Ladakh, or “Little Tibet”, is the most sparsely populated and remote area of India. A high altitude snow desert nestling in the northern Himalayas it is now renowned for trekking and adventure sports. Our tour starts with time to acclimatise to the altitude and to explore Leh, the capital and once a staging post on the old Silk Route. It is a bustling town surrounded by spectacular landscapes and atmospheric Buddhist monasteries to visit. From Leh we have five stunning excursions; firstly camping at Tsomoriri lake surrounded by mountains, as well as attracting many birds, this area is rich in wildlife including the rare wild ass and highly endangered snow leopard. The valley is inhabited by nomadic shepherds; then camping at Tsokar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, a 10 km salt water lake, where flocks of black-necked Siberian crane gather; after this a drive over the Khardung La pass, said to be the highest motorable road in the world, to camp at the beautiful high altitude valley of Nubra that separates Ladakh from the glacier filled Karakoram mountains. There are swathes of mesmerising sand dunes where bactrian camels feed amongst the colourful berries of seabuckthorn. The area is also known for the changthangi goat whose wool is made into the famous Pashmina shawl. We also camp at Pangong Tso lake, part of the border between India and China that has been described as heaven on earth and again a wonderful place for birding; the final stage is a trip to the village of Alchi via the amazing Lamayuru monastery perched on a rocky outcrop. Alchi is situated on the bank of the Indus River and is a great place to stay to get the real feel of village life in Ladakh. It is also famous for its monastery with magnificent well- preserved 900 year old paintings and murals.