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Ladakh Nomadic Festival & War Trek

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days Location: Leh - Drass - Hanle, Ladakh

Difficulty Level: Average

Festival Dates - 9th and 10th August 2025

“From trails of remembrance—where the echoes of war and the spirit of sacrifice linger in Ladakh’s winds—to nights alive with the swirling colors, music, and celebration of the Nomadic Festival, this journey invites you to discover Ladakh’s soul in a way few ever will.

Experience Overview

This 8-day journey blends the solemn power of Drass’s war trails with the cosmic calm of Hanle’s skies. From war routes to stargazing, glacial stream swims, and colorful nomadic festivities, this expedition is a celebration of Ladakh’s soul — past and present.

  • Drass War Tourism: Trek the Tesar Spang trail to a high viewpoint overlooking Tololing, and hear stories from the 1999 Kargil War.

  • Ladakh Nomadic Festival: Held annually in July in Hanle (expected location for 2025), this vibrant event celebrates shepherd life through horse shows, yak processions, wool spinning, and music under colorful tents. Hanle’s Magic: Ride across vast landscapes, camp under starry skies.

Total Cost Per Person
₹58,000

(Based on Single Occupancy, Group of 4 Riders, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc)

Trek Leadership

Aby Aneja (Alpha 01) — Filmmaker. Endurance athlete. Founder of Being Alive.
Aby has lived between Drass winters and Leh summers for over two years. From Markha Valley to Kongmaru La (5,270m) and the Sarhad Shauryathon (44km), he’s mapped forgotten war peaks and designed soul-stirring treks.

Known as Alpha 01, he leads treks not just with knowledge, but with cinematic vision, deep local insight, and firsthand experience of Ladakh’s extreme terrains. His work blends adventure with storytelling, inspiring others to walk into forgotten war zones and sacred landscapes with respect and wonder.

He has visited the Ladakh Nomadic Festival twice, and each time, the festival becomes more cinematic than anything he’s ever shot — a kaleidoscope of culture for photographers and filmmakers, and a biking adventure for outdoor enthusiasts across India.​

Mission Overview:

Day 1 – Arrival in Leh/Srinagar & Travel to Drass by Taxi

  • Arrive in Leh/Srinagar

  • Airport pickup and direct travel to Drass by Taxi (~5 hrs)

  • Evening team briefing and rest
    Stay: Homestay in Drass | Meals: Dinner

 

Day 2 – War Trail Trek: Tesar Spang (Tololing Viewpoint)

  • Trek Tesar Spang trail (~321m elevation gain) for a panoramic view of Tololing

  • View Tiger Hill and Point 5140

  • Have lunch on the mountain top at 3390m

  • Visit Bheem Pathar & Drass River

  • Explore Kutial Village: Tree tunnel walk, riverbed hangouts.
    Stay: Homestay in Drass | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3 – Return to Leh & Local Sightseeing

  • Early departure from Drass

  • Moonland Tour in Lamayuru

  • Return to Leh via Kargil

  • Visit Leh Palace and explore local market
    Stay: Hotel in Leh | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 4 – Rest Day in Leh & Sightseeing Tour

  • Visit Hall of Fame War Memorial 

  • Visit Gangles Water Pond for a refreshing dip and Shanti Stupa Tour.

  • Evening: bike and gear check for Hanle ride
    Stay: Hotel in Leh | Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 5 – Ride to Hanle via Chumathang – Festival

  • Morning ride to Hanle (~7 hrs)

  • Attend the Ladakh Nomadic Festival (proposed location for 2025)

  • Explore nomadic cultures, wool crafts, horses, and music

  • Camp at festival site under the stars
    Stay: Tent Camping in Hanle

 

Day 6 – Festival & Ride and Return to Leh

  • Morning immersion in festival events

  • Return to Leh by evening
    Stay: Hotel in Leh

 

Day 7 – Leisure Day in Leh

  • Relaxed day to explore Leh, enjoy cafes, or shop for souvenirs
    Stay: Hotel in Leh | Meals: Dinner
     

Day 8: Departure

  • Drop at Leh Airport

  • 🍽 Breakfast

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Inclusions 

  • Airport transfers

  • Drass section via taxi

  • Accommodation: 3N Leh, 2N Drass, 1N Hanle

  • War trek to Tesar Spang (Tololing viewpoint)

  • Entry to Ladakh Nomadic Festival

  • Stargazing, sightseeing, biking, trekking

  • Bike rentals for 2 days

  • Biking gear (helmet, gloves, pads)

  • Fuel and reserve fuel

  • Backup support vehicle for Hanle ride

  • Oxygen cylinders

  • Inner Line Permits and necessary arrangements

  • Camping experience with tents, mats, sleeping bags, and logistics

 

 Exclusions

  • Airfare to/from Leh

  • Personal gear & cold-weather clothing

  • Snacks, bottled water

  • Tips and personal purchases

  • Travel insurance or evacuation

  • Meals during Leh--Drass--Leh and Leh–Hanle–Leh journey
    (food available for purchase at festival and en route break points)

 

Travel & Permit Info

  • Indians: Inner Line Permits available online

  • Foreigners: Must carry multiple printed permits with passport/visa

  • Network: Only BSNL & Airtel postpaid work intermittently.
    No mobile network in Hanle and expect power cuts — preserving the dark skies of the Indian Astronomical Observatory and night sky sanctuary.
    5G and WiFi available in Drass. Basic phone networks functional in most areas of Drass.

  • Drones: Flying is restricted in army zones. Formal permission required for drone use elsewhere.

 

Acclimatization Tip:
Avoid smoking; stay hydrated; rest upon arrival.
Smoking and drinking are not advisable for an itinerary involving trekking and biking at high altitudes due to health and acclimatization risks.

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