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Arrive in Delhi. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Stay: One night stay at JW Marriott Hotel.

Morning transfer for the spectacular flight over the high Himalaya to Leh – capital of the Ladakh region. You’ll be met and taken to Thiksey where you’ll have time to relax after your journey and acclimatise to the high altitude.

Stay: Three nights at Chamba Camp, Thiksey.

Early birds can enjoy…bird watching on a tour led by the camp’s expert naturalist. After lunch you’ll have the chance to explore Leh, just an hour from the camp. This ancient regional capital features a magnificent palace dating back to the 17th century, as well as some historic houses, the Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation Centre in Munshi House and a wonderful bazaar. You’ll see an architectural heritage presentation by a Ladakhi scholar and conclude your tour at the Shanti Stupa overlooking the city.

On your second full day in Thiksey you’ll follow in the footsteps of Buddha and visit Thiksey Monastery for a sunrise ceremony before enjoying a guided tour of the monastery. Then you have the choice of a cycling tour around the local village or driving to meet the Oracle of Saboo Village. In the afternoon you can motor through the Indus landscape to the 11th century Alchi Monastery and Basgo (it means Bull’s Head) Fort. Gentle rafting trips along the Indus are also available.

After breakfast you set off for the Nubra Valley. Your drive takes you through some truly dramatic scenery and over what is thought to be the world’s highest driveable road; the 5580 metre Khardung La Pass. En route you’ll visit the village of Hundar with its centuries-old houses lining winding alleyways, and the Chamba Gompa Monastery. At Diskit Gompa, another historic monastery, you’ll see a vast drum, intricate carvings and fierce-looking guardian deities.

The next day sees a different drive through wonderful landscapes of the realm of the Balti dynasty, on your way to the quaint border village of Turtuk.

Stay: Two nights at Chamba Camp, Diskit.

In the morning you explore the shifting sands of nearby dunes, on a camel safari. Then it’s time for a more conventional form of transport for your drive back to Leh.

In the morning you have a choice. You can consult an oracle; a local lama from the nearby monastery who will give you guidance on new ventures or planned activities in the future. Or you can embark on a trip to the Nubra Valley passing over the mighty Wari La Pass, giving you breath-taking views of the two valley floors and unrivalled photographic opportunities. You can also cycle down into the valley on a stunning Himalayan mountain trail, arriving in pretty Shakti Village.

Stay: Two nights at Chamba Camp, Thiksey.

Say farewell to enchanting Ladakh as you are transferred to Leh for the flight back to Delhi. The afternoon is at leisure.

Stay: one night stay at JW Marriott Hotel.