- 15 days Duration 15 days
- India Location India
- Trekking Activity Trekking
Enjoy a 15-day trekking adventure in the foothills of the Himalayas. Darjeeling is a fractured time capsule, where the past is alive.
Key Information
Lamayuru to Alchi Ladakh trekking in India
This trekking tour takes place between Lamayuru and Alchi, and it is an excellent combination of ancient Buddhist monasteries and the natural beauty of Ladakh. This relatively short trek starts at the legendary Lamayuru Monastery, which lies in lower Ladakh.
Lamayuru was once a lake. It is believed that a monk who was taken aback by the natural beauty of the body of water moved it up the hills, leaving vacant the spot where the monastery stands today. This 10th-century Buddhist monastery is one of the oldest in the region. Alchi is a unique monastery built in a deep location, unlike most Buddhist monasteries built on high ridges. This three-storied monastery from the 11th century lies close to the banks of the Indus River.
Lamayuru is some 125 km to the west of Leh and is one of the most ancient and spectacular monasteries of Ladakh. The Gompa was remarkably built on sandstone by Rinchen Zangpo: dating back to the 11th century. Some of the best frescoes and murals representing the Kashmiri style of Buddhist iconography are inside this monastery.
Food and nutrition on the trek
We are pioneers in culinary trekking in the Himalayas. We provide a varied, interesting menu on treks throughout the Himalayas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be catered for upon request, and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Trekking is not only fun, but it is beneficial for you. It helps in detoxifying the body while also nourishing the soul. Although to provide a better experience, we also tailor our meals to include superfoods as part of the ingredients to keep you fit and healthy while also assisting in acclimatization to high altitude. The combination of hiking in the pristine mountain air and healthy food makes trekking with us a complete adventure. Read More on Food and nutrition on our treks.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety at all times while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the Himalayas in style.
- Your food is prepared with superfood ingredients to give the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude for our gourmet trekking adventures.
Detailed Itinerary
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Arrive at Indira Gandhi International airport to be met by our representative, get transferred to the domestic terminal to catch the early morning Delhi – Leh flight. Overnight Hotel with breakfast.
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Morning tour of Hemis, Thikse, and Shey monasteries; afternoon for getting the gear ready for the trek. Overnight Hotel with breakfast.
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We leave for Lamayuru in the morning after breakfast. We drive Westward on the Leh-Srinagar Highway. The journey is truly a scenic one along the Indus River.
We will spend the afternoon exploring the surroundings of the Lamayuru vicinity and visiting the monastery. We will also need to prepare for our trek that will begin the next day.
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We will be woken up with hot beverages by our support team. We will need to pack our bags and vacate our tents when we come for breakfast. We can enjoy the surrounding scenery and watch our team break camp and load the ponies or donkeys while having breakfast.
We start our hiking day with a gentle climb to the small pass of Prinkiti La 3750 m before hiking down to the village of Shilla and the final 3 km to Wanla 3250 m. Our support team will set up camp for the night. We can spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun or exploring the surroundings and visiting the Gompa in Wanla before dinner.
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We follow the river till Phanjila Village and then turn left to pursue a small stream towards Ursi Village. We stop along the way to have our packed lunch. At the end of the village is the base camp for Tar La.
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Today’s hike is the most challenging for this trek. We climb up to the highest point of 5250 meters at the summit of Tar La pass. The trail ascends mostly with several descends until we arrive at the top of Tar La pass.
The descend is on a stony terrain with shingles at the beginning of the descend. It is a long and tiring day of hiking to the village of Ta.
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Today’s trail brings us along the mountainside to a small pass, followed by an easy descent to the hamlet of Mangyu. This is a beautiful village with an attractive monastery. Our team will set up the camp upon arrival. Later visit the village and monastery.
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We have a short hike to the pick-up point at Gera village on this last day. We will drive to Alchi Monastery and drive back to Leh.
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You will be transferred to the airport in the morning to catch the flight for Delhi, tour ends.
Cost Includes:
- ‘A’ class hotel in Leh
- All meals, as mentioned on the trip.
- Experienced regional leader or hire Raj
- Porters or pack animals on the trek
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance
- Non a/c transport
- Accommodation a mentioned in the program.
- Sightseeing as indicated
Cost Excludes:
- International airfare and airport tax
- Hotel in Delhi. The cost of a hotel room in Delhi ranges from US$50 to a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the standard chosen.
- Internal airfare for Delhi / Leh / Delhi sector in economy class. The airfare can cost from US$60 to $500, perhaps even higher each way. July and August are the busiest months. It is best to book the flights in advance.
- Travel insurance
- Any extra activities & optional tours
- Riding horse during the trek
- Personal bills like drinks, bar & beverages, tips, telephone, laundry, any additional and optional trips than the above, etc.
- Anything which is not included in the includes section
- Tips (suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only; leader’s tips at your discretion)
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Trek FAQ
From 3 years old to some in their 70s, most of our clients have done and completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel name.
Do I need a visa?
All foreign nationals who want to enter India need to possess a valid international travel document such as a passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. All visa applicants are requested to apply for the Indian visa online by filling the online application form.The duly signed hard copy of the completed application form will be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to the Indian Mission or Post. The instructions to fill the form and appointment scheduling can be seen at the Regular Visa Application Instructions. The applicant must bring the referral number and the required documents on the interview’s scheduled date.
The status of the visa application can be checked on the link for Visa Enquiry. The applicants are also requested to visit the website of the Indian Mission for detailed information about the Indian visa.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you are respectful of the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitude?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.