Elevated Expressions: Art and Culture in the Himalayas of Ladakh, India

Late evening or early morning arrivals in Delhi.  Upon arrival, transfer to hotel within the airport (or come a day early and visit Agra and explore Delhi for a day, and get over jet lag!)

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express in T3 

Meals: N/A

The first official day of the itinerary starts with an early transfer to Delhi airport for a flight to Leh, the largest town in Ladakh. The flight is not just a transfer but a visual treat, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape as participants ascend into the rugged terrain of northern India. Upon arrival in Leh, the group will embark on a scenic drive to Nurla in the Sham Valley. This drive includes a visit to the stunning confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, one of the most picturesque spots in the region, where the contrasting blue waters of the two rivers meet.

Upon reaching Nurla, participants will spend the remainder of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude, crucial for ensuring comfort during the rest of the trip. The process of acclimatization includes light activities such as a gentle walk through the village in the late afternoon. This walk is not only beneficial for adjusting to the altitude but also provides an opportunity to interact with local residents and observe daily life in the village. It's a perfect time for participants to take out their paints and canvases to capture the tranquil landscapes, which are dramatically set against the backdrop of towering mountains.

Accommodations: Apricot Tree Hotel or Ule Ethnic Resort 

As the journey continues in the Sham Valley, the group will visit the ancient monasteries of Wanla and Lamayuru. These monasteries are centers of Buddhist spirituality and culture, adorned with intricate murals and thangkas that tell tales of the divine. Participants will have ample time to explore these sacred spaces, where the serene atmosphere provides a profound sense of peace and inspiration for their artistic pursuits. Lunch will be enjoyed in one of these spiritual settings, accompanied by the natural beauty and quietude that only such ancient sites can offer.

To further enrich the cultural immersion, an evening session with a local artist or historian from the Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO) is planned. This interaction aims to deepen the understanding of Ladakhi art forms, discussing techniques, historical contexts, and the contemporary significance of traditional arts. It’s a wonderful opportunity for participants to engage directly with the cultural stewards of Ladakh.

Accommodations: Apricot Tree Hotel or Ule Ethnic Resort 

Meals: B, L, D

Day three is filled with visits to key cultural sites, starting with the Alchi Monastery, renowned for its age and magnificently preserved murals depicting various aspects of Buddhist lore. This monastery offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual and artistic traditions that have shaped the region. Following the monastery visit, lunch at Alchi Kitchen allows participants to enjoy traditional Ladakhi dishes in a rustic setting. The afternoon is spent exploring the Saspol Caves, which contain some of the oldest surviving paintings in the region, and a visit to the Likir pottery workshop, where participants can observe and even participate in the creation of traditional Ladakhi pottery.

The journey from Alchi to Stok is punctuated with a scenic drive that includes another stop at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, providing another opportunity to admire and photograph this natural wonder. Arriving in Stok by early evening, participants will check into the Highland Heritage Resort, a luxurious accommodation that combines traditional Ladakhi architecture with modern comforts, set against the backdrop of Stok's breathtaking landscapes.

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort

Meals: B, D

The day in Stok Village begins with a visit to the Siddhartha School, where participants can interact with students and learn about the educational landscape in Ladakh. This visit is followed by tours of Stok Palace and Monastery, and the iconic Golden Buddha statue, each site offering its own historical and spiritual insights into the life and traditions of the Ladakhi people. These visits are not only educational but also provide rich subjects for photography and painting.

A special lunch at Gyab Thao House offers a deeper dive into Ladakhi culture with a presentation on cultural heritage. The afternoon includes an artist orientation session, potentially featuring a Thanka Restorative painter or a local art expert, providing insights into the unique art forms of the Himalayas. This session is designed to inspire and inform participants, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the region’s artistic heritage.

The latter part of the afternoon is left free for participants to engage in personal activities, whether they choose to continue their artistic pursuits, explore more of Stok, or simply relax and take in the tranquil environment. Optional activities are available for those who wish to explore further or engage in more structured experiences.

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort

Today’s journey takes participants to the heart of Leh, beginning with a morning visit to the historic Leh Palace. This former royal palace, overlooking the town, offers insights into the regal past of Ladakh and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, perfect for both photography and artistic inspiration. Following the palace, the tour continues with a cultural heritage walk through Old Town Leh, which is a delightful exploration of ancient architecture and bustling local life.

The cultural journey in Leh includes a visit to the Ladakh Arts and Media Organization (LAMO), which plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Ladakhi arts and media practices. Here, participants will have the opportunity to engage with local artists and understand contemporary artistic endeavors in the region. Lunch will be an artisanal experience at a quaint eatery in Old Town, offering a fusion of traditional and modern Ladakhi cuisine.

The afternoon is reserved for leisurely activities, allowing participants time to shop in Leh's vibrant markets or continue their personal artistic projects. As the day winds down, the group will visit the serene Shanti Stupa, an iconic white-domed Buddhist monument that offers stunning sunset views over Leh, providing another wonderful opportunity for painting and reflection.

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort

Meals: B, L, 

Today offers a spiritual and artistic deep dive at the Ngari Institute in Saboo Village. The morning starts with a visit to the Ngari Temple, where participants will learn about Buddhist art forms directly from the monks. This includes an introduction to the intricate art of sand mandalas, renowned for their beauty and symbolic significance in Buddhist rituals.

The visit also includes a session on meditation techniques, offering participants a chance to experience and understand Buddhist practices of mindfulness and spiritual cleansing. The day continues with engaging activities with the children at the Ngari Institute, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange. Participants will have ample time throughout the day to paint, meditate, and absorb the tranquil environment of the institute.

Accommodations: Ngari Institute

Meals: B, L, D

The seventh day is centered around the vibrant Hemis Festival, which is held at the Hemis Monastery and celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. This festival is one of the most significant and colorful events in Ladakh, featuring elaborate rituals, traditional music, and the famous Cham Dance, performed by monks wearing richly brocaded costumes and intricate masks. Participants will have the opportunity to witness these celebrations, which are not only a feast for the eyes but also deeply imbued with spiritual meaning.

One of the must-visit festivals in Ladakh is Hemis Tsechu. It’s a colorful two-day affair that falls on 10th of the fifth month of Tibetan lunar calendar. The occasion celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava - the founder of Nyingma, the oldest order of Tibetan Buddhism. If you haven’t witnessed any extravagant Cham Performance, then Hemis monastery is the destination to consider. The mask dance represents different figures of god, goddess, dakini and asuras. Particular to this festival, you will witness the performance of Guru Padmasambhava and his eight manifestations. The dancers, adorned aesthetically in silk brocade, perform with musical instruments like drums, cymbals and longhorns. Oh! You cannot miss the display of 22 feet high thangka of Guru Padmasambhava, intricately made with the finest of silk.

The festival provides an extraordinary backdrop for artistic endeavors. Participants can paint or photograph the festivities, capturing the dynamic expressions of the dancers and the vibrant atmosphere of the monastery during the celebration. The sensory overload of colors, sounds, and movements makes this an unforgettable part of the Ladakh journey.

Accommodation: Highland Heritage Resort   

Meals: B, L, 

Optional activities in Stok, such as hiking and other activities

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort  

Meals: B, L, D

We start our day with a visit to Thiksey Monastery, where participants have the chance to observe and join the morning prayer session, a profound experience that offers a glimpse into the spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery, resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, is an architectural marvel and provides numerous opportunities for photography and painting.

Following the prayer session, embark on a guided tour of the monastery, where you’ll explore the various temples, shrines, and statues, including the iconic Maitreya Buddha statue, which dominates the landscape. As you walk through the monastery's ancient halls, you'll learn about its history, religious significance, and the daily routines of the monks who live there.

Later in the morning, enjoy tea and an art presentation with a Geshe (a Buddhist scholar) who is in charge of the monastery’s library, where you'll delve into the monastery’s collection of ancient texts and Thankas (Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings). The presentation will offer insights into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Ladakh, highlighting the importance of preserving these ancient treasures.

Following this enriching experience, you’ll have time to explore the monastery grounds further and paint on site, drawing inspiration from the stunning architecture and serene surroundings.

After lunch, we head to a culturally enriching, hands-on visit to LENA for a Pashmina workshop. LENA is a company co-founded by two Ladakhi women who produce the finest pashmina products using sustainable methods and help the local economy by employing local artisans, especially women. LENA has helped revive traditional methods of spinning, weaving, and using all natural products to dye their fibers.  The workshop will offer a hands-on experience with the artisans, giving you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into producing this luxurious fabric.

The workshop with LENA will flow as follows:

• Introduction to the art of natural dyeing with plants and its process.
• SCOURING: Pre-washing of skins is important to get rid of unwanted debris and grease that might come along with the fiber. 
• DYING of fabrics
• LAP LOOM TAPESTRY WEAVING: Tapestry is a unique work of art that is made in a particular woven textile technique. It develops hand- eye coordination and increase concentration with complete adsorption in the activity. The activity of tapestry weaving acts as a form of therapy and gives visually beautiful result at the end. You can use your own dyed yarn, your own spun yarn or raw wool of different colors to create your own patterns on the tapestry loom and take home the fabric you weaved.

About Thiksey Monastery

Built some 600 years ago, Thiksey Gompa is considered the most beautiful of all the Monasteries in Ladakh and consists of 12 levels ascending a hillside. The Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa school (the “yellow hat” sect) of Tibetan Buddhism. After entering the main courtyard to the monastery, to the immediate right and up several steps is a new temple containing a large Buddha statue.

Inside the gompa, the 15 meters tall his Buddha figure was constructed in 1970 to commemorate a visit to Thiksey by the Dalai Lama. The statue is the largest Buddha figure in Ladakh and took four years to construct. The statue is made of clay and covered with gold paint. Inside, the statue is filled with both the Kandshur and the Tandshur - volumes of Buddhist canonical texts.  

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort 
Meals: B, D

Begin the day with a morning visit to Hemis Monastery, one of the most prominent monasteries in Ladakh, known for its rich history, intricate architecture, and stunning views. Explore the Hemis Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of ancient artifacts, statues, and religious relics, offering a deeper understanding of the region's Buddhist heritage.

If time permits, enjoy a peaceful painting session above the monastery, where you can capture the breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere through art. This will provide a moment to relax and reflect before continuing with the day's activities.

After the monastery visit, return to Stok to participate in the Siddhartha School's 30th Anniversary Celebration. Join the festivities as the school commemorates three decades of providing education and fostering cultural preservation in the region. The celebration is a flexible event, allowing for a mix of organized activities, student performances, and community engagement, with opportunities to interact with students and teachers.

The rest of the late afternoon is free for relaxation or exploration in Stok. You can take this time to unwind, enjoy the local surroundings, or reflect on the day's meaningful experiences.

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort 

Meals: B, L, 

Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Rong Valley, a serene and culturally rich area that offers a glimpse into the region's ancient heritage.

Your exploration of the valley will include a fascinating look at the Rock Art (petroglyphs), where you can view ancient carvings etched into the stones, telling the stories of the people who once lived in this area. You’ll also have the chance to see stone carving mantras, sacred inscriptions that hold spiritual significance in Ladakhi Buddhism, providing a deeper connection to the area's cultural and religious traditions.

Next, visit the Cave of Padma Smbhava, a spiritual site dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism who is said to have meditated in these caves. The cave offers a sense of peace and reverence, making it a memorable highlight of the day.

Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local homestay in the village, where you’ll be treated to home-cooked Ladakhi food, offering an authentic taste of the region’s cuisine and a chance to experience local hospitality firsthand.

Following lunch, you'll have free time to paint in the scenic village, where the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views provide the perfect inspiration to capture the essence of this unique place on canvas. Whether it's the valley's landscape, the rock art, or the peaceful village life, this will be a peaceful and reflective way to end your day in Rong Valley.

We end the day with a Farewell Ladakhi Dinner in Stok, where you’ll gather with some of your new Ladakhi friends for a memorable evening, celebrating the connections and experiences shared throughout the journey.

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort 

Meals: B, L, D

• Morning Airport Transfer / Arrive Delhi and transfer to airport hotel  
• Fly Home late evening or early 

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express in T3  

Meals: B

Through Global Family Travels' Learn, Serve & Immerse travel pillars,  we have designed a journey of cultural experiences that dive deep into the invites participants to explore Ladakh's artistic legacy while also creating their own art, inspired by stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Through visits to temples, palaces, and bustling bazaars, travelers will connect with local painters, weavers, and designers, gaining insights into this remarkable cultural heritage.

LEARN

On this trip to Ladakh, you’ll delve deep into the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. From the historic Leh Palace to the Ladakh Arts and Media Organization (LAMO), you’ll explore the unique blend of Buddhist and Islamic influences that define the local culture. Through visits to sacred monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis, as well as the ancient rock art in Rong Valley, you’ll gain insights into Ladakh’s long-standing artistic traditions and the spiritual significance behind its sacred sites. Engaging with local artisans and attending a pashmina workshop will also offer an understanding of how art and craftsmanship play vital roles in the region’s economy and cultural identity.

SERVE

Through Global Family Travels’ commitment to support local community initiatives, you will have the opportunity to engage with Ladakhis and give back to local  organizations doing some amazing work to support quality education and preserve Ladakhi cultural heritage. As part of our visit to the Siddhartha School, a unique educational institution that offers quality education to children regardless of their ability to pay, you will witness firsthand the impact of global citizenry in action. Furthermore, your engagement with the children of the Ngari Institute, which provides education and shelter to underprivileged youth, highlights how small acts of service contribute to empowering future generations. Your visits will not only support the preservation of Ladakh's culture and education for its youth, but also contribute to its sustainable development.

IMMERSE

Immersing yourself in Ladakh’s culture is central to this journey. You'll experience genuine Ladakhi hospitality through traditional meals, participate in local religious practices, and witness the tranquil rhythms of daily life. This experience goes beyond sightseeing — it’s about becoming part of the community, whether painting in Stok’s serene landscapes or joining the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday. Through meaningful cultural activities and connections with local artists, you'll leave with cherished memories and a profound appreciation of Ladakh’s artistic, spiritual, and communal heritage.

Mona Pearl Treyball believes that connecting to art and culture elevates our consciousness and spiritual connections to this world. First coming to Ladakh as part of a spiritual journey and connection to Buddhist Mona Khensur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan and his school for children of Ladakhi and Tibetan heritage, Mona then became a board member of the Siddhartha School Partnership (SSP).

Mona is also an artist in many mediums – watercolor, acrylics, photography, glass, beads, metals, and woods.  She likes to explore the dimensions of color and light and find beauty in a moment. A life of service beyond self —Mom, Nurse, Veteran, and Artist, Mona is dedicated to co-creating our world to elevate understanding, reflection, compassion, and wisdom.

Laura Kozaitis is passionate about Himalayan art and heritage. Her passion for Himalayan art and heritage began in 1989 when she first traveled to the region to study with a master Ladakhi thangka painter. Four years later, she co-founded the Siddhartha School Project with her Smith College professor, Khensur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan, a Ladakhi Buddhist monk. She is also a co-founder and advisory board member of the Siddhartha School Partnership. (SSP). 

Laura is also he CEO of Silk Road Spaceship, the slow-fashion, a fair-trade-commerce website featuring hand-dyed silk accessories and gorgeous product collaborations with Himalayan designers. 

In addition, Laura wrote Harvard’s Peabody Museum Guide to their collection of Himalayan objects while completing a master’s degree from Harvard Divinity School in world religions with a focus on Tibetan art and religious history.  She is thrilled to share Himalayan culture and the beauty of Ladakh with visitors. 

She is thrilled to share Himalayan culture and the beauty of Ladakh with visitors and looks forward to taking this group to the region.

Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs.  In partnership non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.  

Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.    
 
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip!  Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels

The main goal of the Ngari Institute is to empower and enrich monks and lay persons, especially the youth, by providing a balanced learning experience of both modern scientific knowledge and ancient Buddhist wisdom, thus helping them to become efficient and productive citizens.    

During our adventure, we will immerse with the monks of Ngari in their new temple and receive Buddhist dharma from them; and also enjoy some playtime and yoga engage with students who live there on Ngari’s campus.  

Under the leadership of its current President, Geshe Tsewang Dorje, an eminent Buddhist scholar and practitioner, the Institute has experienced fast-pace growth in the enrollment of underprivileged children from the surrounding Ladakh region.  

The Institute currently provides free education, food and shelter for 58 children, with promise to keep educating them until graduation from high school level. In addition to providing education and shelter to under privileged children of Ladakh, the Institute also sponsors programs in Buddhist philosophy for university-level students, who visit Ladakh for summer vacation. Looking to the future, the Institute is planning on providing higher Buddhist philosophical studies to monks and lay practitioners comprised of both local and foreign students. 

During part of this trip, we engage and support the good work of the Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO), a public charitable trust established to articulate an alternative vision for the arts and media in Ladakh. The organization set up the LAMO Centre in Leh, the main town of the region, to provide a space for the understanding and development of the arts. The complex on which the Centre is located comprises two historical houses below the 17th-century Lechen Pelkhar (Leh Palace). The houses were restored by LAMO and converted to an art space with galleries, offices, a library and reading room, a screening room, conference room, and an open-air performance site. The Centre is designed to conduct outreach programs, lectures, film screenings, research and documentation projects, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase Ladakh’s material and visual culture, performing arts, and literature. Visit LAMO's website and Instagram page to learn more.

LENA is a company co-founded by two Ladakhi women, Sonam Angmo and Stanzin Minglek who produce the finest pashmina products using sustainable methods and helps the local economy by employing local artisans, especially women. LENA has helped revive traditional methods of spinning, weaving, and using all-natural products to dye their fibers.

More About LENA’s Workshop

The workshop is held in the loving ambience of the home of LENA’s Founders by the banks of river Indus among the poplar trees. You will be immersed in nature, as we wil be using the dye materials directly from our garden to washing the yarns in the running stream to drying it amidst the lush green field. Our home is situated in the heart of Thiksey village below the famous picturesque Thiksey monastery, 17kms from Leh. You can also take a walk by the stream and explore the barley fields and if you are lucky enough you might catch some village field activities.

Alchi Kitchen offers authentic Ladakhi cuisine served by award-winning chef Nilza Wangmo. Learn how she is promoting women’s empowerment and introducing Ladakhi cuisine to visitors.

The Hemis Monastery is one the largest monasteries in Ladakh. Positioned inside a gorge, the monastery was built in the 17th century under the patronage of King Singey Namgyal, and it holds the distinction of being the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Belonging to the Drukpa Order (sometimes called either Drugpa or "Red Hat sect”), it stands on the western bank of the Indus River. The monastery also boasts a very rich collection of ancient relics.