A Slowly Mindful Journey Through Ladakh With An Artist

Date: 11 nights 12 Days

Starts: 

• Noon, Saturday, 06 July 2024 from Manali

Ends:

• 05 PM, 17th July 2024 at Manali Volvo Stand

Travel: 

• Tempo Traveler 
• Enfield Motorcycle 
• Own vehicle

• • Slow & Mindful Exploration: Escape the crowds and truly connect with Ladakh’s magic alongside artist Ghanapriya.
  • Learn Travel Sketching: Capture the essence of Ladakh with expert guidance, transforming your experiences into lasting artworks.
  • Serene Lakeside Stays: Ditch the crowded camps and soak in the tranquility of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri with lakeside camping.
  • Breathtaking Landscapes: Traverse scenic routes, conquer high mountain passes, and witness the dramatic beauty of Ladakh unfold.
  • Unique Cultural Immersion: Explore ancient monasteries, charming villages, and bustling markets, gaining a deeper understanding of Ladakhi life.

Day 1: Arrival in Manali by 9 AM after an overnight journey from New Delhi/Chandigarh

Arrive in Manali in a comfortable Volvo bus or cab or your own vehicle. On reaching Manali, drive to Soil village on the Naggar Manali road. We will start a gentle hike up to the jungle lodge fondly known as “Vanvaas”.  You will realize the name does justice to the lodge by virtue of its location and surroundings. It’s truly off-beat. This is the beginning of “Slowness” and “Mindfulness” in our travels to Ladakh. Ghana will join us here and thus will start a journey which is unique and rich in experience. The day will involve slow exploration and hikes through the forests around Vanvaas. You can try your luck at Angling or just chill by the non fire and engage in conversations with your fellow travelers. It’s a great time to break ice. Ghana would share her experiences and how the trip would be conducted. Enjoy a home-cooked fresh meal around a non fire before we call it a day.

Day 2: Manali to Sarchu

After breakfast at Vanvaas, we will hike back to our vehicles in Soil village. From here, we leave on a journey through Atal tunnel and Lahaul Valley. Lahaul is famously known as the “Land of Glaciers” and boasts of dramatic lush green landscape during this time of the year. Feel free to capture the scene with Ghana to guide you. We will head on to Sarchu for the night. On a clear night, Sarchu’s vast expanse is scenic and marked with high-speed winds. It feels like the wind is separating the physical borders of Himachal and Ladakh. Think about how you can capture the ferocity of the wind on a starry night in your sketch books. 

Day 3: Sarchu to Leh

 Breakfast in windy Sarchu is an experience. From here, gear up to drive over the high passes of Nakee La, Lachulung La, and Pang La, all while honing your sketching skills as the landscapes change dramatically. Drive on to Leh and check in. Freshen up and head on to explore Leh’s charming markets in the evening. There are some amazing eating joints that you must absolutely try. The busting cafés, the busy streets, the sizzling sizzlers on tables, the gleaming gems and precious stones displayed in shops, the UV lit shops with artifacts of Buddha and Shiva and underground art all under the same roof, tourists from all over on foot or bikes or big SUVs….all make up for the magic called Leh. It is captivating to see the dramatic landscape in the backdrop.

Day 4: Leh

We will spend another day exploring and slowly absorbing the essence of Leh. Immerse yourself in Leh’s history and culture. Visit the majestic Leh Palace, the serene Shanti Stupa, and bustling local markets. Capture the essence of Leh in your travel sketches. Spend the day at ease and just soak in. As the sun can be harsh, it is best to be prepared. Stop over at a cafe for some coolers and maybe a pizza or a plate of steaming momos. After a hectic day, the cool evening of a desert is all too welcoming. Head back for the night to the hotel and enjoy your dinner. We have a big day coming up tomorrow.

Day 5: Leh to Hundar

Nubra Valley via the Khardung La is the highlight today and is one of the most captivating experiences. We will be driving over the world’s highest motorable pass. You will skip a beat for sure when you are at the pass. It is an overwhelming feeling when you realize what human perseverance is capable of. Sketch the imposing Diskit Monastery and the unique sand dunes of Hundar. We will be staying in a unique homestay with an authentic experience. 

Day 6 :  Hundar to Pangong Tso

The drive from Hundar to Pangong Tso can truly be an interesting muse for you to capture and translate in your unique style. The never-ending expanse of Pangong Tso with the sparkling waters and massive mountains in the backdrop will stun you. Enjoy your dinner conversation in the campsite by the beautiful massive lake. 

Day 7:  Pangong Tso to Leh

After our attempts at capturing this stunning beauty of Pangong Tso in our unique ways, we will leave for Leh. Another night in Leh will refresh us back to civilization. Visit the ancient Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, and Hemis Monastery. Take this time to refine your sketching techniques or simply relax and enjoy the mountain town’s unique vibe.

Day 8: Day in Leh 

Day 9: Leh to Tso Moriri

Journey to the lesser-explored Tso Moriri, a magical lake untouched by mass tourism. We will camp by the lakeside and witness its pristine beauty – a true artist’s paradise. Tso Moriri is also rich in hosting many species of birds. Its tranquility is what will stand out. The lake and the surrounding area has been preserved as the Tso Moriri Wetland Reserve. On the Changthang plateau, Tso Moriri is the largest of the high-altitude lakes entirely in Ladakh region, India.

Day 10: Tso Moriri & Karzok

Today, we will explore the highest settlement in India, Karzok or Korzok village. It is located on the banks of Tso Moriri and in the Rupshu region. Drukpa Buddhist Karzok Monastery, beautiful tiny houses and nomadic people with their tents made of yak hair pitched are highlights of this village.Capture the essence of this remote region in your sketches and soak in the serenity of the Himalaya. 

Day 11: Tso Moriri to Jispa

We will leave for Jispa and drive through the scenic landscapes, passing the Chumathang hot springs. On our way back, there will be exquisite stops to enjoy the beauty of Ladakh. Spend the night in Jispa and exchange notes with your travel partners. These are the memories you will leave with.

Day 12: Jispa to Manali and Departure in the evening by Volvo 

Enjoy the thrilling descent from Jispa to Manali passing through the magnificent “Land of Glaciers” – Lahaul. Take in the dramatic change in scenery and capture it in your final sketches. We will drive back through Atal Tunnel and reach Manali for lunch at one of the cafés. You have the option to board a late evening bus back home or are welcome to extend your stay. Bid farewell to Ladakh, taking with you unforgettable memories and a unique collection of travel sketches created under Ghanapriya’s guidance.

Day 13 (Optional @xtra cost): Explore Manali 

You are welcome to extend your stay and experience the charming town of Manali. You have the option of adventure activities and sightseeing that can be arranged on request. 

• Failing to report at the reporting time of 3 hours will be considered as a “No-show” case.
• If there is a confirmed change in the trip plan, we will inform you well in advance.
• Participants are expected to have a reasonably good fitness level.
• Trekking and travel in the Himalaya not necessarily would always run exactly as scheduled. Allow for unplanned long days or early camps due to weather disruptions or similar causes.
• All participants are recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking and wilderness travel.
• Do not litter the environment. Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be littered or burned and should be carried back
• Soak up the atmosphere – close your eyes and take in the sights and sounds as you explore and observe.

• Delhi to Manali – Volvo Bus
• Chandigarh to Manali – Volvo Bus
• Delhi to Bhuntar – Flight (we’ll arrange for a pickup at the airport on request)

*If you need any assistance with your travel bookings, let us know and we’ll be happy to help!

Safety & Adventure Sports
The most basic yet prominent principle of indulging in any adventure activity is to take all the necessary precautions for safety.
We at Yoloo.Life, keep it all in account and ensure maximum safety measures to pre-plan the trip and minimize any kind of risk. We plan to mitigate the risk of high altitude-related problems by preparing and acclimatizing well and staying in comfort.
We strongly suggest you keep yourself adequately hydrated- possibly double your water intake.

• Ensure that you take all your medications along to avoid any health issues.
• Inform your friends and family before you depart for the trip and let them know that this will be a ‘No-Network’ zone.

We will be your point of contact throughout the entire trip. Our complete staff is trained and certified, including our wilderness first responders on the programs. So in any case, we will be there to help you out.