Zanskar Odyssey

Welcome to Ladakh! Someone in our team will greet you on your arrival to Leh Airport. You will be taken to the hotel, where you can relax and take a rest. You have arrived. The group will gather today. You will meet each other, and of course, Sankalparaja, the facilitator/travel leader of our journey. In the evening, we will have our first dinner together, before a well-deserved sleep. You need to make sure that your arrival in Leh happens today the latest, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. Our acclimatization starts here, at an altitude of 3500m.

Accommodation: Hotel

Leh, the ancient capital of Ladakh, was an important market town in the Silk Route days, and stayed like that until the borders with China were closed in 1950. In the ancient labyrinth of streets and alleys of Main Bazaar, one still finds descendants of the old Muslim merchants, who run commercial trading here for centuries. It is important to still keep physical effort in check, so that the body continues to acclimatize, and adapt to the altitude (3500m). Today is a rest day you are free to stay in, or explore by yourself. If there is one corner in Leh you would like to see by yourself, this a good moment. Whether you are looking for books, or some warm afternoon bread, on request, Sankalparaja will give you tips on what to explore and where to go.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

We will have an easy first day with our motorcycles: After morning yoga, we will take a short ride to explore the Indus monasteries of Hemis and Tiksey.

We ride down and up again, as a way to acclimatise to the altitude. It will get us used to the ways of driving in India also, as well as with safe-riding in group formation. By the end of the day, we will be warmed up, and ready for more enduring days ahead.

Hemis, around 42Km from Leh, is a Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. After that, we discover the wonders of Thiksey monastery, of the Gelug lineage, considered by many the most impressive among all monasteries of Ladakh. It’s construction is organized in different levels, from the base of the hill, to the very top, where the gompas are. Thiksey has an impressive library, and a Maitreya Buddha temple. We admire the impressive views from the very top, over the Valley.

Distance: 85Km - 5h

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

We have time for a laid back start with Yoga and breakfast. After that, we will pack and head off to our first destination.

Hemis Shukpachan (3,630 m - also known as Heshuk),  literally means home between stones and pebbles, with junipers. It is regarded as a holy place due to the presence of the Juniper (shukpa). The village is located in the enchanted Sham Valley. There is a unique serenity about its location, surrounded by mountains of reddish hue on all sides. The main source of water here is a spring, which flows throughout the year.

We will circle before dinner, and start a mini silent-retreat.

Distance: 80Km - 3hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Silent day. Today, we go in. A long waited moment for many, a challenging day for some. Silence gives us the chance to listen. To stay still, instead of acting. To go in, instead of out. To endure, instead of bypassing with distractions. To drop our Instagram posts for a moment, and truly contemplate. In the morning, we will practice yoga in silence. We will be by ourselves the rest of the day. Some will take off and trek. Some will just want to stay still, practice meditation, journal or sleep. And that’s ok. Above the village is the Dakmar Hill (meaning ‘red rocks’) that has a hermit’s abode. The Rinpoche and monks from the Ri-dzong monastery are known to retreat here for meditation. Lamas used to meditate and practice yoga here for years, in isolation. What better place for us to do the same for one day.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We keep riding west, along the NH1 - Leh-Srinagar Highway - the northernmost East-West highway in India. On the way, we will stop in Lamayuru. The legend says that Lamayuru valley was once a big lake, and Naropa, a well-known Tantric Yogi once lived here, in a cave, around which Lamayuru monastery was built. The monastery was built at the top of a hill, surrounded by a very peculiar landscape of wrinkled slopes. We will stay the night in Kargil.

Distance: 190Km - 8hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We leave Kargil early today, as we have a longer ride ahead. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,676 meters (8,780 feet), Kargil is the second-largest town in Ladakh. Located along the banks of the Suru River, it serves as a vital link between Srinagar and Leh. Historically, it was a significant trade center, connecting various regions. Today, it is predominantly inhabited by Shia Muslims.

The road starts winding through hills and small villages and gets straight as we get more into the valley and closer to Padum. On the way, we will see the majestic glacier of Parkachik, and cross the village of Rangdum. Depending on our time, we may stop to visit Bardan Monastery, a 17th-century Buddhist monastery, perched atop a rocky outcrop along the Lungnak River. The monastery was among the first of its kind established in Zanskar.

Distance: 230Km - 9hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We start the day with a visit to Karsha Monastery, located approximately 7km away. Perched atop a hillock, Karsha Monastery is the largest and most significant monastery in the Zanskar Valley. It houses several shrines and serves as the residence for around 100 monks. The monastery is under the administration of the younger brother of the Dalai Lama. We will get back on the road after this visit, and head towards Purne.

The ride is relaxed, along the valley, in winding roads. Purne is a quaint village nestled along the Tsarap River.

We will circle before dinner and rest.

Distance: 70Km - 3hrs

Accommodation: Home Stay / Glamping Tents

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Today is hiking day. We will practice in the morning and then trek to Phuktal Monastery. The narrow trail meanders through rocky walls on one side, and the river's flow accompanying us on the other. After approximately 3 to 4 hours of trekking, we'll arrive at Phuktal Monastery, a remarkable structure built into a cave on the cliffside. This monastery, also known as Phugtal, is one of the most remote in the region and offers a glimpse into the monastic life of the area. We will take time to explore its unique architecture and serene surroundings, and retrace our steps back to Purne.
We will circle in the evening.

Hike estimate: 6 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay / Glamping Tents

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We will leave Zanskar today, heading to Jispa for an overnight stay. Our journey will take us through the Shinku La Pass, situated at an elevation of approximately 5,091m (16,703 ft). This route offers a mix of good winding roads and breathtaking vistas, including panoramic views of high peaks and expansive valleys. As we approach Jispa, a tranquil village nestled along the Bhaga River at about 3,200m (10,500 ft), we will be greeted by its serene ambiance and natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh.

Distance: 91Km - 5hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We leave early from Jispa, traversing the iconic Manali-Leh Highway. This route takes us through a series of high-altitude passes and diverse landscapes, offering a visual feast of the Himalayas' grandeur. As we ascend, the lush greenery of Jispa gradually gives way to the stark beauty of the high-altitude desert, with its rugged terrains and dry plateaus.

As we reach Tso Kar, at 4,530m (14,860 ft), we are greeted by the tranquil beauty of this saltwater lake. Known as the 'White Lake' due to its saline deposits, Tso Kar is a haven for various bird species, including the black-necked crane. The surrounding area, with its nomadic settlements and grazing yaks, offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles that have persisted in this remote region for centuries.

Distance: 225Km - 9hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

After Yoga, we depart from the tranquil views of Tso Kar, and take a shorter ride through the heart of Ladakh's rugged terrain. The route is short and laid back today.

En route, we may encounter nomadic settlements and witness the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this high-altitude desert. Upon arrival at Tso Moriri, 4,522 m (14,836 ft), we are greeted by the lake's serene blue waters, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks—a sight that epitomizes the beauty of the Himalayas. We will circle in the evening.

Distance: 75Km - 4hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We set our course towards Hanle, through some of the most secluded terrains of our journey. The route primarily follows the path via Sumdo, Mahe, Nyoma, and Loma, offering a blend of paved and unpaved roads.

The landscape unfolds with dramatic views—arid mountains juxtaposed against azure skies, interspersed with occasional sightings of nomadic settlements and unique wildlife adapted to the high-altitude environment. Upon reaching Hanle, at 4,500m are greeted by its serene ambiance and the renowned Hanle Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Hanle is also home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, offering a glimpse into the celestial wonders above.

Distance: 160Km - 7hrs

Accommodation: Home Stay

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We set out on a journey to Umling La, the world's highest motorable pass, at an elevation of 5,798m (19,024 ft). The route spans approximately 75km, primarily following a newly constructed tar road via Photi La Pass.

As we traverse this high-altitude terrain, the landscape transforms into a stark yet mesmerising panorama of arid mountains and expansive skies. Upon reaching Umling La, we pause to absorb the breathtaking views before retracing our path back to Hanle.

Distance: 150Km - 7hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We ride towards Teri Village, traversing through captivating landscapes. The route leads us via Nurbu La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,282m (17,328 ft), offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. As we descend, the path meanders alongside the Indus River, presenting serene views of its glistening waters. The well-maintained roads ensure a smooth drive, allowing us to fully appreciate the region's natural beauty.

Upon arrival in Teri Village, at 3,600m (11,811 ft), we are greeted by the warm hospitality of our hosts, in their own family cottage. The village is renowned for its historical ties with Gya, one of Ladakh's oldest settlements. Traditionally, during the Tibetan New Year, the kings of Gya would visit Teri to pay homage at the local stupa, a ritual that continues to this day.

This is the place for our last Circle, as we close the retreat’s journey.

Distance: 133Km - 6hrs

Accommodation: Home Stay

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

After our morning practice, we depart from Teri and take our last ride towards Leh, the vibrant heart of Ladakh. The route takes us through the Indus Valley, where the river's shimmering waters accompany us amidst the majestic Himalayan backdrop. As we approach Leh, the landscape transforms into a bustling townscape, signaling our arrival in the capital of Ladakh.

Distance: 100Km - 5hrs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Final rest today, before our return. You can take it easy, enjoy the city, as you walk around Leh at our own leisure. Our journey has reached it’s end. The men’s group will get together tonight for one last Ladakhi dinner, integration, and a proper closing of our men’s retreat.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Time for goodbye. This is the end of our retreat program. Most probably you will take a taxi to Leh airport and head home.

Accommodation: -

Meals: Breakfast