Brief

With prayer flags fluttering from the rooftops of houses, bright prayer wheels guarding the entrances to tiny settlements and vivid dark blue skies from the altitude, Ladakh is the most remote and sparsely populated region of India. A high-altitude snow desert bound by mountains and made up of mountains, when Ladakh isn’t completely cut off from the rest of the world in the winter, getting there in the summer involves crossing the highest mountain passes in the world. Ladakh is remote but change and modernisation is coming to this last mountain Shangri-la.

Highlights

Visit a country cut-off from the rest of the world for six months of the year.
Trek in one of the most remote and spectacular valleys in the Indian Himalaya.
Experience one of the last undisturbed Tantric Buddhist populations on earth.
Visit remote mountain-top Buddhist monasteries.

The Expedition

Phase 1: Acclimatisation

Upon arrival there will be time to adjust to the way of life and explore Delhi. After flying to Ladakh teams can choose from a selection of short treks from Leh as well as visiting Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Phase 2: Trek

There are many exciting trekking options ranging from arduous to the more sedate. For a trek focused expedition, 7-14 day treks include the Markha Valley circuit and the high altitude route to Nubra Valley passing some of the most remote valleys of the Indian Himalaya with spectacular scenery. Alternatively teams could trek to the Rizong Gompa, Chilling or Hunder to the north of Leh. These options although shorter are equally stunning, involving rugged terrain and lush valleys.

Phase 3: Project

In this valuable and rewarding phase teams can volunteer and take part in a variety of environmental or community based projects. Past examples include creating a play area, rebuilding flood damaged houses, and refurbishing school facilities with plenty of opportunity for interaction with local villagers and children. All projects are chosen in consultation with the community to ensure their needs are met.

Phase 4: Culture and Review

Teams can choose to experience some of Ladakh’s rich history by visiting ancient monasteries such as Hemis - one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. The last days in India can be spent exploring Delhi, with many wonders such as the Red Fort, and the spectacular Taj Mahal in Agra.

Expedition Grade

Our Ladakh adventure is graded as average to strenuous; however, some more challenging days can be expected when trekking due to the altitude. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the expedition!

Expedition Type

Adventure

Project

Culture

Expedition Level

Easy

Moderate

Hard

Facts

Terrain

Mountainous with high altitudes.

Weather

Temperatures begin to fall into the low 30C's in autumn after the summer highs with clear, blue skies and less rainfall. Expect colder temperatures when at altitude.

Culture

Ladakhis are predominantly Buddhist and their culture is very similar to that of the Tibetan culture. Art, literature, and music all contain
elements of the prevailing Buddhist beliefs.

Food and Accommodation

• Hostels, hammocks, communal village guest houses
• Local cook whilst on project
• Local restaurants whilst in town