Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi*
Spend the night at the luxurious Imperial Hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner.
*If you would like to arrive a day or two in advance, additional nights at The Imperial can be arranged.
Day 2: Leh
After a quick 1.5-hour flight to Leh, we are instantly surrounded by the High Himalayas. We keep our schedule easy to allow for acclimatization (elevation 12,000 feet), including a visit to Shantay Stupa and a tour of the Cashmere Mill—the only one owned and operated entirely by nomads.
Day 3: Leh
We rise early to experience morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, modeled after Tibet's Potala Palace, followed by a visit to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's private summer residence. In the afternoon, enjoy a private cooking class to learn how to make traditional momos (dumplings).
The Imperial
A legacy since 1936
A Grand Dame of the East, The Imperial New Delhi is India’s iconic heritage luxury hotel, evoking the opulence of a 19th-century palatial estate. From marble colonnades to hand-knotted Persian carpets, every corner is infused with history, art and tradition.
Day 4: Nubra Valley
Our drive to Nubra Valley takes us over Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world (elevation 18,380 feet). We will pause for photos before continuing on our way. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride atop Bactrian camels that have roamed this region since the days of the Old Silk Road.
Day 5: Pangong Lake
Before the movie 3 Idiots, very few travelers visited Pangong Lake. Located in the easternmost part of Ladakh, it sits in the heart of Changtang, the premier cashmere-growing region. Our drive from Nubra to Pangong features some of the most dramatic scenery imaginable. In the afternoon, we will tour the lake and gather around a cozy bonfire after dinner.
Day 6: Pangong Lake
In 2015, Wild Fibers established the Pangong Craft Center—the region's first cashmere spinning and weaving center—specifically to support the women who have lovingly raised these animals for centuries. Upon arrival, you will receive a traditional Ladakhi welcome, spend the day learning about their daily lives, and meet some of their young children.
Opened in August 2015 in Phobrang village at an altitude of 14,650 feet, the Pangong Craft Center provided a warm, well-lit workspace for 60 semi-nomadic women to spin and weave cashmere from their own goats.
Today, the center has grown to over 130 members producing fine cashmere items. The women appreciate both the extra income and the communal space to socialize and bring their children.
Day 7: Nomadic Camp
We promise you a day that will linger in your heart forever after breaking bread and going to bed in a nomadic camp. Surrounded by thousands of cashmere goats, countless yaks, and a few barking dogs, you will experience the tenacious nature of the nomads and their abundant heart.
Day 8: Lower Ladakh
Traveling along roads that have been dramatically improved in the past 10 years, we gradually descend to lower Ladakh and spend two nights along the shore of the Indus River. Your private cottage (fully solar-powered) is part of an apple and apricot farm.
Day 9: Lower Ladakh
Within a short distance of our resort we can visit several monasteries including Alchi, which is famous for its spectacular murals. We will enjoy our last al fresco tea in the mountains before returning for dinner and a cultural dance show.
Day 10: Leh
We return to Leh in the morning and enjoy the afternoon visiting the market where you will have the chance to shop for true Kashmiri shawls and other items unique to the area.
Day 11: Fly to Delhi
Our flight to Delhi leaves in the morning, arriving no later than noon.
If you like, we can help with further travels to Jaipur, Jodphur, or Varanasi.
If you are flying home that day, we recommend booking a flight that leaves after 3:00 pm.
