Why did we choose Leh & Ladakh?

Ladakh (or ‘the land of mountain passes’) is situated remotely from India’s mainland and characterised by razor-sharp ridges and peaks. Essentially a high-altitude desert, Ladakh is also known to be a chief centre of Mahayana Buddhism. Also called ‘Little Tibet’ and ‘The Last Shangri-La’, Ladakh gives students useful exposure to varied geographical formations due to its rugged terrain. Nestled between the Himalayan and Karakoram Ranges, Ladakh offers its visitors a glimpse into Buddhist monasteries — some of those gompas are built on rocky hilltops and steep cliffs. In addition to this, one can get a bird’s eye view of how tourism and climate change can affect any region’s ecology and environment.

What does this journey offer?

A journey to Ladakh offers a fascinating experience as the visitors not only get mesmerised by its spectacular landscape but also helps them appreciate the jovial nature of its local inhabitants. Through visiting Nubra Valley and Khardung La, students get a chance to understand the geographical contouring of this cold desert. In addition to this, Buddhist monasteries such as Alchi and Likir lets one catch a glimpse of life inside monastic orders. The picturesque Sangam, or the confluence of two mighty rivers, namely Zanskar and Indus, is an iconic location that fills its visitors with awe. Not only will students gain an in-depth understanding of Himalayan ecology and environment, but they will also appreciate the distinctive attributes of Ladakhi culture.

Core Lessons/
Inspiration:

Mountain Ecosystem
Himalayan Geography
Flora and Fauna in Arid & Hilly Regions
Buddhist Traditions and Practices

THINGS TO DO

Leh & Ladakh

VISIT

Leh
Nubra Valley
Khardung La
Diskit Monastery

LEARN

Himalayan Geography
Flora and Fauna in Mountains
Ecology & Climate Change
Buddhist Philosophy

ENJOY

Camel Safari
Hunder White Sand Dunes
Meeting of Zanskar & Indus Rivers
Drive to World’s Highest Motorable Road

BE INSPIRED

Infrastructure in a Rugged Terrain
Local Initiatives towards Protection of Environment
Lifestyle of the Locals

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HOME CITY – LEH

Arrival in Leh
Check-in to hotel
Journey Orientation and Team Division
Briefing on Student Media Projects
Lunch in the Hotel
Take complete rest for the day for acclimatization to the high altitude of Leh
Dinner in the hotel
Overnight in Leh

DAY 2: LEH

Breakfast in the Hotel
Set out for a day of sightseeing in and around Leh
Visit to Likir, the Alchi Monastery, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Hall of Fame and Sangam (Confluence of Zanskar and Indus River)
Late evening return to Leh
Work on Student Media Projects
Dinner and overnight stay in Leh

DAY 3: LEH - NUBRA

Breakfast in the hotel
Post breakfast embark on a mesmerizing drive to the Nubra Valley which is 125 kilometers from Leh
On the way to Nubra Valley, cross the Khardungla Pass which is 18360 ft. above the sea level and is the highest motorable pass in the world
Packed lunch
In the afternoon, visit the Diskit and Hunder Monasteries and also the White Sand Dunes
Enjoy a camel safari on the double humped camels which are found only in the Nubra Valley as far as India is concerned
Work on Student Media Projects
Overnight at deluxe camp/hotel

DAY 4: NUBRA - LEH

Early breakfast in the hotel followed by check out
Visit the Samstanling Monastery and then embark on a return drive to Leh via Khardungla Pass
Packed lunch
Late evening arrival in Leh
Check-in the hotel
Work on Student Media Projects
Overnight stay in Leh

DAY 5: LEH – HOME CITY

Early morning breakfast in the hotel and check-out
Transfer to Leh Airport
Fly from Leh to Home City

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Who can attend this program?

A
Any student of your school in the age group of 7-17years (Class II- XII) is welcome to join this program provided the child faces no serious medical conditions which may be difficult to address satisfactorily during the journey. Also, any adult who is not a member of the school staff or management is not allowed to join the school group.
Q What are the requirements for the accompanying teachers for a student group?

A
As teachers are the legally appointed guardians of the students for the entire course of the journey, it is advisable that the selected teacher/s are experienced and have the capacity to address issues related to student safety, well-being and behavior. Physical fitness and travel experience are added advantage as most programs are fast-paced and hectic.
Q What is the recommended teacher: student ratio?

A
The accepted industry practice is of 1 adult per 10 students (1:10).
Q What about our students’ safety during the journey?

A
Underpinning each EdTerra journey is the concern to address student safety at all levels. Being an ISO 9001: 2008 company, EdTerra complies with globally accepted standards for efficient processes, including rigorous safety standards.
Q How can the parents stay in touch with their children during the journey?

A
The accompanying EdTerra Journey Mentor provides daily updates on the EdTerra Facebook page (like us at edterraindia), along with photographs of the day’s activities for parents to keep a track of the journey progress. Parents are also provided with contact details of the hotels where students will be staying during the journey. The school may permit students to carry their mobiles or share the number of the lead teacher.
Q Can students meet/visit/stay back with their relatives or friends?

A
On account of student safety, EdTerra does not allow any child to meet/visit any relatives during the journey. For every EdTerra journey the rule is simple, you move out of your school/city as a group and you return as a group.
Q What kind of food can we expect during our journey?

A
EdTerra provides wholesome and hygienic food during the journey. An ample variety of local cuisine is provided as a part of the travel experience.
Q What kind of clothing should students carry for the journey?

A
Depending on the location and time/season of travel, EdTerra will provide an exhaustive to-pack list, enabling students to pack appropriately for the journey.
Q Do you undertake overnight travel?

A
Depending upon the program selected, distance from home city and duration of the program, overnight travel may be considered as an option for travel to/ from the destination.
Q What is the minimum group size required to conduct a journey?

A
EdTerra journeys operate on a minimum group size of 30 paying pax, and multiples thereof.