Begin your adventure and catch your flight to Delhi, India.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
June - Sept
Step into a land where centuries-old traditions, intricate craftsmanship, and otherwordly landscapes sit side by side. Ladakh is a cultural crossroads, where Tibetan Buddhism, Islamic influence, and untamed nature meet in harmony.
This journey takes you deep into the heart of Ladakh’s artistic heritage, where every monastery, market, and village has a story to tell. You’ll explore the arts, history, and everyday customs of this remote Himalayan region: visiting active gompas (monasteries), meeting craftspeople in mountain communities, and travelling through dramatic terrain of wind-carved ridges, river valleys, and vast plateaus (which feel more Mars than Earth).
It’s a rich, immersive trip that’ll linger long in your memory.
Culture & Arts of Ladakh
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2
Delhi
Touch down in Delhi, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for the night. This is a chance to recharge before the real adventure begins tomorrow, as you head up to Leh and into the mountains.
Days 3 - 5
Nimmu – Nimmu House
Arrive in Leh and drive to Nimmu, where you’ll spend three days soaking in the rich culture and artistry of the region. Stay at Nimmu House, an ideal base for your cultural immersion. Experience the artistry of Ladakh, including visits to coppersmiths, pottery workshops, and mokmok–making. You’ll also explore the UNESCO-listed Alchi Temple, renowned for its ancient murals and intricate architecture. Local walks through the village offer insight into the traditional Ladakhi way of life.
Days 6 - 7
Nubra Valley – The Kyagar
Your adventure continues with a thrilling drive over the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, to the Nubra Valley. Spend two nights at The Kyagar, where you’ll enjoy farm-to-table experiences, including a picnic lunch with local delicacies. Visit Ensa Monastery to admire its impressive mural art, and take a walk through the village, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of this remote corner of Ladakh.
Days 8 - 9
Baltistan – Virsa Baltistan
Next, drive further north to Baltistan, where the rich historical and cultural sites will wow you. Stay for two nights at Virsa Baltistan, where you can enjoy a Balti cuisine lunch and explore the local history through visits to the Balti Heritage Museum and the Bunker of Memories. Take a walk through the village’s apple orchards and mingle with the local people to learn more about their traditional farming techniques. Finally, receive a royal welcome at the centuries-old Yagbo Palace, at a feast presided over by the King of Baltistan himself!
Days 10 - 12
Leh's Artistic Heart – Dolkhar
Drive back to Leh and check into Dolkhar for three nights. Immerse yourself in Ladakh’s art scene, visiting local art studios and textiles museums. At the Shesrig Conservation Studio (Choskor House), you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet a Muslim female conservator who is dedicated to preserving Ladakhi Buddhist murals, like those found in Ensa Monastery. These three days will deepen your understanding of Ladakh’s unique cultural fusion of Buddhist, Muslim, and local traditions.
Day 13
Leh – Homeward bound
Your final day is spent in Leh, where you’ll explore more of the town’s historical and cultural landmarks. After an enriching and inspiring journey, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you the stories, crafts, and timeless beauty of Ladakh.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“Ladakh feels like nowhere else on earth. From the intricate Buddhist murals to the copper workshops and call to prayer echoing across the valleys, the cultural layers here are astonishing.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Ladakh
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
