Overland Escape Hosts Immersive FAM Trip Showcasing Ladakh’s Iconic and Hidden Gems
Overland Escape, one of Ladakh’s most reputed travel companies, hosted its second Familiarization (FAM) and Educational trip of the year from September 15 to 24. This 10-day journey showcased Ladakh’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage to travel agents from across India, offering them an immersive experience to better understand the unique offerings of this enchanting region.
Celebrating 25 years in the travel industry, Overland Escape curated a detailed itinerary that covered some of Ladakh’s most iconic and lesser-known destinations. Key highlights of the program included:
Leh: The heart of Ladakh, known for its vibrant markets, Buddhist monasteries, and captivating views of the Himalayas.
Ule and Aryan Valley: A scenic drive to Ule and the remote Aryan Valley, home to the Brokpa tribe, one of the region’s unique ethnic groups.
Kargil & Drass: Visits to Kargil and Drass, important sites known for their history and war memorials, featuring a cultural performance by the traditional Shina community in Drass.
Lamayuru: Famous for its ancient monastery and surreal moonland landscapes, Lamayuru is a photographer’s paradise.
Nubra Valley, Turtuk & Thang: The beautiful Nubra Valley, with picturesque villages like Turtuk and Thang, offers opportunities to explore the region’s ancient Silk Route heritage, including camel rides on the white sand dunes of Hunder.
Pangong Lake: This iconic high-altitude lake, with its ever-changing shades of blue, captivates all who visit.
In addition to sightseeing, the trip featured cultural performances designed to showcase Ladakh’s vibrant traditions, including an Aryan Valley cultural program, the Shina program in Drass, and a unique polo match paired with a cultural program in Chushot.
The agents experienced Ladakh’s rugged beauty while gaining in-depth knowledge to better promote the destination to their clients. Overland Escape’s meticulous planning, which included both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensured a well-rounded experience of Ladakh.
As Ladakh continues to rise in popularity as a travel destination, educational trips like these provide essential firsthand knowledge for industry professionals, empowering them to offer clients authentic and customized itineraries.
The trip was supported by several local businesses, including Mountain Vibes Ladakh, The Grand Dragon, Zen Ladakh, Sia Residency, Tsokar Retreat Hotel, Gawaling Ladakh, Dolkher Resort, Pangong Hotel, Lotus Hotel, Ule Ethnic Resort, Apple Orchard Ule, The Kargil, Kaiser Palace, Hotel Hevan Kargil, Chhuttuk Heights, Highland Mountain Resort, D'meadows Drass, Stone Hedge, The Dunes, The Creek Deskit, La Shayok, Onpo Hotel, Ldumra Oasis, Pangong Retreat, Gongma Residency, Tresma Restaurant Thiksey, Aryan Valley Camp, and Aryan Residency.