Ladakh
himalayan
textile tour
August 21-30, 2025
$3,950 usd per person, shared room
$4,850 USD per person, private room
Join Thread Caravan and our partners KAL in the high mountain Himalayas of Ladakh, India.
Here we will work with native Ladakhi wool as we dye, spin and weave textiles on backstrap looms alongside master craftspeople.
It would be impossible to understand Ladakhi textiles without context of the surrounding landscape and culture. We’ll venture out into remote shepherding communities to learn about endemic agricultural practices and spend the night immersed in the region’s iconic natural setting.
yak and sheep fiber
in the high himalayan mountains
itinerary
-
Arrive to Leh, Ladakh. Private transportation to our accommodation at Indus River Camp. Enjoy the scenery of the camp and settling in.
Group welcome dinner and trip orientation.
-
Group breakfast at the hotel.
Create several dye vats to naturally color the native wool fibers and silk from another region of India.
Homemade group lunch of traditional momos from the region.
Group dinner at the hotel.
-
Group breakfast at the hotel.
Practice spinning the fiber in the traditional way. Begin setting up your backstrap looms for a simple plain weave textile.
Group dinner at the hotel.
-
Group breakfast at the hotel.
Continue weaving your textiles on the backstrap loom.
Group dinner.
-
Group breakfast at the hotel.
Check out and head up to the Kharnak in the mountains, stopping at a Buddhist monastery en route.
In the village, observe the making of milk products, stitching, weaving and more.
Around sunset, spend time with the shepherds as the animals come in from grazing in the mountains.
In the evening, visit the community hall for group dinner with Angtak’s family.
-
Enjoy a slow morning in Kharnak. Optional morning walk with the shepherds.
Return to Leh, and enjoy a slow afternoon settling back into the Indus River Camp.
-
Check out at Indus River Camp and head towards the historic Nimmu House, visiting a pottery workshop in Likir en route.
Upon arrival at Nimmu, take a village tour, and optional yoga class at the hotel.
Overnight at Nimmu.
-
Drive from Nimmu to Tar Village, stopping at the Alchi monastery en route.
Participate in a 2 hour mountain trek, followed by afternoon viewing the activities around the village.
-
Enjoy a breakfast at our homestay in Tar Village.
Return to Leh, with a final night at the Indus River Camp.
This afternoon you may take a heritage walk around Leh, or enjoy a peaceful final afternoon at camp.
-
Final group breakfasts.
Private transportation to Leh airport. Safe travels onward!
TRIP DETAILS
GROUP
This trip is limited to 10 guests, who will accompanied by Thread Caravan team member Johanna Palmieri and Catherine from KAL.
PRICING + PAYMENT
Pricing is $3,950 USD per person for a shared room, and $4,850 USD per person for a private room.
A non-refundable deposit is required in order to reserve your space on the trip. The remaining payment is due at least 2 months prior to the trip start date.
ACCOMMODATION
This is one of the few trips in which we will be changing accommodation location during the trip. While in Leh, we will spend 6 nights at the Indus River Camp. Here and for our 1 night at Nimmu house, there is the option for shared or private room accommodation.
Additionally, we will spend 2 nights in rural village accommodation, in Kharnak and Tar villages. Here, all accommodation will be shared.
As we will change hotels several times, we ask that everyone pack lightly.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Textile Experience: This experience is for all textile experience levels, including beginner. No previous experience is necessary in order to participate.
Weather: Ladakh is situated at high elevation. Although it will be late summer, expect crisp temperatures, especially at night.
Fitness: This trip takes place at significant elevation (3,200-4,600 meters). During this trip, activities include hiking and spending time at elevation. Please let us know prior to booking if you have limited mobility or will require special assistance.
Extra Time in India: It is likely that in order to reach Ladakh, you may pass through Delhi or Mumbai. If you choose to spend time in either of these places while en route, we are happy to share suggestions with you.
VISA: Any non-Indian citizen traveling to India must obtain a tourist visa. As visas can take significant time to process, you should begin applying for the visa as soon as you register for the trip.
Passport Validity: Passport must have at least 3 months validity at time of entry as well as at least one empty page.
Trip Preparation: We will send a trip preparation packet to you at least one month before the trip. It will include an exact itinerary, a suggested pack list, useful country information and more.
COST INCLUDES
Craft Supplies: We will provide yarn, looms and all other materials needed for the craft workshops of this trip. There will also be the opportunity to purchase additional supplies to use and/or take home.
In-Country Transportation: Private transportation throughout the retreat.
All Meals: All meals are included and will offer unique dining experiences whenever possible.
Accommodation: At a boutique hotel, charming rural hotel, a rural homestays, and one night camping in yak fiber tents.
Support: Two trip facilitators will guide this experience in partnership with local artisans. Additionally, the Thread Caravan team will be available in the months leading up to the trip to help you prepare.
Carbon Emissions Offset: We’ve partnered with Trees for the Future to plant 50 tress on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel to Ladakh.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Additional Travel in India
Airfare: To and from the Leh airport
Personal Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is required for this trip. Please find an insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
Extra Excursions: During our scheduled free time, guests will be responsible for all incurred expenses which may include spa services, and other tour activities.
Personal Expenses: Shopping, medicine, snacks, etc.
Alcoholic Drinks: Thread Caravan does not cover the cost of alcoholic beverages except when noted in the itinerary.
GETTING TO Ladakh
This trip starts and ends in Leh, Ladakh, India in the Himalayan mountains. We ask that guests arrive in Leh by 4pm on the trip start day, and depart anytime on the trip end date. We would highly suggest spending additional days in India if you are able.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US.
