Ladakh: India Somatic Rewilding - A Yoga Retreat to reconnect to Spirit & Nature

Morning Activities

• Begin the day with an early breakfast.
• Enjoy an interactive session with a Yoga Expert, exploring the history and philosophy of yoga, followed by a rejuvenating yoga session.

Visit to Aurobindo Ashram

• Drive to Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo, focusing on integral yoga and human development.
• Relish a simple lunch at the Ashram.

Afternoon Sightseeing

• Humayun’s Tomb: Discover this stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture, built in 1565 AD, featuring the iconic Charbagh gardens, water channels, and a majestic double-domed mausoleum.
• Drive Past Government Buildings: View New Delhi's colonial landmarks, including the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and other iconic structures designed by Lutyens.
• Photo Stop at India Gate: Admire this 42-meter-high war memorial honoring soldiers from World War I and later conflicts, with the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame beneath the arch.

Immerse in an Evening Culinary Experience

• Visit a local home in South Delhi for an authentic cooking class and dinner. Learn about Indian herbs, spices, and traditional cooking techniques while enjoying warm hospitality and gaining insights into Indian family life.

Accommodations: The Suryaa or Similar   

Meals: B, L, D

Early birds get a packed breakfast today as you check out and make your way to the airport for a flight to Leh. This travel day transitions you from the lively streets of Delhi to the serene heights of the Himalayas, setting the stage for a truly unique cultural immersion. 

Late evening arrivals in Delhi and transfer to Taj Vivanti Hotel by airport. You will each be greeted at the airport upon arrival and transferred to hotel and assisted with check in process. 

Accomodations: Taj Vivanta

Begin your exploration in Stok Village with an invigorating morning yoga session amid the serene landscapes of Ladakh. As you breathe in the crisp mountain air, prepare yourself for a day steeped in cultural heritage. Meet the local water guardian, who plays a crucial role in maintaining the village’s ancient water sharing system. This system, vital for the community’s sustainability, illustrates the ingenious methods developed by the Ladakhis to thrive in harsh environments. Explore Stok Gompa and Stok Palace, where centuries-old artifacts and architecture provide a window into Ladakh’s regal and spiritual history. Savor a traditional Ladakhi meal, offering flavors that are as rich in history as they are in taste. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a meditation session designed to deepen your connection to the surrounding tranquility. Conclude the day with a welcome dinner alongside fellow travelers, sharing stories beneath the vast Ladakhi sky, creating bonds that enhance the communal spirit of the journey. 

Accommodation: Highland Heritage Resort    
Meals: B, L, D  

 

After morning yoga practices and breakfast, we depart for “Leh Town,” which was an important stopover route for the trade of salt, grain, cashmere, indigo, and silk between India and China.  

 
Today, our guide from the Ladakh Arts and Media Organization (LAMO), will share their work to preserve cultural heritage and present an overview of some of the research they have conducted around the region's water issues. We will also enjoy a brief tour of their museum, followed by a guided walk in Leh Town, with a special stop at a local oracle/astrologer’s house, followed by Artisanal curated lunch at Jade house and shopping at the old Bazaar.  
 

The flow of our day is as follows: 

• Early Morning rooftop yoga practices at the Golden Retreat Hotel 

• After breakfast, we head to Leh and Old Town, and visit Leh Palace and LAMO’s exhibition galleries, old kitchen and Rabsal room, as well as a short film on the agriculture system and rituals in Ladakh.  

• Next, we proceed on a heritage walk through the old Leh town with a stop to visit a local oracle/ astrologer’s house for a short session with him and then resume our walk which ends at Leh’s old bazaar 

• Artisanal Alchemy’s Ladakhi Lunch Experience at Jade House 

• After enjoying lunch in Leh, we will enjoy free time to explore the bazaar for shopping and getting acquainted with the ‘town plaza with a stop at LENA's Pashmina shop before we meet with them tomorrow for our workshop.  

• En route back to Stok, we enjoy a sunset visit to Shanti Stupa.  

• Return to Stok for dinner.   

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort    

Meals: B, D 

Your fifth day starts with a scenic drive to Thiksey Monastery, timed to allow you to participate in the tranquil morning prayers. This serene session offers a profound connection to the spiritual essence of Ladakh. Thiksey Monastery, resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, is not only a stunning architectural feat but also a vibrant center of Buddhist learning and spirituality. 

After the prayers, take a guided tour of the monastery. Visit its expansive library, which houses ancient scriptures and religious texts, providing deeper insight into Buddhist teachings. The monastery is also home to many precious artifacts, statues, and thangkas, each telling stories of the Buddha’s life and teachings. 

Later in the morning, engage in a Pashmina workshop at the monastery. This hands-on experience introduces you to the delicate art of making Pashmina, one of Ladakh’s most esteemed crafts. Learn about the traditional techniques used by local artisans to spin and weave these fine wools into exquisite shawls and scarves. 

After the workshop, join Ramone for a session of guided meditation and spiritual practices designed to integrate the morning's experiences. These practices aim to enhance mindfulness and connect deeper with the serene environment, using the peaceful settings of Thiksey as a backdrop. 

Conclude your day with evening practices led by Ramone, drawing on the day’s learnings and the calm energy of the monastery grounds. This combination of cultural immersion, artisanal learning, and spiritual practices makes the visit to Thiksey an enriching and transformative experience, deepening your appreciation for the spiritual and cultural traditions of Ladakh. 

Accommodations:  Highland Heritage Resort   

Meals: B, D (lunch paid for on your own) 

Start your morning with a shared yoga session at Siddhartha School, engaging with students and teachers in a harmonious start to the day. This vibrant interaction fosters a connection between visitors and the local community, providing insights into the school's mission to integrate modern education with cultural preservation. 

Post-yoga, tour the Siddhartha School to witness firsthand the educational environment that nurtures young minds while maintaining a strong focus on Ladakhi heritage. Engage in dialogue with the students and educators, learning about their daily routines and educational aspirations, and observe how the school blends traditional Ladakhi teachings with contemporary learning methods. 

In the afternoon, travel to the Ladakh Nuns Association in Saboo, a vital institution supporting the education and spiritual training of young women and nuns. Here, you'll gain insights into the nuns' daily lives and their pivotal role in sustaining Buddhist practices in the region. Participate in an interactive session where trained Tibetan Amchis (doctors) introduce you to Sowa-Rigpa, the ancient Science of Healing. This traditional system of medicine, recognized for its holistic approach to health and wellness, provides an intriguing contrast to Western medical practices. 

Your visit also includes hands-on learning about various healing herbs and techniques used in Sowa-Rigpa, enhancing your understanding of how these practices contribute to community health and spiritual well-being. The day wraps up with a meditation session led by the nuns, allowing you to reflect on the day's experiences in a tranquil setting. 

This enriching day not only deepens your understanding of Ladakhi culture and educational practices but also offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual and healing traditions that are integral to the community’s fabric. 

Accommodations: Highland Heritage Resort    

Meals: B, L, D  

Today, we Learn, Serve & Immerse with the Monks and children of the Ngari Institute and spend the night at their guest house.  We will have the opportunity to learn modern scientific knowledge and ancient Buddhist wisdom and support their mission of free education, food and shelter for children from remote villages of Ladakh.   

• Upon arrival, we are given a tour of Ngari’s new temple by Geshe Tsewang Dorje, Director of Ngari Institute and then have a teaching there by him about Buddhist tantric practices and the sutra. 

• After lunch, we enjoy an engaging afternoon with the children of Ngari in games and sports once they are home from school.  
• Learn more about Ngari Institute in our Trip highlights. 

Your time at the Ngari Institute not only enriches your understanding of Ladakhi culture and Buddhist education but also inspires a sense of global citizenship and community service. 

Accommodations: Ngari Institute 

Meals: B, L, D  

On your eighth day, prepare for a spiritual journey to Hemis Monastery, one of the most revered and architecturally impressive Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Located in a tranquil valley, this monastery is a significant cultural heritage site and a stronghold of the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Begin the day with a scenic drive from Leh to the monastery, allowing the landscape to transition from the bustling town to the serene, spiritual solitude of the Hemis region. Upon arrival, you'll be guided through the monastery's premises, where you'll visit the main temple, adorned with vibrant thangkas, statues, and intricate murals that tell tales of Buddhist mythology and the life of Buddha. 

Explore the monastery’s museum, which houses a rich collection of ancient relics, ceremonial dresses, and artifacts that offer insights into the history and spiritual practices of the region. The visit provides a deep dive into the spiritual traditions that are at the heart of Ladakhi culture, including a chance to observe monks in their daily rituals and prayer sessions. 

After touring the monastery, participate in a special meditation session led by a resident monk, designed to allow you to reflect on your experiences throughout the trip and absorb the peaceful energy that Hemis Monastery exudes. 

As the day winds down, gather with your group for a farewell dinner. This is an opportunity to share stories and reflections on the insights gained during your stay. Discuss how the journey has impacted your understanding of Ladakh’s culture, spirituality, and community life. 

The day concludes with a closing circle, where you can express gratitude, exchange contact information with new friends, and discuss ways to carry the peace and serenity you experienced back into your daily life. This reflective farewell adds a meaningful closure to your immersive journey through the spiritual and cultural landscapes of Ladakh, leaving you with memories and lessons that will last a lifetime. 

ccommodations: Highland Heritage Resort    

Meals: B, D  

• Morning: Flight fom Leh to Delhi. 

• Upon arrival, we will visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, which is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara in Delhi, associated with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Inside the complex is a pond known as "Sarovar," whose water, called "Amrit," is considered holy by Sikhs. The gurdwara was initially built as a small temple in 1783 by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh, who oversaw the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. You have the option to volunteer at the gurdwara to serve food in the community kitchen, known as "Langar." This is a wonderful way to give back and experience the spirit of service. 

• Lunch at a central Delhi restaurant. 

• Evening at leisure in Connaught Place. 

• Early dinner and room for wash & change at airport hotel. 

At Global Family Travels we believe that the most powerful way to learn is through the first-hand experience. We let the country and its people be your teachers and supplement your experiences with reading lists, informal discussions, and a pre-trip orientation which to better prepare travelers with the practical information they need to understand the culture, history, and industry of their host destination.  

Throughout your time in Ladakh,  each new person you meet is your teacher, and each new activity you try is an opportunity to learn! 

Unique learning experiences related to this regenerative adventure include: 

• Ladakhi cultural traditions at centuries-old monasteries, quaint villages, multi-generational homes, while you explore one of the important stops on the Silk Road 

• Buddhist mindful healing and traditional medical practices culture, philosophy, and history 

• The impacts of climate change, and the ancient system Ladakh villages use to preserve and distribute water 

• Immerse in traditional markets and crafts workshops, including a hands-on workshop Pashmina Workshop and the art of textiles from a local, woman-owned shop 

• Meditate with the Monks at their temples and be introduced to tantric Buddhist practices  

• Engage with knowledgeable Amchis (Doctors) and get a real insight into the theory of Sowa-Rigpa, i.e. the Science of healing.  

• Enjoy Ladakhi culinary experiences! 

This adventure includes donations to several of our partner organization who will host us and whose communities we will engage with and learn from, including the Siddhartha School Partnership, the Ngari Institute, and Ladakh Nuns Association.  

We will also support these compassionate organizations engaged in helping the socio-emotional learning of Ladakhi youth, while being mindful of the toll that the pandemic has had on the region’s educational system and mental health issues among Ladakh's more vulnerable youth, marginalized by socio-economic factors. 

The Siddartha School Partnership is committed to ensuring the next generation in Ladakh has access to education that is modern yet emphasizes how vital it is to learn about and preserve culture and heritage. The Ngari Institute supports underprivileged children in Ladakh by providing free education, food, and shelter as well as empowering adult members of the community including monks and laypersons. The Ladakh Nuns Association has been supporting the education of girls, young women, and nuns to revive and rejuvenate the tradition of Buddhism and nuns in Ladakh. 

During this journey, you will be given opportunities to volunteer your time, including planting trees, or gardening with Buddhist Nuns, practicing yoga and engaging with students of the Siddhartha School and the Ngari Institute, and serving food at a Sikh temple in New Delhi.  

We have designed a journey of culturally immersive experiences that dive deep into Ladakhi culture at centuries-old monasteries, heritage homes, traditional markets, and crafts workshops. Personal connections with Ladakhis are facilitated by the strong relationships with our community hosts, non-profit partners, and local we engage with. During your time in Ladakh, you will become familiar with the rhythm of daily life in the peaceful village of Stok and with friends from the Siddhartha School community,  and gain a deep understanding of the Buddhist culture and traditions of this stunning region.

This unique adventure provides heartfelt immersive experiences in Ladakh, India's ancient traditions and culture. You will connect with locals, exploring their way of life and how they live with intention and in harmony with nature and within their communities, sit with monastic people and learn how they chose their vows to become monks or nuns and what their daily lives look like. You will be able to explore and experience multiple locations rich in culture and history, including New Delhi, Leh, Leh Town, and Stok! 

Once at the crossroads of vital trade routes between China and the Middle East, Ladakh is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and became a new Union territory state of India in 2019. Ladakh, also known as the "Land of High Passes," is famous for its unrivaled splendor and infinite exploration points, filled with high mountains, valleys, and plateaus offering plenty of cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventure opportunities. 

The Ladakh region is ecologically and culturally unique and has a topography that is very different from the rest of India, and is home to enormous mineral reserves. The population of Ladakh is approximately 300,000 people and is spread sparsely over an area of about 60 thousand square kilometers. Buddhism and Islam are the two main religions of Ladakh. There is also a small population of Sunni Muslims in addition to Hindus, Sikhs and Ladakhi Christians. 

Tenzin Dasel has vast experience traveling throughout Ladakh, from Leh, to Nubra Valley and the remote region of Zanskar. She has visited, studied, taught and volunteered extensively since 2005 as a trip leader, guest lecturer, environmental project leader and Buddhist teacher. Over the past six years, she has been primarily based in India since 2016 and has travelled extensively though out the country, having deep knowledge of its culture and rich heritage. Tenzin Dasel has spent the most of this time in Ladakh, and is well versed in the people and cultures there.  

As an ordained Buddhist monastic, she has unique knowledge and of the Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist practices, artistic iconography and monastery systems. It is her pleasure to introduce and share this extraordinary land, culture, spiritual traditions, and the essence of “Jullay” with visitors and locals alike! 

Much more than a traditional travel company, Bellevue-based Global Family Travels’ mission is to Learn, Serve and Immerse, using travel as a means to build cultural bridges and to foster global citizens. Using tourism to address community and environmental challenges, we organize sustainable travel opportunities in partnership with local and global non-profit organizations and support many communities.  

Global Family Travels family-friendly global trips and local day tours in the Greater Seattle area support many important United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), such as quality education, conservation, gender equality and access to clean water. Each trip features a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, as well as community engagement projects aimed at directly improving the lives of people in the destinations we visit.  Our travelers return with a renewed sense of themselves, and our global community, and are often inspired to take action to help achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. 

Our family roots are in Ladakh, and our inaugural trip in 2010, we did a village clean-up with the Siddhartha School Project. 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 Ngari Institute is a youth hostel in a quaint Himalayan village called Saboo and was started in 2012 by 5 devout monks from the Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, and under His Holiness the Dalai Lama's auspices, with His blessings.  The Ngari Institute’s mission is to empower and enrich the poor and needy students in this remote region, by imparting a combined learning of both modern scientific knowledge and ancient Buddhist wisdom.  

The Ngari Institute has about 25 youth without family nearby living there full time, ages 5-14, boys and girls, and the monks working there take care their daily needs, giving them room, board, tuition fees, book and clothing allowances, and access to medical care. Students follow the standard government educational curriculum during the day at schools such as Siddhartha, Tibetan Children’s Village, and the Saboo Government Schools and will learn about Himalayan Buddhist culture and spirituality during the after-school hours. 

Ngari is building a new meditation hall which our group will be one of the first to use!

The Ladakh Nuns Association was founded in 1996 by Venerable Dr. Tsering Palmo, a Ladakhi nun and traditional Tibetan Medical (AMCHI) with, the aim of reviving and rejuvenating the tradition of nuns in Ladakh. The organization aims to raise the education level of the nuns and to give them a way to study and practice the Dharma. Since it was founded, LNA has been providing opportunities for young girls, whose families may have experienced difficulties, to have secular and monastic education and live in a nunnery with spiritual nurturing and care of older nuns.  In order to promote the role of nuns, LNA has given them the opportunity to obtain higher education in Buddhist philosophy and in Traditional Tibetan Medical studies with Ladakh. 

 

The Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO) is 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.  If you would like to know more about LAMO, please see www.lamo.org.in or visit their Facebook page.