Hiking & Traditions

India

ORMA Guide:
ORMA Guides Team - Giulia
10 - 20 june 2025
€1700
per traveler
€1400
with the discount code
Status:
Group creation

Ladakh - Monasteries, and High-Altitude Trails

This is an ORMA Guides trip. What does that mean?
Simple: this time, we are the guides – the ORMA team. No external experts, communicators, or activists. Just us, our experiences, our reflections... and you. Because some places don’t need to be explained – they speak for themselves if we take the time to listen.

During our journey in Ladakh, we will visit projects and cultural study centers focused on the local territory and its transformation due to climate change. Ladakh, a cold desert, is one of the places where the effects of climate change are evident and happening quickly. We will witness it with our own eyes: lands rapidly changing, fragile ecosystems, and the resilience of local communities facing increasingly difficult challenges. A journey where we will not only discover the natural and cultural beauties of this land, but also become direct witnesses to its adaptation to new climate realities.

TRIP PURPOSE

A journey that combines exploration and encounters, between mountain paths and authentic exchanges with local communities. In addition to discovering the spiritual heritage of Buddhist monasteries and the spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas, we will engage with sustainable innovation projects and educational initiatives like SECMOL and HIAL. This experience will allow us to gain a close understanding of Ladakhi culture and the challenges faced by those who live and work in this high-altitude land.

This trip has been designed with the following principles:

  • Promotion of the local economy
  • Commitment to non-profit causes
  • Respect for residents

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Discover the history of Leh
    Explore Leh's old town with a visit to the LAMO Centre, where local art and culture come together in a unique experience, enriched by films and thematic talks.
  • Innovation and sustainability at HIAL
    Visit the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) to discover educational and sustainable solutions addressing the challenges of Ladakh, with the chance to meet the founder, Sonam Wangchuk.
  • Sustainable tourism with LEHO
    Discover how LEHO promotes eco-sustainable tourism, supporting the well-being of the community and environmental protection in response to climate change.
  • Ladakh and climate change
    Explore landscapes showing the tangible effects of climate change, learning from local solutions to adapt to this new reality.
  • Spirituality and tradition
    Visit Leh's monasteries, such as Phyang and Lamayuru, to immerse yourself in Ladakh's culture and spirituality, surrounded by breathtaking views.

What's included

  • Food: Breakfast and dinner throughout the trip.
  • Accomodation: 10 nights in hostels/homestays/hotel.
  • Transportation: Tickets for public transport, transfers to and from the airport.
  • Activities: Entrance to protected areas.
  • Other: Support from an ORMA coordinator throughout the entire trip.
  • Insurance: Medical and baggage insurance.

What's not included

  • Food: All the lunches.
  • Accomodation: City tax.
  • Transporation: Transfer from/to station/airport. Flight from and to Leh starting from €1000.
  • Other: Trip cancellation insurance.
  • Anything not specified under "What's included".

Payment Terms

30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.

If minimum participation isn't met, the trip will be canceled, and you'll be fully refunded.

Direzione Turistica APICAL Srl, Via Stretta 32, 25128 Brescia (BS). P.lva 03958620985 REA BS-577256 - SCIA 019363 of SUAP of Milano 2021. For more information, see the Terms & Conditions in the website footer.

ITINERARY

Day 1: From Delhi to Leh – On the Wings of the Himalayas
We fly over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, landing in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, at 3500 meters above sea level. A journey that immediately places us in the heart of one of the planet's highest and most fascinating realms. Arrival and transfer to a local home where we will spend the rest of the day resting, savoring the first moments in an environment that stimulates both body and mind. In the evening, a walk through Leh's market for a first taste of local culture. Dinner and overnight at a local home.

Day 2: Treasures of Leh – Art, History, and Sustainability
After breakfast, we head to the LAMO Centre, Ladakh's center for art and media, for a walk through the historical heart of Leh. This experience allows us to explore cultural traditions through a journey along the streets of the ancient city. Along the way, we will also have the opportunity to attend screenings or thematic discussions on the region's cultural and artistic heritage. In the afternoon, we delve into the theme of sustainable tourism with a visit to LEHO (Ladakh Environment and Health Organisation), where we will discover local initiatives supporting eco-sustainable tourism that deeply involve the community. The evening is free for further exploration of local markets and the purchase of artisanal curiosities.

Day 3: Innovation and Tradition in Leh
In the morning, we head to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) campus, a center of excellence for education and sustainable innovation in the mountains. Here we will have the opportunity to meet Sonam Wangchuk, the engineer and educational reformer who created an alternative education approach for mountain communities. Afterward, we take a walk to the nearby Phyang Monastery to immerse ourselves in local spirituality. The day ends with a traditional Ladakhi dinner at a local home, where we will experience the region's authentic hospitality.

Day 4: Trekking to the Village of Hemis Shukpachan
Today we embark on exciting high-altitude hikes. We begin in Yangthang, where we first visit Likir Monastery, one of the most important in the area. From there, we embark on a trek that takes us to Hemis Shukpachan, a charming village surrounded by greenery. The trail leads us to the Tsermanchang La pass (3750 m), where the spectacular view rewards every step uphill. The descent offers pristine landscapes before reaching our destination for the night.

Day 5: Hiking to Temisgam
Today promises another day of hiking among breathtaking landscapes. Our route takes us to Temisgam, crossing valleys and mountains, with an ascent to Mebtak La pass (3750 m). Although steep, the view from the summit justifies every effort. Once we pass the pass, the path descends to the village of Temisgam, where we will be welcomed by the tranquility of this remote corner.

Day 6: Temisgam to Leh, Monasteries and Lunar Landscapes
After breakfast, we begin a long journey back to Leh, stopping at Lamayuru Monastery and its lunar landscape, which will remind us of the spectacular beauty of the region. Along the way, we stop at Alchi Monastery, famous for its ancient frescoes, and at Basgo Castle. Before returning to Leh, we make a brief stop at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, a place offering unforgettable views. Overnight in a hotel in Leh.

Day 7: Leh to Nubra Valley – Mountain Passes and Sand Deserts
Today, we head towards Nubra Valley, passing through Khardong La pass, the highest motorable pass in the world (18380 ft). Next, we explore Diskit Monastery, perched on a mountain and overlooking the valley, before strolling through the sand dunes of Nubra, where we may encounter the wild Bactrian camels, a unique species in India. The day ends at the Tirith Deluxe Camp, where we will stay overnight in a typical Ladakhi tent.

Day 8: Exploring Nubra Valley
We begin the day with a visit to Samstanling Monastery in Sumoor, before taking a natural hot spring bath in Panamik. After lunch, those interested can embark on an excursion to Entsa Monastery, which offers a spectacular view of the Karakoram range and Siachen Glacier. In the evening, we visit a local Nubra family to discover daily life in the region, from agricultural work to preparing traditional Ladakhi dishes. Overnight in a traditional Nubra home.

Day 9: Nubra to Sakti – Warila Pass
We leave Nubra Valley to head towards Sakti, crossing Warila Pass (5300 m), where we will enjoy spectacular views. Along the way, we may encounter yak herders and immerse ourselves in the pristine nature. Once in Sakti, we visit Takthok Monastery, an important spiritual center in the area.

Day 10: Return to Leh via Matho
Today, we return to Leh, passing through the village of Matho. The journey offers more beautiful views of the mountains and Ladakhi villages.

Day 11: Departure from Leh
Our last morning in Leh, where we will have time for a final stroll through the city before heading to the airport for our return flight.

This trip is ORMA Guides.

At ORMA, we created this project because, first and foremost, we travel the way we promote - and we want to share that with you. We are active explorers in different fields: some focused on travel, others on food sustainability, and others on impactful projects. Always seeking out places and people to learn from, we want to bring you along on this continuous journey of discovery, sharing experiences, perspectives, and knowledge.

And if you're wondering who ORMA Guides is… well, let’s just say we’re not your typical travel agency.
You know those group tours where you rush from one monument to another while the guide yells, “Quick selfie, we’ve only got 10 minutes”? Yeah, we’re the opposite of that.

Every itinerary is designed to show you the real world—the one that doesn’t fit into glossy brochures—where activism is part of the journey.
And no, no matching caps. Exploring the authentic side of places, hearing stories of resilience and innovation, and coming back home with a suitcase full of ideas (instead of useless souvenirs) will make you feel like you're part of something bigger.

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Additional Info

10 - 20 june 2025
Destination:
Ladakh, India
Days:
11
Status:
Group creation
N° of seats:
15
€1700
per traveler*
€1400
with the discount code*
* Flight not included

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Is vegan/vegetarian food available? What about celiac disease?

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Don’t listen to us, listen to them
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