Ladakh, though politically Indian, is emphatically and enduringly Tibetan, culturally, religiously, and geographically. It’s a heart-grabbing place, simultaneously austere and warm, vast and intimate. Thinking of Ladakh, we’re always reminded of Andrew Harvey’s story of his fruitful journey there, inspired by a fellow traveler who told him, “I should kidnap you and take you there myself. . . . It will change your life as it changed mine.”

We reach what has historically been called Little Tibet by driving north from the beautiful, forested Manali Valley along a tremendously scenic road through Lahaul and Spiti and into the old kingdom of Zanskar, camping a couple of nights along the way, crossing four high passes (the highest: Tanglang, 17,475 feet). Traveling this road, one GeoExer wrote, “is like trekking—crisp air, grand views, a real mountain feel—without the walking.” Now down to the Indus Valley and Ladakh. We spend the next week wandering, visiting the Buddhist monasteries of Thikse, Shey, and Lamayuru, and gazing at the spectacular murals at Alchi Gompa, crescendoing with one of the region’s wonderful festivals at Hemis.

Days 1 & 2: USA to Delhi • Day 3: fly to Kullu, drive to Manali • Day 4: Manali to Jispa • Day 5: Jispa to Sarchu • Day 6: Sarchu to Tso Moriri• Day 7: exploring Tso Moriri • Day 8: cross Tanglang La to Leh • Day 9: exploring the Indus Valley • Day 10: Leh to Alchi • Day 11: Alchi and Lamayuru • Day 12: Alchi to Hemis• Day 13: Hemis festival • Day 14: Hemis to Leh • Day 15: fly to Delhi • Day 16: return to USA.

• General Description
• Health Precautions
• Reading List
• Travel Conditions
• Visa Information
• Weather Information

• More India Trips
• More Touring Trips
• More Featured Trips