With a visit to a temple festival

22 July - 05 August 2025

In the north of India, between the mountain ranges of the Himalayas and Karakoram, lies Ladakh. Also called "Little Tibet," this region has fascinated people for centuries with its rich culture and history, atmospheric Buddhist monasteries, traditional temple festivals, and a profound yet never overwhelming spirituality. Majestic panoramas and rugged mountain valleys with lush, green river oases, as well as some of the highest passable mountain passes on Earth, define the geography of the western Himalayas. Only in summer could the Silk Road trading caravans pass through the high mountain passes and cross the Nubra Valley on their routes to and from India.

You will gradually approach the impressive mountains. Coming from Delhi, you will first travel to Chandigarh (approx. 2000 m above sea level), then continue by off-road vehicles along centuries-old routes up into the Himalayas (3000-3500 m above sea level). This allows for a comfortable adjustment to the altitude.

The journey passes through several Himalayan ranges, crossing passes over 5000 meters above sea level. The Ladakhi towns and monasteries we visit are located at 3000-3500 meters above sea level. Even though most roads are paved, good physical condition and stable health are essential. The winding mountain roads are not comparable to the conditions we are used to.

Itinerary:

Day 1: To India
Flight Frankfurt-Delhi (Air India, 11:00-23:25) – book separately
Welcome and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: By train to Chandigarh, then by off-road vehicle to the mountains
Transfer to the train station
Train ride New Delhi-Chandigarh (07:40-10:59)
Drive to the Himalayas, approx. 2000m above sea level

Day 3: Acclimatization in Sonaugi
Walk in Janna (the oldest village in the region)
Learn about the Manali traditions
Walk along the Beas River

Day 4: On the Trans-Himalayan Route
Drive on the Trans-Himalayan Route to Jispa (approx. 3000m above sea level)

Day 5: A relaxed day in Jispa
Walk to the monastery and visit
Walk to the stupas
Leisure time

Day 6: Over the Taklang La to Ladakh
Drive to Leh
Cross the Taklang La (5328m above sea level)
Raising prayer flags
Scenic villages in the Indus Valley

Day 7: Sunrise at the monastery, raft trip on the Indus
Tikzi Monastery: Sunrise Puja (prayer ceremony) with the monks
Tour of the monastery
Visit Hemis Monastery
Walk through the old town of Leh

Day 8: Alchi and Tingmosgang
Visit the Alchi Monastery
Walk through the original village of Tingmosgang

Day 9: Lamayuru Monastery: Traces of the Bon religion
Visit the monastery in Lamayuru (the oldest monastery in Ladakh)
Leisure time

Day 10: Over the Khardung La to the Nubra Valley
Cross the Khardung Pass (5360m above sea level)
Drive into the Nubra Valley
Walk around the hotel area

Day 11: Sand dunes, camels, and a riverside picnic
Visit the Diskit Monastery
Walk through the sand dunes of Hunder
Picnic by the river

Day 12: Authentic Ladakh
Cross the Wari Pass (5250m above sea level)
Walk through the village of Sakti
Dinner with the host family

Day 13: Nyingma-pa Monastery Takthok, walk with the locals
Opportunity for meditation
Visit the Takthok Monastery (the only Nyingma-pa monastery in Ladakh)
Walk with the locals around the village
Opportunity to observe the starry sky (weather permitting)

Day 14: Takthok Tshechu Monastery Festival, farewell to Ladakh
Visit the Takthok Tshechu Monastery Festival in Sakti
Return to Leh

Day 15: An unforgettable journey ends
Transfer to the airport
Flight Leh-Delhi (Air India, 06:55-08:20) – book separately
Connecting flight Delhi-Frankfurt (13:35-18:00) – book separately

Bookable additional options:

India Visa (as of 02/2025) - from €50.00

Flights with Air India Frankfurt-Delhi / Leh-Delhi-Frankfurt (Economy Class), including CO2 compensation - from €1,295.00