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.
There will be no activity on your day of arrival as it is medically mandated that you relax and undergo minimal exertion to enable you to acclimatize to the rarefied oxygen levels at this high-altitude. 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.
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Or, if you are an early riser, may we suggest setting out on our 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 storeys’, 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] Centre on a short walking tour passing some enchanting old houses. The centre 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.
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, 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 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 séance 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.
This evening enjoy a drink as the sun dips under the horizon, casting exquisitely colored shadows on the snow-capped peaks surrounding the camp.
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Alternatively combine your visit to Alchi with our optional rafting excursion. The day begins with a drive through the pastoral countryside, arriving at the put-in point. Take a gentle rafting trip down the Indus River, floating past traditional Ladakhi villages, enjoying the mesmerising views, and the contrast between the greenery of the Nimoo village on one bank and the stark barren landscape of the other. Following a picnic lunch continue to the fabled Alchi Monastery.
On your return to the camp, later in the evening, as the sun sets on varied mountain hues amidst the rustic landscape with the Thiksey Monastery standing tall as a monumental back drop, you will be enchanted by a cultural dance performance, Zyabro.
Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Return to the camp for lunch.
Late this afternoon, you will drive a short distance from your camp to witness the traditional fanfare and glamour associated with the game of Polo. Polo originated in the Western Himalayas in the kingdoms of Baltistan and Gilgit. King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess, was impressed with the thrill of the sport and introduced it to the region of Ladakh in the 17th century. Each team consists of six players and the game is fast and furious in this rugged terrain. The excitement builds up as goals are struck by both sides; each goal accompanied by a burst of song and music from the surna and daman, traditional ladakhi musical instruments.
*Polo excursions are available only on the dates given below. Please plan your visit accordingly to the thrilling Polo experience!
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Overnight at the Chamba Camp, Thiksey
Once in a Lifetime opportunity!
The Camp will be operational from mid
15 June 2014 to
30 September 2014
in Ladakh.