Spring – Bears & Blossom

Spring – Bears & Blossom

Spring in Ladakh is not only the best time to view the bears (as they come out of their winter slumber) but it is also the time for Ladakh’s very own “Sakura”. A unique phenomenon when the apricot flowers in western Ladakh are in full bloom. Villages across the lower Indus and the Kargil region are dotted with a pinkish white sheath of blooming apricot flowers. It is probably the most beautiful time of the year but only lasts for about two weeks from the beginning till mid of April. This special itinerary brings together these two highlight experiences of Ladakh one cannot miss.

7 Nights and 8 Days | 5–12 April 2026

Highlights :

• Close sighting of himalayan brown bears in its prime habitat
• Close sighting of other mammals such Asiatic Ibex, marmots and a variety of birds
• Unique opportunity to experience the apricot flowers in bloom through scenic walks in the apricot farming villages of Kargil
• Experience and interact with the legendary ethnic Brokpa tribe in Garkone and the (popularly known as the Aryan tribe) and the Shina community in Drass
• Sample and taste authentic Kargili food
• Tour led by top nature and culture guides in the region
• Total Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
• Tour Starts: Leh
• Tour Ends: Leh or Srinagar
• Style of Tour: Vehicle Safari & Walks
• Max Altitude: 3700m to 4500m
• Best time: 1st April to 15th April
• Accommodation: Drenmo Lodge, Bete Guest House, Chospa Hotel
• Vehicle: Innova / Crysta

INCLUDING

• Comfortable hotel, guest house and premium wilderness lodge stays as per the itinerary (Leh, Garkone, Drass)
• Daily breakfasts; all meals during wilderness and village-based stays
• Private vehicle for the entire journey, suitable for mountain terrain
• Airport transfers and all intercity road transfers
• Required Inner Line Permits for restricted areas (as per itinerary)
• Guided nature walks, village walks and cultural interactions as outlined in the itinerary
• Wildlife experiences including Himalayan Brown Bear tracking and associated nature excursions, led by experienced local guides and spotters
• Seasonal apricot blossom walks in villages of Western Ladakh (subject to natural bloom cycles)
• Curated experiences such as outdoor breakfasts, high tea sessions, village interactions and cultural evenings (as per itinerary)
• Laundry services during the stay (as provided by hotels/lodges)
• On-ground journey support and assistance throughout
• Bottled water during travel
• All applicable taxes

EXCLUDING

• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees, travel insurance and medical expenses
• Optional activities or experiences not listed in the itinerary
• Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
• Personal expenses (spa services, alcoholic beverages, phone charges, shopping)
• Camera or video fees at museums, villages or protected areas where applicable
• Tips and gratuities
• Any services not listed under “Included”

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Leh
You will be received at the airport by your tour leader. Drive to the hotel and check in. Use this day at leisure to rest and acclimatize.

Stay : Chospa Hotel on full board.

Hotel Chospa, located in the coveted Old Leh Road is an enchanting abode that rises amidst the dynamic city center, curated for discerning explorers and for those traveling in luxury. Built in a traditional Ladakhi style of construction, Hotel Chospa has been molded using sustainable raw materials and ethically sourced local wood that protect the hotel from the elements while also leaving behind minimal carbon footprint.

Day 2: Drive from Leh to Garkone (120 kms / 3.5 hours)
Post breakfast, drive towards western Ladakh through the Sham valley and then detour on to the Lower Indus river region. This region is along the Indo-Pak Line of Control and requires a special Inner Line Permit. Which will be done by us and is included in your package. This entire road journey at this time of the year is full of scenic views with apricot flowers in full bloom in all the villages. Click here to take virtual tour of the apricot blossom in Kargil

By noon, arrive at our destination village of Garkone for scrumptious lunch at the Bete Guest House. Post lunch, join your local host for a splendid walk through the apricot flower laden bylanes of the village. This is a great opportunity to interact with the local Brokpa community. Visit a local family museum in a 100 year old building that preserves the Brokpa art and heritage.

Return to the “Lchangra”, a communal gathering space where you will be welcomed by a group of local cultural performers. Enjoy a traditional Brokpa song and dance besides a warm bonfire and a glass of freshly brewed barley wine called “Chhang” followed by dinner.

Stay: Bete Guest House on full board

Owned and operated by one of the oldest families in the village, Bete Guest house is the best choice for enjoying a comfortable stay in the Aryan valley. Centrally located and recently renovated, these rooms and bathrooms are well furnished with great views on the environs.

Day 3: Drive from Garkone to Drass via Kargil (140 kms)
Today you drive further west towards Kargil via the Humbotingla pass (4000m) – 90 kms/2 hours

Arrive in Kargil by noon and visit the 300 year old settlement of Hundurman (now in ruins) along the Indo-Pak LoC which is home to the Unlock Hundurman – Museum of Memories, a unique community museum that preserves the Purigi heritage and war history of this frontier settlement. Take a guided tour of the museum and sit for lunch at a local home and sample traditional Kargili cuisine.

After lunch, take a walk through the apricot orchards of Shiliktse village along the Suru river. This is one of the longest orchards in the Kargil region. End your walk with an outdoor high tea by the riverside. Drive to Drass (60 kms / 1 hour) and check into the lodge. After Arrival Orientation,check into your cozy rooms and retire for the night post early dinner.

Stay: Drenmo Lodge

Located in the remote Mushkow valley – a prime Brown Bear habitat, our lodge is going to be your base for the next 4 days.

Day 4: Drass Wildlife - Bear tracking
Today will be a bit relaxed and we will take it easy. Spend most of the day at leisure and take in the beauty of the landscape.

Start the day with a leisurely walk or a drive along the Mushkow river. Here we try spotting the bears in the mountains/valleys around. At this time of the year the north facing slopes are still packed with snow which makes spotting the bears easier and in many cases they tend to come further down towards the habitations looking for food.

Breakfast can be a picnic depending on the weather conditions and sightings. Post breakfast, drive further into the valley to scan for Ibex and other mammals. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Venture out for another round of sightings in the late afternoon.
In the evening, join your local / lodge host / naturalist to learn about the bears in the area and the conservation work they have been doing with the local community.

Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours making these the golden hours for bear viewing. So our following days will be planned as such that morning and evenings are spent bear watching and the day time is used to explore the nature and culture of the region.

Click here to take a virtual tour of the brown bear landscape
Stay: Drenmo Lodge

Day 5: Mamel Hike
Early Start to the day at 5-6 am. Depending on the snow conditions, we will hike up or use ponies to reach the adjacent hillside, which provides a good vantage point to scan for bear movements in the area or we will stick to the lower reaches and start scanning. Our local spotters will accompany us and with their trained eyes and tracking skills help us get to find and see this magnificent animal. Breakfast can be had as a picnic depending on the weather condition. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.

Post lunch, we will drive to the adjacent valleys of Pandrass or Shimsha Karbu to spot more wildlife. Return to the lodge by evening for a bonfire and high tea. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Stay: Drenmo Lodge

Day 6: Village Walk and local Shina home visit
Our morning will begin as usual with scanning for bears. Breakfast outdoors or at the lodge depending on the sightings.

Explore the Shina village of Mushkow during the day and visit a local home. Drass is inhabited by the Shina tribe said to have come from Gilgit (now in Pakistan). This community has its own unique culture with Indo-Aryan roots. Besides being a wildlife hotspot, this frontier region of Drass has witnessed various wars between India and Pakistan. Spend the day and break bread with the local families learning about their culture, their history, stories of war and their stories of conflict with the Himalayan Brown Bear.

Another round of bear viewing post lunch and return to the lodge by evening for bonfire and high tea.

Stay: Drenmo Lodge

Day 7: Drive back to Leh
Post a leisurely breakfast, you can choose to drive back to Leh

Day 8: Fly out
END OF JOURNEY

Cost:
Double Sharing / Person $2900
Single Occupancy / Person $1200

If you wish to attend, deposit of $250 is the only way to secure your spot. Please confirm you spot by Message on whats app.

Deposits are refundable up to 90 days of departure.

Space is limited: ONLY 3-6 Participants and this event is cross posted to our sister groups. RSVPs on this post do not reflect actual number of participants.

Details

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Seven Rhinos Luxury
Raj Desai
WhatsApp: +91-9375828775 | Email Id: sevenrhinos.in@gmail.com
Website: https://sevenrhinosluxury.com/