Shakti Ladakh Village Walk

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Shakti Ladakh Village Walk

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

FROM 6815 USD PER PERSON

BASED ON A 2 PERSON TRAVELLING BASIS

Your package includes private accommodation in village houses on a fully inclusive basis, covering all meals and beverages. Enjoy a variety of activities, including two raft trips, guided by an English-speaking guide. You'll also have the services of a private chef, support guide, and porters, along with a car at your disposal for transfers between Leh Airport and the village experience. Please note that flights are not included, and additional government taxes will apply.

DAY 01

DELHI - LEH - NIMOO

Fly from Delhi to Leh and be met and driven to the Shakti village house in Nimoo where we recommend complete rest, to aid your acclimatisation. Nimoo (3190m/10463ft) is a large village 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, surrounded by lush green fields and apricot, apple, and walnut orchards abound. As you will be acclimatising today, we recommend that you spend the day taking it very easy relaxing at your house.

DAY 02

NIMOO

After breakfast go on a leisurely walk of the village of Nimoo with your guide for a fascinating insight into rural Ladakhi life before returning to the village house for lunch. After lunch, relax in the village house or visit the Basgo Fort in the late afternoon. At Basgo (3295m/10808ft) there are three ‘Future Buddha’ monasteries completed in the 16th century, interesting for its Islamic architecture. Relaxing evening under the stars this evening before dinner in the charming Ladakhi kitchen.

DAY 03

NIMOO

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll drive up the stunning Zanskar canyon to the village of Chilling, situated at an altitude of 3,236 meters (10,614 feet) and approximately an hour from Nimoo. Chilling is a historic settlement known for its skilled metal smiths who have provided copper, bronze, tin, silver, and ironwork to Leh for centuries. You'll have the opportunity to observe a local metal smith at work before embarking on a two-hour rafting adventure to the village of Nimoo. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores. After lunch, unwind at the village house, or if you're up for it, either take a hike with your guide or participate in a cooking lesson in the kitchen with your Shakti private chef.

DAY 04

NIMOO - LIKHIR

This morning, set out for Alchi (3,120 meters / 10,233 feet), a unique monastery in Ladakh built on flat ground, unlike others typically perched on hilltops. Founded in the 11th century, Alchi Monastery is renowned for its distinctive Indian and Kashmiri influences. After exploring the monastery, drive for about 20 minutes to Saspol, where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, head to the village of Likhir. From there, you have the option to either walk to our next village house, which overlooks the village, or take a car. The house's remote location is best appreciated under the brilliant clarity of the stars overhead.

DAY 05

LIKHIR

Today, you will visit Lamayuru, located 2½ hours away. Lamayuru Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is the oldest monastery in Ladakh and is steeped in legend, with local folklore claiming it was once a lake. Your guide will lead you on a walk around the monastery, allowing you to absorb its rich history. After lunch, visit Rizong Monastery, known for its strict discipline and high standards upheld by the monks who meditate there.

For avid trekkers, there is an alternative option to embark on a moderate-level trek to the village of Yangthang, which forms part of the enchanting ‘Sham Valley’ trek.

DAY 06

LIKHIR TO RIVER HOUSE

Visit Phyang, situated 1½ hours from Likhir. Enjoy lunch and explore the striking Phyang Monastery with your private guide. The monastery features a 900-year-old museum and numerous sacred shrines and frescoes from the royal period. Afterward, you will be driven for an hour to the River House in Ranbirpur, a neighbouring village of Stakna. This is Shakti’s first four-bedroom house, nestled by the banks of the Indus River, offering spectacular views of the Stok Kangri mountain range and three monasteries – Stakna, Matho, and Thiksey. In the evening, we will arrange for a visit to the local oracle.

DAY 07

RIVER HOUSE

For those willing to rise early, we recommend starting the day around 5 am with a 30-minute drive to Thiksey Monastery (3400m/11152ft) to experience the serene early morning Buddhist prayers. Afterward, visit Ladakh’s largest monastery, Hemis (3500m/11480ft). Alternatively, if you are keen on hiking, consider embarking on a full-day trek. We suggest the first day of the four-day trek to the summit of Stok Kangri, the highest peak in the Stok range and Ladakh’s most renowned mountain.

DAY 08

RIVER HOUSE TO LEH AIRPORT TO DELHI

This morning after breakfast you will be driven for an hour to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi.

DAY 09

DAY 10

What We Offer

Shakti promises off-the-radar, luxury walking adventures in the Indian Himalaya - each journey private, authentic and tailor-made.

All Shakti holidays include:

Private, fully inclusive village-house accommodation

All meals and beverages (prepared by your private chef)

Every listed activity with expert English-speaking guides, support guides & porters

A car at your disposal and all applicable local taxes

Tailor-made itineraries -from gentle walks and cultural encounters to cooking lessons

Getting there

The quickest way to reach Leh/Ladakh is by air; this is also the only means of transport with year-round access.

FROM/TO DELHI

FROM/TO MANALI

FROM/TO SRINAGAR

The land journeys are memorable but please note the accommodation en-route to the Shakti houses is simple and the journeys long. If flying into Leh, allow two days to acclimatise – ideally in a Shakti village house, revelling in the view.