Ladakh in Winter with the Stok and Matho Festivals

An early morning flight takes you to Leh, subject to weather and operational conditions, which can affect winter travel in the mountains. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and keep the day gentle. This first day is designed for acclimatization and for a calm first encounter with Ladakh’s capital. A slow walk through the bazaar area and nearby landmarks such as local temples and traditional streets helps you settle in without pushing your body. Hydration and rest matter here, especially after a long travel day and the jump from low altitude to around 3,500 meters. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, leave Leh and travel along the Indus Valley toward Alchi, home to some of Ladakh’s most delicate and historically important wall paintings. The artwork here feels different from the grand hilltop monasteries, shaped by Kashmiri influence and remarkable detail. You then continue to Likir to visit the monastery and its small museum, before beginning the trek. The trail climbs steadily toward a small pass, then descends to the village of Sumdo where you cross the river and enter narrow gorges. A final climb brings you to another pass with wide views before you descend into the isolated village of Yangthang, surrounded by mountains and winter quiet. Overnight in a homestay.

Today’s walk leads across wide plateaus and gentle ridgelines, then up toward the pass of Meptek La. From the top, the view opens across the folds of the Sham Valley before you descend toward Ang and Temisgam. The villages here feel grounded and lived in, with traditional architecture and a quiet rhythm that matches the season. Overnight in a homestay.

Today is dedicated to the great monasteries of the upper Indus Valley. You begin with Shey, known for its monumental Buddha and its historic royal connections. You then visit Thiksey, rising in tiers above the valley and often compared to a miniature version of the Potala, with strong architectural presence and wide views. The day continues to Hemis, one of the most revered monasteries in Ladakh, set within a dramatic rocky valley. Each stop reveals a different facet of Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage, from sculpture and prayer halls to landscape and daily monastic life. Overnight at the hotel.

You begin the day with a visit to Shanti Stupa, overlooking Leh and the surrounding mountains. The view is expansive and calm, and in winter the clarity can be extraordinary. You then visit Sankar Monastery, set among the residential areas just outside the center, offering a quieter, more local atmosphere. Later, return through the market area and enjoy free time for your last moments in Ladakh. Overnight at the hotel.

A free day in Delhi that can also serve as a buffer in case the Leh to Delhi flight is delayed or cancelled. You keep your room during the day before the airport transfer, usually in the evening. Depending on travel dates, an additional night in Delhi may be required, with the international flight the following morning. Overnight at the hotel.