July 14 - 26 2019A fascinating journey through a region enclosed between the Karakorum and Hmalaya mountain ranges. We will travel to discover the natural scenery and landscapes of incomparable beauty of “Little Tibet”. An itinerary de-signed to allow you to create a photographic reportage of the protagonists of Buddhist spirituality among small villages and forgotten monasteries, traditions, myths and local populations. We will also have the opportunity to photograph the memorable Himalayan landscapes and its starry skies.This photographic journey through the clouds will conquer your soul.

DAY 0 - 14 July - Departure from your CountryDeparture by scheduled flight from your location.

DAY 1 - 15 July - LehArrival in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, located at 3505 meters above the sea level. Meeting with our local guide and hotel check in. A little time Time is available for a little relaxation and getting to get used to the altitude. Briefing for the presentation of the tour, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2 - 16 July - Indus valley tourDeparture at 6.00am, we will go up to the monastery of Leh to attend the morning Puja ceremony which lasts about an hour. Return to the hotel for breakfast and visit to the Hemis monastery: belonging to the Red Brokpa sect and built between 1602 and 1642 is one of the largest monastic complexes in Ladakh. From the outside you can see the wide straight shape of the Gompa, but what is most surprising when you arrive is the beautiful central courtyard full of particular polychrome wooden details, the beautiful prayer

LADAKH 2019: THE EARTH AMONG THE CLOUDS

LANDSCAPE & TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

hall, and the imposing Padmasambhava statue of Guru Lhakhang. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3 - 17 July - Leh - Skur Buchan monastery - Beima village After breakfast, we’ll leave for the Aryan Valley (about 160 km, 4/5 hours), further west along the Leh-Kargil highway to the interior of the Sham & Drokpa regions. From the Khalatse police station we’ll leave the Kargil road and drive along the Indus river to the village of Beima, whose inhabitants are presumably one of the last descendants of the pure Aryan race. Along the way, we will visit the village of Skur Buchan and its wonderful monastery perched on a hill. Arrival We’ll arrive at the Hotel Camp in the evening, have dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 - 18 July - Beima - Dha VillageToday, we will explore the two main Dropka villages: Beima and Dha. Drokpa people follow a mixture of animism and Buddhism and dress in colorful costumes, with headpieces decorated with flowers. We will have the opportunity to know this incredible culture on the edge of the world, and of course to take exclusive pictures in their homes. Dinner and overnight at Tented Hotel.

DAY 5 - 19 July - Beima - Lamayuru - Alchi/ SaspolAfter breakfast departure for Alchi / Saspol. On the way, we will visit the famous monastery of Lamayuru, one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh. Built in the 10th century, it once housed over 400 monks. Today, there are only a few dozen left as many have moved to neighboring villages. The legend says that in this place there was a wonderful lake: today which is now dried up it that leftand a “lunar” landscape, dominated by the majesty of the monastic settlement is left from it. Today Currently, the monastery of Lamayuru is one of the largest and the most ancient Buddhist convents of Tibetan tradition on Indian soil.

DAY 6 - 20 July - Alchi/Saspol - LehVisit to the Alchi monastery. The complex includes four separate settlements in the village of Alchi in the lower Ladakh region with monu-ments dated back to different periods. Of these four hamlets, the monastery of Alchi is considered the oldest and the most famous.

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Built in the 10th century, it is today one of the 7th main Indian monuments. The artistic and spiritual details of Buddhistm and Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are reflected in the wall paintings of the monastery. These are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. The complex also has huge Buddha statues and elaborate wood carvings and as well as works of art comparable to the Baroque style. Before returning to the hotel, we will stop to photograph the Sangam Point, where the blue waters of the Indus River merge with the muddy waters of the Zanskar River.

DAY 7 - 21 July - Leh - Tso Moriri Lake After breakfast, drive along the Indus River to the Rupshu Valley: a . A beautiful wilderness leads to the Tso Moriri lake (4522m s.l.m.) 220km east of Leh. On the way, there will be a visit to the Chumathang Hot springs. We’ll cross the bridge of Mahe and then we’ll drive towards the Tso Moriri lake. On the way, we could see the Himalayan marmots. Arrival at Tso Moriri Lake takes place late in the evening; after and checkthat, check-in at the tented camp near the lake or at the hotel.

DAY 8 - 22 July - Tso Moriri - Tsokar LakeEarly morning visit to the shores of the lake, one of the sanctuaries of the wetlands of Ramsar and which is also the breeding and nest-ing area for hundreds of migratory birds. This salt lake that stretches for about 24 km in length, about 8 km in width and about 4 meters in depth, is the largest lake in the Rusphu valley in Ladakh and is located on the old road, now closed, which led to the border with Tibet.The beautiful shades of blue offered by this lake together with a picturesque landscape make this place an extremely photogenic place spot. Later on the road to Tsokar Lake, we will stop to photograph the thermal springs of Puga Geo-Thermal and the tented camps of the nomads that we will meet along the way. Dinner and overnight at the hotel or in the tented camp.

DAY 9 - 23 July - Toskar Lake – Leh Wake up early in the morning to visit the small village of Thukje with its monastery. We will continue along the Manali Highway through the Taglangla pass (5350m s.l.m., the third highest road carraule in the world) and arrive in Leh in the late afternoon. Free time avail-able, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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DAY 10 - 24 July - Stok, il Villaggio Reale del LadakhAfter breakfast, we will go to the village of Stok (17km from Leh). We will see the 71-meter-high statue of the Great Buddha on top of a small hill near the Stok monastery. Later, we will visit the Stok Royal Palace, visible in the distance, on top of a huge moraine of pebbles that descend from the mountains: the elegant Stok Palace, four stories high, rises above barley terraces and white farmhouses. Built at the beginning of the nineteenth century by the last ruler of independent Ladakh, it was the official residence of the royal family Ladakhi since they were ousted by Leh and Shey two hundred years ago.Later, we will visit “Gyab-thago Heritage Home” in the village of Stok where we will learn about the traditional life style of a Ladaka family, in their typical kitchen where we will taste butter tea and barley drink. Not only will we visit their typical 200 year old house, but we will also have the exclusive opportunity to photograph family members in their traditional clothes.Here we will also stop for lunch, to experience a true local curing experience.In the afternoon, return to Leh. Visit the Leh Palace, built in the 16th century and 9 stories high.Today, its majestic walls are mostly unadorned but it is exciting to make their way in the labyrinth of dark corridors to get to the roof from which you can admire a splendid view of the city.We will continue with the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, a striking building visible from every corner of the city and end the day at sunset, when the golden light envelops the city below, at the Stupa of Shanti.Then we will explore the local markets of Nowshare, the Chandu market, the Balkang Chowk dried fruit market and the Moti market areas. These markets reflect and show the interesting business activity of Ladakh, where you can meet people from all corners of the region who sell their local products. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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DAY 11 - 25 July - LehFree day to explore and photograph the town.

DAY 12 - 26 July - Leh departureBreakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight that will bring you back to your location.

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Tour duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Documents: To visit India it is necessary to present a passport with at least 6 months of residual validity and a visa.

Weather: In Ladakh in summer you have pleasantly warm days and cold nights.

Vaccinations and health advice: No compulsory vaccinations are required, it is advisable to bring with you the main medicines especially to prevent intestinal problems. Saline supplements and sunscreen can be useful.

Clothing: We recommend cotton clothes, comfortable and light. For shoes, sneakers or light boots are enough, impor-tant that they are comfortable. Some warm garments for the evening .

Insurance: medical insurance included

Note: Before departure, more detailed information will be provided to all participants.

Please note: The itinerary mentioned in this page is subject to favourable weather and road conditions. In case of bad weather and inaccessibility to a destination, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the tour or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions anytime during the tour days.

INCLUDED:Medical insuranceAirport transferTransportation in private vehicle Tempo Traveller (or similar)Breakfast & Dinner (beverages not included)Inner line permits and all entry feesTso Moriri lake and k-top, wild life fee, Red Cross feeAll taxesAccommodation on twin sharing basis (breakfast & dinner) Local English speaking guidePhotography sessions, expert advice and assistance, image reviews and critiques

NOT INCLUDED Travel to Leh and return travel from Leh to your locationLunch & beverages Monument EntrancesTipsEntry visa in IndiaExtra cost for hotel and transfers incase of flight cancellation and road blocks or any factors beyondcontrolAdditional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary

PRICE PER PERSON (accommodation on twin sharing basis): 2.190€ single room supplement: 390€

Number of participants: min 6/max 8

BOOKING DEADLINE: 31st May 2019

Contacts:Bookings: Salamanca Viaggi +39 049 880 84 02 / daniela@salamancaviaggi.itInfo e contacts: info@namaaphototours.com / +39 335 679 80 11 (only Whattsapp) Messenger: m.me/NamaaTP

© 2019 Alessandro Vannucci

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