INDIA
himalayan
textile tour
in ladakh
august 19-28, 2026
1 space left
$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
Natural Dyes + Weaving Workshops
Experience the entire textile creation process from processing raw wool, preparing dye vats, spinning and backstrap weaving.
We will have opportunities to work directly with the artisans and learn traditional Ladakhi techniques of weaving with yak wool. Workshops are open to guests of all skill-levels; no prior textile experience is necessary in order to participate.
We will also have the option to purchase hand spun yarn directly from the artisans to bring home for future projects.
walk with the shepherds
During this retreat, we will have the opportunity to stay with nomadic shepherds in their rural communities.
We will accompany the shepherds as they take the animals out to graze near the village and spend time with the family.
trekking + monasteries
During this trip we will have the opportunity to visit two traditional Buddhist monasteries set high in the Ladakhi mountains, as well as have time for light trekking in the stunning landscape. The trekking will be beginner to moderate level; everyone is welcome.
itinerary
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After settling in, we'll gather for a meet and greet to get to know one another before sitting down together for a welcome dinner.
Tonight we rest and acclimatize at our beautiful camp along the Indus River.
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After breakfast at the camp, we'll make our way into Leh for a historic heritage walking tour of the old town. We'll wind through the ancient streets, visit some of our favorite local shops, and stop for lunch at a favorite restaurant before heading back to the Indus River Camp for the evening.
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Our first full day at KAL begins with introductions before diving into the world of Ladakhi textiles. We'll explore wool processing and natural dyes, and get our backstrap looms set up and ready for the days ahead.
Group dinner at the Indus River Camp.
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Today we settle into the rhythm of the craft. We'll spend the day spinning and beginning to weave, building on the foundation from yesterday and slowly watching our work take shape.
Group dinner at Indus River Camp.
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We start the morning with a visit to a local monastery, taking in the stillness and beauty of the surroundings before returning to KAL for an afternoon of weaving. There may also be an opportunity to join a bundle dye class for those who are interested.
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We leave Leh behind and make our way toward the remote village of Kharnak, stopping at a monastery along the route to soak in the landscape and history. Tonight we sleep under the stars, camping in Kharnak.
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A full and unhurried day in one of Ladakh's most remote and remarkable communities. We'll walk with local shepherds, learn about their way of life, and take in the sweeping high-altitude landscape around us.
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We make our way back toward Leh and check into the charming Nimmu Heritage House, a beautiful place to wind down and reflect on the journey so far.
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Our final full day together includes a felting workshop to round out our textile experience. There's also the option to join a yoga session for those who'd like a gentle and grounding way to close out the trip. A peaceful and meaningful last day before we part ways.
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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 a Thread Caravan team member 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.
RegisTER
HERE
50 trees planted for every
reservation made
Thread Caravan provides fully-funded artists residencies to our community of indigenous artisan collaborators, as part of our artisan exchange program. To date, we’ve been proud to host Gujarati turban weaver Shamji Vishram Vankar in Oaxaca, as well as Zapotec Oaxacan sisters and weavers Silvia and Dahlia Gutiérrez on our weaving retreat Guatemala. In June 2024 we will host potter Macrina Mateo Martinez from Tlapazola, Oaxaca on our pottery retreat in the Rif mountains of Morocco.
Should our community be interested in contributing to these efforts, there is the option to pay it forward when making a trip reservation. These financial contributions will be used exclusivity towards our artisan exchange program.
Learn more about this program here.
