HIMALAYAS
THE JOURNEY OF CREATIVITY AND TRANSFORMATION
Change the way you see the world in this creative JOURNEY to India. Travel to the high Himalayas engaging your creativity and curiosity.
Creative JOURNEY to India
Change the way you see the world in this creative JOURNEY to India.
Travel to the high Himalayas engaging your creativity and curiosity.
Day -1 Arrive at Delhi Airport. The adventure begins!
Arrival and Relaxation at Andaz Hotel – A Perfect Start to Your Journey
Welcome to Delhi! Upon your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our professional representative, who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your private transfer.
Sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride through the vibrant streets of Delhi as you make your way to your luxurious accommodation at Andaz Hotel, a stunning five-star retreat renowned for its elegance and world-class hospitality.
Upon arrival at the Andaz Hotel, take a moment to unwind and soak in the sophisticated ambiance of this exquisite retreat. Whether you choose to relax in your elegantly designed room, indulge in a rejuvenating spa session, or savor a delightful welcome drink at the hotel’s stylish lounge, your stay promises to be a perfect blend of comfort and luxury. With impeccable service, modern amenities, and a serene atmosphere, the Andaz Hotel sets the tone for an unforgettable journey ahead.
Day 2 - Delhi - Leh Fly over the snow!
- Fly to Leh Early morning departure, soaring over the majestic Himalayas. Witness the breathtaking sunrise as it turns the peaks golden. One-hour flight offering panoramic views of Ladakh’s stunning landscape
- Arrival in Leh
- Land in Leh, surrounded by towering mountains
- Meet our expert local guide and drivers
- Begin our journey to Nurla, a lower-altitude village for better acclimatization
- Drive to Nurla
- Scenic journey through the warm, fertile Indus Valley
- Lush greenery, apple and apricot orchards, and bright sunflowers along the way
- Acclimatization & Relaxation at Nurla
- Take it slow to adjust to the high-altitude environment
- Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Apricot Tree Hotel, overlooking the Indus River
- Gather for our first talking circle, sipping on hot lemon and honey tea
- Stay at Apricot Tree Hotel
- Set amidst beautiful apricot orchards
- Built around a serene inner courtyard, offering a tranquil retreat
- All meals are prepared using fresh produce from the organic vegetable garden
🌙 Overnight at Apricot Tree Hotel – the perfect place to begin our Himalayan adventure!
Day 3 - Nurla - Lamayuru Enter the moonscape!
Early departure from Nurla we’ll drive up into the Himalayas through a lunar landscape to the Lamayuru monastery, built into the rock of the mountains. This is the oldest monastery in Ladakh with monks living here for 1000’s of years!
Ancient and busy, children enter the sect as young as three! We step into Red Sect Buddhism. We’ll join young monks for their early morning musical practice. This is a fantastic experience and we’re not saying more!
On the roof of the monastery is a spectacular view of the valley. We’ll meditate there, then sit in the prayer room, surrounded by monks and tankas. Lunch is with a family in one of the villages and we experience high Himalayan hospitality. All food will be home cooked for us, with ingredients grown in their garden.
Our drive back will take us past crumbling Stupas before returning to our eco-resort for a relaxing afternoon. Overnight at Apricot Tree.
Day 4 - Alchi & Saboo The beauty of an 11th century monastery and the best market in India!
After breakfast, we’ll travel to the ancient Alchi monastery. The oldest monuments preserved here date back to the middle of the 11th century. With its hand painted walls, old trees, the giant buddha and beating prayer flags, the place radiates a deep peace.
It seems time has stood still here and we step into how life once was! After time in the monastery, we’ll ramble through the Alchi market, famous for incredible brass and turquoise, coral and mother of pearl inlay. If you want an old brass singing bowl or a heavy turquoise inlaid dragon, this is the place. It is Helena’s favorite market in all of India! Lunch at Alchi Kitchen, well known for the food cooked on hot plates as you watch. Acclimatized to altitude now, we head slowly up and back to Leh.
The Ladakh Sarai property is steeped in history and representative of Ladakhi tradition and culture. It overlooks the village of Saboo and out onto the snow covered Stok mountain range. The gardens are a festival of wild flowers. And during August the fruit trees are ladened with apricots and apples. Ladahk Sarai is famous for its farm to table Indian food. Think Indian cuisine at its freshest best.
Day 5 - Leh - Thiksey Monastry. Leh’s magic
Standing at 11,500 feet, Leh is a high desert city in the Himalayas, located in the Indus River Valley at a historic Silk Route crossroads.
At sunrise, Leh is breathtaking with monastery bells ringing. The blend of Tibetan and Indian culture, delicious food, and traditional tribal attire make it extraordinary.
We’ll drive through quiet dawn streets to Thiksey monastery for the conch horn ceremony, echoing across the Indus Valley. After meditating atop the monastery, we’ll meet a monk who has lived there since childhood.
A home stay in Saboo village offers an authentic Ladakhi experience—waking to chickens, enjoying fresh yak butter tea, and homemade scones. It may not be as comfortable as a hotel, but it’s unforgettable! Alternatively, you can stay at Ladakh Sarai.
Day - 6 Leh - Nubra Valley. Descend into Eden
L’Chang Nang means house of flowers, This eco retreat sits on 20 acres of apple, elm and oak orchards. It is entirely powered by solar. The mud and stone cabins are inspired by Ladakhi architecture and furnished elegantly with everything one needs from: a tea station and fresh cookies to soft robes and a thick comforter and slippers for our ultimate comfort. The retreat has a resident yoga room and classes are offered in the early mornings.
Leaving Leh behind, we head out over the Wari La Pass, the highest drivable pass in the world! In the trusty care of our experienced drivers and to the sound of eclectic playlists, from 60’s pop to Bollywood hits, we drive past monasteries set into the mountains. We ascend to 18,000 feet!
Then down into epic national geographic landscapes arriving in the Eden of the Nubra Valley! It is at a cultural crossroads between Tibet, India and Central Asia.
We take the right hand split heading into Sumur the quiet part of the valley.
Village life unfolds here amongst a mosaic of fruits trees and homesteads. Donkeys walk down small dusty roads. Green fields surround humble villages and the power of the high mountains brings peace.
This is simple living, high thinking and what is possible in the far reaches of India. It is as though life has stood still in these villagers in this verdant valley.
Overnight at L’CHANG NANG in Kyager village. This peaceful retreat sits between the Himalayas and Karakoram mountains.
Day 7 - Nubra Valley Deserted monastery and tea in a village.
After breakfast we drive through the valley, snaking up a road into the Himalayas to the deserted Ensa monastery. Here a young monk looks after an old master. This is solitary time to sit in the gardens with buddhist flags flying, walk up the side of the mountains to ancient sacred sites, or meditate in the Tara room that monks have meditated in for centuries.
We will then hike a high mountain trail to the Kobet village in the mountains. We’ll be greeted with mountain hospitality and bright, yellow yak butter tea!
Back to L’Chang Nang. We will have a farm to table late lunch served in a field. The food is prepared by local chefs and we will eat surrounded by donkeys and cows!
Overnight at L’Chang Nang Retreat
Day 8 - Nubra Valley What does the spiritual lake want you to see?
After breakfast, we will drive, then hike to Lake Yarab Tso also called the hidden Lake, set high up in the mountains. This lake is considered to be a holy site. Its ways are deep and mysterious. We will meditate, aligning with the wisdom the lake might impart.
Afternoon is at leisure.
AT DUSK, we will climb sand dunes for a barbecue. Through a powerful telescope we’ll be able to see Saturn, complete with rings! We’ll eat at tables on the sand, lit by lanterns and bonfires. The Milky Way is a thick splash of milk against the dark sky.
The experience here is biblical, surrounded by three mountain ranges and an expanse of space and peace. This is how we end our time in Nubra. Overnight at L’Chang Nang Retreat.
Day 9 - Nubra - Leh Shawls to apricot oil
Though it’s hard to leave behind the tranquility of the valley, it’s time to head back to Leh via the breathtaking Wari La pass. The journey offers stunning Himalayan views, with vast valleys, winding roads, and possible glimpses of local wildlife.
Back in Leh, we have plenty to explore. We can wander through vibrant markets, browsing exquisite shawls, intricate jewelry, and locally made apricot oil, prized for skincare. Later, we might enjoy a stunning sunset from Leh Palace or visit a community initiative where artisans hand-spin yak wool shawls, preserving tradition and supporting livelihoods.
Our stay is at the modern Chospa Hotel, known for its excellent service, delicious food, and stylish yet cozy decor—offering the perfect retreat after a fulfilling day.
Overnight at Chospa Hotel.
Day 10 - Leh A seven-course celebration meal!
On our last day in Leh,
We’ll sit in a circle, meditate, and give things time to just settle.
We’ll end the day at Dolkar, an incredible hotel in Leh. Their chef has curated a world renowned seven-course tasting meal at the vegetarian restaurant Tsas. This is vegetarian food as art, curated by their chef who traveled the area for years. Local ingredients take centre stage. This is a meal we won’t forget!
Overnight at Chospa Hotel
Day 11 - Leh to Delhi From high mountains to the verve of India’s capital
We catch an early flight over the Himalayas and land in Delhi. Delhi is India’s capital and there are endless opportunities for a day in this complicated, busy, beautiful and historical city. This is India steroids! Get ready for massive stimulation.
From the hanging Lodhi Gardens to Gandi’s Tomb, from hitting the top shopping spots: Khan Market, Janpath and Santushti for embroidered shawls, designer sunglasses at cost and Indian soft furnishings, to Indian’s glittery night life, we have endless options and will make the most of this day and night in Delhi. Overnight at Shanti Home Boutique Hotel.
Shanti Home is comfort home away from home meets Boho chic. Every room is different and the rooftop restaurant gives us a view over the neighborhood and city beyond.
Day 12 - Delhi Enter the maze.
After breakfast, we set off to explore Chandni Chowk, a historic marketplace thriving since the 17th century. With its maze-like alleys and vibrant atmosphere, it remains one of the city’s most dynamic shopping hubs, blending tradition with modern commerce.
Our street food adventure will introduce us to iconic flavors, from crispy chaat and syrup-soaked jalebis to steaming stuffed parathas. We’ll also stop at a beloved hole-in-the-wall eatery, known for its authentic, home-style dishes.
Next, we’ll visit a family-run spice shop, where we can explore fragrant ingredients like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon, with a chance to take some home. We’ll also stop by an essential oils store, discovering the therapeutic benefits of sandalwood, rose, and jasmine oils for wellness and relaxation.
Since this is our last full day together, we’ll gather for a talking circle to reflect, share experiences, and integrate the insights gained throughout the journey. For our final night, we’ll stay at Shanti Home, a boutique hotel with warm hospitality and a peaceful ambiance—an ideal retreat before our onward travels.
Overnight at Shanti Home.
Day 13 - Delhi East to West
On our last day in India, we have the freedom to spend it as we wish! Whether it’s exploring the city one last time or simply relaxing, the choice is ours.
For some, this might mean final shopping, picking up souvenirs and treasures from Delhi’s vibrant markets. Others may choose to indulge in a luxurious meal at one of Delhi’s renowned seven-star hotels, savoring world-class cuisine in an opulent setting.
If relaxation is the priority, options include a yoga session at an ashram or a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa. Finally, you will be transported to the airport for your journey back to the West, carrying memories of an unforgettable adventure.
Guided by world traveler, writer and teacher Helena Kriel,
You will be encouraged to see, hear, taste, touch, smell, write and connect deeply with a very colorful place. This journey is all about fun, going deep, connecting and relishing. Being aware, noting and relishing is its own kind of meditation and prayer.
The journey blends eclectic wisdom teachings with creative writing and
adventure. The guided teaching will open you to connection, seeing beauty and using your senses. The aim is to go deep and have as much fun as possible!
Each day will involve some (but not necessarily all) of the following:
- Meditation
- Breathing
- Experiential and
- creative writing
- Talking circles
- Wisdom teachings
Please note this is just to give you a sense of what we will be doing. This is our itinerary but the details, order and our activities will continue to evolve.
Dates: August 10th – 22nd.
Our time together…
… will be carefully designed so we have activity and time for quiet.
We will write, capturing a beautiful world, we will read and meditate and talk.
This is not passive traveling, it is active and engaged in every way.
This is a journey. It isn’t tourism. We’ll be doing things other travelers won’t have access to.
Through an activation of the senses, by prompts, there will be an opportunity to engage in a very full way. The idea is to penetrate through the skin and into the real flavor of where you are.
Writing prompts will enable a real sensual experience. As the say:
“By describing come to know!”
That’s the intention, to become absorbed through the senses, and experience the world differently.
In a journey you (the protagonist) embarks on an adventure. And at the end of the journey you (the protagonist) could see the world in a different way.
This journey is all about fun, going deep, connecting and potentially seeing the world altogether differently, where background becomes foreground, and nothing goes unnoticed!
Through the combination of adventure, creativity, focus, deep immersion in nature and eclectic wisdom tools, this is a special time that might inspire a more sensual and colorful way of being alive.
Contact now
