The tiny, isolated Himalayan kingdoms of Ladakh and Bhutan are squeezed between the powerful countries of China and India. For centuries, their monarchs enjoyed absolute power in their mountain strongholds, venerated by their subjects as embodiments of gods, but in the 20th century, the supremacy of these domains fell. In 1947, partition left Ladakh as part of India, and in 2005, Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy.
Join Far Horizons and just 13 other guests on this 18-day journey through these two remarkable Himalayan Kingdoms. The enticing itinerary includes the remote high-altitude beauty and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture of Ladakh, one of the highest regions in the world, frequently called “Little Tibet.”
From the capital of Leh, drive through dramatic scenery to view elaborately decorated Buddhist sanctuaries, stupas, and former royal palaces found in the nearby rugged valleys and magnificent towering crags. Scattered throughout are traditional Tibetan Buddhist monasteries filled with stunning murals and Hindu shrines of the Nepali people.
In Bhutan, emerald rice paddies cascade down the hillsides, remote centuries-old monasteries cling to the cliffs, and massive Buddhist sanctuary fortresses dominate picturesque towns where houses are decorated with magical charms to keep the evil spirits away. It is truly an enchanting part of the world!
Along with Buddhist specialist and The Great Courses lecturer Professor Malcolm David Eckel, delight in a unique adventure through these Himalayan kingdoms on this unforgettable tour.
Special thanks to our long-time traveler and friend, Barbara Rachko, for allowing us to use of so many amazing personal images in our photo gallery below after joining the trip with us in 2022.
(If you’re still undecided about where to travel for your next adventure, be sure to explore our full calendar of Archaeology Tours. From our Majesty of Ancient Egypt Tour to an Archaeological Tour of Rome and Southern Italy, we have a year of amazing journeys ahead of us.)
Arrive in New Delhi, India. Transfer to the 4-star Pride Plaza Aerocity Hotel, located at the airport, for one night.
Fly to Leh, Ladakh, with free time to rest and adjust to the altitude. In the late afternoon, we visit the LEDEG Center (Ladakh Ecological Development Group). This Center promotes ecological and sustainable development in harmony with traditional Ladakhi culture.
Overnight for three nights in the 4-star Grand Dragon Hotel. (B/D)
For centuries, Leh was an important trading center and the capital of the former Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Magnificently encircled by soaring mountain peaks, it is one of the highest permanently inhabited cities in the world. The inhabitants of Leh are predominantly Buddhists in the Tibetan tradition, and the old city is a rare example of an intact historic Tibetan-Himalayan urban settlement. We will spend our first day in Leh exploring the city.
Situated on a precipitous hilltop, the white-domed Shanti Stupa offers a panoramic view of the city. The memorial holds relics of the Buddha that were enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama.
Shankar Monastery, of recent construction, is known for the paintings that ornament its walls and doors. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery was founded in the 16th century and boasts a three-story high statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future.
Towering over the old town, Leh Palace is the visual symbol of the traditional heritage of Ladakh. Built of stone, it is nine levels high and modeled after Lhasa’s Potala Palace. The upper floors once accommodated the royal family, with stables and storerooms situated below. The palace was abandoned during a siege by Kashmiri forces in the mid-19th century. First opened in 2011, the Central Asian Museum, housed in a four-story stone tower that replicates a historic Lhasa mansion, focuses on Leh’s role in trade along the Silk Road. (B/L/D)
The massifs around Leh are home to several spectacular Buddhist sites.
Thiksey Gompa, built in 1430, sits atop a mountain about 12 miles east of Leh. As part of the Gelukpa order, it contains several shrines, including one dedicated to the goddess Dorje Chenmo. The largest and most lavishly endowed monastery of Ladakh, the impressive Hemis Gompa, was built in the 17th century. It is adorned with brightly colored prayer flags that flutter in the breeze and fill the landscape with the blessings of the Buddha.
Shey Monastery and Palace served as the summer seat of the Ladakhi kings. In its inner sanctum, there is an imposing, three-story statue of Shakyamuni, the Buddha of the present era.
Founded in the 14th century, Stok Monastery is particularly well known for its library, housing a collection of 108 volumes of the Buddha’s teachings.
In the afternoon we visit the SOS Tibetan Refugee Camp at Choglamsar, built for refugees who fled to Ladakh during the Chinese takeover of Tibet. (B/L/D)
This morning we depart Leh for the Sham Valley, visiting two of Ladakh’s most sacred monasteries en route. The 11th century Spituk Gompa belongs to the Gelukpa, or Yellow Hat, order of Tibetan Buddhism and contains an unusual collection of masks used in sacred dances. Perched precariously atop a rocky hill, the monastery is known for its intricate murals, ancient stupas, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Phyang Monastery is one of the earliest monasteries in Ladakh belonging to the Drikung Kagyu, Dri-gung-pa or Drigungpa school, one of eight schools derived from the teachings of Phakmadrupa Dorje Gyelpo. Founded in the 16th century, the interior of Phyang Monastery exhibits a series of intriguing frescos and includes a 900-year-old museum with an extensive collection of artifacts, including ancient Himalayan armaments. Continuing our journey, we will stop at the enigmatic Magnetic Hill, where cars seem to defy gravity and roll uphill effortlessly, and Nimmu, where we will witness the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.
Our final stop is Alchi, the site of some of the most famous and important paintings in Western Tibet. Many are nearly one thousand years old and depict the topography of Buddhist heavens, Buddhist divinities, and scenes of traditional Buddhist life.
Overnight for two nights at Uley Ethnic Resort in Uleytokpo, the first fully solar-powered tourism project in Ladakh. (B/L/D)
Begin today with a visit to Lamayuru Monastery, believed to be the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Take a leisurely walk through the serene monastery complex, admiring the intricate Buddhist wall paintings and statues that adorn its walls, and observe the monks engaging in their daily rituals.
After lunch, our return drive to Uleytokpo takes us to Rizong Monastery. This 18th century spiritual center is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful murals depicting various scenes from the life of Buddha. Explore the monastery’s many chambers and chapels, each offering unique insights into Buddhist history and culture.
Finally, we stop at Chulichan Nunnery, a tranquil retreat for female practitioners of Buddhism. Interact with the nuns and learn about their daily lives. (B/L/D)
Today drive back towards Leh and on to Tegar (seven hours total driving time) via Khardung La Pass, the 2nd highest motorable pass in the world. En route we stop at Likir Gompa. Established in 1065, this monastery is the site of a monastic training school associated with the Central Institute of Tibetan Studies and is the seat of Ngari Rinpoche, the younger brother of the Dalai Lama. Looming over Likir Monastery is a 75-ft-high golden statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Our final stop is Basgo Gompa, a 17th-century mudbrick fortress rising over the ruins of an ancient Ladakhi town.
Continue to Tegar Village. Located in the fabled Nubra Valley of Ladakh, on the banks of the Nubra River, and the last stop of the ancient Silk Route, Lchang Nang Luxury Retreat is our home for the next three nights. (B/L/D)
Diskit Monastery offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Ladakh. Founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the monastery played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism in Nubra Valley. During the reign of King Grags-pa‘bum-lde, an attempt was made to usurp Nubra Valley from the local ruler, Nyig-ma-grags-pa. However, the local ruler, with the assistance of a Gelugpa order advocate, built Diskit Monastery and deified the idol of Tsong Khapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect.
After a walk around the picturesque Hundar Village and a visit to its monastery, which houses rare Buddhist artifacts and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, return to the hotel with some time to rest and enjoy lunch on our own.
In the late afternoon, we embark on a truly authentic experience to visit a local family and learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. We will enjoy a cooking demonstration using fresh local ingredients, in the warmth of a traditional wood-burning stove. (B/D)
Today we visit two important spiritual sites that offer a unique glimpse into Ladakh’s rich Buddhist heritage. Samstanling Monastery, located in the village of Sumur in the Nubra Valley, was founded in 1848 and continues to serve more than 50 monks every day. The remoteness of its location adds to the monastery’s aura and mystique, and its stunning red, gold, and white exterior makes it stand out against the rugged landscape.
In the afternoon we will explore Ensa Monastery. Perched on a rocky outcrop, its location commands a spectacular vantage point overlooking the convergence of the Nubra and Shyok rivers. The isolation of Ensa Monastery has helped preserve its tranquil and untouched atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking spiritual solace and reflection. Inside, ancient murals and intricate frescoes that adorn the walls tell stories of Buddhist lore and teachings.
On our return to Tegar, we make a stop at picturesque Yarab Tso Lake, with time for a leisurely walk around the perimeter to marvel at the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains on the crystal-clear waters. In the late afternoon, we have the option to experience the thrill of a camel ride at the Sumur Sand Dunes. (B/L/D)
An early morning departure takes us back to Leh over the Wari La Pass (total drive time is six hours). En route, we stop at Sakti Village to visit Takthok Monastery, the only Nyingma monastery in Ladakh. Founded in the mid-16th century, its mountainside location around a cave is said to be where Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century.
Upon arrival in Leh, we return to the Grand Dragon Hotel for one night. Tonight, we celebrate our time in Ladakh with a traditional music and dance performance before dinner. (B/L/D)
A late-morning flight takes us back to New Delhi and the Pride Plaza Aerocity Hotel near the airport, our home for one night.
In the afternoon, we embark on a driving tour of India’s capital to understand its captivating blend of the ancient and modern. During our adventure, we will visit the lovely complex of buildings commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Humayun’s wife to house her husband’s tomb.
We will also stop at India Gate, a monumental sandstone arch in New Delhi, 138 feet in height and dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919.
Return to the hotel with dinner on our own. (B/L)
Transfer back to the airport this morning for our flight to Paro. This flight is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas, offering fascinating views of the mountain range from Kathmandu and an exciting descent into the Kingdom of Bhutan. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, we will be met and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city.
En route, we will stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, adorned by three different styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.
Our home for the next two nights will be the 5-star Taj SeleQtions Yarkay Hotel, which seamlessly blends Bhutanese influences with modern comforts. (B/D)
Today is dedicated to exploring Thimphu and its unusual mixture of modern development and ancient traditions. Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style, evident by our first visit to Tashicho Dzong, a massive, fortified monastery standing on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in the traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Since 1952 it has served as the seat of government and contains the throne room and offices of the king.
Next, we stop at the King’s Memorial Chorten, a shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is known as the father of modern Bhutan. The large, whitewashed structure is crowned with a golden spire dedicated to World Peace and is continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras, and spinning their prayer wheels.
Before returning to the hotel, we will take a leisurely walk to the local craft bazaar, offering genuine Bhutanese arts and crafts that promote, protect, and preserve traditional arts. (B/L/D)
As we leave Thimphu, we will stop to see Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple built in the 12th century on a promontory overlooking Thimphu. The white-washed outer walls are equipped with long lines of metal prayer wheels. Dominating the inner sanctum is a statue of Chenrezig, the 1000-armed bodhisattva of compassion.
We ascend through dramatic mountain scenery of dense evergreen cypress forests, and then a profusion of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind as we reach the summit of the 10,200-foot Dochula Pass. With the snow-clad mountain peaks of the Himalayas above, we will stop at the crest to view the 108 red-banded chortens built to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed in the December 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India. Our destination is the RKPO Green Resort in Gangtey (total drive time is 5 hours), our home for one night.
Today is the Gangtey Tshechu! Held in the large courtyard of the Gangtey Monastery, the festival celebrates the 8th-century Tantric master Guru Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. Festooned in flamboyant costumes, the masked dancers twirl and spin as they showcase the many stories and legends of the culture. Around the edges of the courtyard, people from nearby communities, dressed in their finest clothes, gather to witness the mesmerizing performances.
Time permitting, we will stop in the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the rare, black-necked cranes that migrate annually to this valley from their home on the high Tibetan plateau. (B/L/D)
Early this morning, we will return to the Gangtey Tshechu to see the Throngdal Ceremony where a large appliquéd religious banner, a sacred Thongdrel, is unrolled and displayed once a year for a few hours on the last day of the festival. Composed of several layers, mostly of silk, it typically depicts a seated Guru surrounded by holy beings and is the largest form of thangka painting in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The mere viewing of the unfurled Thongdrel is said to cleanse the viewer of any sins.
We will then walk to the Chimi Lhakhang, or Fertility Temple, originally erected in the late 15th century for the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley. Known as the “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism, he adopted the phallus as his symbol. Childless women come to the monastery to be blessed with a thump on the head by the Lama with a large replica of a penis. The sanctuary is the repository of the original wooden phallus brought to Bhutan by Drukpa Kunley, and the interior is adorned with replicas of the icon. Standing nearby is a huge Bodhi Tree that is believed to have been brought as a sapling from Bodhgaya in India.
We will also see Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the country’s most majestic structures.
Overnight at the Dhensa Boutique Resort in Punakha for one night. (B/L/D)
This morning, we return to picturesque Paro (total drive time is 4 hours), the location of Bhutan’s international airport.
In the afternoon, we visit the imposing Kyichu Lhakhang. The heart of this temple is said to have been built in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo, Tibet’s first Buddhist king, to mark the southern boundary of his Tibetan empire.
The 5-star Le Meridian Paro Luxury Hotel, located on the edge of the Paro River and offering stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas, is our home for the next two nights. (B/L/D)
Embark on an optional hike to Tiger’s Nest, or Paro Taktsang, a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist monastery high on a cliffside of the upper Paro Valley and Bhutan’s most iconic landmark (NOTE: this hike departs in the early morning and will take up to 6 hours roundtrip; you may miss one of the afternoon visits outlined below as a result).
In the afternoon we visit Ta Dzong, positioned on a hill overlooking Paro and built in the 17th century in a circular shape to serve as a fortified watchtower. Formerly used as an ordnance depot for a rural militia in the event of war, it now is the National Museum of Bhutan displaying more than 3000 pieces of Bhutanese art and historical objects.
After surveying this treasure trove of artifacts, we move on to Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, just down the steep slope. Built in the 17th century, this fort protected the Paro Valley from frequent Tibetan invasions. Both the exterior and interior of the fortress are richly decorated with murals. Below is a wooden covered bridge that crosses the Paro River.
Enjoy a festive farewell dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D)
A morning flight takes us back to New Delhi, India to connect to the international flights back home. Day-use rooms at the Pride Plaza Aerocity Hotel, located at the airport, will be provided until 9 pm. (B)
