Camel Safari In Leh Ladakh - The Ship of Desert

Enjoy Camel Safari In Cold Desert Of Leh Ladakh

Camel Safari Holidays with Ladakh Tour & travel Operator provides detailed information on Camel Safari Traditional way to experience the spectacular Thar desert, tour operators offering Camel Safari Tour Packages, Rajasthan Camel Safari tour.

Bacterian Camels in India are found only in Nubra Valley of Ladakh. The Bacterian Camels are double humbed and are the descendents of their ancestors from Gopi desert in Mongolia (Central Asia). The Caraven from Central Asia used to pass through Nubra Valley during the Central Asia Trade Days-pre Independence Period of India. Most exciting Bacterian camel Safri takes place in the Silvered Colored Sand Dunes of Nubra Vally and its Silk route as well.Tourists enjoy free ride on Camel Safri in Nubra Vally and in Leh as wel,during the Ladakh Festival.

Camel Safari or Caravan with camels has been a life line for Ladakh since 17th century till partition 1947. Camel Riding or Camel Safari is mainly done in Nubra Valley from Hundar to Diskit with other tailor made camel treks. The double hump Bactrian camels are also called the 'Real Camel'. These are the descendants of those camels, which were used for riding and transportation in the 'Silk Route' in17th, 18th and 19th century.

Camel Safari Tour

The Ship of Desert camel is certainly not confined to the plains of Arabia or even Rajasthan, but it’s also one of the chief modes of transportation in the cold deserts of Ladakh and has been since ancient times.

Ladakh Camel Safari

Camel, also known as the Ship of desert, is the major mode of transportation in desert. They are also known as the lifeline for the desert people.

Mostly available from July to September, Camel Safaris through Ladakh are one of the most memorable experiences possible. You’ll soon get used to the rolling and wobbly movements of the camel while exploring fertile and lush apricot orchards, rugged mountain terrains, frozen deserts, and the remote villages of Nubra Valley.

Our vehicle is the shaggy, double-humped Bactrian Camel. In earlier times, Central Asian traders used these camels as the main mode of transport on the Ladakh-Yarkhand (Turkmanistan) trade route—an offshoot of the famed Silk Road. But for the past 50 years, these camels have been bred for transport purposes as well. Today, Bactrian Camels have emerged as a favorite of travelers to meander through Nubra villages like Deskit, Hunder, and Panamic.

In addition to the villages and scenery, we’ll stop at colorful Buddhist Monasteries or Gompas and have a dip in the famous hot springs of the region which are said to possess therapeutic qualities.

Camel Safari Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi- Leh
You will be met upon arrival at the Leh airport and transfer to hotel. The day is left free to relax and rest and get acclimatized with the high altitude. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Leh -Sightseeing around Indus Valley
Morning proceed to visit the most important monasteries of central Ladakh along Indus River. Visit Shey Gompa (It was the ancient capital of Ladakh). The monastery has a huge copper gilted image of Sakayamuni Buddha and a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue, Thiksay Gompa (one of the most fascinating Gompa), the monastery is actually a complex of buildings on a crag rising in a tier upon tier above the village. The Chamba Dhukang enshrines a huge image of Maitraya Buddha. Drive further down to cross over the bridge at Kharu and visit the largest and the richest Hemis Gompa (wander through the many darkly lit prayer halls with exquisite thankas, paintings, murals, silver stupas etc). Drive back to Leh. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Leh - Hunder
We take early morning drive in jeeps to Hunder. After 39 kms from Leh, we cross over to the highest motorable road in the world Khardung-la (5,578 m). The view from the top is simply amazing. Enter Nubra Valley situated along river Shayok. The valley is covered with dense thickets of sea buckthorn - a thorny shrub which the villagers use for fuel and fencing their fields. En route we will drive past the capital Diskit. Drive another 9 kms and arrive at the small village of Hunder (3,048 mt). Stay overnight in tents.

Day 4: Hunder/Diskit - Camel Safari
In the morning visit Chamba monastery of Hunder and then start the Camel Safari on the shabby double-humped Bactrian camels, which in olden days, were the main mode of transport on the Ladakh-Yarkhand (Turkmanistan) trade. The Safari goes along the soft white sandy deserts with rolling sand dunes. Arrival at the capital of Nubra i.e. Diskit. In the afternoon proceed to explore the Diskit Village. Being the main town of Nubra, it has a small market bustling with activity. Also visit the Gompa, situated on a rocky spur above the village providing a commanding view of the valley. Overnight stay is in camps.

Day 5: Diskit/Tegger - By Jeep
In the morning drive to Tegger village (3,146 mt). Upon arrival visit Samstanling village off the main road and it is one of the most charming villages of Nubra. Visit Samstanling Gompa. In the afternoon start Camel Safari to reach Pinchimic. The Safari is comparatively short and goes along the river where the valley is well spread. Arrive at Pinchimic and overnight stay in tents.

Day 6: Pinchimic/Panamic - Camel Safari
Morning start the last leg of Camel Safari to Panamic. Enroute visit a beautiful lake chucked between two small hills. Check in at the camps upon arrival. Afternoon explore Panamic Village. During the trade between Central Asia and Ladakh, Panamic was the last major settlement before the caravans cross the Karakoram range. Today, Panamic is a sleepy village, with its people quitly working in their fields. Visit the village thermal HOT SPRINGS locally reputed to have therapeutic qualities. Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Panamic/Leh - By Jeep
In the morning visit to Ensa Gompa across the river clinging precariously to the mountain surrounded by few trees. Return back and drive to Leh. After the arrival in the evening; check in at the hotel. Overnight stay is at hotel.
Day 8: Leh
Today is a day to relax and spend in leisure or exploring the market. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Leh-Delhi
In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.

Camel Safari in Ladakh is the experience of the tough life, journey through the desert that has a charm of its own.