Trip Highlights
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Monastery visits
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Art Workshops
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Nubra Valley
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Pangong Tso
DAY 1
Welcome to Ladakh
Arrival:
- Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh – one of the world’s highest airports.
- Enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas on your flight – pre-book a window seat for a breathtaking experience!
🏨 Check-in & Rest:
- Warm welcome and transfer to a carefully selected boutique hotel in Leh.
- After breakfast, rest for acclimatization (Leh is at 3,500m altitude).
- Short acclimatization walk around the property in the evening.
🌅 Evening:
- Welcome session: Meet the group and facilitator, discuss the artistic theme for the retreat.
- Leisure time to explore Leh Market for local art & handicrafts.
DAY 2
Sham Valley & Leh’s Cultural Gems
🥐 Morning:
- After breakfast, set off for an excursion to Sham Valley.
- Visit:
- Magnetic Hill – Defy gravity with this natural illusion!
- Confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers – A stunning sight of two rivers merging.
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – Built in honor of Guru Nanak Dev.
- Hall of Fame Museum – A tribute to war heroes of Ladakh.
🎨 Afternoon:
- Visit the Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace for an art appreciation session with local insights.
- Stroll through the Leh Market to explore Ladakhi art and textiles.
🌅 Evening:
- Sunset at Tsemo Monastery – a mesmerizing view of Leh.
- Group discussion about colors and light in Ladakh’s landscapes.
DAY 3
Khardung La Adventure
🚙 Morning:
- Post breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (17,582 ft), one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
- Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys.
🏜 Afternoon:
- Arrive at Hunder and check-in at a charming resort or camp.
- Visit Diskit Monastery, home to the famous Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Explore Hunder’s sand dunes – home to rare double-humped Bactrian camels.
🎨 Evening – Art Session:
- Theme: "Golden Sands & Distant Peaks" – Capturing the contrast of Nubra’s desert against Ladakh’s rugged mountains.
- Medium: Watercolors/Pastels
- Location: Hunder Sand Dunes
Optional: Camel safari for those interested.
DAY 4
Shyok Valley route
🚙 Morning:
- Early breakfast and drive through Shyok Valley, a less-traveled but stunning route to Pangong Lake.
- Pass through Agham & Durbuk, witnessing Ladakh’s unique landscapes.
🌊 Afternoon:
- Arrive at Pangong Tso (4,350m), one of the highest saline lakes in the world.
- Check into a lakeside camp or boutique resort.
🎨 Evening – Art Session:
- Theme: "Reflections & Serenity" – Capturing the changing hues of Pangong Lake at sunset.
- Medium: Acrylics/Oil on Canvas
- Location: By the lakeshore
🌌 Night:
- Stargazing session – experience Ladakh’s clear, pollution-free night sky.
- Bonfire at the your camp/resort
DAY 5
Chang La Journey to Leh
🌅 Morning:
- Wake up early to witness Pangong’s surreal sunrise, where the lake shifts between shades of blue.
- Short guided nature walk along the lake before departure.
🚙 Afternoon Drive to Leh:
- Drive back via Chang La Pass (17,590 ft) – one of the highest passes in Ladakh.
- En route, visit:
- Thiksey Monastery – Known for its majestic 12-story complex.
- Shey Palace – A historic royal residence.
- Rancho’s School (From the movie 3 Idiots).
🎨 Evening – Final Art Showcase & Farewell Dinner:
- Display and share artworks created during the retreat.
- Themed farewell dinner featuring traditional Ladakhi cuisine.
DAY 6
Bye Bye Ladakh
✈ Morning:
- Transfer to Leh Airport for departure.
- Capture last glimpses of Indus & Zanskar Rivers, glaciers, and Himalayan peaks from the flight.
About the host
My name is Mansi. I’m a 26 yr old self taught artist. I started painting in 2020 and since then it has been my favourite way of storytelling. My goal is to guide you in discovering your own artistic voice while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh.
