Around 125 kms. west of Leh, on a spectacularly beautiful road, lies the earliest surviving monastery of Ladakh, known as Yung-drung or the Swastika. The Gonpa is remarkably built on sand stone and dates to the 11th Century. The monastery has a remarkable history and the surrounding area presents an interesting topography that is spread with yellow loess formation. The Alchi monastery lies 69 kms. west of Leh, the most famous and largest of all the Gonpa built by Rinchen Zangpo in 11th Century. The monastery houses some of the best murals and frescoes representing the Kashmiri style of Buddhist iconography. Each monastery in Ladakh is distinct in itself and for those who wish to experience the uniqueness of Ladakhi monasteries this is an ideal opportunity.

Day -1 : Travel from Delhi to Leh by air. The early morning flight from Delhi gets to Leh in less than two hours. From the airport guests would be transferred to a three star city hotel where they would be housed on full board. Leh is at an altitude of 3500 mts. And all guests are advised to rest for the entire day. A successful trek in Ladakh requires you to acclimatize well.

Day -2 : This day is meant to provide an opportunity to get a feel of the place. Guests will be driven to the Leh Palace, which houses old relics that belong to the sixteenth century ruler of Ladak. Later in the day a trip to the monasteries at Shey, Thiksey and Hemis will also be arranged.

Day -3 : Likir to Yangthang across Phobe La (9 kms/4 to 5 hrs.). Morning after breakfast you will be driven by taxi to Likir which is just 58 kms. away. Likir Village (3650 mts.) is the starting point of our trek. Although the distance is short, the route is warm, without any shade or water and we need to traverse two passes. From Likir the route heads west up to Phobe La (3580m) and beyond this lies Sumdo village. The trail goes steadily upwards till you get to Chagatse La (3630m). Across the pass is the village of Yangthang (3630m) where we camp for the night, next to a stream. The Ridzong Monastery lies about an hour south of Yangthang.

Day -4 : Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachen across Tsermangchen La (8 kms.; 2/3 hours) : Today is an easy walk despite the pass because both the approach and the descent are of gentle gradients. The trail heads north, descending for a bit, crossing a stream before climbing up west again to Tsermangchen La (3750m). After a short rest at the pass we head down to Hemis Shukpachen. The village, named after the grove of cedars, is one of Ladakh’s prettiest. There are several sparkling streams surrounded by shady willows and large barley fields that provide a touch of green to the otherwise desolate, rocky mountains.

Day -5 : Hemis Shukpachen to Ang across Mebtak La (10 kms.; 3 hrs) : Again this is a fairly easy day. The trail goes upward between two hillocks west of the village upwards until it veers south and climbs steeply up to the Mebtak La (3750m) marked by prayer flags. From the pass we head down the gorge to Ang, a charming village with apricot orchards, where we camp for the night.

Day -6 : Ang to Temisgam and Nurla (8 km; 3 hrs.) : Today is the last day and very easy as it’s downhill all the way on to the main road. From Temisgam there would be a taxi waiting to take back everyone to Leh.

Day -7 : Depart for Delhi by the morning flight. For the more adventurous a drive to either Manali or Srinagar can also be arranged on request. The road journey is covered in two days with an overnight halt at either Sarchu, which lies on the Leh-Manali highway, or Kargil, which lies on the Leh-Srinagar highway.