Find Your Way Home
Find Your Way Home
Saspotsey is a small village in Ladakh’s Sham Valley, where wild roses line the paths and the mountains stay close on every side. It is the kind of place you don’t stumble upon, so we’ve put together a few maps to help you find us, and to make the last stretch of the journey feel as good as the arrival.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in. First, how to reach the valley. Then, what you’ll find once you’re there. And finally, how to get around the village itself.
Saspotsey is a small village in Ladakh’s Sham Valley, where wild roses line the paths and the mountains stay close on every side. It is the kind of place you don’t stumble upon, so we’ve put together a few maps to help you find us, and to make the last stretch of the journey feel as good as the arrival.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in. First, how to reach the valley. Then, what you’ll find once you’re there. And finally, how to get around the village itself.
From the Cities
Most journeys to Saspotsey begin in one of three places: Leh, Srinagar or Chandigarh. The map below traces the road from each city to the village, so you can plan the route that suits your trip.
From Leh, the village is the closest and the easiest to reach, and it makes a good first stop for those still adjusting to the altitude. Drive 65 km which should take about 1 hour, 30 minutes in idle conditions.
From Srinagar, the road follows the old highway through high mountain passes and long, dramatic stretches of landscape. Drive 381 km which should take about 9 hours, 30 minutes in idle conditions via NH1.
From Chandigarh, the journey is longer and more of an adventure, winding through the Himalayas before reaching Ladakh. Drive 749 km, 16 hours, 48 minutes.
Mountain roads change with the seasons, and some passes close in winter or after heavy weather. Please check the road conditions before you set out, and allow extra time so the journey is part of the trip, not a rush.
Most journeys to Saspotsey begin in one of three places: Leh, Srinagar or Chandigarh. The map below traces the road from each city to the village, so you can plan the route that suits your trip.
From Leh, the village is the closest and the easiest to reach, and it makes a good first stop for those still adjusting to the altitude. Drive 65 km which should take about 1 hour, 30 minutes in idle conditions.
From Srinagar, the road follows the old highway through high mountain passes and long, dramatic stretches of landscape. Drive 381 km which should take about 9 hours, 30 minutes in idle conditions via NH1.
From Chandigarh, the journey is longer and more of an adventure, winding through the Himalayas before reaching Ladakh. Drive 749 km, 16 hours, 48 minutes.
Mountain roads change with the seasons, and some passes close in winter or after heavy weather. Please check the road conditions before you set out, and allow extra time so the journey is part of the trip, not a rush.
In the Valley of Wild Roses
Many travelers like to spend a few days exploring the valley, moving slowly from one village to the next.
Alchi is famous for its monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, with wall paintings that have survived for centuries. Likir is known for its monastery and the tall Maitreya Buddha statue that watches over the valley. Basgo, once a capital of lower Ladakh, still has the ruins of its royal palace on the hill above the village. Further west, Lamayuru has a landscape that looks like the moon and a monastery that makes the longer drive worthwhile.
Whether you have a day or a week, it’s worth leaving time to wander.
Many travelers like to spend a few days exploring the valley, moving slowly from one village to the next.
Alchi is famous for its monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, with wall paintings that have survived for centuries. Likir is known for its monastery and the tall Maitreya Buddha statue that watches over the valley. Basgo, once a capital of lower Ladakh, still has the ruins of its royal palace on the hill above the village. Further west, Lamayuru has a landscape that looks like the moon and a monastery that makes the longer drive worthwhile.
Whether you have a day or a week, it’s worth leaving time to wander.
When in Town
The map below shows the places and landmarks inside the village: where to eat, where to learn, where to stay, and where to simply stop and look around.
You’ll find the Ladakh Nature Centre, Sia Cafe, the handicraft centres and our homestays marked on the map. The village is small enough to explore on foot, so take your time, say Julley to the people you meet, and follow the roses.
The map below shows the places and landmarks inside the village: where to eat, where to learn, where to stay, and where to simply stop and look around.
You’ll find the Ladakh Nature Centre, Sia Cafe, the handicraft centres and our homestays marked on the map. The village is small enough to explore on foot, so take your time, say Julley to the people you meet, and follow the roses.
Lost, or want a local’s advice? Write to us and we’ll help you find your way.
