Ladakh: A Himalayan Spring Expedition

3 Apr –
16 Apr 2026
Join a 13-day adventure through Ladakh’s landscapes, monasteries, and wildlife, including the rare Himalayan Brown Bear.

What to expect

Itinerary

Day 1
Johannesburg - Delhi

  • We meet at O.R. Tambo International and leave for Delhi.
  • The adventure that lies ahead is as vast and vibrant as India itself.

 

Day 2
Welcome to Delhi; settle in.

  • Arrive in Delhi, where a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel.
  • The morning is at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day exploration of Delhi with a city expert.

Day 3
Arrival in Leh, acclimatisation in Sham Valley

  • After an early breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Leh.
  • Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Uleytokpo in Sham Valley, a peaceful spot ideal for acclimatisation with beautiful views of the Indus River.
  • Spend the day resting or birdwatching in the serene surroundings and enjoy overnight in Uleytokpo.

Day 4
Exploration of Leh and Tar Village

  • Drive to Nurla for breakfast at The Apricot Tree, then hike to the ancient Tar Village, known for its serene beauty and wildlife.
  • After exploring, visit Amin Village and enjoy a traditional Ladakhi lunch in Tar.
  • Finish the day with a visit to Rizong Monastery, known as a “meditation paradise,” before returning to Uleytokpo for the night.

Day 5
Journey to Aryan Valley

  • After a hearty breakfast, travel to the Aryan Valley, with a stop at Alchi Monastery to explore its ancient temples and artworks.
  • Continue to Garkon village, where you’ll spend the evening surrounded by apricot groves, especially beautiful during the April apricot bloom.

Day 6
Exploring Aryan Valley

  • After breakfast, explore the villages of Aryan Valley, enjoying the apricot bloom along the way. Travel through orchards and ancient villages, where you will meet a rock-carved Buddha statue from the Gandhara period.
  • Continue to Kargil, arriving by evening after visiting the villages of Mulbekh and Shargole.

Day 7
Day Trip to Suru Valley

  • Embark on a day trip to Suru Valley with its breathtaking landscapes.
  • Explore its rich Buddhist and Islamic heritage, visit ancient monasteries and villages, and return to Kargil for the night.

Day 8
Wildlife retreat in remote Ladakh

  • Arrive at Drenmo Lodge in the secluded Mushkow Valley, a charming retreat ideal for spotting the elusive Himalayan Brown Bear.
  • Enjoy the stunning mountain views, then relax in your heated room or take a peaceful nature walk amidst the tranquil, snow-dusted surroundings.

Day 9 & 10
Two days of wildlife exploration

  • Dedicate two days to bear-watching, starting early with a packed breakfast, hikes or pony rides to vantage points, guided by expert spotters.
  • Explore nearby villages for wildlife sightings, including marmots, ibex and wolves, while enjoying scenic walks through blooming tulips and other wildflowers.

Day 11
Kargil museum visit en route

  • After an early departure, we journey through dramatic mountain landscapes to Kargil.
  • Visit the Hundarman Border Museum, showcasing the history and resilience of communities along the Indo-Pak border.
  • Then, continue back to Leh for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 12
Monasteries visit and market stroll

  • Start with a morning prayer ritual at Thiksey Monastery, followed by a tour and a private audience with a Geshe.
  • Visit the spiritual Hemis Monastery and hike to the Gotsang hermitage, exploring sacred caves and murals.
  • End the day with a stroll through Leh Market for unique souvenirs and antiques.

Day 13
Ladakh adventure ends

  • Today marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Ladakh journey.
  • After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi, where a representative will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your hotel.
  • The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore at your own pace.

Day 14
Return to the City of Gold

  • This morning, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Johannesburg.
  • As we bid each other goodbye, we reflect on the many wonders of India we have seen and experienced throughout our trip.

  • We meet at O.R. Tambo International and leave for Delhi.
  • The adventure that lies ahead is as vast and vibrant as India itself.

 

  • Arrive in Delhi, where a representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel.
  • The morning is at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day exploration of Delhi with a city expert.

  • After an early breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Leh.
  • Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Uleytokpo in Sham Valley, a peaceful spot ideal for acclimatisation with beautiful views of the Indus River.
  • Spend the day resting or birdwatching in the serene surroundings and enjoy overnight in Uleytokpo.

  • Drive to Nurla for breakfast at The Apricot Tree, then hike to the ancient Tar Village, known for its serene beauty and wildlife.
  • After exploring, visit Amin Village and enjoy a traditional Ladakhi lunch in Tar.
  • Finish the day with a visit to Rizong Monastery, known as a “meditation paradise,” before returning to Uleytokpo for the night.

  • After a hearty breakfast, travel to the Aryan Valley, with a stop at Alchi Monastery to explore its ancient temples and artworks.
  • Continue to Garkon village, where you’ll spend the evening surrounded by apricot groves, especially beautiful during the April apricot bloom.

  • After breakfast, explore the villages of Aryan Valley, enjoying the apricot bloom along the way. Travel through orchards and ancient villages, where you will meet a rock-carved Buddha statue from the Gandhara period.
  • Continue to Kargil, arriving by evening after visiting the villages of Mulbekh and Shargole.

  • Embark on a day trip to Suru Valley with its breathtaking landscapes.
  • Explore its rich Buddhist and Islamic heritage, visit ancient monasteries and villages, and return to Kargil for the night.

  • Arrive at Drenmo Lodge in the secluded Mushkow Valley, a charming retreat ideal for spotting the elusive Himalayan Brown Bear.
  • Enjoy the stunning mountain views, then relax in your heated room or take a peaceful nature walk amidst the tranquil, snow-dusted surroundings.

  • Dedicate two days to bear-watching, starting early with a packed breakfast, hikes or pony rides to vantage points, guided by expert spotters.
  • Explore nearby villages for wildlife sightings, including marmots, ibex and wolves, while enjoying scenic walks through blooming tulips and other wildflowers.

  • After an early departure, we journey through dramatic mountain landscapes to Kargil.
  • Visit the Hundarman Border Museum, showcasing the history and resilience of communities along the Indo-Pak border.
  • Then, continue back to Leh for a comfortable overnight stay.

  • Start with a morning prayer ritual at Thiksey Monastery, followed by a tour and a private audience with a Geshe.
  • Visit the spiritual Hemis Monastery and hike to the Gotsang hermitage, exploring sacred caves and murals.
  • End the day with a stroll through Leh Market for unique souvenirs and antiques.

  • Today marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Ladakh journey.
  • After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi, where a representative will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your hotel.
  • The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore at your own pace.

  • This morning, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Johannesburg.
  • As we bid each other goodbye, we reflect on the many wonders of India we have seen and experienced throughout our trip.
Experience the vibrance of Ladakh: A Himalayan Spring Expedition

Embark on a 13-day adventure through Ladakh’s stunning landscapes, rich culture and wildlife, including the rare Himalayan Brown Bear, with visits to historic monasteries and breathtaking high-altitude views.

Please note: This physically demanding adventure requires high fitness, prior trekking experience, and balance exercises, as hikes are necessary to reach bear viewing areas; consult a healthcare provider if concerned about altitude, and prepare for uneven terrain to enhance your comfort and enjoyment.

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FAQs

We are here to help

The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.

Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.

Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.

We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.

You can contact us at info@seagulltours.co.za or +27 42 296 0475