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

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Photo of The Chamba Camp In Thiksey Is A Taste Of Luxury In The Middle Of The Himalayan Desert 1/1 by Neha Kirpal
Chamba Camp, Thiksey, Ladakh

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.

The luxury tents at the camp

Photo of Chamba Camp Thiksey, Thiksey by Neha Kirpal

The accommodation offered includes nine luxury tents and four Presidential tents. Each tent is spacious, comprising a bedroom, bathroom and verandah area. All tents also have large windows allowing guests to enjoy their beautiful surroundings. Air-conditioning and heating are also provided depending on the location and requirement.

Dining options at the camp include an indoor restaurant, an outdoor barbeque with live cultural performances, a wooden fish pond and an organic vegetable garden.

Who is it ideal for: If you don’t mind shelling out a lot of money in order to buy yourself an unparalleled travel experience in this delightful haven, then this is the place for you!

The stunning view from the plane

Photo of The Chamba Camp In Thiksey Is A Taste Of Luxury In The Middle Of The Himalayan Desert by Neha Kirpal

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.

Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh

Photo of Leh by Neha Kirpal

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!

View from the Leh Palace

Photo of Shanti Stupa, Shanti Stupa Road, Leh by Neha Kirpal

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.

Coloured Buddhist flags at Alchi monastery

Photo of Leh Palace, Leh by Neha Kirpal

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

Pangong Tso lake

Photo of Hemis Monastery Museum, Hemis by Neha Kirpal

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

Maitreya Buddha, the tallest Buddha statue in Ladakh

Photo of Pangong Lake by Neha Kirpal

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.

Khardung La pass

Photo of Diskit Gompa, Diskit by Neha Kirpal

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.

Double humpbacked camels at Nubra Valley

Photo of Nubra Valley, Leh by Neha Kirpal

The stark white rolling sand dunes at Hunder are a marvelous sight and one can even ride double humpbacked camels here. Surprisingly, a river runs through it all!

Address: Ki Ki Naga, Near Govt. High School Thiksey, Leh/Manali Road, Thiksey, Leh (Ladakh) - 194201, Jammu & Kashmir

Tel: +91-1982-267144

Website: https://www.tutc.com/chamba-camp-thiksey/

Price: Rs 50,000 per room per night