Local Escapes

by Being Alive

Local Escapes by Being Alive is your invitation to experience the real Leh, beyond the usual tourist trails—open to all, whether you’re staying at Koi Stay or just passing through. Led by Aby and Harsh, these thoughtfully crafted adventures help you slow down and connect with the soul of Ladakh. Hike to hidden summits, practice movement on sunlit lawns, try handstands under open skies, cycle to a secret glacial pond, or wander the alleys with your camera. Each Local Escape uncovers a different side of Leh—one shaped by curiosity, creativity, and community. Non-profit and community-driven, these journeys bring together locals, travelers, and nature lovers for shared stories and unforgettable moments in the heart of Ladakh.

From day hikes to 4,100-meter peaks and movement sessions in sun-drenched gardens, to handstand workshops, electric cycle rides to secret glacial pools, and slow-paced photography walks—Local Escapes is a celebration of doing, creating, and simply being. Every outing is a chance to make new friends, try something unexpected, and discover hidden gems of Leh and its surroundings with a supportive, welcoming crew. Join us for stories, fresh mountain air, and a new perspective on Ladakh—no experience necessary, just a sense of adventure.

Day Hike to a 4,100m Mountain

Break Away from Town and Trek Above the Clouds

Set out from Leh on foot, led by Aby and Harsh, and climb beyond the dust of the main roads. The route threads through hidden shepherd trails, old Ladakhi village pathways, and fields of wildflowers that most travelers never see.
As you gain height, feel the air sharpen and the horizon widen—peaks on every side, Leh shrinking below you, and a surprising sense of calm as the city falls away. At the summit, catch your breath (and maybe a cup of chai), soak in panoramic views of the Indus valley, Stok Kangri, and the far-off Karakorams.

What to Expect:

5–7 hours round trip (flexible pace)
Elevation gain: ~900m
Wildflower meadows, ancient chortens, eagles overhead
Short mindfulness sessions or mountain stories led by Aby at rest points
Guided group photo and chance to learn basics of mountain photography

Bring: layers, sun protection, water, curiosity! Open to anyone with moderate fitness; we go slow and steady, and help each other up the steeper bits.

Movement Training Sessions

(Hosted at Koi Stay’s green lawn & patio)

Find Your Flow, In the Open Air

Shake off travel fatigue and reconnect with your body on the lush lawns of Koi Stay. These playful sessions blend yoga, calisthenics, animal flow, breathwork, and mobility drills—adapted to the mood and needs of the group. Aby and Harsh will guide you through a mix of gentle stretching, basic strength moves, and mindful movement games, all set to birdsong and mountain breezes.

Highlights:

Dynamic warm-ups and joint mobility for all levels
Ground-based movements (think: bear crawl, crab walk, creative rolls)
Partner drills and balance games for laughter and connection
Short breathing practices for altitude and recovery

All ages and abilities welcome—no experience necessary, just an open mind and willingness to move!

Handstand Workshop

(Hosted at Koi Stay, outdoors or in the patio)

Turn Your World Upside Down

Ever wanted to try a handstand—or finally master one? This playful, pressure-free workshop is for everyone, from complete beginners to curious athletes. Harsh (a lifelong lover of movement and handstand devotee) and Aby (patient, strong, and always cheering you on) break down the basics: wrist health, core activation, safe falling, and spotting. Expect progressions for all levels, tips for home practice, and a genuinely fun vibe.

What You’ll Learn:

Warming up wrists and shoulders for balance
Wall and partner drills (so you always feel safe)
Core stability and how to “stack” your body
Playful games to overcome fear and build confidence
Photo moments to capture your upside-down progress

No prior experience required. Just bring your sense of adventure!

Doodle Electric Bicycle Ride to a Glacial Pool

E-cycle to Leh’s Secret Waters—Draw, Chill, Repeat

Start the morning at Koi Stay with coffee and introductions, then get fitted for a “Doodle”—our fleet of electric bikes. The route weaves through Leh’s hidden village lanes, apple orchards, and past grazing dzos, always at a gentle pace.
Our destination: Gangles Pond, a peaceful glacial-fed pool tucked away from the crowds. Bring your journal, a sketchbook, or just your curiosity. Sit by the water, doodle, share stories, or simply watch the changing light and mountain reflections. If you’re feeling bold, you can even take a plunge from a rock above—an invigorating, unforgettable dip in pure glacial water.

What Makes It Special:

No hills too steep—e-bikes do the heavy lifting!
Regular stops for photos, sketches, or chats
Light snacks and tea at the pond
Group “doodle session” (art supplies provided) led by Harsh—no drawing skills required, just a willingness to play
Time for wading, napping, making new friends—or leaping into the pond for the brave!

Open to all—no cycling experience needed, and we’ll give a quick intro if it’s your first ride. Return to Koi Stay with new friends and fresh stories.

Photography Walk in Leh (with Timelapse Session)

See Leh Through a New Lens—Literally

Aby will lead you through Leh’s winding old-town alleys, past mud-brick houses, prayer wheels, and vibrant street scenes. Whether you use a phone or a DSLR, you’ll learn how to find stories in the everyday: light, shadow, faces, and fleeting moments.

We finish at a hidden rooftop or quiet spot for a group timelapse session: set up your tripod, swap tips, and let the Ladakhi sunset do the rest.

What’s Included:

Basic lessons on composition, framing, and capturing emotion
Tips for street and travel photography—approaching locals, telling a visual story
Shared gear and a “timelapse for beginners” segment
Review and share photos at the end (with guest feedback and Aby’s insights)

Perfect for anyone wanting to see with fresh eyes, meet fellow creatives, and capture memories you’ll actually want to print.

All Local Escapes are non-profit, community-driven, and designed for creativity and connection—not competition. Some experiences are free for Koi Stay guests; others run on donations or shared costs for logistics. Sessions are small (4–10 people), relaxed, and always open to feedback and new ideas. Most sessions start or end at Koi Stay—our tranquil village base for gathering, wandering, and story-sharing.

Meet Your Guides

Aby Aneja

Founder, Filmmaker, High-Altitude Athlete

Aby is the founder of Being Alive and a storyteller at heart. With years spent capturing the spirit of Ladakh through his lens and leading adventures across the region, he brings a rare blend of creativity, courage, and care to every experience. Aby’s filmmaking background means he’s always seeking out the quiet magic of the mountains, the light on a guest’s face, or the energy of a new sunrise. Known for his intuitive leadership and deep respect for nature, Aby loves crafting moments where strangers become friends and every journey feels cinematic. Whether he’s guiding a sunrise hike, running a movement session, or sharing stories around a bonfire at Koi Stay, Aby is passionate about helping guests discover their own “being alive” moment in the wilds of Ladakh.

Harshwardhan Singh

Movement Mentor, Trek Leader, Community Host

Harsh is Being Alive’s resident connector—a movement mentor, trek leader, and social spirit with an adventurous heart. Born in Rajasthan, he overcame early health setbacks to chase a life full of motion: mastering yoga, training in Kalaripayattu, wrestling in Uttar Pradesh, surfing in Pondicherry, and trekking solo across Ladakh’s highest passes. A National Games bronze medalist and Zanskar explorer, Harsh brings both grit and gentle encouragement to every group he leads. For three years, he’s called Ladakh home—hosting movement sessions, guiding treks, and creating spaces where everyone feels included. With Harsh, expect a friendly nudge to try new things, a supportive presence on any challenge, and a guide who believes every guest is part of the story. With him, movement becomes joy and community becomes family.

Ready to see Leh differently?
Join a Local Escape, connect with new friends, and discover Ladakh’s hidden gems.
DM us on Instagram (@beingalive.in) or simply ask about the next adventure—we’d love to have you along.