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
Hemis Festival & Heritage
🥐Morning:
- After a hearty breakfast, set off to experience Hemis festival, Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of the Hemis Festival, one of the most renowned festivals in Ladakh. Experience traditional dances, cultural performances, and rituals that showcase Ladakh’s rich heritage.
🌊Afternoon:
- Shanti Stupa & Leh Palace: Explore the serene Shanti Stupa.
- Visit the historic Leh Palace, a symbol of the region’s royal past.
🎨Evening
- Art Appreciation Session: Engage in a local art discussion, exploring the intricate designs, motifs, and craftsmanship found in Ladakhi art, textiles, and architecture.
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.
- 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: Poster / Gouache
- Location: Hunder Sand Dunes
Optional: Camel safari for those interested.
DAY 4
Shyok Valley route
🚙 Morning:
- Early breakfast and drive through Shyok Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery en route.
- 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: Acrylic paints 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
I’m Isha Kamal, a self-taught artist who loves painting nature and capturing beautiful places through art. Over the past five years, I’ve shared my journey online as Elysian Vibes, teaching and inspiring others through workshops, tutorials, and creative content. I love traveling, as you may have seen through my reels, and no matter where I go, I never forget to pack my art supplies. Alongside my creative journey, I also balance a full-time corporate job, making time for both my passion and profession. With this artist retreat by Dorra Trip, I’m excited to bring fellow creatives together to explore, paint, and experience the joy of making art in a new place!
