The Chamba Camp In Thiksey Is A Taste Of Luxury In The Middle Of The Himalayan Desert

Functional annually from mid-May to early October—the peak tourist season in Ladakh—this exclusive mobile luxury camp is introduced by The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC). Combining old world charm with canvas extravagance, this unique camp with individually designed uber luxury tents is located right by Thiksey monastery in Ladakh. It is made up of 26 acres of private green property enclosed within an eight-foot wall.

The concept it promotes is a new-age travel term in its self known as ‘glamping’ (or glamorous camping) by creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for travellers—whether it’s watching the royal game of horse polo, trying your hand at archery, rafting down the Indus river or enjoying an unforgettable picnic lunch amidst the most picturesque spots.

How to reach: Leh is best connected to Delhi by air. Daily flights operate Delhi-Leh-Delhi. During the high season (June to August), limited flights operate from Srinagar and Jammu. The camp is located a convenient distance of 3 kms from the airport.

Traveller's tip: Due to the altitude, the level of oxygen in the air is much lower than in the plains. So, if you’re flying into Leh, make sure to take all precautions. It is strongly recommended that you take on no activity on the day of your arrival. Spend the first 24 hours acclimatizing and resting, eat light food, take Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness, and wear an inner vest and some woolens (even if you don’t feel the need!). Also drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Further, apply sunblock, carry an umbrella, and wear sunglasses to protect against sunburn.

Sightseeing around the resort: One of the nicest to do here is to watch the sunrise Buddhist morning prayer ceremony at Thiksey monastery, which is literally walking distance (1 km from the camp). You could also watch the sunset from Shanti Stupa close by, overlooking the old city of Leh. The Shanti Stupa is a large hilltop stupa built by Japanese monks to promote world peace. The brightly coloured reliefs on its mid-levels, topped by a spired white hemisphere is a beautiful sight!

Further, the hotel organizes the Leh City Heritage walk that will usher you to the labyrinth of the bylanes of the city under the gaze of the imposing nine-storied Leh City Palace. Built in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture during the 17th century, the magnificent panorama from dilapidated palace is remarkable, and often reminds you of an Egyptian city. You could also stroll by the lanes of Leh bazaar, filled with curio shops selling semi-precious stones, jewels, antiques, souvenirs, carpets, Pashmina shawls, paintings and thangkas.

Other must-do sights not too far from the hotel are Hemis monastery and Alchi monastery.

Depending on how much time you have, you could undertake other longer excursions—to Pangong Tso as well as Stok village and palace.

Another interesting one is the Diskit hilltop monastery, the oldest and largest gompa in the area. Close by, is a giant 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, the tallest Buddha statue in Ladakh.

Highly recommended too if you have the time is an excursion to Nubra valley. En route you get to cross Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable road in the world.