LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH

"LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH" is a specialized trekking tour company focused on the captivating region of Ladakh. Situated in the northern part of India, Ladakh offers some of the most breathtaking trekking routes and landscapes in the world. Our company specializes in providing unforgettable trekking experiences tailored to explore Ladakh's majestic mountains, serene lakes, ancient trails, and cultural heritage.

For trekking enthusiasts and adventure seekers, we offer meticulously planned trekking itineraries, experienced guides, and top-notch logistics to ensure a safe and rewarding journey. Whether you are a beginner looking for a moderate trek or an experienced trekker seeking a challenging adventure, we have options to suit every level and preference.

In addition to trekking adventures, we also provide insights into Ladakh's rich culture, traditions, local cuisine, and historical landmarks, enhancing the overall experience of exploring this enchanting region.

"LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH" is committed to delivering exceptional trekking experiences that immerse travelers in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Ladakh, making every trek a memorable and fulfilling adventure.

Ladakh is one place which is considered as a heaven by those who search places to gain the thrill of adventure.

Apart from trekking in Ladakh one can also indulge in other adventure activities such as mountain climbing and biking, safaris, water rafting etc.

Also suavely called as the ‘Land of Passes’, the region forms the magnificent part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Ladakh is situated an altitude ranging between 2750 - 7672 meters, above sea level. The place is blessed with an amazing topography that comprises of hilly terrain, rocky cliffs, lush green grasslands and high altitude peaks.

It offers a number of trekking tours for travellers and is one of main the reason that adventure fanatics from across the globe head to Ladakh.

There are a plethora of trek trails and options available here for trekkers.

LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH conducts treks in the region of Ladakh all year around.

Ladakh is mountaineers delight with several mountain ranges like Karakoram, Zanskar and Ladakh Ranges offering a wide range of options for expedition. For years Zanskar Trek has successfully organized many such expeditions with innumerable groups by facilitating all the logistic requirements from permission, expert mountaineers to experienced porters.

Note: Every expedition would require permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation situated in New Delhi. The IMF charges different fees for different peaks and provides a liaison officer who will accompany the climbing group to see that all goes according to schedule. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months and every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness.

Chadar Trek

The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge is a winter-trail in Zanskar region of Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Its walls are near vertical cliffs up to 600 m high and the Zanskar River (a tributary of the Indus) is only 5 m wide in places.

The Chadar Trek is the frozen Zanskar River which provides an access route to the Zanskar Valley and is used as a trail by locals and tourists during the winters.

It takes place on the trade route that has been used by the indigenous people for centuries and is a fairly well established trek.

About the trek: Chadar trek a thrilling and adventurous trek in India.

In the local language “chadar” means blanket - indicating the ice that covers the river like a blanket. The chadar trek is basically performed on a frozen river called the “Zanskar River”, during the summer this river doesn’t disappoint its enthusiastic tourist as it becomes a perfect location for river rafting expedition and during the winters it transforms into an ice sheet where the famous Chadar trek is performed.

For many years Chadar trek has attracted tourist from all over the world, it is one of the most exciting and challenging treks which covers the distance of approximately 105 km on foot, an average trekker completes a distance of 15–17 km each day.

The best time to do the Chadar trek is January to February, when the temperature during the winters drops sometimes to -30 to -35 degrees which makes the Zanskar Lake look like a mesmerizing crystal lake.

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Discover the Timeless Trails of Ladakh

Embark on a journey through Ladakh's expansive landscapes, where rugged mountains kiss the clear blue skies and ancient monasteries cling to cliff sides. Our 13-20 days treks offer a profound immersion into this Himalayan wonderland, where each step unfolds a new chapter of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Embrace the Serenity of High Altitude Trekking

Step into the realm of high-altitude trekking, where the air is crisp and the vistas stretch endlessly. These treks weave through remote valleys and over lofty passes, revealing pristine lakes shimmering like sapphires amidst barren terrains. It's a journey that challenges the body and nourishes the spirit with each breathtaking view.

Encounter Local Culture Amidst Remote Villages

As you traverse remote trails, encounter the warm hospitality of Ladakhi villagers whose lives are intertwined with the land. From traditional homestays to shared meals, immerse yourself in their ancient customs and folklore, gaining insights that enrich the trekking experience.

Marvel at Iconic Himalayan Landmarks

Discover Ladakh's iconic landmarks that have stood the test of time. From the mystical Pangong Lake, where shades of blue reflect the sky, to the towering peaks of Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse, each landmark tells a story of resilience and grandeur, etched into the fabric of this rugged terrain.

Experience the Thrill of Multiday Treks

These treks are not just about reaching destinations but about the journey itself—a rhythmic cadence of footsteps amidst breathtaking scenery. Traverse diverse landscapes, from arid desert-like expanses to lush valleys adorned with vibrant wildflowers, each day offering a new vista to behold.

Dive into Spiritual Sanctuaries

Encounter Ladakh's spiritual heart in its ancient monasteries, perched dramatically atop cliffs or nestled in serene valleys. Feel the tranquility seep into your soul as prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze and monks chant timeless mantras, a reminder of the region's deep-rooted Buddhist heritage.

Unveil Hidden Trails and Remote Campsites

Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden trails that lead to secluded campsites beneath star-studded skies. Here, amidst pristine wilderness, experience the simplicity of life distilled to its essence—a crackling campfire, the camaraderie of fellow trekkers, and stories shared under a canopy of twinkling stars.

Create Lasting Memories in Ladakh's Wilderness

In the vastness of Ladakh's wilderness, create memories that transcend time. Whether it's the thrill of conquering a high mountain pass, the serenity of an alpine lake at sunrise, or the camaraderie forged with fellow adventurers, these treks offer moments that linger in the heart long after the journey ends.

Resources

LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH - Markha Valley Trek

LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH - Lamayuru Hemis Trek

LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH - Lamayuru Chiling Trek

LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH - Chadar Trek

LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH - Kang Yartse Trek

LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH - Ladakh Trekking

our Package

Nestled among towering peaks and shaped by rugged mountains, Ladakh emerges as the quintessential haven for intrepid road trippers. An odyssey through this celestial landscape unveils a tapestry of unparalleled adventure, inviting you to conquer challenging terrains, navigate the winding roads with the thrill of daring escapades, and experience the exhilaration of road trips where the wind serves as your guide.

Our meticulously crafted thematic car tour itineraries beckon you to immerse yourself in the heart of this formidable terrain or customize your bespoke road trip through the intricacies of our tour planner. Regardless of your chosen route through Ladakh, we provide a comprehensive guide, a virtual compass leading you through the details of Leh and the broader Ladakh region. Choose the car journey that fuels your dreams and propels you into one of the most audacious landscapes on Earth.

Embark on a road trip expedition to uncover the scenic beauty of Ladakh, where each turn reveals a pristine panorama. Engage with Ladakh's landscapes, an untouched beauty painted by the divine hand of nature. Immerse yourself in the serenity of its valleys, standing in the shadow of formidable peaks that whisper tales of time immemorial.

Furthermore, traverse the cultural mosaic of Ladakh, where ancient Buddhist traditions stand as sentinels of a bygone era. Encounter the ethereal charm of monasteries perched precariously on craggy cliffs, resonating with the chants of monks and the whispers of the wind. Let Ladakh be not just a destination but a transformative road trip, an odyssey where the spirit of adventure intertwines with the soul-stirring allure of the landscape.

Thiksey Gustor Festival

Festival Overview:

Every year, the Thiksey Gustor Festival takes place in the 9th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, specifically on the 17th, 18th, and 19th days. This event is deeply rooted in the Gelukpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is hosted by Thiksey Monastery.

Highlights:

Vibrant Mask Dances: Monks donning elaborate silk robes and masks depicting various deities perform traditional dances, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Intricate Sand Mandalas: Skilled monks craft sand mandalas representing Guyusamaja, Chakrasamvara, and Vajravairava deities. These intricate designs, made from millions of grains of colored sand, symbolize the divine abodes and serve as meditation aids. The creation process involves meticulous placement of powdered stone using chagpurs, leading to a meditative transformation for the monks. Upon completion, the mandalas are ceremoniously dismantled, embodying the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.

Getting There:

Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh (27 km from Thiksey Monastery)
Railway: No convenient railway station available.
Closest Major City: Leh, approximately 29 km away

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Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Thiksey Gustor Festival. Witness the vibrant traditions and spiritual depth of this unique celebration in the heart of Ladakh.

Leh Ladakh Festival

Celebrating : Leh Ladakh Festival 2024

September in Leh brings a vibrant celebration lasting four days, known as the Leh Ladakh Festival. This annual event, organized by the tourism department, highlights the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh’s diverse communities and tribes.

Visitors can enjoy traditional folk dances and songs, exciting local sports such as polo and archery, and exhibitions featuring thangkas and handicrafts. Monastic dances, a food festival, and local Chang (liquor) tastings add to the festive atmosphere. The timing of the festival coincides with the harvest season, offering a chance to savor fresh organic vegetables and fruits.

Ladakh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes that attract tourists, adventurers, and trekkers year-round. Its fairs and festivals provide unique opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and renew bonds. Interestingly, many of these events occur during the winter months.

The festival kicks off with a grand inaugural ceremony and a week-long series of celebrations across various villages. It begins with a vibrant procession featuring cultural troupes and village groups, including local leaders, schoolchildren, and dancers. These groups perform to orchestral music, parading through Leh’s market.

Organized by Jammu-Kashmir Tourism in collaboration with local communities and district administration, the festival offers tourists a deep dive into the lifestyle, traditions, and culture of Ladakh. The primary goal of the Ladakh Festival is to showcase and rejuvenate Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage for the world to admire.

Set for September 2024, this festival is one of Ladakh’s largest events. With music, theater, polo, archery, and traditional dances, it promises a memorable experience. The festival aims to revive and promote the vibrant cultural, traditional, and folk heritage of Ladakh.

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Galdan Namchot Festival

Galdan Namchot heralds the New Year in Ladakh with joy and light. Honoring Je Tsongkhapa, the Tibetan scholar and Gelugpa sect founder, this festival sees every monastery, public building, and home aglow with lights. Butter lamps are lit, symbolizing light’s triumph over darkness. Delicious traditional foods are prepared, and families gather to share meals and festive cheer.

Festive Highlights:

Illumination: Every corner of Ladakh shines with lights.

Butter Lamps: Symbolic of light prevailing over darkness.

Feasting: Families and friends enjoy traditional delicacies together.

Getting There:

By Air: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, just 1 km away.

By Train: There are no convenient railway stations nearby.

By Road: Leh, the nearest major city, is also 1 km away.

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Sani Nasjal

Discover the Magic of Sani Nasjal

Celebrate the enchanting Sani Nasjal festival at the historic Sani Monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh. This event takes place when the Guru Naropa Flower blooms, usually during the first week of August, but this year it will be held in July. The festivities are deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, centered around the revered figure of Naropa, a prominent Indian yogi from the 10th-11th century.

Event Highlights:

Unveiling of the Naropa Statue: Witness the grand reveal of Naropa’s statue, a key moment of the festival.
Mask Dances by Lamas: Enjoy the captivating mask dances performed by monks from the Bardan Monastery as a ritual offering.
Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich local culture and traditions of Ladakh.
Visit the Sani Stupa: Explore the ancient Sani Stupa and the nearby meditation room of Naropa, featuring a bronze statue of the yogi.

Getting There

By Air: The closest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, 437 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Jammu Tawi, 600 km from the monastery.
By Road: Kargil, the nearest major city, is 222 km away.

Come and be a part of this unique spiritual and cultural celebration!

Chemday Wangchok Festival

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Ladakh, Chemrey Monastery stands as a testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Established in 1664 by Lama Tagsang Ragspa in honor of King Sengge Namgyal, this ancient monastery has been a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries. King Deldan Namgyal and Queen Mother Skalzang Dolma, son and wife of Sengge Namgyal, were its prominent patrons.

The monastery is renowned for its impressive two-storied statue of Guru Padmasambhava and its association with the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Every year, Chemrey Monastery comes alive with the Chemrey Wangchok Festival, celebrated on the 28th and 29th of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar. This festival is marked by mesmerizing mask dances and soul-stirring spiritual music, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion.

Interestingly, before its transformation into a monastery, this grand structure served as a royal fortress. Delving into its past reveals fascinating war stories and a rich secular history worth exploring.

What to Expect:

Enchanting Mask Dances
Local Food Stalls
Artistic Displays
Exquisite Wall Paintings

Getting There:

By Air: The closest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, situated 42 kilometers away.

By Rail: There are no nearby railway stations.

By Road: Leh, the nearest major city, is 43 kilometers from the monastery.

Join us for the Chemday Wangchok Festival and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and spiritual traditions of Ladakh.

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Deskit Gustor Festival

Immerse Yourself in the Deskit Gustor Festival

Nestled in the scenic Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded by the venerable Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a direct disciple of Tsong-kha-pa, this monastery is both the largest and oldest in the region. Perched majestically on a hilltop, it commands a panoramic view of the valley and the Shayok River below. As a key site of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect, it is renowned not only for its historical significance but also for the vibrant celebration of the Deskit Gustor Festival.

Festival Highlights:

Duration & Spirit: The Deskit Gustor Festival is a lively two-day celebration held at Diskit Monastery.

Symbolic Triumph: The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Fiery Rituals: An effigy of a demon is set ablaze, signifying the destruction of malevolence.

Chaam Dance: The monastery’s highlight is the mesmerizing Chaam dance performed by Lamas, adding a dramatic flair to the festivities.

Musical Extravaganza: The air is filled with the sounds of longhorns and cymbals, played by locals and visitors alike.

Community Gathering: Villagers from surrounding areas and travelers converge at the monastery to partake in the festivities.

Festival Location:

The Deskit Gustor Festival takes place at Diskit Monastery, located 118 km from Leh city, within the enchanting Nubra Valley.

Significance in Ladakh:

Indeed, Deskit Gustor is a pivotal festival in Ladakh, drawing locals from various villages and regions. It’s a vibrant celebration cherished deeply by the community.

Travel Tips:

Getting There: October travel usually means open roads from Srinagar. If not, fly into Leh and proceed to Nubra Valley via South and North Pullu and Khardung La. Here’s a suggested route:
Leh City → South Pullu → Khardung La Top → North Pullu → Khardung Village → Khalsar → Diskit Monastery
Traveler Information: The festival warmly welcomes travelers. Experience the festival as the locals do, with our specially crafted Leh itineraries that include local transfers, delectable meals, and cozy accommodations for a memorable Ladakh adventure.

Ladakh Festivals Schedule : Discover the Magic of Ladakh’s Monastic Festivals

You’ve likely heard about monastic festivals, but let us introduce you to the rich and enchanting Buddhist traditions of Ladakh. These festivals are not merely celebrations but are deeply woven into the fabric of Ladakhi life, serving as a way to mark the passage of time and the changing seasons.

Spanning throughout the year, these vibrant festivals are celebrated in numerous gompas (monasteries) scattered across Ladakh’s stunning, rugged landscapes. Each festival brings with it a unique tapestry of rituals and performances that have been cherished for centuries.

On festival days, locals flock to the monasteries dressed in their finest Goncha (traditional Ladakhi attire), adorned with intricate jewelry and, in some cases, carrying hand-held prayer wheels. The spiritual atmosphere begins to take shape in the early hours, as the monastery’s courtyard fills with the sounds of ancient chants and rhythmic music.

The monks create a mesmerizing auditory experience with traditional instruments like drums, conch shells, cymbals, and the towering Dungchen trumpets. The highlight of the festival is the sacred dance, known as Chams, performed by monks in elaborate, colorful robes and masks. These masks depict Buddhas, Dharma Guardians, and other spiritual figures, adding a dramatic and mystical element to the festivities.

Unlike other festivals, the essence of these gatherings is profoundly spiritual and serene. Attending a monastic festival in Ladakh offers a unique window into the region’s spiritual heart, where tradition and reverence blend seamlessly.

Ready to experience these captivating celebrations? Let’s explore the renowned monastic festivals you can witness during your visit to Ladakh.

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Experience the Magic of Ladakh While Teaching Ice Hockey

Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Ladakh and make a lasting impact on the local community by participating in our Ice Hockey Cultural Exchange Program in Chiktan Village. This program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach ice hockey to eager and enthusiastic children, all while experiencing the stunning beauty and rich traditions of Ladakh.

Why Join Us?

Teach and Inspire: Share your ice hockey skills with local children who are passionate about learning the sport. Your guidance and mentorship will help them develop their skills, build confidence, and foster a love for the game.

Cultural Immersion: Stay with local families and experience the daily life and customs of Ladakhis. The homestay experience allows you to form deep connections with the community, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Delicious Local Cuisine: Savor the unique flavors of Ladakhi cuisine, with meals prepared by your host families. Enjoy traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, providing a true taste of the region.

Flexible Participation: We understand that everyone has different schedules. You can choose to stay for as many days as you like within the program period. Whether you can spare a few days or a few weeks, your contribution is valued and appreciated.

Natural Ice Rink: Experience the thrill of playing and teaching on a naturally frozen pond. This outdoor ice rink offers a truly authentic and exhilarating environment for ice hockey enthusiasts.

Breathtaking Scenery: Chiktan Village is nestled in the heart of Ladakh, surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine landscapes. The serene and peaceful environment provides a perfect backdrop for this cultural exchange.

Program Details:

Accommodation: Homestay with local families.

Meals: Included, featuring traditional Ladakhi cuisine.

Cost: ₹1,500 per night (accommodation and meals included).

Schedule: Flexible dates within December to February.

Temperature: Prepare for cold weather, with temperatures dropping to around -20°C (-4°F).

Make a Difference:

By joining our Ice Hockey Cultural Exchange Program, you will not only teach a sport but also contribute to the development and well-being of the children in Ladakh. Your presence and efforts will leave a lasting impact, helping to bridge cultural gaps and create unforgettable experiences for both you and the local community.