Ladakh has long been on the map for backpackers, mostly staying in and around Leh, it is has not yet come on the radar of the adventurous luxury traveler. As such, Shakti Himalaya has designed a Ladakh Himalaya 'village’ experience that avoids the commercialized capital, Leh and takes you off the beaten track to these untouched villages in the Indus valley.
Situated in the far north of the sub-continent, over 3500 meters (11,500 feet) up on the
high plateau, Ladakh is often referred to as 'little Tibet'. Ladakh's geography protected it
from the ravages of the Chinese Cultural Revolution as a result of which it contains
one of the most intact Tantric Buddhist societies left on earth. With a high altitude desert
dominated by rugged snow capped mountains and deep turquoise lakes, Ladakh Himalayas is one of
the most picturesque places on earth.
Village walks are at the heart of any Shakti Experience, enabling you to enjoy the villages and rural life in remote mountain regions. Accompanied by local porters and guides, you step out of the modern world, walking between villages that are remote, and staying in traditional village houses, which Shakti has spruced up to provide proper comfort without compromising their authenticity. We will arrange visits to local schools, monasteries and markets to enable you to get a full understanding of the culture of each region, its people, religion and customs. Providing authentic experiences of local life, our Ladakh tours are the perfect antidote to the frenetic world that most of us live in. For the more active walker we offer trekking and camping in remote but beautiful locations. Our Ladakh holiday treks require a reasonable level of fitness and are in remote areas at altitudes of 11000 -14000 ft. Shakti uses dome tents with all the usual Shakti service and style.
Every journey is private and tailored to individual requirements, preferences and timings, but these sample itineraries are intended to give you a taste of all you might see and do on one of our Ladakh holidays.
Includes private accommodation in village houses on a fully inclusive basis including all
meals and beverages, all activities including two raft trips, an accompanying English
speaking guide, private chef, support guide and porters and car at disposal with
transfers between Leh Airport and the village experience. Flights not included.
*Additional government taxes will apply
Includes private accommodation in village houses on a fully inclusive basis including all
meals and beverages, all activities including two raft trips, an accompanying English
speaking guide, private chef, support guide and porters and car at disposal with
transfers between Leh Airport and the village experience. Flights not included.
*Additional government taxes will apply
Ladakh is a high altitude desert with little rainfall and as such sunshine is almost guaranteed. It is extremely
dry (making it feel warmer than it is) and the main change in seasons is down to temperature. By May,
Ladakh’s cold winter should finally be over and late spring brings pleasant clear days with average highs of
around 20˚c, nights can still however be cold dropping well into single digits. May and early June, though
still cold in the evenings and nights, are particularly beautiful as so many of the mountains are still snow
covered. By June, both the days and nights are getting warmer with maximum temperatures of up to 30˚c on
hot days in July and August. By September the temperatures are cooling off with those of the first half of
October being similar to those in late May. In the lower end of the valley at Nimoo where the altitude is less
than Leh, the temperatures are several degrees higher throughout the year. Our houses have wood stoves in the bedrooms which can be lit for your comfort on colder nights. Please ask
you house staff if you need your stove lit in addition to the hot water bottles which will be placed in
your bed.