell to Nubra Valley and begin your journey back to Leh, crossing the legendary Khardung La Pass at 5,359m, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Pause here for sweeping views of the Karakoram range, where the sky feels just within reach.

Descend slowly into Leh, where the pace softens once more. If the skies are clear, step out later for an optional stargazing session. The stars over Leh always have one more story to tell. Pick up souvenirs at the Leh Market to take back home. Overnight in Leh.

Start the day with a chanting session at Thiksey Monastery, followed by a heritage walk through old Leh, uncovering its ancient charm. Visit Stok Palace, the summer residence of Ladakh’s royals, and enjoy a traditional Ladakhi meal in a 500-year-old heritage home.

Stop at Shey Palace before heading to Namgyal Tsemo, where a golden Buddha overlooks Leh with Shanti Stupa in the backdrop, offering a breathtaking sunset view. Overnight in Leh.

With memories of starry nights, towering mountains, and the quiet grace of ancient monasteries, it’s time to say goodbye

Transfer to Leh Airport, the journey behind you but the spirit of Ladakh still lingering etched into your breath, your stories, and your sense of stillness. Trip ends, but Ladakh stays with you.