Chamba Camp Thiksey

If you’ve always craved being an intrepid explorer but still require the amenities of a five star resort, Chamba Camp Thiksey may be just the ticket. Set amongst the ever-changing landscape of the high Himalayas, Chamba Camp Thiksey offers a fleet of cream-coloured luxury tents complete with butler-aided comfort. Strategically located on the upper Indus Valley, in the shadows of the Thiksey Monastery, Chamba Camp Thiksey is the perfect home base for anyone looking for adventure within the surrounding snowy mountains and lush valleys (these adventures,of course, can be arranged with the camp).

Top Tips

• Chamba Camp Thiksey is a luxurious fixed tented camp that is only open to guests between the months of June and September. This is due to the incredibly harsh weather of the Himalayas during the winter period. Winters can be unforgiving at that altitude when temperatures plummet to -35 Degree Celsius. Temperatures usually remain under minus for almost 3 1/2 months from December to mid-March. Because the camp is only open for a limited amount of time, it is worth making a booking well in advance of your stay.

• All the tents of Chamba Camp Thiksey are well appointed with every luxury you’d expect of a palatial accommodation; these include a butler service, a private terrace, designer linen, a pillow menu, an ensuite bathroom, running hot and cold water, and specially designed ayurvedic toiletries. On top of all that, each tent offers 360 degree views of the Stok mountain range. That being said, if you were looking to up the luxury ante, previous guests have mentioned booking the Presidential Suite. Located further away from the main tents, this suite offers added privacy and space (with room for extra beds in the living room).

• Because of Chamba Camp Thiksey’s high altitude, it is not suitable for young children. That being said, travellers aged 6 and above are more than welcome at the camp; family-friendly activities can be arranged, and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around.

• Chamba Camp Thiksey’s remote location may suggest that it’s a difficult camp to get to but this couldn’t be further from the truth. No matter where you’re flying in from, most international flights would stopover in Delhi before making the 90 minute trip to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport. From there it’s merely a 30 minute drive to Chamba Camp Thiksey. Transfers can be arranged with the camp or you could opt to hire a rental car for the duration of your stay. A rental would give you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas, but given the unfamiliar roads, it may be safer to arrange transport with the camp itself.  

• While this area is mostly known for hiking and mountain climbing, thanks to Chamba Camp Thiksey, there are a myriad of activities to keep you entertained. This includes archery classes, nature walks, cookery classes, guided heritage walks, picturesque picnics, rafting in the Zanskar and Indus rivers, and monasteries and temple tours. Any of these activities can be arranged with the camp reception.