Stunning views in uncompromising luxury.
SEPTEMBER 20 to 23, 2018
4 Days From $2499
Ladakh may be only a little over an hour flight from Delhi, but culturally it is a world away. Embark on a nomadic journey in canvas luxury. Unfurl the centuries-old culture of Ladakh, exploring her fascinating monuments, quaint monasteries enriched with ancient art forms, fairs and festivals. Be part of the region's unique rituals; enjoy the ancient sport of Polo, brought to Ladakh in the 17th century by the Royals. Try your hand at archery set amidst the most dramatic and breathtaking landscape. Raft on the gentle Indus River, stopping for a delicious picnic lunch at a most picturesque spot along the banks.
Experience Ladakh in all its splendour at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey brought to you by 'The Ultimate Travelling Camp'. A land of varying landscapes, from white deserts to blue, ice-capped mountains to lush valleys, Ladakh, like a dream captured in a snow globe, is a wildly beautiful milieu set between the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas. Located in a valley just north of the Indus River is Leh, the capital of Ladakh, a region often referred to as 'Little Tibet'. The century's old culture of this picturesque capital city finds expression in its monuments, monasteries, oral literature, art forms, fairs and festivals.
Package Highlights:
• Explore Hemis Monastery, The Jewel In The Crown Of The Drukpa Lineage
• You will be guests at a magical early morning, prayer ceremony at Thiksey Monastery
• Watch a colourful sunset from Shanti Stupa overlooking the Old City of Leh
• All meals included (as mentioned in the itinerary), including tea, coffee and soft beverages.
• Complimentary house culinary lessons
• Fresh and unprocessed local produce daily
• International, national, as well as local cuisine
• Witness the fanfare of a Ladakhi Polo-match
• Indulge in an outdoor BBQ dinner by the pond.
• Enjoy the traditional dance performance from the folklore of Ladakh
Complimentary Optional Activities:
• Cycling excursion down the best track that the Ladakhi Himalayas have to offer with breathtaking views of the Nubra valley
• Hiking tour in Ladakh where you experience the destination's natural, rural and cultural treasures
• Archery classes
• Participate in a Buddhist seance
• Discover the ancient secrets of The Nunnery at Nyerma, which houses a school for the community of Buddhist nuns.
Space is limited. Call us today to book this tour: 773.772.9666.
Itinerary
Day 1 ~ Arrive at Leh and check-in at Chamba Camp
Following your arrival into Leh, you will be greeted by a Zoom representative and transferred to your residence, The Chamba Camp, Thiksey. You will be guests of the Thiksey Monastery. Soak in the serenity of the surroundings as you are accorded the traditional welcome of Ladakh. You will be accompanied to your well appointed luxury tents, where the check-in formalities will be completed by our Guest Relations hostess.
This afternoon you may choose to relax and soak in the serenity and picturesque surrounding as you or take advantage of one of the many complimentary optional activities available. At your convenience, the Excursion Specialist at Chamba Camp, Thiksey will meet with you to discuss the itinerary suggested and help you plan your excursions and make changes if required, as the excursions mentioned in the program can be customized to suit your interests, choices and leisure.
Accommodations: Chamba Camp, Thiksey, Luxury Suite Tent
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
* Note - Delhi to Leh flights depart in the morning only. Travelers may arrive in Delhi early morning and make an onward connection or arrive the night before and overnight in Delhi. For your convenience, Zoom will be happy to arrange your stay in Delhi as well as airport transfers.
Day 2 ~ Unravel the treasures of the Old City
Today brings a late start, leaving the morning free for you to enjoy a languid breakfast and walk around the camp site, taking in the sights and the atmosphere where each tent opens out on to alfalfa pastures with a view of the willow trees as the wind gracefully brushes the branches and the rustling sound of the poplar trees creating an aura of unmatched beauty and serenity, making you naturally unwind and relax.
Or, if you are an early riser, may we suggest setting out on our complimentary optional bird watching sojourn, with our camp naturalist, spotting and identifying a variety of birds of the Trans-Himalayan region.
This afternoon, following lunch proceed on a gentle orientation tour of Leh, located approximately 19 kilometres (1 hr) from your camp. Visit popular landmarks which include the magnificent Leh Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the palace has nine stories', some of which are in ruins. Some of the sections display fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. From the palace continue by foot to the LAMO [Ladakh Arts & Media Organisation] Center on a short walking tour passing some enchanting old houses. The center is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, Munshi (Togoche) House situated at the foot of the Leh Palace. Following a tour of the house there will be a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the old city. Enjoy a view of the old city from the terrace of the Munshi House as you sip the special Ladakhi tea with light snacks. The heritage exploration continues from Munshi House through the old city ending in the bazaar.
End your tour at the Shanti Stupa, perched upon a great vantage point over Leh, with spectacular views of the stone strewn landscape, as you relish a hot cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea watching the setting sun.
Accommodations: Chamba Camp, Thiksey, Luxury Suite Tent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 ~ Discover the hidden relics of Thiksey and Hemis Monastery
An early morning start with tea and coffee followed by a visit to the Thiksey monastery, which stands about a kilometre from your camp. This beautiful monastery houses a two story statue of the Maitreya Buddha seated on a lotus and boasts of a spectacular view of the valley. At the monastery, you will have the privilege to participate in the morning prayer ceremony at sunrise. Continue on a guided tour of the monastery, visiting the beautiful prayer room which has many handwritten and painted books as well as the temple dedicated to goddess Tara with her 21 images placed in glass-covered wooden shelves. You will also see small shrines devoted to the guardian divinities including Cham-Sing, the protector deity of Thiksey.
Return to the camp for a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the morning is free, allowing you time to relax and take in the pristine beauty around you. Or you may like to indulge in our complimentary optional cycling trip in the vicinity of the Thiksey village and its surroundings. Or you could also choose to drive to the Saboo village for a seance session with the Oracle. [Note: This optional excursion will be confirmed a day prior subject to the oracle willing to give an audience]
This afternoon, proceed to explore the jewel in the crown of the Drukpa lineage, the Hemis Monastery, the oldest monastic institution of Ladakh, situated about 20 kilometres (1 hr) from Thiksey. Built in a secluded valley, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa School or the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the many interesting facets of this institution, established under the patronage of King Senge Namygal in the 13th century, where young lamas are taught literature, history, philosophy, yoga and tantra. The monastery halls are adorned with beautiful statues and mural paintings.
Accommodations: Chamba Camp, Thiksey, Luxury Suite Tent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 ~ Bid farewell to the Land of the Lamas
Today you bid farewell to the enchanting and breath-taking mountainous and rugged terrain of Ladakh, as you transfer to the Leh airport and board your flight to Delhi or Mumbai.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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