Tour Overview
The Ladakh Monastery Circuit is a deeply immersive spiritual journey through the ancient Buddhist heartland of the western Himalayas. Over 6 thoughtfully paced days, you will explore some of Asia's most magnificent monasteries — each one a living museum of art, scripture and centuries-old tradition.
From Hemis — Ladakh's largest and wealthiest monastery, home to a legendary thangka said to be adorned with precious gems — to the photogenic tiered structure of Thiksey, often compared to the Potala Palace of Lhasa, every monastery reveals a new facet of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The circuit also includes the 10th-century Alchi Monastery with its extraordinary Kashmir-style murals, and the Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley, dominated by a 32-metre Maitreya Buddha gazing across the cold desert landscape. A deeply enriching experience for the spiritually curious traveller.
Tour Highlights
Hemis Monastery — Ladakh's grandest monastery, home to a jewelled thangka of Guru Rinpoche
Thiksey Monastery — 12-storey monastery overlooking the Indus Valley, resembling Lhasa's Potala
Alchi Murals — 10th-century painted frescoes in Kashmir style — a UNESCO-listed heritage site
Diskit Buddha — 32m Maitreya Buddha overlooking the sand dunes of Nubra Valley
Puja Participation — Attend morning prayer rituals with resident monks at select monasteries
Expert Guide — Specialist cultural guide with deep knowledge of Buddhist art and philosophy
Shey Palace — Ancient royal palace with a two-storey copper-gilt Buddha statue inside
Sunrise at Thiksey — Witness the morning prayer ritual at dawn with panoramic valley views
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Leh — Acclimatisation
Arrive in Leh. Transfer to hotel and complete rest for acclimatisation. Brief orientation with your specialist cultural guide. Overnight in Leh.
Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo & Leh Bazaar
Morning visit to the 17th-century Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo Monastery perched above the old town. Afternoon exploration of the Leh Bazaar. Visit Sankar Gompa at dusk. Overnight in Leh.
Sunrise at Thiksey — Hemis — Shey Palace
Pre-dawn drive to Thiksey to attend morning puja with the monks as the sun rises over the valley — one of Ladakh's most moving experiences. Continue to Hemis Monastery. Afternoon at Shey Palace. Overnight in Leh.
Alchi & Likir Monasteries
Drive west to Alchi — one of Ladakh's oldest monasteries with extraordinary 10th-century Kashmir-style murals. Continue to Likir Monastery with its giant golden Buddha statue. Return via Magnetic Hill and Sangam confluence. Overnight in Leh.
Nubra Valley — Diskit Monastery & Hunder
Drive over Khardung La to Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery and the towering 32m Maitreya Buddha. Afternoon walk among the Hunder sand dunes. Evening in a traditional camp. Overnight in Nubra Valley.
Return to Leh — Departure
Morning drive back to Leh over Khardung La. Last-minute shopping at Leh Market for Thangka paintings, prayer flags and Pashmina. Transfer to airport. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ Included
- 5 nights accommodation (hotels & camps)
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- All transfers by private SUV
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Nubra & Pangong
- English/Hindi speaking guide throughout
- Morning puja experience with monks
- Oxygen cylinders for high altitude
- All monastery & monument entry fees
- Welcome drink & traditional Ladakhi dinner
- Expert cultural guide specialised in Buddhism
✕ Not Included
- Domestic / international airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches throughout the tour
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal shopping & expenses
- Optional activities (kayaking, etc.)
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions