This unique trip is designed for those of you who want to have a mind expanding adventure in a fascinating and remote corner of the world, and also have a fun, relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. We’ve combined the logistical expertise and decades of top level Himalayan guiding experience of Himalaya Alpine Guides, with the massage and healing arts skills of Elevation Massage Therapy to bring you a positively rich and joyful experience.

When you land in Leh to start this trek, you are already at 3,500 meters (11,500 ft). The first day we relax and drink lots of water and sample the local apricot or immune boosting seabuckthorn juice, to adjust to the altitude and time zone. Lillian will meet with each guest for a grounding welcome massage at the hotel. We can go for a short walk to see the bazaars of Leh for the first evening, and then have a meal of Tibetan food before retiring. From there the adventure continues. We’ll visit with local residents on intimate home visits, walk beneath trees planted by the founder of Sikhism, browse through shops with hundreds of years old turquoise necklaces and pashmina, listen to monks chant in their intricately carved temple rooms, trek in remote valleys, sleep under millions of stars, and sink in to the expansive energy of the Himalaya. This is a trip for those who enjoy a physical challenge, but also value creating the time and space to nurture and heal our bodies, minds and spirits.

We begin our adventure by acclimatizing in the culturally rich Indus Valley for a few days, exploring the ancient city of Leh, sampling Tibetan, Ladakhi and Indian food, and visiting ancient and beautiful Buddhist monasteries. We’ll also be actively acclimatizing by climbing the hills in Leh, in preparation for our trek. Next we drive to ancient Likir where we meet the horses and horse handlers, load up the camp gear, personal gear, (and the massage table!), and begin our trek. All you need to carry is a day pack. We chose this trek for its beauty, mellow terrain and opportunities to visit with local Ladakhis. We’ll walk for 3-5 hours each day.  The more physical preparation you do in the months leading up to the trek, the more enjoyable it will be. We are happy to talk with you about your training program and preparation for hiking at higher elevations. Each day Lillian will offer an opportunity for simple guided breathing and awareness meditation, as well as a balanced blend of body-mind movement therapies designed to stretch, strengthen and generally support feeling great.

During the trek you’ll be enjoying our delicious and nutritious homemade Asian trekking cuisine prepared by Phuntsok Dorje,our fabulous expedition cook. Mostly vegetarian, a typical dinner has rice or fresh chapati/roti with three to four North Indian dishes such as Rogan Josh, Moong Dal, Rajma Dal, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Malai Kofta or Tibetan momos. Breakfasts are fresh fruit, muesli, oatmeal, eggs to order, homemade bread, local homemade apricot jam, masala chai, and espresso. Lunches are fresh fruit, rice or pasta, yak cheese, cookies/biscuits, mixed nuts and fresh salad. Guests have always loved our trekking meals and we think you will too.
Get in touch with us to chat about joining us for this fun adventure. 4-6 guests per trip.

After her formal massage training, Lillian opened Elevation Massage Therapy in 2002. With over 20 years working as a massage therapist, more than 40 years of mountain experience, and a lifetime of international travel, Lillian brings a wide range of experiences and skills to her guiding and healing arts practices. The qualities she developed as an expert skier and whitewater kayaker can be felt in her massage work. Focus, presence, strength, body awareness, respect for the powers of nature, and love of life are all vital to her work. She is excited to share her passion for exploration and the Himalayas with you. Lillian lives in Northern California with her husband and two teenage children, one of whom has just fledged the nest to college. Lillian holds a degree from Dartmouth College in history and environmental studies, and a bilingual elementary education teacher certification.

“Lillian Llacer has been my massage therapist for nearly two decades. She is an intuitive, highly skilled, and compassionate healer. Her strong hands and elbows can work magic.” -Margie Miller

SAFETY

Trekking is no place to be short on resources. We make the proper advance preparations to ensure that you will be properly cared for, from airport to trek to airport. Our trips are small groups of 4-6 people. This enables us to truly shape your trek to fit your exact interests.

LEADERSHIP

Kunsang Thakchod will be leading this trek alongside his top notch local team. Highly competent and knowledgeable, Kunsang has worked as a trekking guide with Himalaya Alpine Guides for 11 years now and in the Himalayas for 21 years. Kunsang hails from Himachal Pradesh, India, is fluent in Tibetan, Hindi and English, and holds great wisdom and knowledge about the region.

Our service includes:
– Guide/ Massage therapist and healing arts professional – Lillian Llacer
– Local trekking guide – Kunsang Thakchod
– Airport transfers
– Hotel and lodging – single supplement, with breakfast (4 nights at Mahey retreat in Leh)
– All group transportation by private vehicle
– All team (camping) gear
– All porterage/ horses/ donkeys to carry group and personal gear
– All meals while on trek
– All necessary entrance fees, camping charges, climbing and trekking permits
– All sightseeing entrance fees and transportation to/ from
– Goal Zero Solar charging for electronics
– Weather updates and forecasting
– Access to satellite device (we will recharge to you actual phone calls and e-mail costs)
– Pre expedition support and gear advice by email/ phone

Our service excludes:
– Meals while not on expedition (i.e. in Leh)
– Trip/ medical/ rescue insurance
– Visas
– International flights
– Hotel in Delhi at the beginning of the trip
– Domestic flights Delhi-Leh-Delhi
– Personal equipment
– Alcohol and soft drinks
– Laundry, tipping and other items of personal nature
– Gratuities and items of a personal nature (laundry, bar bills, etc.). We recommend $100-$150 per person thrown into the tips pool for the crew.

A well-rounded Himalayan experience complete with indigenous culture, trekking and all the amenities to keep you at your best. Join us.

 नमस्ते