Woven Whispers of Ladakh: The Pashmina Trail

Overview

Discover the exquisite artistry of Ladakh’s famed Pashmina, a journey that weaves together culture tradition and breathtaking landscapes. The “Woven Whispers of Ladakh:The Pashmina Trail” package invites you to delve into the heart of Ladakh’s rich heritage and intricate craftsmanship behind the world-renowned Pashmina shawls.

This unique tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Ladakh, where the Changthang plateau serves as a sanctuary for the Changpa nomads and there prized Pashmina goats. Witness their traditional way of life, where they roam the vast, untamed terrain in harmony with nature, providing the raw material for the world-renowned Pashmina fabric.Delve into the fascinating world of natural dyeing, where vibrant hues are derived from organic sources like flowers, roots, and bark. Learn about the time-honored techniques employed by local artisans as they extract dyes from these natural ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of traditional methods and sustainable practices. During your journey, you’ll visit workshops and weaving center, where skilled craftsmen and women transform the soft, downy fibers of Pashmina wool into exquisite shawls and garments. Observe their meticulous process, from hand-spinning the yarn to intricately weaving intricate patterns and designs.

Day 1 :

LEH ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO HOTEL

Our representative will receive you in Leh airport. Transfer to hotel in Leh. Complete day rest for acclimatisation. Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region in northern India, with an average altitude of around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level. To acclimatize to the high altitude in Ladakh, it's important to take some precautions and gradually adjust to the new environment. Drink plenty of fluids and take ample amount of rest. Overnight and dinner at Hotel in Leh.

Day 2 :

LEH LOCAL SIGHTSEEING + HERITAGE LADAKHI LUNCH IN STOK (80 KM’S/ 2-3 HOURS DRIVE)

Enjoy the crux of the famed tourist spots of Leh in a day. Post breakfast visit to the ancient palace of Leh town. Also known as Lachen Palkar, Leh palace is the former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh. It was constructed circa 1600 by Sengge Namgyal. To witness the grandeur of the Hemis Monastery, you can take an extra drive of around 40 km towards the east of Leh town. Hemis Monastery is one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh, and it is famous for its colorful festivals and traditional masked dance performances. Afternoon, visit the Gyab Thago heritage home for a traditional Ladakhi culinary experience. The Gyap Thago is a heritage home that is more than 200 years old, located in Stok Hamlet, which is almost 20 km away from Leh. During the heritage lunch, you will have the opportunity to tour the ancient home before enjoying a pure vegetarian Ladakhi lunch, starting with the traditional alcoholic brew called "Chang." Return to Leh by evening. Overnight and dinner at hotel in Leh.

Day 3 :

LEH TO NUBRA (130 KM’S/ 4-5 HOURS DRIVE)

Start your day early and embark on a breathtaking drive to Nubra Valley, passing through Khardungla, the highest motor-able pass in the world at an altitude of 18,380 ft. Upon reaching Nubra Valley by afternoon, visit the Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the region. Near the monastery, you'll see the giant statue of the future Buddha, also known as Gyawang Chamba or the Maitreya Buddha. This spot offers an exquisite view of the entire Shayok Valley of Nubra. After visiting the monastery, head to the Hunder Sand Dunes, where you can witness the unique sight of the famous Himalayan double-humped camels. Take a Desert Safari ride and enjoy the spectacular view of the Shayok Valley. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and an overnight stay in Nubra Valley.

Day 4 :

NUBRA-PANGONG (160 KM’S/ 6-7 HOURS DRIVE)

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards the eastern border of Ladakh, crossing the Shayok Valley. The drive to Pangong is an adventure in itself, offering stunning views of the rugged mountains and the picturesque landscapes of Ladakh. Upon reaching Pangong by afternoon, you'll be greeted by the world's highest saltwater lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m. The crystal-clear blue waters of the lake stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it, making for a breathtaking sight. Pangong Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, extending to almost 160 km, with one-third of it lying in India and the other two-thirds in China. The lake derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. You can spend the evening exploring the beauty of the lake, enjoying a leisurely stroll along the banks. Overnight and dinner in Pangong

Day 5 :

PANGONG-CHANGTHANG (90 KM’S/ 3 HOURS DRIVE)

After breakfast, drive towards the nomadic herds of Changthang in search of the soft gold. Upon reaching Changthang by afternoon, you'll be greeted by the barren mountains and nomadic herds of Changthang. The Changpa nomads are one of the prominent nomadic communities in Ladakh. They are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, herding Changthangi goats and Pashmina sheep. These animals provide valuable resources such as wool for Pashmina shawls, milk, and meat. Overnight and dinner in Kongma area of Changhthang in pitched Tents.

Day 6 :

A DAY WITH THE NOMADS (THARUK-CHILAM-KARGYAM- KONGMA) 

Spend the day exploring the nomads of Changthang. The Changpa people migrate with their herds across the high-altitude grazing lands in different seasons, adapting to the availability of pastures. The nomads of Ladakh live in traditional tents called "rebo" or "tchador." These tents are made from animal hides and serve as their portable homes during their seasonal migrations. They follow a self-sustaining lifestyle, depending on their herds for livelihood, food, and clothing. The Changpa nomads, in particular, are known for their resilience in surviving the harsh climate and extreme altitudes of Ladakh. The Changpa nomads play a crucial role in the production of Pashmina wool, which is highly regarded for its softness and warmth. The Pashmina goats, reared by the nomads, produce fine undercoats of wool that are hand-spun and woven into exquisite shawls and textiles. The process of collecting Pashmina wool is labor-intensive and requires meticulous craftsmanship. Overnight and dinner in Kongma village.

Day 7 :

CHANGTHANG TO LEH (135 KM’S/ 5 HOURS)

Post breakfast in Changhtang, bid farewell to the nomads and return to Leh. Reach Leh by late afternoon. Overnight and dinner in Leh

Day 8 :

PASHMINA DYEING WORKSHOP IN THIKSEY

The workshop will be carried in the loving ambience of our home by the banks of river Indus among the poplar trees. You will deal directly with nature be it using the dye materials directly from our garden to washing the yarns in the running stream to drying it amidst the lush green field. You will explore the fundamentals of natural dyeing & soak in techniques to extract the yellows, orange, brown, reds from around us. The workshop will provide you with insights on plant derived dyes under expert guidance. You can use your own dyed yarn, your own spun yarn or raw wool of different colours to create your own patterns on the tapestry loom and take home the fabric you weaved. You can bring your own white cotton fabric like cotton socks/Handkerchief/an old white Tee Shirt to be dipped in the dye bath along with your pashmina. This piece would hold memories of your dyeing experience with us. Tea and feedback session at the end of the workshop.

Day 9 :

VISIT TO PASHMINA WEAVING CENTRE AND LENA STUDIO

Today will have the opportunity to visit a Pashmina weaving center and the renowned LENA studio in Leh, immersing yourself in the artistry and craftsmanship behind these exquisite textiles. At the Pashmina weaving center, you will witness firsthand the intricate process of transforming raw Pashmina wool into luxurious shawls and garments. Skilled artisans will guide you through the various stages, from the hand-spinning of the delicate Pashmina fibers to the painstaking weaving of intricate patterns using traditional looms. Next, you will visit the LENA studio, a hub of creativity and innovation in the world of Pashmina. This renowned studio is known for its contemporary approach to Pashmina design, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. As you explore the studio, you will have the chance to admire a stunning collection of Pashmina garments and accessories, showcasing the versatility and elegance of this luxurious fabric.

Day 10 :

AIRPORT DROP

Early morning departure to Leh airport.

FAQs

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How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Woven Whispers of Ladakh: The Pashmina Trail

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