"Of journeying the benefits are many : the freshness it bringeth to the heart, the seeing and hearing of marvelous things, the delight of beholding new cities, the meeting of unknown friends, and the learning of high manners." -------"Sadi Shirazi"-------

Discovery Journeys

With the help of the local people in Ladakh, we offer an exciting promotional tour for the real traveller, and we will give you have some memorable experience of what we call the "Himalayan Homestay"!!, a profit of sustainable tourism development.

Our aim is to generate benefits and opportunities for local communities while protecting their rich natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Though the Himalayan Home stays is not new in Ladakh, it was initiated by UNDP in 2002, together with snow leopard Conservancy project & the villagers living in important snow leopard areas. In 1999, local people had expressed an interest in generating income from increasing numbers of visitors that passed through their villages, and wanted to offer a tourism experience that would benefit visitors, hosts and the local environment. The first Home stays were established in Hemis National Park, "snow leopard capital of India," in 2002 and later-on more villagers joined from Sham valley (Upper Indus), another important snow leopard area. We hope that more communities in Ladakh will join the Himalayan Home stays network in 2006, so that the growing number of inquisitive traveler can simple the authentic & traditional life of the Himalayan folks.

AIM
Our aim is not only to generate income for the local villagers but also to let the locals become aware of the importance of preserving the fragile environment, its ecosystem and the rich traditions & customs. Our expert guides on their visit discuss with locals on different issues and note their problems to help them with the help of the local administration. The vision is to empower the locals to become the guardians of their own treasures.

LADAKH AND TOURISM
Between the mountains of the Great Himalaya and the formidable Karakoram lies the high altitude kingdom of Ladakh. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from 2,750m to 6,670m, covering an area of 90,000sq.km. Today's high altitude desert was once covered by an extensive lake system, the remains of which can be seen in the large lakes in the south- east. The population of eastern and central Ladakh is predominantly of Tibetan origin and follows Buddhism. Further west people are Muslims of more mixed origin. The area's landscape and unique cultural heritage have been major attractions since Ladakh opened to tourists in 1974.

HIGHLIGHT
The primary highlight of this unique tour is to stay with the locals in their traditional homes and relish Ladakhi exotic food, as well as see the family unity their practice of agriculture, farming, irrigation, cattle & Yak breeding etc. We have chosen two destination in Ladakh "Rumbak Valley" and "Sham Valley". You can combine these two destinations with trek and soft cultural tour. For trekkers and other nature-based visits is Rumbak valley which is part of Hemis National Park (HNP). In 2003, over 6,000 tourists trekked through the National Park during the summer months. The park is located south of Leh and covers 4,400 sq.km. and has a population of herders that share the area's natural resources with the wildlife. The Park is divided into three valleys, namely Rumbak, Markha and the Shang valley that remain cut off from each other during winter by the Gandala pass (4,900m) and Kongamrula pass (5,150m) to the south. There are 15 villages with approximately 100 households in these valleys. Apart from the unique landscape and harsh beauty, the mountains are home to a variety of cultural resources such as local homes, monasteries, etc, and support a high altitude ecosystem with rare and endangered flora and fauna. The area is considered the best habitat in India for the elusive snow leopard (Uncia uncia) - an attraction for visitors whether you see one or not.

On the other hand Sham valley is for those trekkers who are more interested in villages, visiting monasteries, mingling with locals etc. This is easy trek compare to Rumbak valley. You will be passing villages while learning its spiritual & historical back ground. Visit to one of the village school is also highlight of the tour. The trek starts from Likir, pass via Yangthang, Rizong, Hemis Shukpachan and terminates in Temisgam which is the biggest village in Ladakh. Finally after exploring the monasteries of 1000 year old Lamayuru & Alchi we return back to Leh.

While in Leh we get an opportunity to spend time at LADAKH Ecological Center which is making a good effort in promoting understanding of environment , traditional craft, culture and sustainable tourism. Time will be allowed to watch their interesting documentary Ancient Future - Learning from Ladakh, by Helena Norberg Hodge. "Few things could be lonelier than that landscape of storm-beaten rose-rush and rock, and yet I never felt alone. All round me, along the path, in the willow grove, by the stream, on and between the rocks, there were signs that others had passed the same way. Prayer flags shook out there yellow and red rags from the heart of a gully or from the tops of crags above me; stones arranged in half circles……….."

TOUR ONE : R U M B A K V A L L E Y
Zingchen to Stok via Stok la

Day 1. Delhi to Leh fly.
On arrival in Leh, greet by our representative and transfer to a Ladakhi style hotel. Rest of the day rest for acclimatization to the arid altitude of Leh (3505m). Afternoon time for a stroll around the colourful Leh bazaar. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2. Leh. Morning guided sightseeing of Stok Palace & museum - Stok Palace is the residence of the royal family of Ladakh. Later back to hotel for lunch. Afternoon explore Leh town visiting the impressive Leh Palace built in the 17th century, overlooking the old town and further visit Shanti Stupa (Japanese Pagoda) and Sankar gompa - the residence of the former Spiritual head of Ladakh. Overnight in hotel.

Discovery Journeys

TOUR TWO : S H A M V A L L E Y
Likir to Temisgam via Termangchan la

Day 1. Delhi to Leh fly.
On arrival in Leh, greet by our representative and transfer to a Ladakhi style hotel. Rest of the day rest for acclimatization to the arid altitude of Leh (3505m). Afternoon time for a stroll around the colourful Leh bazaar. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2. Leh.
Morning guided sightseeing of Stok Palace & museum - Stok Palace is the residence of the royal family of Ladakh. Later back to hotel for lunch. Afternoon explore Leh town visiting the impressive Leh Palace built in the 17th century, overlooking the old town and further visit Shanti Stupa (Japanese Pagoda) and Sankar gompa - the residence of the former Spiritual head of Ladakh. Overnight in hotel.

Discovery Journeys

Day 3, Sightseeing Indus valley:
After breakfast we set off for a guided day excursion of Indus valley visiting Shey Palace- the first capital of ancient Ladakh, following visit the 16th Century Thikse monastery and further visit Hemis monastery- know to be the richest monastic establishment in Ladakh. It has also a monastic school for the young novices. Further visit Hemis gompa - know to be the richest monastery in Ladakh. Later we drive back to Leh alongside Indus river. If you wish you can make a leisure walk between Shey and Thikse, takes about an hour. Overnight in hotel.

Day 4, Leh to Likir to Yangthang,
After early breakfast drive about 60 km/ 2 hrs to Likir (3500 m). Arrive and drop at the Trek head. Meet your trekking crew and start trek about 4 hrs. to Yangthang (3600 m), over Pobe la (3550 m) and Charatse la (3650 m). Overnight in NEI tents.

Day 5, Yangthang to Rizong to Yangthang,

Today we will make a side trip / excurion with packed lunch to Rizong, about (3500 m). Visit the isolated Rizong monastery and Chulichan Nunnery. Return to Yangthang for overnight stay.

Day 6, Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan,
After breakfast trek 4 hrs to Hemis Shukpachan (3600 m) overcrossing Sermangchan la (3750 m). Hemis Shukpachan is famous for its Losar festival "Ladakhi New Year".
Overnight in tents.

Day 7, Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam,
After breakfast trek 5 hrs to Temisgam (3200 m)- the biggest village in Sham Valley (Lower Ladakh), overcrossing Lago la (3750 m). If time permits visit the Palace and monastery of Temisgam situated on a hill overlooking the valley. Overnight in tents.

Day 8, Temisgam to Lamayuru to Alchi,
Today we will drive to Lamayuru about 45 km/ 2-3 hrs. Visit the site of the moonland and Yangdrung (Swastika) gompa- known to be the oldest monastery in Ladakh. After the lunch drive back to Alchi 57 km/ 3 hrs. Dinner & overnight in Guest House.

Day 9, Alchi to Leh,
In the morning take a leisure walk around the charming Alchi Village (3250 m) situated on the bank of river Indus. Also visit the 1000 year Alchi Choskor (Religious Enclave)- famous for Kashmiri style woods carvings and frescoes/ wall paintings. Back to hotel and have the lunch. Later drive back to Leh 69 km/ 3 hrs. Arrive & transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 10. Leh to Delhi fly.
Morning transfer to Leh airport to board flight to Delhi.

Note: The above tour can be incorporated with some cultural trips around Ladakh, including Nubra valley, Tsomoriri Lake and Zanskar region.

Also, for people (students) who would like to work with some good NGO's who are involved in the field of environment protection, health, water harvesting, Gender empowerment, traditional skills for arts and crafts, education etc, please do get in touch with us for any information.

HIMALAYAN HOMESTAYS

TOUR ONE : R U M B A K V A L L E Y Zingchen to Stok via Stok la

TOUR TWO : S H A M V A L L E Y Likir to Temisgam via Termangchan la

TOUR ONE : R U M B A K V A L L E Y
Zingchen to Stok via Stok la

TOUR TWO : S H A M V A L L E Y
Likir to Temisgam via Termangchan la